Military Relocation to Central Texas: Your PCS Planning Guide
Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Killeen TX is the largest active duty Army base in the United States — home to III Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Corps, and dozens of subordinate units. Military families PCSing to Fort Cavazos face a geographic choice: live in Killeen/Copperas Cove near post, or commute from the Austin metro (60–90 miles away).
This guide covers the Austin area option specifically — the lifestyle, commute realities, and real estate considerations for military families who choose to base their family in Austin rather than the Killeen area.
Fort Cavazos BAH for Austin-Area (Killeen TX BAH Rates)
Fort Cavazos BAH is paid at the Killeen-Fort Cavazos MSA rate — not the Austin rate — regardless of where you live:
2025 BAH Rates (Killeen MSA, approximate):
| Pay Grade | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| O-3 | $1,650 | $2,100 |
| O-4 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| O-5 | $2,050 | $2,550 |
| E-5 | $1,200 | $1,650 |
| E-6 | $1,350 | $1,800 |
| E-7 | $1,500 | $1,950 |
Important: Fort Cavazos BAH is lower than Austin MSA BAH. If you choose to live in the Austin metro, your BAH from Fort Cavazos may not fully cover Austin housing costs. Many military families live in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Killeen to balance commute and housing cost.
Verify current rates at defensetravel.dod.mil/BAH — rates change annually in January.
Fort Cavazos to Austin Suburb Commutes
| City | Miles from Main Gate | Drive Time (no traffic) | Drive Time (AM Rush) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | 55 miles | 55–65 min | 70–80 min |
| Round Rock | 65 miles | 65–75 min | 80–95 min |
| Cedar Park | 70 miles | 65–75 min | 80–95 min |
| Pflugerville | 75 miles | 70–85 min | 90–110 min |
| Kyle / Buda | 80 miles | 75–90 min | 90–120 min |
| Austin (central) | 85 miles | 80–95 min | 100–130 min |
Key consideration: For most enlisted soldiers with mandatory PT formations at 6:00–6:30 AM, a 90-minute Austin metro commute is prohibitive. The Georgetown-Round Rock corridor (55–65 miles) is the practical limit for daily commuters.
For officers with more flexible schedules or those who commute 3–4 days per week, Austin proper becomes more feasible.
Best Cities for Fort Cavazos Military Families in the Austin Corridor
Georgetown TX — Most Popular Military Corridor City
- 55 miles from Fort Cavazos main gate
- Large active military family community (Sun City draws military retirees)
- Georgetown ISD schools (B+)
- Home prices: $315,000–$450,000
- VA loan: Zero down, well within VA limits
- Multiple new construction communities targeting military families
Taylor TX — Emerging Option (Samsung Benefit)
- 50 miles from Fort Cavazos, 60 miles from Austin
- Closer than Georgetown for some coming from I-35 north
- Home prices: $250,000–$360,000 — most affordable in the corridor
- Samsung employment creates future appreciation potential
- Taylor ISD (smaller, improving)
Harker Heights / Killeen (Near Post)
- 5–15 miles from Fort Cavazos — most practical for daily commuters
- Not in the Austin metro but the most logistics-practical option
- Home prices: $185,000–$280,000 — significantly lower
- BAH covers housing costs easily at these price points
VA Loan for Fort Cavazos Military PCS Buyers
The VA loan is the best tool for military families PCSing to Central Texas:
- Zero down payment — critical when you may PCS again in 3–5 years
- No PMI — saves $150–$300/month vs. conventional with <20% down
- Competitive rates — usually below conventional market rates
- Assumable — VA loans can be assumed by qualified buyers, a major selling point when PCSing again
VA Loan Limits (2025):
- Travis County (Austin): $806,500 (zero down)
- Williamson County (Georgetown, Round Rock): $806,500
- Bell County (Killeen, Fort Cavazos area): $806,500
PCS Timeline for Austin Area Real Estate
Planning a home purchase when PCSing:
- 12–6 months out: Research areas, begin pre-approval process, identify potential neighborhoods
- 6–3 months out: Final pre-approval, connect with a veteran-friendly Austin area Realtor
- Orders in hand: Most lenders require current orders for VA loan processing
- Concurrent PCS + purchase: Some families buy before arriving using VA loan with virtual showings
On-Post Housing vs. Off-Post Buying
For Fort Cavazos, on-post housing is managed by Corvias. Waitlists can be significant, especially for O-4+ and larger families. Many military families choose off-post purchasing immediately because:
- VA loan allows zero-down purchase
- BAH is paid directly to them (not redirected to on-post housing)
- Home equity builds if they buy rather than rent
- Choice of school district and community
Frequently Asked Questions
Junior enlisted with early formations should live in Killeen/Harker Heights — the Austin commute is too long. Officers and senior NCOs with more flexibility who want Austin-area schools can make Georgetown or Round Rock work. Consider commute burden vs. community/schools.
Yes. VA loan eligibility is based on your service status, not your home's distance from post. You can purchase anywhere in the US, including the Austin metro while stationed at Fort Cavazos.
