Like everything in Texas, Fort Cavazos is big. And when we say big, we mean the largest (and most populated) U.S. military installation in the world BIG. Fort Cavazos covers roughly 340 square miles of Coryell and Bell Counties in Central Texas. The base began modestly as Camp Hood in 1942, but with World War II came the need for more space to train troops on tank destroyers. In 2023, Fort Hood was redesignated Fort Cavazos in honor of Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, a Texas-born hero of the Korean and Vietnam wars. The base officially became a permanent Army installation in 1951 and is home to III Corps, The First Cavalry Division, and many tenant units.

Fort Cavazos is in the middle of two popular Texas cities, Waco and Austin, with about a 60-mile drive to each. Waco is home to Baylor University, and the HGTV hit show Fixer Upper. Austin is a mecca for music, festivals, art, tech start-ups, and the world-renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival. They’re close enough for a fun day trip, and you can find ample employment opportunities in these cities if you are a career-minded spouse.

The peaceful, idyllic scenery of Texas’ hill and lake country’ lures many military families back for retirement. The weather can be warm during the winter months and downright sweltering in the summer. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures around Fort Cavazos, like hiking, swimming, horseback riding, biking, and camping. The surrounding communities provide all the name-brand shopping you’re used to and arguably the best grocery store ever, H-E-B! Or, so we hear.

Two commissaries and all the standard MWR amenities are available on base, along with several on-base housing options on Main Post and West Fort Cavazos. However, because of the size of Fort Cavazos’ population, more than 75% of those stationed here live off base. Highway 190 runs from east to west through Fort Cavasos, and there are several towns positioned along this main artery, and gates are generously spaced along the highway to allow convenient access to post. There is a ton of affordable inventory available in the towns surrounding the base, and many choose to buy homes here, especially if they plan to return for retirement!