Killeen

Points of Interest

The Lions Club Aquatics Park

Killeen Mall

Long Branch Park

Central Texas College

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Stonetree Golf Club

Big Plus

Killeen has lower property taxes than its neighbor, Harker Heights. Rental rates are lower because of this. If you can find a home in the “sweet spot” in southeast Killeen, you can take advantage of the desirable Harker Heights High School but remain in Killeen city limits for property taxes.  

There is an off-post clinic in Killeen for dependents that spouses highly recommend.

You’ll find just about all the shopping you need in Killeen, from groceries to a mall.

Killeen’s population is richly diverse and extremely military-friendly.

Killeen is convenient to Fort Cavazos, and the commute is ideal. You’re also closer to Harker Heights (where everyone’s favorite Target is) and other towns along Highway 190.

Killeen is your “most bang for your buck” community.

Things to Consider

The neighborhoods vary widely from street to street, and you’ll often find a mobile home park two miles from a gated community. It is recommended not to rent or buy sight unseen here and to have someone check out the area first (try one of our Scouts!). Most of the spouses we spoke with recommended living south of Highway 190 and outside the Sam Schlueter Loop.

Killeen just eliminated their recycling program, so the eco-conscious will have to take their recycling to the center themselves.

While proximity to the gate is great for commuting, there are also the “right outside the gate” establishments that tend to cluster near an Army base. You can find fantastic eateries, “sew shops,” and tattoo parlors, but also some hit-and-miss neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

Central Texas gets hot. We’re talking sweltering hot. Transplants from anywhere except the southeastern U.S. report experiencing climate shock. This semi-arid region has warm winters and hot, humid summers. Look for homes with big, shady oak trees to save on cooling expenses. Irrigation systems are also a huge money and time saver if you plan to keep up a yard. Also, be aware that this is part of Tornado Alley.

How’s the Market?

The average Killeen home value is $222,181, up 8.7% over the past year, and goes to pending in around 23 days., according to the Zillow Home Value Index (May 2023).

School Scoop

The public schools in Killeen are part of Killeen Independent School District (KISD). KISD serves the Central Texas communities of Killeen, Fort Cavazos, Harker Heights, and Nolanville.

KISD offers a full-day 3-year-old preschool program to children of military members residing in the attendance zone of the on-post school they will attend. A full-day 4-year-old preschool program is available to children of military members, those who speak a language other than English at home, those eligible for free/reduced lunch, and homeless and foster children.

KISD offers the chance for interdistrict transfers, especially if your student is interested in taking advantage of special programs. An attractive alternative may include Killeen High School’s International Baccalaureate program, the orchestra at Harker Heights High School, leadership courses at Ellison High School, or engineering and robotics courses at Shoemaker High School. Transfers can be granted for a number of different reasons as outlined by the KISD board of trustees. Transportation is not provided to students attending a school outside their zone.

Killeen Independent School District and the school-run media outlet, KISD-TV Channel 17, work in conjunction with Fort Cavazos to broadcast graduation ceremonies to deployed military family members.

Highlighted Areas

Oak View

Bunny Trail

Andalucia

Western Oaks