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Moving to Killeen in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Killeen.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Killeen.
Planning to move to Killeen?
Killeen in Texas is a city that is closely tied to Fort Hood, which is a major U.S. Army installation. The economy, demographics, and culture of the city are influenced by the presence of the military. The city has strong military communities, and there are several job opportunities. If you are planning to move here, you must know that the housing is affordable in the city, and the city is experiencing growth in the retail and service sectors. There are ample outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, and fishing. The crime rates particularly property crimes are higher in Killeen. There are several other things that you must know about the city before you move there. Our moving guide will help you explore all the details.
Quick Facts About Killeen
Top Reasons To Move To Killeen
Pros And Cons Of Living In Killeen
Best Neighborhoods In Killeen
Cost Of Living In Killeen
Job Market In Killeen
Major industries in Killeen
Education System in Killeen
Transportation And Navigation In Killeen
Things To Do In Killeen
Taxes In Killeen
Insurance Required In Killeen
Quick Facts of Killeen
Before you move to a strange city, it is better to learn some facts about it-
- The city is home to one of the largest military installations in the world- Fort Cavazos.
- The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, once served at Fort Hood and called Killeen home.
- Killeen is known for its friendly and welcoming community.
- The city offers stunning sunsets and clear night skies providing stargazing opportunities.
- Killeen hosts popular Food Truck Fridays at Green Avenue Park, where you can explore a wide range of foods.
Top reasons to move to Killeen
Moving to a new city is a big step for someone who never left their home city. So, to take such a big step in your life, you need some strong reasons to move to a new city like Killeen. Here are some reasons to encourage you to move to Killeen.

- Cost of Living- The city offers a lower cost of living compared to many cities in Texas.
- Job Market- The economy of Killeen is growing and it has a strong job market. There are several opportunities for business and other emerging sectors. With a military presence in the city, there are various other employment opportunities.
- Weather- The weather in Killeen is warm most of the year, and the winters are mild. This is a great place for retirees and those who love warm weather.
- Sense of Community- The city has a strong sense of community, and the residents celebrate several events throughout the year. Killeen has a strong military presence that provides several job opportunities and a community atmosphere.
- Outdoor recreation- There are several opportunities for outdoor fun including hiking, fishing, and camping.
- Culture- The city has a diverse culture because of its diverse population. There are people from different cultures and multicultural communities.
- Family-friendly environment- The city offers family-friendly environment with access to good schools, parks, and several recreational facilities
Pros & Cons of Living in Killeen
Pros and cons about a city will help you prepare for the best and worst scenarios. Explore the pros and cons of living in Killeen

Pros of living in Killeen | Cons of living in Killeen |
---|---|
Killeen offers a lower cost of living compared to many cities in Texas | The city has higher-than-average crime rate, specifically property crime |
The city has growing and diverse economy with wide range of job opportunities | Killeen experiences harsh hot and humid summers |
Presence of Fort Cavazos provide a strong sense of community and job opportunities | Traffic congestions can be an issue especially during peak hours |
Killeen is surrounded by many beautiful lakes, parks offering recreational options | Killeen nightlife scene is relatively limited |
Killeen is conveniently located within driving distance to major cities in Texas | Public transportation is limited in Killeen |
The city has diverse population resulting in cultural diversity |
Best Neighborhoods in the Killeen
When you move to a new city, the neighborhood you choose will be the first connection to the strange place. It is important to choose the right neighborhood where you can make new friends and feel safe, and the surroundings can save you from feeling homesick. So, for your convenience, we have compiled a list of some of the top neighborhoods in the city.

- Castel Heights- This neighborhood is an upscale location with upscale homes and quiet streets. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with good schools, easy access to amenities, and a mix of older and new homes.
- Yowell Ranch- If you are looking for an upscale neighborhood with modern amenities and housing, then it is the right place. The location has a variety of housing styles including luxury and budget-friendly options. It has good connectivity to the major highways.
- Goodnight Ranch- This neighborhood is a popular choice for families as it has excellent schools, a variety of affordable housing options, parks, and recreational opportunities. A perfect location with a family-friendly environment.
- South Killeen- An affordable neighborhood with a mix of older and newer homes. It has convenient access to Fort Cavazos and other military installations. You can find a variety of housing options in this locality like apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.
- North Killeen- It is a family-friendly neighborhood with a diverse range of housing options. This location has easy access to shopping and dining options. You can find good schools and community centers in this neighborhood.
Cost of living in Killeen
Killeen, Texas is considered to have an affordable cost of living compared to other cities in the US. The city offers lower costs for housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare. All these costs are slightly lower than the national average. But the cost of living depends on the lifestyle of the individual. For your reference, we have provided the breakdown of the cost of living in Killeen-

Category | Killeen (in USD) |
---|---|
Rent & Utilities | $1,263 |
Food | $542 |
Transport | $58 |
1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,050 |
Basic Utilities | $145 |
Internet Plan | $67.60 |
Local Transport Ticket | $2.36 |
Monthly Transport Pass | $53.30 |
Housing Market in Killeen
The Killeen housing market is currently a buyer’s market, and there are more options available for buyers. The median sale price of a home in Killeen is around $240,000, which is relatively affordable than any other city in Texas. If you are a buyer who is looking for an affordable property in a growing city, start finding in Killeen.
Average rental cost in Killeen
The average rental cost in Killeen ranges between $800-$2,000 per month. The cost depends on several factors including property type, size, location, and amenities. The average rental cost in Killeen is generally considered affordable compared to other cities in Texas.
Killeen job market
The job market of Killeen is driven by the presence of Fort Cavazos which is a major U.S. Army installation. This military base provides a significant number of job opportunities. The city has a stable job market, and the economy is influenced by broader economic trends and fluctuations. Most people move to a new city for a growing economy and job opportunities, and if you need some additional details about the job market in Killeen, explore it through our guide.
Top Career Options in Killeen
If you are moving to Killeen for better employment opportunities or a change in the industry, check out the data available for various career options.
Job Title | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Hospitalist Physician | $260,005 | $184,000 | 40,597 |
Hospitalist | $218,667 | $141,000 | 29,544 |
Orthodontist | $190,836 | $111,000 | 18,456 |
Dentist | $142,609 | $95,000 | 8,570 |
Associate Dentist | $141,718 | $94,000 | 7,961 |
Pharmacist | $115,103 | $90,000 | 50,943 |
Assistant Professor | $102,865 | $50,000 | 30,531 |
Requirements Manager | $85,321 | $54,000 | 64,837 |
Electrical Engineer | $85,202 | $62,000 | 68,536 |
Finance Manager | $84,146 | $59,000 | 125,345 |
Registered Nurse PRN | $83,812 | $47,000 | 636,925 |
Project Engineer | $82,024 | $60,000 | 176,689 |
Mechanical Engineer | $80,242 | $60,000 | 105,618 |
Median Salary in Killeen
The median salary in Killeen is approximately $57,086, which can vary widely depending on different factors such as occupation, experience, and education level.
Transportation And Navigation In Killeen
Killeen transportation primarily relies on personal vehicles, and the network of the roads in the city is well-maintained. The city has limited public transportation options. Public Transportation The HOP is the local bus service that operates within Killeen and surrounding areas. This is a good option for public transportation. Ride-Sharing Services- There are different ride-sharing services available in Killeen like Uber and Lyft. Navigation Navigating Killeen is easy with a well-organized road network. There are various GPS navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze that are widely used in Killeen.
Major industries in Killeen
The major industries in Killeen contribute to the local economy. Here is the list of major industries in the city-
- Military and Defense
- Healthcare
- Education
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Government
Education System in Killeen
When you move to a new city, one of the important tasks on your moving checklist is finding a good school or college. The primary educational institution in Killeen is the Killeen Independent School District (KISD). KISD generally receives a positive rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Before you move to Killeen, explore the top educational institutions online-

Elementary Schools in Killeen |
---|
Harker Heights Elementary School |
Maxdale Elementary School |
Alice W. Douse Elementary School |
Saegert Elementary School |
Mountain View Elementary School |
Middle Schools in Killeen |
---|
Eastern Hills Middle School |
Manor Middle School |
Rancier Middle School |
Palo Alto Middle School |
Gateway Middle School |
High Schools in Killeen |
---|
Killeen High School |
Harker Heights High School |
Shoemaker High School |
Pathways Academic Campus |
Ellison High School Universities and |
Colleges and Universities in Killeen |
---|
Texas A&M University-Central Texas |
Central Texas College |
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Texas State University |
Baylor University |
Best things to do in Killeen
Once you move to a new city, after completing the moving and settling, you will feel different. It is difficult to mingle with the new city, so go out and explore it. Here are a few things that you can do in Killeen-

- Visit a trip to Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area and enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and water sports.
- If you love birdwatching and hiking, then plan a day out at Carl’s Creek Park.
- Veterans Memorial Park is the right place if you want to spend a day in a serene park.
- Explore the culture of Killeen at different places like the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, Mayborn Science Theater, and Killeen Art League.
- If you want to have a family-fun day, then visit Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive-Thru Park, Main Event, and Chuck E. Cheese.
- The city hosts several local events like Killeen Farmer’s Market, Food Truck Fridays, and Killeen Community Theatre.
Taxes in Killeen
When you move to Killeen, you will have to pay the following taxes-
Income Tax- Texas does not have a state income tax, so there will be no income tax in Killeen. However, you will have to pay Federal income tax on the income earned by individuals and businesses.
Sales Tax- Texas has a sales tax rate of 6.25%, and Killeen imposes a local sales tax of 1.5%. So, you will have to pay an 8.25% sales tax rate.
Property Tax- Property taxes in Killeen are levied by Bell County, and the tax rates depend on the assessed value of the property.
Vehicle Registration Fees- These fees are based on the vehicles’ value. This fee is collected by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Type of insurance required in Killeen
When you move to a new city, you buy moving insurance to protect your belongings while they are in transit. When you move to Killeen, you have to buy different types of insurance to ensure you, your family, and your valuables are safe. Here is the breakdown of different insurance required in Killeen-

Auto Insurance- This is a mandatory insurance in Texas that covers bodily injury and property damage to others in case of an accident. You can buy different coverage like collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Homeowners Insurance- This insurance protects your property and household items from different risks covered in insurance like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Renters Insurance- This will cover your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, and other covered events.
Life Insurance- This insurance will provide financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death.
Health Insurance- Health insurance is not required legally in Texas, but it will cover medical expenses in case of injury or illness.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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