Got PCS orders to Fort Cavazos and not sure where to live? You’re juggling timelines, budgets, and an unfamiliar market while trying to keep your family’s routine steady. You want clear options, trusted resources, and a plan that fits your reporting date. This guide walks you through on-post vs off-post housing, neighborhoods around Killeen, BAH-based budgeting, VA loan steps, schools and services, and a simple PCS timeline with links to official sources. Let’s dive in.
Quick orientation to Killeen and Fort Cavazos
Fort Cavazos sits next to Killeen in Bell County, and the installation drives much of the local housing demand. Many incoming families choose Killeen for proximity to post and city amenities, while others look to nearby communities based on commute, schools, and lifestyle. For local context and demographics, review the U.S. Census Bureau’s profile for the city using U.S. Census QuickFacts for Killeen.
Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes matter for buyers budgeting monthly costs. Tax rates are set by local entities such as the city, county, and school district. You can find city services and utility information through the City of Killeen.
On-post vs off-post housing
On-post family housing
On-post options typically include barracks, privatized family housing, and temporary lodging. Policies vary by rank, family size, and eligibility, and waitlists are common during peak PCS months. Apply as early as possible and confirm current requirements with the Fort Cavazos Family Housing Office.
If you need temporary lodging on arrival, check availability and booking policies through Army Lodging. Verify pet and length-of-stay rules before you travel.
Off-post rentals
The Killeen area has a wide selection of off-post rentals, from apartments to single-family homes. Some landlords and apartment communities cater to military timelines. To anchor your budget, compare your BAH with local rent ranges and utility estimates. HUD’s Fair Market Rent data can help you understand typical rent benchmarks by bedroom count in Bell County.
When touring, ask about lease terms, early termination clauses that align with military orders, included utilities, parking, and any HOA rules that apply.
Buying a home in Bell County
If you’re considering a purchase, the area is generally more affordable than larger Texas metros, and many service members use a VA loan for favorable terms. Keep in mind that inventory and pricing shift with PCS cycles and mortgage rates. A pre-approval will clarify your price range and strengthen your offer when you find the right home.
Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential HOA fees should be part of your monthly budget. You can review tax history and current assessments through the county appraisal district. Ask your lender to include taxes and insurance in your estimated payment so you have a full picture of costs.
Neighborhoods and commute snapshot
Your commute depends on your unit’s on-post location and the gate you use. Map the route from any prospective home to your gate during typical morning and evening times to check traffic patterns.
Killeen
Killeen places you close to multiple gates and major services, including shopping, dining, and medical facilities. Neighborhoods vary in home age and style, from established subdivisions to newer builds. If convenience and a shorter commute are your top priorities, Killeen is a practical place to start your search.
Harker Heights
East of Killeen, Harker Heights is known for parks, local retail, and access to Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Many households choose it for a suburban feel while staying within a manageable drive to post. Check your specific route to your gate and time it during peak hours.
Nolanville and Copperas Cove
Nolanville offers a smaller-community setting and a mix of newer and established neighborhoods. Copperas Cove sits west of the installation and is often chosen by personnel whose duty locations align better with that side of post. Both offer a range of housing types, so confirm commute times based on your unit location.
Temple, Belton, and Gatesville
These cities are farther from post and can offer different school districts, larger lot sizes, or specific neighborhood amenities. They come with longer commutes, so weigh the tradeoff between space and drive time.
When comparing areas, consider proximity to shopping, parks, youth programs, and healthcare, as well as HOA rules if you want flexibility with pets, recreational vehicles, or exterior changes.
Budgeting with BAH and total cost
Use BAH as your baseline
Your BAH is a practical starting point for an off-post budget. For renting, aim to keep base rent within your BAH and plan for utilities, renters insurance, and any pet fees. For buying, talk to a lender about how your BAH and other income translate into an affordable monthly payment that includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Utilities and internet
Central Texas summers are hot, so electricity for air conditioning can be a significant monthly cost. Water, sewer, and trash services are organized by each city or utility provider. For service details and contacts in Killeen, check the City of Killeen. Internet options vary by neighborhood; many areas offer cable or fiber, but confirm availability at the specific address before you sign a lease or contract.
Property taxes and insurance
Property taxes in Texas can be higher than in some states, and they differ by city and school district. If you plan to buy, your lender can estimate taxes and insurance for your pre-approval. Budget for routine maintenance and any HOA fees, and review whether flood or additional coverage is appropriate for the property.
Financing and VA loan essentials
VA loan benefits
Qualified service members and veterans often use the VA home loan for competitive terms, including the possibility of no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Review eligibility and the steps to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility through VA home loan benefits. Share your COE with your lender early so they can confirm your entitlement and loan options.
Other loan paths
FHA, conventional, and USDA loans may also fit certain buyers and properties. Each has different down payment and mortgage insurance requirements. Compare total monthly costs, cash to close, and appraisal expectations across loan types.
Get pre-approved early
A strong pre-approval clarifies your price range and helps you act quickly in a competitive window. Be ready with your COE, LES or pay stubs, photo ID, and a list of monthly debts. Ask your lender how they factor BAH into debt-to-income ratios and what closing timeline works with your report date.
PCS timing and move logistics
Timeline to start
Begin planning 60 to 120 days before your report date. If you want on-post housing, apply as soon as you receive orders. If you are buying, start with pre-approval and schedule showings or virtual tours. If renting, line up tours and application paperwork in advance and confirm pet policies and move-in dates.
Temporary lodging
If you need a landing spot while you search, look at on-post lodging availability and nearby extended-stay hotels. Check policies, waitlists, and any required documentation before booking through Army Lodging.
Travel and entitlements
Your PCS allowances, per diem, and temporary lodging reimbursements are covered by military travel rules. For current guidelines and planning checklists, use Military OneSource and confirm details with your unit personnel and finance offices. If a house-hunting trip is permitted, ask about allowable expenses and documentation.
Movers, storage, and vehicles
Schedule your DOD household goods move early, since carrier availability shifts with PCS season. If you need short-term storage, confirm access dates that match your lease or closing. Coordinate vehicle shipment or plan for a drive that accounts for arrival timing and lodging.
Schools, childcare, and youth support
Killeen and nearby cities are served by multiple public school districts. Boundaries affect attendance, so confirm the assigned schools for any address you are considering. For Killeen-area enrollment, calendars, and a school locator, visit Killeen Independent School District. For state accountability information and reports across Texas districts, review the Texas Education Agency.
Military families can also connect with the School Liaison Office at Fort Cavazos for help with enrollment, records transfer, and transitions between districts. For childcare, on-post Child Development Centers use priority categories and often have waitlists, so apply early and consider licensed off-post options in your search.
Healthcare and local services
Darnall Army Medical Center provides on-post care to eligible service members and families. For off-post care, review your TRICARE plan details and network providers in the area using TRICARE’s official site. If you have specific specialty care needs, confirm access and referral steps before you arrive.
For city utilities, trash and recycling pickup, permitting, and other services, check the City of Killeen. If you plan to buy, ask your agent and lender about typical timelines for utility transfers and any local service deposits.
Quick house-hunting checklist
- Confirm your BAH and set a working monthly budget that includes utilities and insurance.
- Decide whether you will apply for on-post housing, rent off-post, or buy.
- If buying, get pre-approved and obtain your VA COE if eligible.
- Map commute times to your specific gate during peak traffic.
- Verify school zones and enrollment steps for any address you consider.
- Line up temporary lodging through Army Lodging if needed.
- Prepare digital copies of orders, LES, IDs, and pet records for applications.
- Schedule movers and storage early, and confirm delivery windows.
- Review HUD Fair Market Rent data to sanity-check rent expectations.
- Keep a short-list of neighborhoods that match your commute and lifestyle priorities.
Finding the right home during a PCS doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, trusted sources, and proactive timing, you can land a home that fits your budget and your timeline. If you want an organized, step-by-step path from search to keys, reach out to Four22 Realty Group. Our team can walk you through leasing and buying decisions, coordinate virtual tours, and help you move with confidence.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing on-post vs off-post near Fort Cavazos?
- Compare on-post wait times, commute, and included services with off-post options that may offer more variety and flexible lease terms. Apply for on-post early and price out both choices using your BAH.
How do I estimate rent or mortgage using BAH in Killeen?
- Use your BAH as a baseline for monthly housing cost, then add estimated utilities, renters or homeowners insurance, property taxes if buying, and any HOA fees.
Can I use a VA loan to buy near Fort Cavazos?
- Yes. Many buyers in Bell County use VA loans. Review eligibility and get your COE through the VA, then share it with a VA-experienced lender for pre-approval.
When should I start my PCS housing search for Killeen?
- Ideally 60 to 120 days before your report date. Start earlier if you want on-post housing, and use virtual tours if you cannot visit in person.
How do I verify school assignments for a Killeen address?
- Use district tools such as the Killeen ISD school finder and review TEA accountability data. Confirm boundaries directly with the district before you sign a lease or contract.
Where can I find temporary lodging on arrival at Fort Cavazos?
- Check on-post availability and booking through Army Lodging, and compare nearby extended-stay hotels if needed. Confirm pet and length-of-stay policies in advance.
What healthcare options do military families have around Killeen?
- Eligible families can access care at Darnall Army Medical Center and network providers through TRICARE. Review your plan details and provider lists on TRICARE’s official site.
