My husband and I have been living at Fort Hood for 6 months. We love the area and that it is so close to Austin San Antonio and Dallas. It also helps that I have familiy in Oklahoma and friends in Austin and Dallas. The post is huge. We still keep finding random gates to get into base. The Copperas Cove area has some nice areas (newly built) and close to post but there is not a lot in the area. Killeen and Harker Heights has all the shopping and restaurants. The Clear Creek area is nice. We live off post but have friends that live on-post and love it. The cost of living is higher and the rent is higher here. We live in one of the nicer areas and the rent averages $1100-$1400. That seems about average for a 3-4 bedroom in a good area. 

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Welcome to the heart of the Lone Star State— the Hill Country region. Here you’re not only in the middle of Texas but you’re also at the center of everything Texas has to offer. You’ll find beauty all around you. The Hill Country is home to rolling hills that dominate the region a breathtaking display of wildflowers found along roadsides in springtime year-round lush green landscapes and plenty of splendid lakes and rivers beckoning you to take a dip or cast your line.

This region begins in west Texas in Crockett County and stretches east to Austin the state’s capital in Travis County. Mills County is the region’s northern point and Kinney Medina and Uvalde counties make up the southern border.

Austin the jewel of the region is host to many outstanding attractions and points of interest. History buffs can sate their desire for knowledge at places like the granite dome of the State Capitol building which is taller than our nation’s capitol the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum or the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. While you’re here don’t miss the University of Texas at Austin campus (one of the largest in the country) and Zilker Park with its famous spring-fed Barton Springs pool. Do a little browsing at the eclectic shops found along South Congress Avenue.

There is of course no shortage of shopping opportunities everywhere you turn. Starting in San Marcos you’ll find Prime Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center which is the largest factory outlet complex in the state. Just north of San Marcos in the town of Buda you’ll find Cabela’s the eye-popping outdoor recreation mega-store that’s so large there’s a two-story mountain and gigantic fresh-water aquarium inside its two-story layout. There are also great antique stores found in cities like Burnet Wimberley Dripping Springs and more.

If water sports are more to your liking you’ll find plenty of opportunities here. There are almost two dozen magnificent state parks here most of which are located along lakes or rivers. So if you like to fish swim waterski pitch a tent and camp near a lake or river bank you’re definitely in the right region.

But there’s so much more beginning with the exciting Schlitterbahn water park in New Braunfels. Located alongside the spring-fed Comal River Schlitterbahn features all kinds of water rides and activities for the whole family. It has been recognized as the top water park in the country for seven consecutive years.

There’s also the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall which features the reconstructed childhood home and final resting place of the President. Down the road in Fredericksburg you’ll find the National Museum of the Pacific War which tells the story of Admiral Chester Nimitz and features displays and exhibits detailing the American and Japanese battles in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

The region is also filled with heritage and historical museums amazing underground caverns historic structures providing a glimpse into the lives of early Texas settlers wineries offering tours of their vineyards and wine-making facilities wildflower and nature attractions dude ranches that allow guests to relax or have a true cowboy experience and plenty of venues to enjoy some quintessential Hill Country cuisine and music.

yle="text-align: center;">Learn more about Texas online at: http://www.traveltex.com/Region.aspx?ID=6

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Like the State of Texas Fort Hood is big and boasts of being the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services. Fort Hood is nicknamed The Great Placebecause of the quality of life the post and area offer Soldiers and their families. These qualities are important especially with home-basing initiatives frequent deployments and family stability and support.

Soldiers assigned to Fort Hood can expect to have one of the highest quality of life standards in the Army. New housing quality medical care thriving communities recreation and schools combine to ensure that Fort Hood is The Great Place.

Fort Hood covers a total of 340-square miles and supports multiple units a corps headquarters and a robust mobilization mission. Fort Hood also meets the training and support requirements for many smaller units and organizations thus maintaining a vital defense force for the United States of America.

Fort Hood rests in the beautiful 'hill and lake' country of Central Texas between Killeen and Copperas Cove and is approximately 60 miles north of the capital city of Austin 50 miles south of Waco 160 miles south of Dallas and 150 miles north of San Antonio.

For everyone who enjoys the outdoors The Great Place is the ideal location because of warm winters and hot summers. The nearby lakes Belton and Stillhouse offer year round outdoor recreation activities.

Fort Hood also captures the attention of the entertainment industry and is the frequent host of celebrities entertainers and theatrical shows from national dance teams. There are also many opportunities to enjoy the Central Texas atmosphere at Fort Hood as local talent is frequently performing at Fort Hood clubs.

With all the current deployments be sure to make the most of available down time at Fort Hood. The Fort Hood experience is only limited by the individual. So make the most of the time here!

Click here to view a copy of the current Off-Limits Establishments/Areas OPORD

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Relocation Readiness Branch Rivers Bldg. 121 761st Tank Battalion Ave. Phone: 254-287-4471	Fort Hood's FMWR Relocation Readiness Branch offers a variety of relocation assistance services and resources to eliminate the stress associated with relocating. Programs include: yle="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; text-align: left;"> Fort Hood Welcome CDs The Lending Closet Sponsor-A-Spouse Unit Sponsorship International Spouse Support yle="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> Group Waiting Families Program Relocation Counseling World-Wide Welcome Packets SITES - PCS Move on the Go
Chaplain's Office	Hood Howdy	Phantom Express
Commissary - Clear Creek	Hospital	Phone Book
Commissary - Warrior Way	III Corps Policy Letters	Post Exchange
Fort Hood Fact Sheets	Leader Resources	Post Newspaper
Fort Hood History	Legal Services	School Liaison Office
Fort Hood MWR	Pets	School Zones
Garrison Policy Letters	Phantom Clerk	Temporary Lodging

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U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA)

yle="margin: 4px 10px 0px 0px; float: left;" src="http://www.hood.army.mil/images/pdes.jpg" alt="Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES)" />The United States Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) manages the Army's PDES and acts on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. USAPDA is a Field Operating Agency of the Army Human Resources Command (HRC) and is headquartered in Washington DC at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In addition to the USAPDA HQ at Walter Reed the agency has three Physical Evaluation Boards (PEBs) located at Walter Reed Fort Sam Houston Texas and Fort Lewis Washington.

 

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Emilie M. asks: I was wondering what people's average utility cost was on and off post at Fort Hood. I know you get a ration for your utilities on post and that if you go over you have to pay for it out of pocket. One woman who lives there told me that she pays $400 above and beyond her BAH for her utilities and she lives on post! So quite honestly this has me scared because I've spent the past 3 years living in Korea where my utilities haven't been that bad off base (assuming I'm not using the A/C which is a money drain) and non-existent on base.

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Jessyca M. asks: Does anyone know of any pet friendly hotels close to base we'll be there in a couple days and need a nice clean place to stay with our dog! Thanks.

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Tierni M. asks: Could anyone tell me where to get taxes done on post?

 

Marilyn S. says: By the commissary :) or Turbo Tax online.

 

Megan W. says: There is a tax office next to the Clear Creek commissary -- but be careful. Those are just everyday volunteers at the office. If something goes wrong you are still liable for the mistakes. You can file for free on-line on several different sites. H&R Block is offering their program for free through Military One Source. It is also free to use taxslayer.com for military.

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SPC Caldwell says:
July 17, 2011 at 7:03 am

Hello everyone Im specialist Caldwell although Im stationed in Fort Bragg Im trying to find someone at Ft. Hood who is a 42A SPC who what to swap duty stations whith me. I just want to be close to loved ones but Im not going to re-enlist and I dont have 2 years left on my contract for branch to move me. So this is the only way I will be able to get there. One flaw as to why somone might not want to move is becasue they have to move at thier own expense but I was hoping that someone out there would be willing to move to the east coast for the same reason Im wanting to which will make it all worth it. Bragg is great it the second biggest post in the states and its centaly located on the east coast i often drive home to New York from there and canada is only 12 hours away. Virginia is close West virginia is close so is Georgia there is lots to do there. All the rumors about having to go airborne when you go there are not true I have been there my whole career and never went airborne lol. But if you or someone you know at fort hood with the same rank and MOS would like to swap with me please email me at CONTACT ADMIN. Thanks!


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Big Mamma says:
July 3, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Like the burrows of NY I consider Ft. Hood to have three; they are Copperas Cove, Killeen and Harker Heights. If you plan on buying a house make sure you look at the taxes in those areas. By going a little further past Copperas Cove or Harker Heights you will be outside the city limits and the taxes are cheaper. Copperas Cove seems to have the best high school Football team, I am subject to the town and it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s record because I live here. My children are in Kindergarten and elementary school and I chose not to send them to the public school system for head start. I chose to send them to MCA, Memorial Christian Academy. They are a bit more serious about the children getting a better education and a solid foundation while the children are out of the parents care. Harker Heights seems to have predominately officers and senior enlisted while Killeen has predominately enlisted and Copperas Cove seems to have a better mix between the two. Now this is just my observation so please take it with a grain of salt. On post housing seems to have gotten better over the 10 years I have been here (now we are finally PCS?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ing!) they have new construction in a lot of the villages. If anyone has any specific question please e-mail me and I will be more than happy to share any information/opinion with you. Oh, and I am happy to tell you we have grown to the point of having a Barnes & Noble here and an on post Chili?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Restaurant on T.J Mills. On post main daycare center is a pretty good one, my babies went there and I prefer then over off post ones, with their camera?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s in every room and their requirement to document your child?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s growth progress followed by a parent teacher conference to discuss it. sandy_leppert@us.army.mil


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Amber says:
May 9, 2011 at 10:08 am

This is my first duty station,loving this place and there is always something going on. When you get here check out Fort Hood Wives with Events on Facebook. There is always an activity to do of some kind. The resources available on Fort Hood is amazing. I love the arts and crafts center and the different gyms. Also during the summer there is always activities going on different bands come here big summer fun. Blora is also a wonderful place to go there is horseback riding, paint ball, the lake, paddle boats, camp areas etc. I really hope you will like it here. I do live on post, I live in Chaffee and there are a lot of parks near us, I love my house even though its small. Well good luck I hope you enjoy it here as much as I do. I am actually PCSing to Fort Bliss in August so I wont be able to enjoy it that much longer.


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Angelina G says:
April 27, 2011 at 6:43 am

FlipCam Give Away Entry:

DEFINITELY check out the local Fort Hood groups on yahoo.com in the groups.

I was a member of a few of them
?¢‚Ǩ?ìFortHoodFriends?¢‚Ǩ¬ù being where I made most of my friends from. they always had get togethers, and everyone was posting all the time about all the local events


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Angelina G says:
April 27, 2011 at 6:30 am

Flipcam Give Away Entry:

Fort Hood?¢‚Ǩ¬¶. what a wonderful place?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ once you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve moved somewhere else!!!
it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s so crazy how when we were stationed there (for 5 years) we hated it?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ but looking back, Fort Hood was actually a wonderful experience. they had SO MUCH available!!

2 ?¢‚Ǩ?ìgrocery stores?¢‚Ǩ¬ù, a decent PX/BX where there are always lots of extra activities going on (we got to see Brad Paisley in concert for free in the parking lot!!) a few beautiful parks to take the kids for a picnic, a movie theatre ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú you?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve got to get there early though, there?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s a line out the door!!! (we got to watch the Dukes of Hazard for FREE there, too, and the cast members were there for a Q&A afterwards!!!)

while you could spend a LONG time waiting at the hospital for any sort of appointments, they really do take care of the people. we used to love going to the museum area where you could see old military vehicles and aircraft, and sit and have a coffee/snack in the gazebo.


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Jessica K says:
July 15, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Katrina, I don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t live on post, but have many friends that do, so I can only share my own experiences and things that I have noticed since we PCS?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d here. Some of the housing is pretty great (the new stuff), but overall, unless you have a lot of children on a very tight income, almost everyone will benefit financially and comfort-wise by living off-post here at Hood. I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢m told that it is not always this way everywhere, but that it is unique to the Hood area. I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve had some friends that were officers of a higher rank than my dh who lived in a house with what I like to call ?¢‚Ǩ?ìhigh school?¢‚Ǩ¬ù floors. It was that flat tile that you see in school hallways-and it was in their dining room, living room, entryway, kitchen, everywhere. Personally, that would bother me, but for some, they are good with that. I have had a LOT of my friends dealing with black mold in various housing areas, and for the most part, they just come out and spray the mold and it comes back and they repeat the process instead of actually moving the family or permanently dealing with the mold, though I have seen one family after a long battle get to move, but that was after dr?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s notes, fits were thrown, threats to report, etc. The houses vary in size significantly-and sometimes without rhyme or reason. Patton Park is where COL?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s and such live and even there, the houses are 1/2 the size of what I have off-post on a much lower budget. That said, there are always benefits to living on post, and it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s not all horrible, it?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s just that you can get more for your money off-post if that?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s the way you want to go. One major advantage of living on-post here is that you avoid the gate traffic. Ft Hood is huge and the traffic is awful during peak times, so living on-post would mean a longer lunch and less traffic to get back to work in most cases. The major advantage of living off-post here is that you get more house for your money, and your husband may find that he enjoys having the drive-time to decompress from a long day of soldier stuff-mine does. Here?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s the official Fort Hood Housing office?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s webpage, they have lots of information on waiting list times and all that: http://www.hood.army.mil/DPW/ For what it is worth, I haven?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t seen many people have to wait at all for housing, and I often see people get houses that have more bedrooms than they technically need, so I don?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢t mean to sound all negative about housing here. It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s just like many other Army posts, I suppose, and they certainly are trying to improve conditions! I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll write about the off-post areas that many Army families call home in the official housing section here, so check that out if you are interested in that. Overall, while extremely large and a tad bit intimidating at first, Fort Hood is a great place to be stationed. There?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s always something going on, tons of programs and recreational opportunities, and we really like it here.


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Katrina Mulholland says:
July 12, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Hi! My name is Katrina. My husband and I will be PCSing to Fort Hood, somewhere around the second week of Augest. I was wondering if there was anyone that could give me any information on housing and such. Thank You!


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