Welcome to Fort Cavazos — The Great Place
Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, is the largest active-duty armored post in the United States Armed Forces. Located in Killeen, Texas, it is home to the III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division. With over 36,000 active duty soldiers and 8,000 civilian employees, the surrounding Killeen-Temple metro area has one of the most active VA loan real estate markets in the country.
2024 BAH Rates at Fort Cavazos
Based on 2024 DoD BAH tables for the Killeen-Temple area:
- E-4 without dependents: ,050/month
- E-5 without dependents: ,110/month
- E-5 with dependents: ,500/month
- E-7 with dependents: ,650/month
- O-3 with dependents: ,800/month
- O-5 with dependents: ,100/month
Best Off-Post Neighborhoods
Harker Heights (Most Popular — Highly Recommended)
Harker Heights is the premier off-post community for Fort Cavazos military families. Located just 7-10 miles from the main gate, Harker Heights offers excellent Killeen ISD and Harker Heights ISD schools, strong retail and dining, and well-maintained neighborhoods with consistent demand.
Median home price: ,000–,000
Commute to post: 15-20 minutes
Best for: Families, NCOs, junior officers
Nolanville
A small, tight-knit community nestled between Killeen and Harker Heights. Nolanville offers a quiet, small-town feel with easy post access. Excellent for families who want lower density and newer construction.
Median home price: ,000–,000
Commute to post: 18-25 minutes
Copperas Cove
Located northwest of the post, Copperas Cove is popular with soldiers assigned to the western side of Fort Cavazos. Known for affordable housing and a strong military community.
Median home price: ,000–,000
Commute to post: 20-30 minutes
Belton & Temple
For families who want more amenities, better-rated schools (Belton ISD), and don't mind a slightly longer commute, Belton and Temple offer tremendous value. Temple also hosts the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Median home price: ,000–,000
Commute to post: 35-45 minutes
Georgetown & Round Rock
Soldiers and veterans who are planning to retire or transition out often choose Georgetown or Round Rock for their combination of Austin metro access, top-rated schools (Georgetown ISD, Round Rock ISD), and strong property appreciation. A longer commute (50-65 minutes) but outstanding long-term real estate value.
Median home price: ,000–,000
The Fort Cavazos VA Loan Market
The Killeen-Harker Heights market is one of the most VA-loan-friendly markets in the United States. Roughly 40-50% of all home purchases in this market use VA financing, meaning sellers, listing agents, and appraisers are deeply experienced with VA transactions.
Key advantages for VA buyers at Fort Cavazos:
- Fast approvals: Local VA-savvy lenders often pre-approve in 24-48 hours
- Seller acceptance: Most listing agents have closed dozens of VA transactions
- Competitive pricing: Homes are priced to the VA market, not above it
- Strong rental market: Ideal for future conversion when you PCS
BAH Optimization Strategy
If your BAH covers your mortgage payment, you are building equity at zero out-of-pocket cost. Here is how savvy Fort Cavazos soldiers build wealth:
- Use your VA loan (zero down) to purchase a home in Harker Heights or Nolanville
- Pay your mortgage with BAH — your housing is essentially free
- When PCS orders arrive, convert the property to a rental
- Hire a veteran-focused property management company in Killeen
- Repeat at your next duty station
Frequently Asked Questions
Harker Heights is located approximately 7-10 miles from the main Fort Cavazos gate, with a typical commute of 15-20 minutes. It is the most popular off-post community for military families due to its schools, amenities, and proximity to base.
Fort Cavazos on-post housing through Corvias Military Living has waiting lists ranging from a few weeks to 6+ months depending on grade, family size, and unit type. Most incoming soldiers plan to live off-post from their report date.
For soldiers with 2+ years remaining at Fort Cavazos, buying with a VA loan is typically the better financial decision. You build equity, your BAH covers your mortgage payment, and you can convert the property to a rental when you PCS — a powerful wealth-building strategy.
