The Best Places to Consider When Moving to Central Texas

Moving to Central Texas means trading gridlock for wide roads, quick commutes to regional hospitals and military posts, and a surprising range of housing options. If you want an honest look at three suburbs that often fly under the radar—Troy, Little River Academy, and Nolanville—this guide breaks down what life feels like on the ground, where your money stretches the furthest, and what a $400,000 budget can realistically buy.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Troy Is a Great Place to Live
• Temple ISD vs. Belton ISD: School District Comparison
• Troy ISD School Ratings and Reputation
• Driving Through Little River Academy’s Small-Town Vibe
• Nolanville’s Proximity to Harker Heights and Killeen
• Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways for Moving to Central Texas
• FAQs

Introduction

Central Texas neighborhoods offer a mix of small-town charm and regional access. For many families and service members, moving to Central Texas is about balancing commute time with quality of life. These towns give you less traffic, more yard space, and enough local amenities to make daily life convenient without the noise of a larger city.

Key reasons people consider moving to Central Texas:

• Short drives to Temple, Waco, and Fort Hood
• Lower property taxes in some suburbs compared with larger metro areas
• Wide choice between resale homes and new construction
• Community feel that often encourages long-term residency

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Why Troy Is a Great Place to Live

Troy is compact and convenient. It sits a short drive off I-35, which means quick access to Temple and Waco for work, healthcare, and shopping. People moving to Central Texas choose Troy for its quieter streets, lower property taxes, and the kind of community where neighbors know each other.

What stands out about Troy:

• About 10 to 20 minutes to Temple or Waco depending on where you work
• Smaller class sizes and reputations for better teacher-parent communication
• A mix of affordable options including townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes
• Inventory can still include homes priced under $200,000 in certain product types

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Temple ISD vs. Belton ISD: School District Comparison

School districts matter to a lot of families moving to Central Texas. Temple ISD and Belton ISD show how district designation affects demand and pricing. Belton ISD tends to be more sought after and that demand shows up in home values. Temple ISD covers many neighborhoods closer to the city, while towns on the outskirts may fall under different districts entirely.

Practical tips when evaluating school districts:

• Check state accountability ratings and third-party reviews on websites like Niche
• Visit campuses and ask about class size, extracurriculars, and parent communication
• Factor district tax rates into your monthly housing budget; similar houses in different districts can have very different tax bills

Troy ISD School Ratings and Reputation

Troy ISD receives consistent marks and an overall B accountability rating from the state for recent student years. Third-party sites rate the district favorably, reflecting close-knit classes and strong communication. For families moving to Central Texas who prioritize school connection and community, Troy often ranks high.

Where to research further:

• Visit the district site directly for accountability reports and program descriptions
• Use niche.com to compare ratings, parent reviews, and class-size information
• Attend open houses and PTO meetings to get a feel for parent engagement

Driving Through Little River Academy’s Small-Town Vibe

Little River Academy (often called Academy) is tiny and timeless. People who grow up there often stay or return. The town’s loop road, local mom-and-pop spots, and school-centered life create a sense of belonging that is rare. Proximity to Temple is excellent—most essentials are a 10-minute drive—yet the vibe is distinctly rural and friendly.

Comparison of resale vs. new construction homes in Little River

Little River and surrounding Academy ISD neighborhoods show a clear split between resale homes with established yards and new builds offering warranty-backed modern finishes. For buyers moving to Central Texas, both options make sense depending on priorities: lot size and mature landscaping versus brand-new kitchens and builder incentives.

How the market behaves right now:

• Resale homes can be very competitive because of lot size and character
• Builders in nearby subdivisions are offering incentives as they move inventory
• Buyers can often negotiate on extras when resale competes directly with new builds

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Nolanville’s Proximity to Harker Heights and Killeen

Nolanville sits in a strategic spot for anyone working at Fort Hood, Harker Heights, or Killeen. It’s a short drive to local amenities and still offers a quieter, more private lifestyle. For people moving to Central Texas who need access to military installations, Nolanville provides an appealing balance of commute and value.

Highlights of Nolanville living:

• Gated communities and multiple phases of development across price points
• Local parks, skate ramps, and a seasonal food truck scene
• Strong new construction activity alongside established neighborhoods

New construction homes in Nolanville

Builders in Nolanville are active and there are options from the mid 200s up to higher-priced custom builds. Because so many phases are in development, buyers moving to Central Texas can find incentives and negotiating opportunities. If you want a brand-new home but do not want to be inside a large metro, Nolanville is worth touring.

What to ask builders and listing agents:

• Which upgrades are included versus optional
• Estimated completion timelines and landscaping maturity
• Comparable resale prices to see if incentives truly create value

Property tax rates in Nolanville vs other areas

Property tax differences are a real monthly expense. Some suburbs near Temple and Waco have significantly lower rates than others. For buyers moving to Central Texas, a difference of even a full percentage point can materially change your monthly payment. Always compare effective tax rates, not just the headline numbers.

How taxes affect affordability:

• Lower rates can make a higher priced home more affordable month-to-month
• Districts with strong reputations may carry higher rates and therefore higher home prices
• Ask for the tax rate history and current exemptions when evaluating purchases

Differences in housing prices between Nolanville and other suburbs

Across Troy, Little River Academy, and Nolanville there is a broad spread of price per square foot and lot size. For buyers moving to Central Texas with a $400,000 target, your choices vary by suburb:

• Troy: entry-level options, townhomes, and some single-family homes—often lower taxes and strong school reputation
• Academy: desirable school district pockets; some parts fall under Temple city taxes so check rates
• Nolanville: wide range, gated community options, newer construction with incentives

In short, $400,000 can get a modern new build in one area, a larger lot with a resale home in another, or a middle-of-the-road updated home depending on location and district.

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Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways for Moving to Central Texas

There is no single “best” place to land when moving to Central Texas. It comes down to prioritizing commute, taxes, school district, and whether you want new construction or character-filled resale. These suburbs—Troy, Little River Academy, and Nolanville—each offer different blends of those elements.

Final decision factors to weigh:

• Commute tolerance: How long you want to spend on the road each day
• School priorities: District ratings, class size, and culture
• Taxes and monthly cost: Total cost of ownership, not only mortgage payment
• Desired home features: Lot size, maturity of landscaping, or brand-new finishes

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FAQs

How long are commutes to major employers when moving to Central Texas?

Commutes are typically short: most homes in Troy, Little River Academy, and Nolanville are within a 10 to 30 minute drive to major employers like hospitals in Temple, Baylor Scott and White facilities, and Fort Hood. Your exact commute depends on which part of the suburb you choose.

What does $400,000 buy in these Central Texas suburbs?

At $400,000 you can find a range of options: a newer detached home with modern finishes in a developing neighborhood, an older resale with a larger lot, or a higher-end duplex or townhome in places like Troy. Inventory shifts frequently, so $400,000 could mean new construction in one area and a larger, more established lot in another.

How do property taxes compare between these suburbs?

Property tax rates vary and have a big impact on monthly cost. Some suburbs offer lower rates than Temple city limits. For example, certain areas near Troy have lower effective tax rates than pockets that fall under Temple’s rate. Always review the specific tax rate for each property and any available exemptions.

Which school districts are recommended for families moving to Central Texas?

Troy ISD often receives strong reviews for smaller class sizes and strong communication. Academy ISD draws families for its community feel, but ratings can differ by measurement source. Belton ISD is frequently sought after and can influence home prices. Check state accountability results and local reviews to match priorities.

Is there new construction and resale inventory available for buyers moving to Central Texas?

Yes. Builders are active in all three suburbs, offering incentives and phased releases. Resale homes are also available and often compete with new builds, creating negotiating opportunities for buyers moving to Central Texas.

What local amenities can newcomers expect?

Expect local dining, small grocery options in some towns, parks, skate facilities, and community events. For full grocery and medical needs, a short drive into Temple or Waco gives access to larger stores and hospitals.

How should I prioritize neighborhoods when moving to Central Texas for work or family?

Start by listing your nonnegotiables: desired commute time, required school district, and budget. Then compare property taxes and the balance between new construction and resale in each suburb. Visiting neighborhoods at different times of day will also help you feel which community fits best.

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