Killeen, Texas, is growing in popularity among people who want to live in the Lone Star State. Located in Bell County, Killeen is a lively city where residents enjoy a great quality of life and some small-town appeal.
The Appeal of Killeen
Killeen is a city with attractions for all. It has diversity, and warmth– and combines urban cool with quiet suburban calm beautifully. Around 160,000 people live here, but more arrive every day! Being close to the huge Fort Hood army base means it’s also very popular with military personnel who want to stay off base (and their relatives).
Killeen was ranked the fifth-best place to live in the state by U.S. News & World Report for its 2024 “Best Places to Live in Texas” study—an accolade residents might want to brag about more often.
This vibrant city has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor fun. There are hiking trails, parks, and lakes– perfect for anyone who loves being active in the fresh air. If your family enjoys wildlife, don’t miss Cameron Park Zoo, or if they’re more into events, then check out what’s on at Bell County Expo Center (there may be something cool, like a monster truck rally).
Throughout the year, there are loads of different celebrations from various cultures: see if you can find one that makes you feel at home. The food! Well, southern comfort cuisine doesn’t get better than this! Whether diners want classic dishes or more modern takes, there will be dishes they love at restaurants such as Schoepf’s Old Time Pit BBQ and Redneck Heaven. Overall, Killeen is starting to get a reputation as an amazing place to live in Texas– even though not many know about it yet!
Economic Opportunities
Killeen is a city that has a diverse and strong economy. It is not surprising that the military plays a big part in Killeen’s economy when you consider that Fort Hood– the largest army base in the world– is right on its doorstep.
Fort Cavazos also provides lots of jobs for ex-soldiers as well as those who have recently left the forces: indeed, their family members find employment here easily!
Besides the military, Killeen’s economy benefits from its healthcare and education sectors. Many residents work for the Killeen Independent School District, Central Texas College, AdventHealth Central Texas, Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, or Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
In Killeen, the median household income ($64k) is a tad below the national average ($75k). Also, the unemployment rate is way higher at 10.5%. However, this is likely to change as more jobs become available in the area!
The Real Estate Market in Killeen is Booming
Affordability and Value
The median home price in Killeen is below the national average, meaning you can get more bang for your buck and buy a property that gives you extra space.
Figures from Zillow show houses are currently selling for less than their market value– yet they have still been appreciating steadily over time. This combination of factors makes investing in real estate in Killeen an attractive proposition for both investors and homebuyers.
Let’s look at some of the most renowned neighborhoods in Killeen:
- Harker Heights: If you live in Harker Heights, you’ll be right outside Fort Hood’s main gate. This neighborhood has a suburban feel and lots of new buildings, as well as good schools and parks.
- Copperas Cove: A small city within the Killeen metropolitan area. Life is quieter here, but there are still loads of things to do outdoors (if that’s your kind of fun!).
- Nolanville: Live along the Leon River in a place with lots of different types of houses– from ones with wide verandas to those built in the latest styles.
- Belton: It’s said to be one of the top spots for living in all of Texas. Enjoy small-town life just outside Killeen plus great views too!
Real Estate Market Insights
Killeen has a stable real estate market, as there is consistent demand for property. Affordable house prices and being close to Fort Hood also mean that people who want to settle down find it an attractive place to live.
Data from Zillow shows that the average value of a home in Killeen, TX, is $228,063– which is slightly higher than last year. Homes typically go under offer within a month of being listed.
There are lots of rental properties available, too. This makes Killeen a good option for anyone thinking about investing in real estate, whether they plan to rent out houses or apartments over the long term or buy and sell for a quick profit!
Living in Killeen
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Killeen offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities that will appeal to anyone. For example, Vive Les Arts Theatre is a popular attraction where you can see local people perform well-known plays and musicals.
There are also several museums in the city, including the Mayborn Science Theater and Bell County Museum, which have displays about local history or science education– great places to visit if you want to learn something new while having fun!
If you enjoy outdoor activities, Killeen is the place to be! There are so many fun outdoor activities to do. For example, at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area– which isn’t far away– why not go camping by the water or take out a boat?
You could also have a go at fishing (just make sure you’ve got a permit). And if walking’s more your thing, check out some of their trails. One trail that’s worth seeing is Ellison Creek Waterfall Trail: it’s not too long. Don’t forget your camera!
Education and Healthcare
Killeen boasts a robust education system featuring numerous public schools managed by the KISD and Copperas Cove ISD. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Clear Creek Elementary School
- Iduma Elementary School
- Charles E. Patterson Middle School
- Saegert Elementary School
- Mountain View Elementary School
For those looking for vocational training, Central Texas College provides post-secondary options. Some other universities in Killeen are:
- Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Yahweh Beauty Academy
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Temple College
- Salado College
If you need healthcare, there are plenty of facilities to choose from: Metroplex Hospital and AdventHealth Central Texas are just two renowned examples.
Community and Lifestyle
Killeen is a lively city with a strong military community, but it also offers much more. Its neighborhoods are friendly places where people know each other well– and there are lots of community events that bring everyone together.
If you love food and drink, then Killeen won’t disappoint! There are loads of different places to choose from, whether you fancy Mexican dishes (such as those available at Taqueria Mexico Lindo) or something light like brunch, in which case why not try The Healing Oasis?
People who like shopping usually enjoy themselves here. For example, within two large complexes alone, shoppers can find over 100 stores as well as restaurants: Killeen Mall and Market Heights.
If walking and enjoying lovely scenery is more your thing, why not head over to Dana Peak Park? There are loads of hiking trails with views over Lake Stillhouse. In short, living in Killeen means being part of a community that loves getting together!
Transportation and Accessibility
You can easily get to Killeen by driving– it’s connected to the rest of Texas by several major highways. There’s also a public transport network operated by HOP, which runs buses around Killeen—Temple—Fort Hood. The average commute takes around 29 minutes, which is around 3 minutes lower than the national average. If you don’t fancy driving, Killeen Regional Airport is nearby. From here you can fly to lots of destinations across Texas and further afield– handy for both tourists and business people.
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Killeen
In summary, residing in and purchasing property in Killeen comes with numerous perks. It provides a great chance for individuals who want to move somewhere new or put their money into something.
The town’s low cost of living, stable employment opportunities, variety of residential areas, and neighborly feel mean it is hardly surprising that many folks are still drawn to this lively place!
Whether you fancy an area where your kids can play out safely after school, somewhere that has all the amenities but still feels like a village, or an address that will impress clients, Killeen fits the bill.