Moving to Fort Hood | Killeen, Texas

If your family just got word that you’re heading to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, you’ve come to the right place.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill guide. You won’t discover what schools are the best, where you should live, or the best doctor.

Instead, you’ll find things you want to know about like favorite day trips, radio stations, and all the yummy places to eat.

First Things First: The Basics

This Duty Station Spotlight is from Jessica, an Army wife and mom of two. You can find her on instagram, and check out her blog, Gingham and Lattes, too!

What were your first impressions of the area?

We had already been living in Texas when we got orders to Fort Hood so we were honestly not thrilled to be headed there since we wanted a change. That said, when we arrived I was actually pretty excited because it looked like there was a lot to do!

How do you feel now, or how did you feel at the the end of the tour? Did your impressions change?

We are still here, but I’ve grown to like it more. We’ve been able to take a lot of day trips to other towns nearby and had a lot of fun. It’s not a bad drive to Austin, San Antonio, or DFW.

I like that it’s a bigger base with a ton of groups and events because it makes it easier to meet other people. I’ve made a few great friends, and that’s made our time here pretty great!

Good (Local) Eats

If someone came to visit you, and you had to take them out to eat, what would your TOP THREE favorite places be?

The Gin at Nolan Creek 
McCains Bakery and Cafe 
Opa’s Schnitzel Hut 

Favorite place(s) for coffee and/or dessert?

I’ve heard good things about Pfeifer’s German Bakery, but I haven’t been able to branch out much because I always need a drive through.

Best place for brunch? And your favorite thing to order, please!

McCains Bakery & Cafe – I get the French toast!

How about a fun night out on the town for a date night?

None…head out of town to San Antonio, Austin, or Waco!

Get Around (and out of) Town

Top five favorite things to do in Killeen, Texas:

Chalk Ridge Falls
Salado Christmas Stroll
1st Cavalry Division Museum

Picture this: You have a whole weekend to go somewhere within driving distance: Where are you going and what are you doing?

San Antonio! We love the riverwalk and all the fun restaurants, shops, and bakeries. Also SeaWorld is there and they have free tickets for military.

Waco is closer and also super fun! The Cameron Park Zoo and of course Magnolia Market are fun stops. There are also so many local boutiques and restaurants

What was your favorite park in town?

Carl Levin Park– the playground has a shade cover so it’s the only one we go to in the summer!

Any museums worth checking out? Please share their exact names so I can reference them specifically!

1st CAV Museum on post
Mayborn Museum in Waco

All the Extras

Favorite radio station?

I mostly listen to Spotify!

Info on your favorite hair salon/hair dresser, please and thank you.

I like going to US Nails and Spa for mani/pedi, and I’m still searching for a hair home.

Like a Local

Were there any instagramers, bloggers, or specific non-military affiliated Facebook groups you followed?

Sooo many Facebook groups!
Fort Hood Area Events
Fort Hood Army Spouses
Fort Hood Better Living
Pregnancies at Fort Hood

And check out Moving With The Military; she’s in Killeen!

Any festivals, fairs, or events worth checking out?

Salado Christmas Stroll
Sirena Festival and Parade 
Pumpkin Patch at Robinson Family Farm 

Tell us about the weather.

Summer is hot. Really hot. All. The. Time.

Fall can be nice, or it can still be really hot. Winter is crazy. It can go from 80º to 20º in a few hours, but the cold doesn’t last long, and it doesn’t snow often; but it can get really cold! Spring is usually pretty rainy. There are sometimes tornado warnings, and hail occasionally; so expect some pretty intense thunderstorms.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

There are so many great groups and activities, go out and get involved and you are sure to meet great people! 

Your Turn!

If you’ve been stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, please share your favorites in the comments!