Military Families: Your Guide to PCSing to Fort Hood and Central Texas

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, is one of the largest military concentrations in the United States. Located in Central Texas about 60 miles north of Austin, Fort Cavazos is home to III Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. As a Military Relocation Professional who has helped hundreds of military families settle in Central Texas, I know exactly what you need to make your PCS successful.

Where to Live Near Fort Cavazos

The most popular communities for military families include Killeen, just outside the main gate with the most convenience and widest range of housing options. Harker Heights offers newer construction and higher-rated schools. Copperas Cove provides a small-town feel to the west of the base. Belton and Temple are slightly farther north but offer better schools, more amenities, and stronger home values. Gatesville is a quiet option for those who want acreage and privacy. Each community has its own personality, and the right choice depends on your family's priorities around commute, schools, and lifestyle.

Housing Options for Military Families

On-base housing at Fort Cavazos is managed by the Army and offers a range of homes from duplexes to single-family houses. However, most military families choose to live off base, where they can use their BAH to buy a home and build equity. The housing market in the surrounding communities offers options from affordable starter homes in the $200,000s to larger family homes in the $350,000 to $500,000 range. With a VA loan, eligible service members can buy with zero down payment and no mortgage insurance.

Schools for Military Children

School quality varies significantly across the Fort Cavazos area. Killeen ISD serves most of the on-base and near-base population and is experienced with military children, offering strong support programs for transitions and deployments. Belton ISD, Temple ISD, and Harker Heights schools generally receive higher ratings and are popular with families who prioritize education. For families stationed at Fort Cavazos long term, living in Belton or Temple often provides the best combination of school quality and home value.

VA Loan Benefits

The VA loan is the most powerful benefit available to military homebuyers. It offers zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit requirements. For a family PCSing to Fort Cavazos, using a VA loan means you can buy a home with no money down and preserve your savings for moving expenses, furniture, and emergencies. The VA loan is a lifetime benefit that can be used multiple times, making it an incredible tool for military families who move frequently.

Tips for a Smooth PCS Move

Start your home search early, ideally 60 to 90 days before your report date. Get pre-approved for a VA loan before you start looking. Work with a real estate agent who holds the Military Relocation Professional designation and understands the unique needs of military families. Consider the commute to the base gate during peak hours. And remember that buying a home is not just about the current assignment. Think about resale value and what will happen to the property when you PCS again.