III Armored Corps. 1st Cavalry Division. One of the largest active-duty installations in the country. Killeen and the surrounding Central Texas market is built around military families — affordable, high-inventory, and a strong rental market for when you PCS out. Texas-friendly all around.
One of the most affordable major military markets in the country. Median home prices: Killeen ~$230K, Harker Heights ~$280K, Copperas Cove ~$215K, Belton ~$320K. Your BAH dollar goes far.
Comfortable: $215K-$290K. Solid inventory in Killeen, Copperas Cove, parts of Harker Heights.
$285K-$365K. Opens up nicer Harker Heights, parts of Belton, custom Killeen builds.
$365K-$475K. Top Harker Heights homes, Salado/Belton custom properties, larger lots and acreage options.
1. Texas property taxes are HIGH. No state income tax — but Bell County property taxes run 2-2.6% annually. On a $300K home that's $6-8K/year. We build it into the monthly payment honestly so there are no surprises.
2. Protest your assessment every year. Texas allows property tax protests. Most homeowners win small reductions. Free money — I'll point you to local services that handle it.
3. HVAC matters more than people expect. Texas summers are brutal. A failing HVAC system on the inspection is a deal-breaker — replacement is $8-15K. Get a thorough HVAC inspection, not just the standard one.
4. The rental market is STRONG. Constant PCS turnover and a healthy local economy mean rentals stay occupied. Many of my Cavazos clients hold property when they PCS out — it cash flows.
5. New construction has aggressive incentives. Several builders in Killeen and Harker Heights offer rate buy-downs and closing-cost credits for VA buyers. I have relationships with builders I trust — happy to introduce.
21-28 days typically. Bell County is one of the most VA-experienced markets in the country given the Fort Cavazos population. Things move.
Harker Heights generally has stronger schools and slightly higher prices. Killeen has more inventory and more affordable options. Specific neighborhood matters more than the city line — we'll dig in.
Often yes. The rental market is strong, vacancy is low, and Bell County property taxes — while high — are manageable when factored into rent. Many of my clients hold for 5-10 years as a rental.
Central Texas does get severe weather. Insurance is generally available and reasonable. Storm shelters add value at resale. Worth asking sellers about hail history on the roof.
30 minutes on the phone. I'll know your BAH, your school priorities, and the right neighborhoods. Let's plan.
PCSing somewhere else? See the PCS guide hub.