Moving to Fort Hood
Fort Hood is home to III Armored Corps and one of the largest concentrations of soldiers in the Army, located in central Texas between Austin and Waco. Families typically live in Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove or on post, with relatively low housing costs and no state income tax.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Killeen, TX |
| Formerly known as | Fort Cavazos (2023-2025) |
| Airports | Killeen-Fort Hood Regional (GRK); Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) about an hour south |
| Climate | Hot summers often reaching 100F or more, mild winters, and tornado season in spring. |
| Cost of living | Lower than the US average; Texas has no state income tax. |
| On-base housing | Fort Hood Family Housing / Cavalry Family Housing (Lendlease), more than 5,600 homes |
| Medical care | Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center |
| Family support center | Army Community Service |
Where families live
Killeen
Lowest rents and most inventory; quality varies by area, so research the specific neighborhood.
Harker Heights
Popular with military families for shopping, dining and newer subdivisions.
Nolanville
Smaller town near Harker Heights with newer construction at competitive prices.
Copperas Cove
Quieter, smaller-town feel with limited shopping and generally lower rents.
Belton
Larger homes and lake access, farther from the gates.
Schools
There are no DoDEA schools at Fort Hood; on-post and nearby families are served mainly by Killeen ISD, with Copperas Cove ISD and Belton ISD as alternatives. Campus quality varies widely within Killeen ISD, so check ratings and boundaries before choosing a home. The garrison's School Liaison can help.
- Killeen ISD — Serves Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville and on-post housing.
- Copperas Cove ISD — Rated B by TEA in 2024 and 2025 per a local guide.
- Belton ISD — Described as well regarded; farther from the gates.
On the installation: Clarke Elementary, Montague Village Elementary
School Support Services (School Liaison) through the Fort Hood garrison and MWR; verify current contact on the official site.
Things to do near Fort Hood
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation AreaoutdoorsCabins, camping and boat rentals on Belton Lake.
- Stillhouse Hollow LakeoutdoorsA nearby lake for fishing and water recreation.
- Saladoday-tripA small town with boutiques and a sculpture garden, about 25 minutes away.
- Magnolia Market at the Silos (Waco)day-tripA popular Waco shopping and dining destination about 45 minutes north.
- Dr Pepper Museum (Waco)museumA museum devoted to the soft drink, in Waco.
- Austinday-tripLive music, restaurants and outdoor recreation about an hour south.
- On-post MWRfamilyPools, fitness centers, golf, bowling, trails and an ATV park.
Realtors & local services
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- Fort Hood Child & Youth ServiceschildcareFort Hood
- MilitaryChildCare.com (child care applications)childcareFort Hood
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Local programs & support
- Texas Veterans CommissionState agency that helps veterans and families with benefits, claims and employment.
- Fort Hood PCS Pay-It-Forward (Facebook group)Peer group where incoming families get housing, school and neighborhood advice.
PCS tips for Fort Hood
- Avoid the main gate from 7-9am and 4-6pm; Trimmier Road can be faster than Rancier Avenue at rush hour.
- Apply for on-post housing and child development centers as soon as you have orders, since waitlists exist.
- Summer cooling costs are significant; budget roughly $200-$350 a month for electricity per a local guide.
- Know your tornado shelter location; spring is severe weather season.
- Choose your neighborhood by the gate your soldier uses and the school campus you want, not just rent.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Texas, Oklahoma & Gulf South
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.