Homevets Realty LLC: Killeen, Texas One of the Best Places to Live in the US

Profile written by local expert:

Britni Rachal

Located in the heart of central Texas, Killeen is a family-friendly city with a thriving economy fueled by Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases in the country. Killeen residents have access to down-home barbecue, an abundance of outdoor and recreational activities, and fun music joints to boot.

Named for Frank P. Killeen, an employee of the Santa Fe Railroad in the late 1800s, Killeen's roots are tied to the railroad. Killeen was officially formed May 15, 1882, after the first train stopped in town. Decades later, during World War II, Camp Hood formed in 1942, pushing the population from 1,200 to 30,000 people within just one year. It was later renamed Fort Hood.

The military lifestyle and presence is still a major part of Killeen's identity. Throughout the metro area, residents will find flags and historical landmarks with mentions of the military. The area is home to thousands of veterans and active-duty soldiers, and you're bound to see groups of soldiers wearing camouflage eating at restaurants during weekday lunch hours.

Killeen provides easy access to major metro areas like Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.

Rankings

U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.

Killeen, Texas is ranked: