Located in the Central Texas region of Bell County, Killeen is a military town, home to the army base of Fort Hood. The city boasts affordable living costs and an unemployment rate below the national average.
If you are planning or considering a move to the city, read on for more information to help you ease your transition and make your relocation an effortless one.
Killeen Climate
Climate in the city is varied between seasons--it can be quite hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching the 90s and mildly cold during the winter when temperatures can drop into the 30s.
Killen experiences about 32 inches of rain annually, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. The sun shines on the city an average of 229 days every year, and snowfall is rare in the region--accumulating to just one inch annually.
Killeen Neighborhoods
Located near the Fort Hood army base, Killeen is a military town, with many transient families taking temporary residence there. Before choosing a region of the city to call home, it's imperative to conduct thorough research and ensure that it is safe, convenient, and within your price range.
Some of the more affluent areas of Killeen are East Stagecoach Road/Mountain Lion Road, Maxdale/Youngsport, Turkey Trot Road, and West Stan Schlueter Loop/Bunny Trail.
If you are relocating with a family and low crime rates are your main concern, some of the safest regions to call home include Santee Court/Shawnee Court, Reese Creek Road/Yates Road, Kiowa Court/Tonkawa Court, and Hood Road/Central Ave.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in Texas, you will have to update your registration within 30 days to avoid being charged a penalty. You will first need to have your vehicle inspected, at any certified Texas Department of Public Safety inspection station. Be sure to bring proof of Texas auto insurance. You are required to have coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage in the state. To get your plates and registration, you will need proof you own the vehicle (such as a title or previous registration), your proof of insurance, and inspection papers. Non-resident college students attending school in the state and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their vehicles in Texas.
The Texas DMV does not issue driver's licenses. You will have to transfer your license at the Department of Public Safety, no more than 90 days after you move to the state.
Killeen Schools
If you are relocating to the area with children, they will be enrolled in the Killeen Independent School District. KISD is the largest school district between the cities of Round Rock and Dallas, and serves the communities of Killeen, Harker Heights, Fort Hood, Nolanville, and west Bell County. The system operates 32 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, four high schools, and five specialized campuses. Other options include the K-12 parochial school for religious-based training, Memorial Christian Academy, and the private K-9 charter school, Creek View Academy.
For options in higher education, Texas A&M University is located in the city and offers bachelor's and master's degrees to students. The public university is what is known as an upper division college--meaning students must complete their freshman and sophomore coursework at another institution. To do so, you can attend Central Texas College, which offers over 40 associate's and certificate programs to residents of Fort Hood and the Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills and San Saba counties.
Killeen Employment
With its proximate location to the army base of Fort Hood, many of Killeen's residents are active soldiers or employed by the base. Fort Hood is the region's largest employer, with 58,000 workers as of 2008. The Fort Hood Exchange, an on-post shopping facility, also employs around 1,200 residents in the area.
No matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Workforce Solutions website for job-hunting assistance and resources in the Central Texas region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Killeen Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Killeen Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Killeen in no time. Top employers in the city include the Fort Hood army base, Killeen Independent School District, Central Texas College, MetroPlex Hospital, Fort Hood Exchange, City of Killen, Fort National Bank, Sallie Mae, Killeen Mall, and Wal-Mart Stores.
Living Costs in the City
If money is a concern for you, don't fret--the cost of living in Killeen quite low. Average living expenses fall about 13 percent below the national rate. Housing costs are a whopping 22 percent less than the average American city, with the median home price in the region listed at about $137,900. If you are opting to rent instead of buy, expect to pay around $483 monthly for a one-bedroom, about $586 for a two-bedroom, and $733 for a three-bedroom. Rental rates may also vary depending on the location of the unit and available amenities.
Other typical costs in the city are reasonable as well. Utility costs are seven percent below the average rate, and a trip to the grocery store will cost you about 16 percent less than most other cities. Healthcare n costs are also low--ten percent less than the national average.
Killeen Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Killeen that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Killeen Transportation
If you will be living in the city without a vehicle or with limited access to one, you may have to make use of the area's mass transit system. Public transportation in Killeen is operated by the Central Texas HOP, a fixed route bus service that provides rides to the city's residents as well as nearby communities of Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and the Temple-Belton area. HOP also offers a door-to-door paratransit service for the elderly and disabled. The HOP runs from Monday through Friday 6 a.m. through 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city celebrates its military culture with the Fourth Infantry Division Museum. Artifacts, photos, vehicles and other exhibits detail the history of the military in the area, which is home to the army base Fort Hood.
If you're seeking a bit more excitement, spend the day at the Texas Thunder Speedway for demolition derbies, stock car races, contests and other race track events. Races at the Speedway run from March until September.
For relaxation and leisure, visit the beautiful Belton Lake. Explore the caves, have a picnic, or barbeque on the scenic shores. The lake is also perfect for water activities such as boating, jet-skiing, fishing and swimming.
Other notable attractions in the city include the Mayborn Planetarium and Space Center and the annual Central Texas State Fair.
Killeen Relocation Tips
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Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
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Different areas of the city have different rates of crime. Be sure to look up the crime rates for any district you are considering for your move to ensure that it is a safe location for you and your family.
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Temperatures vary greatly in Killeen from summer to winter, ranging from the high 90s in July and August to the 30s in January. Be sure to pack a varied wardrobe to accommodate the fluctuating climate.