PCSing to Fort Hood (school and housing recommendations) (Dallas, Austin: buying a house, buying)

[yomahomie03]

Just found out that my family might be PCSing to Fort Hood this fall. I had a few questions for those of you who are familiar with the area. I will be going to the 504th EMIB. Not sure what part of Fort they are located.

We have school aged children, one elementary and middle. Where are the the better schools located?

We plan on buying a house as well. Keeping the first question in mind. What are some good areas to buy?

I'm willing to commute up to 45 min max if need for the best location but dealing 30 minutes.

I really do appreciate the help. I always start here to get ahead of the planning process.

-Larry

[TXStrat]

Recommend looking at Belton. Schools are much better, and depending on where you buy, the commute is only 20-30 minutes. Stationed at Hood 3 separate times, and lived in Temple, or Belton each time, specifically for the schools. Also puts you right along I-35 for trips to Dallas/Waco/Austin, etc.

My favorite spot was living on the south shore of Belton Lake. House on bluff over looking the lake, 5 minutes from a boat ramp, and little to no traffic on the commute. Sparta Rd in Belton turns into North Nolan Rd. once you cross the cattle guard into the training area. From there, it's about a 20 minute drive to the ECP/Cantonment Area by the Airfield/Range Control.

Hoping the massive backlog being created by the Stop Move order isn't too painful!

[4Movingeast]

Second Belton

[supfromthesite]

Lorena and Crawford appear to have better ranking high schools than Belton does, but maybe the commute would be too long for you?
Personally I would live in Burnet, Lampasas, or even Evant or Adamsville if I could find housing. I used to drive up 281 to Stephenville basically every other weekend and I always enjoyed driving through and stopping in those small towns. Hamilton too, although I think it would be too far to Fort Hood.
There are also private schools in Temple and Killeen to consider.

[RSTX]

I third Belton. We lived in south Temple for 14 years and had lots of friends that were Belton/Ft Hood people.

[texasdiver]

Lorena and Crawford are way too far and also tiny districts.

I concur with the others. Belton is where you want to be.

[yomahomie03]

Thank you ever for your feedback. Looks like I will start with Belton and work my way up. I really do appreciate it.

[C24L]

I think Belton would work good possibly.