The Ultimate PCS Guide to Fort Cavazos, Texas

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to "The Great Place!" Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) is the Army's premier installation for armored and cavalry forces. It is the proud home of the III Armored Corps, the legendary 1st Cavalry Division ("First Team"), and First Army Division West. The culture here is pure "Big Army," built around readiness, large-scale training, and the proud traditions of the cavalry and armor branches. The post is so large that it feels like a city in itself, and the bond between the installation and the surrounding Central Texas community is incredibly strong.

Location & Climate Fort Cavazos is located in Central Texas, with the city of Killeen bordering it to the east. It is strategically positioned between major Texas cities, about 60 miles north of Austin and 160 miles south of Dallas. The climate is humid subtropical, with distinct Texas characteristics:

• Summers: Extremely hot. Temperatures consistently soar past 100∘F from June through August, often accompanied by high humidity.
• Winters: Very mild and short, with only occasional, brief freezes. Snow is exceptionally rare.
• Spring: This is the prime season for severe weather. Thunderstorms can bring large hail and tornadoes, so it is critical to be weather-aware. It is also the most beautiful time of year, when the famous Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in full bloom.

Local Vibe & Culture Killeen is the quintessential Army town; its daily life, economy, and culture are deeply connected to Fort Cavazos. The community is exceptionally supportive of the military. Due to the diverse military population, the area is a melting pot of cultures from across the country set against a classic Texas backdrop. The most significant advantage of the region is a very low cost of living, which is considerably below the national average.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: On-post housing is privatized and managed by Fort Cavazos Family Housing (Lendlease).
• Reputation & Condition: As one of the largest installations in the world, the housing inventory is vast and highly varied. There are many new and recently renovated neighborhoods that are very desirable, alongside a significant number of older, dated homes. It is highly recommended to research the specific housing village you are offered.
• Waitlist Times: Waitlists for the most popular neighborhoods can be long, especially during the peak summer PCS season. Applying early is essential.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Fort Cavazos is well-served by multiple large Commissaries and Exchanges.
• Healthcare: Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is the large, modern on-post hospital and the hub of the local military healthcare system.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR facilities are robust and extensive. Highlights include multiple golf courses, numerous pools and splash pads (a must in the Texas heat), and the exceptional Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA), an MWR-operated park on a nearby lake.
• Museums: The 1st Cavalry Division Museum and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum on post are fantastic and well worth a visit.

III. Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods (Off-Base)

Housing Market Overview The local housing market is very affordable and dominated by properties catering to the military community. BAH goes very far here, making it possible to rent a large home or purchase affordably. A 3-bedroom rental typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,900.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Killeen:
   • Character: The largest and most convenient city, with a massive inventory of affordable rental homes and apartments.
   • Commute: 5-20 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low (very affordable).
2. Harker Heights:
   • Character: Located just east of Killeen, Harker Heights is generally considered a step up, with newer homes, more shopping, and a slightly more suburban feel.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low to Moderate.
3. Copperas Cove:
   • Character: To the west of post, "Cove" offers a more traditional Texas small-town feel and is very popular with military families. It has its own well-regarded school district.
   • Commute: 15-30 minutes.
   • Price Point: Low.
4. Belton / Temple:
   • Character: For those willing to commute for a different lifestyle. Belton has a charming historic downtown, and Temple is a regional hub with more amenities. These towns offer a distinct separation from the "base town" atmosphere.
   • Commute: 30-50 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools Fort Cavazos does not have DoDEA schools. Children living on post attend schools in the Killeen Independent School District (KISD). KISD operates several elementary and middle schools that are physically located on the installation grounds.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: The main school districts are Killeen ISD and Copperas Cove ISD. Both districts serve a very high percentage of military children and are experienced in handling the challenges of military life. Belton ISD is very highly rated and a major reason many families choose that longer commute.
• School Ratings: School ratings are maintained by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Childcare

• On-Post: Fort Cavazos has a very large network of on-post Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes. Despite the large number of spots, demand is huge, and waitlists are long. Register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as possible.
• Off-Base: A wide variety of affordable childcare options are available in Killeen and the surrounding communities.

V. Things to Do, Pro-Tips & Weekend Trips

Local Must-Dos

1. Relax at BLORA: Spend a summer day at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area swimming, renting a boat, or camping. It's a fantastic MWR asset.
2. Visit the Post Museums: Learn the incredible history of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
3. Experience Texas High School Football: On a Friday night in the fall, catch a local high school football game to experience a Texas cultural phenomenon.
4. Find the Best BBQ: Explore the small towns in the area to find an authentic, family-run barbecue joint.
5. See the Bluebonnets: In the spring (typically late March-April), take a drive through the countryside to see the stunning fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Brace for the Heat: The Central Texas summer is intense. Hydration is critical. Most outdoor activity happens in the early morning or late evening.
• "Cedar Fever": In the winter months (Dec-Feb), many people suffer from intense allergies to mountain cedar pollen, a phenomenon known as "cedar fever."
• Be Weather Aware: Take tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings seriously in the spring. Know where to shelter in your home.
• Explore Beyond Killeen: While Killeen has the basics, the best of Central Texas culture, food, and activities are found in the surrounding towns and cities.

Weekend Trips

1. Austin (1 - 1.5 hours): The "Live Music Capital of the World" offers a vibrant food scene, endless concerts, and outdoor activities like swimming in Barton Springs Pool or hiking the Greenbelt.
2. Dallas / Fort Worth (2.5 - 3 hours): Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards, see a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, or explore world-class museums in the massive DFW metroplex.
3. San Antonio (2.5 hours): Stroll the famous River Walk, "Remember the Alamo," and enjoy the rich history and culture of one of America's most unique cities.
4. Waco (1 hour): A very popular day trip destination to visit Magnolia Market at the Silos, made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines.