The Fort Hood, Texas, area has so much to offer military families in the way of amenities, support, and housing. However, newcomers are sometimes overwhelmed quickly because of the Army post's intimidating population size and expansive geographic borders.
Here’s the beginning of what you need to know before your PCS move to Fort Hood.
Services on Fort Hood
Fort Hood ranks among the top five biggest Army posts, thanks to the active-duty service members and families of the 1st Cavalry Division, the III Armored Corps, and numerous other units. Their day-to-day lifestyles require regular access to the amenities that support a strong quality of life.
Check out this snapshot of Fort Hood essentials.
Fort Hood Arrival Assistance
- Quality Assurance Personal Property Customer Service: 254-287-2200
- IHG Army Hotels - Holiday Inn Express: 254-532-8233
- Candlewood Suites: 254-532-8233
Retail and Food Outlets
- Two Exchange food courts
- 13 Express Stores (some are mini-malls)
- One Class Six store
- Five specialty stores
- Six barber shops
- Two commissaries
- Seven Child Development Centers
Fort Hood Military Housing
Cavalry Housing and Winn Companies manage Fort Hood Family Housing. The company operates nearly 7,000 housing units offered through one- and two-story floor plans with variations of two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom options.
Cavalry also provides residents with walking trails, parks, and community centers where regular neighborhood activities occur.
Read on to learn about living off post at Fort Hood.
Fort Hood Military Spouse Employment and Education
Families arriving at Fort Hood often search for new work opportunities and the possibility of furthering their education. These are a couple of resources to start researching programs that would be a good fit for you.
Visit Fort Hood MWR and Family Employment Readiness for information on:
- USA Jobs
- Non-Appropriated Funds Employment
- Federal Civilian Employment for Spouses
- ACS Employment Readiness Program
Fort Hood Education Center
The Fort Hood Education Services Division is home to programs that could be beneficial for continuing your education.
- Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP)
- Colleges
- Counseling
- Credentialing Assistance
- Testing
- Unit Outreach Services
Living Off-Post at Fort Hood
Residents who choose to live off-post while stationed at Fort Hood appreciate conveniences that most suburban city dwellers find attractive. Killeen Mall, H-E-B stores, Barnes & Noble, Walmart SuperCenter, HomeBase, and most other big box and chain stores are in one of Fort Hood's surrounding cities.
Popular Cities Near Fort Hood
There are many housing options near Fort Hood. Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and Killeen are popular with military families because of their quick commutes to the base and because they have easy access to desirable retail and entertainment choices.
Residents also enjoy Belton, Temple, and Georgetown because they are a bit further away, about a 20- to 30-minute drive from base, but homes tend to be smaller.
Public School Districts Near Fort Hood
Families have multiple school district options to choose from. Fort Hood residents attend Killeen schools. Some area school districts include:
- Killeen Independent School District
- Copperas Cove Independent School District
- Belton Independent School District
- Salado Independent School District
Things to Do near Fort Hood
You probably know Waco, Austin, and Dallas are must-sees, but there are also closer-to-home choices that residents love to explore. Don’t forget to check in with Fort Hood MWR for inexpensive trips and activities all year round. Check out:
- Hiking in hill country throughout the area, but especially Chalk Ridge Falls
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) biking, camping, fishing, swimming
- Inner Space Cavern has preserved cave tours for all levels of exploration.
After reviewing this information and the Military Family Guide to Fort Hood (above), you'll be prepared for a successful PCS move to Texas.
And if you're looking for a home off-post, be sure to check in with MilitaryByOwner's constantly updated inventory of Fort Hood homes for sale and houses for rent below.
