Lampasas Kempner Gatesville (Austin, Killeen, Copperas Cove: renting, house, living)

[NOTAM]

anyone know specifics about these towns and their differences? yes i have done research and gotten chamber of commerce stuff. but i want to hear from folks here who have first hand experience with the "feel" for these towns. i got some feedback from some of yall on Gatesville. i would be renting for the first year-a house or trailer with big yard..........and then buy. already have lots of job options lined up there. havent signed anything but will probably have to choose between a job in Gatesville fulltime and working Ft Hood part-time, or will just be at Ft Hood full-time.
if i have to, and cant find anything in these towns, i would go to Belton.

[RSTX]

Can't go wrong with any of the towns you mentioned. Central TX is a good place to live.

Check your pm.

[skecsies]

I grew up in Lampasas and have spent a huge amount of time in Kempner and Gatesville. Gatesville has a "redneck-meets-prison-guard" feel to it. Everyone that lives there is either a farmer or a prison guard . The majority of the people eating at the Mc Donalds are visiting inmates at one of the 5 prisons. The last time I was there (5 yrs ago?) there was nothing to do. The town itself doesn't seem to have much money. I would bet you have to go to church to have any kind of social life. I could go on, but I don't want to be too harsh, I'm just giving you my perspective; like I said, I've never lived there, and haven't visited in a while. Kempner is growing fast and it has a mix of people living there. I would say mainly farmers and active and retired millitary. It's so small, I couldn't really tell you what the atmosphere is...no one sees each other unless you're in church; all shopping, recreation, etc. is done in other towns (Copperas Cove, Lampasas, Killeen). Lampasas is a really nice town. Just the right size with all the necessities and 60min to Austin. The people are...well, it's hard for me to have an objective opinion, since I was raised there. It's your typical small town: everybody knows everybody, the local town gossip is everywhere. You're probably better off being new to the community since everyone doesn't know your "dirt". The people are generally friendly and used to "outsiders" because of the proximity of Ft. Hood. So, they are usually accepted...as long as they conform somewhat to smalltown life. (Have I mentioned CHURCH?!) Because the town is bigger than the two previously mentioned, it has a better mix of people; therefore, it would be easier to find your niche and become part of the community. If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to help!

[NOTAM]

thanks so much! well Gatesville sounds like my kind of town, but will definitely look at Lampasas too.........

Originally Posted by skecsies

I grew up in Lampasas and have spent a huge amount of time in Kempner and Gatesville. Gatesville has a "redneck-meets-prison-guard" feel to it. Everyone that lives there is either a farmer or a prison guard . The majority of the people eating at the Mc Donalds are visiting inmates at one of the 5 prisons. The last time I was there (5 yrs ago?) there was nothing to do. The town itself doesn't seem to have much money. I would bet you have to go to church to have any kind of social life. I could go on, but I don't want to be too harsh, I'm just giving you my perspective; like I said, I've never lived there, and haven't visited in a while. Kempner is growing fast and it has a mix of people living there. I would say mainly farmers and active and retired millitary. It's so small, I couldn't really tell you what the atmosphere is...no one sees each other unless you're in church; all shopping, recreation, etc. is done in other towns (Copperas Cove, Lampasas, Killeen). Lampasas is a really nice town. Just the right size with all the necessities and 60min to Austin. The people are...well, it's hard for me to have an objective opinion, since I was raised there. It's your typical small town: everybody knows everybody, the local town gossip is everywhere. You're probably better off being new to the community since everyone doesn't know your "dirt". The people are generally friendly and used to "outsiders" because of the proximity of Ft. Hood. So, they are usually accepted...as long as they conform somewhat to smalltown life. (Have I mentioned CHURCH?!) Because the town is bigger than the two previously mentioned, it has a better mix of people; therefore, it would be easier to find your niche and become part of the community. If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to help!