Welcome to the "Great Place" and the heart of the U.S. Army's armored force in Central Texas. Fort Cavazos is a massive installation with a deep history. A PCS here means joining a huge military community with a very low cost of living and easy access to some of Texas's best cities.

Area Overview:

• Location & Climate: Fort Cavazos is adjacent to the city of Killeen. The climate is humid subtropical, which translates to extremely hot and humid summers (100+ degree days are common) and very mild winters.
• Local Vibe: This is a quintessential Army town. The community is deeply intertwined with the base. The pace is slower, and the culture is distinctly Texan.

On-Base Housing & Amenities:

• Housing: On-post housing is managed by Lendlease through their Fort Cavazos Family Housing brand. There are numerous neighborhoods with a wide range of home styles and ages.
• Amenities: The base is enormous, with multiple commissaries and exchanges, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, and a wide array of MWR facilities, including pools, gyms, and Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA).

Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods:

• Killeen: The most convenient and affordable option, located right outside the main gate. Housing is plentiful and inexpensive, but the city itself has limited amenities.
• Harker Heights: A very popular choice for families. It's generally considered a step up from Killeen, with newer homes, better shopping, and good schools.
• Copperas Cove: Located just to the west of the installation, it offers a small-town feel with affordable housing.
• Belton/Temple: A bit of a longer commute, but these cities offer more amenities, charming downtowns, and are less military-dominated.

Schools & Childcare:

• On-Post Schools: Fort Cavazos has several elementary schools and a middle school on post, which are part of the Killeen Independent School District (KISD).
• Off-Post Schools: Killeen ISD and Copperas Cove ISD are the primary districts serving the area. Many families choose to live in areas zoned for specific, higher-rated schools within these districts.
• Childcare: A large network of CDCs and FCC homes are available on post.

Things to Do & Pro-Tips:

• Local Must-Dos: Cool off during the hot summers at Belton Lake for boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Insider Info: The heat is a major factor in daily life from May to September. A good A/C system and a community pool are major quality-of-life perks.
• Weekend Trips: Fort Cavazos's central location is its best feature. You are a day trip away from Waco (Magnolia Market, 1 hour), the live music and tech hub of Austin (1.5 hours), the historic charm of San Antonio (2.5 hours), and the metropolis of Dallas-Fort Worth (3 hours).