PCS to Fort Cavazos- Spouse Edition
As a proud military spouse and long-time resident of Killeen, Texas, I’ll admit that I can’t speak from a soldier’s perspective—but I’ve lived here for 20 years, and I’ve gained a unique understanding of life at Fort Cavazos and in this community. While it’s easy to get caught up in the negative rumors about Killeen and Fort Cavazos, I want to shed some light on the opportunities, stability, and connections this town has to offer. Like many military families, I’ve heard the rumors: “It’s dangerous,” “There’s nothing to do,” or “The people are terrible and its too hot.” While there’s often a grain of truth in any rumor, I think it’s important to put these into perspective. Many of these opinions come from people who have only lived here for a short time. For those of us who have made Killeen home, we know there’s much more to this area than meets the eye.
Finding Community at Fort Cavazos
I’ve met countless families who were initially apprehensive about being stationed here, only to discover a supportive community and a slower pace of life they didn’t expect to love. It’s true that, like any city, Killeen has its challenges. But it also has a lot of potential to create a meaningful home base for military families.
Tips for Military Families with Kids
As a mother, I understand the concerns about safety and education for your children. It’s natural to worry when moving to a new area, especially if you’ve heard mixed reviews. Over the years, I’ve found a few strategies that have helped my family and others thrive here:
Organize Important Documents: Keep all your children’s important documents in a binder for easy access.
Use School Ratings: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) school grading system is a great resource for finding schools that best fit your child’s needs. Killeen ISD also provides access to see where homes align in school zones.
Prioritize Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and the people your children spend time with. Don’t hesitate to report anything concerning.
Build a Support Network: Seek out other families and friends who share your values. Strong connections can make any transition easier.
Navigating Texas Weather
One thing that’s uniquely Texan is our unpredictable weather. Summers in Killeen can reach a sweltering 108°F, while winters can dip as low as 16°F. When preparing for your move, pack seasonal items separately so they’re easier to access when you need them. Being prepared for these temperature extremes can make life much more manageable.
Staying Entertained in Central Texas
Another common misconception is that there’s “nothing to do” in Killeen. I always encourage newcomers to embrace the mindset of being #neverbored. Texas is massive, and Killeen’s location along one of the state’s most important highways makes it an excellent hub for exploration. If you’re willing to venture out, you’ll find an endless variety of activities, from local events to day trips to major cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.
If you’re looking for ideas, I’ve compiled a Texas bucket list (you can find the link to that blog at the bottome of the page) and recommend joining local Facebook groups to discover events and activities in the area.
Looking Ahead
Life at Fort Cavazos isn’t perfect, but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience if you embrace what the area has to offer. I’ll continue sharing more tips and insights about life here on my blog. If you’d like to stay updated, connect with me, or get help on your Central Texas homeowner journey, sign up for my newsletter.
I’d love to hear about your experience at “The Great Place.” Together, we can make the most of this chapter in our military family journeys.
TEA School Rating-
Killeen ISD School Zones-
https://www.killeenisd.org/attendance_zones
Texas Bucket List-
https://www.crystaltahimikrealtor.com/blog/the-texas-bucket-list
