Killeen
Right outside the main gate. The most homes to choose from and a short commute for many.
PCS to Texas
Buying a home near Fort Hood
Where do military families live near Fort Hood?
Most Fort Hood families live in Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove or Belton. With a VA loan you can buy in any of them with no money down, and your BAH can count toward qualifying. Start your pre-approval as soon as you have orders so you're ready to make offers before you arrive.
Fort Hood was called Fort Cavazos from 2023 to 2025. Same post, same towns.
Where families live
Towns near Fort Hood
Harker Heights
Just east of Killeen. Quieter neighborhoods, still a quick drive to post.
Copperas Cove
On the west side, near West Fort Hood. A smaller-town feel.
Nolanville
Small and growing, between Killeen and Belton, with many newer homes.
Belton
Farther east near Lake Belton, with a historic downtown. A longer drive.
Temple
The biggest city east of post, with more shopping and medical care. The longest commute of the group.
Local tip
Many newer subdivisions around Killeen and Harker Heights are in MUD or PID districts that add their own tax. We check before you make an offer so your payment estimate is real.
Your PCS timeline
How to buy before you report
Your BAH can count as income when you qualify. Look up your new rate on the official DoD BAH lookup.
As soon as you have orders
Reach out and get pre-approved. Look up the BAH rate for your new location so you know what fits.
Shop from where you are
Tour homes by video with a local agent, and use house-hunting leave if you can get it.
Make an offer and close
You can often sign your closing papers from your current station. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can work. Tell us early so we set it up correctly.
Move in
The VA expects the home to be your main residence, usually within about 60 days of closing. If you're deployed, your spouse living there can count.
Fort Hood questions
Straight answers
Is Fort Hood the same as Fort Cavazos?
Yes. The post was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023, and the Fort Hood name was restored in 2025. It now honors Col. Robert B. Hood, a World War I officer. The base and the towns around it didn't change.
Can I buy a home near Fort Hood before I arrive?
Yes. Many families get pre-approved at their current station, tour homes by video and close before or right after they report.
Can my BAH help me qualify?
Yes. Lenders can count BAH as income. Your BAH rate for the Fort Hood area is on the official DoD lookup, and we'll use it in your pre-approval.
Get started
Orders to Fort Hood? Start now.
The earlier you get pre-approved, the more time you have to find the right home. One person on our team will be your point of contact from your current station to closing day.