Published January 2026 · Last updated March 2, 2026
So, You're Thinkin' of Moving to Temple, TX
Our family has lived in Temple for 20+ years. We help people move into town every day at our self-storage facility. This is everything you need to know. The good, the bad, and what no one else will tell you.
Rather talk to someone local instead? Call us directly with any questions.
Why People Are Moving to Temple, TX
Affordable housing, world-class healthcare, and a 45-minute commute to Austin.
Temple's population has grown to about 96,000 people, up significantly in recent years. The city sits on I-35 between Austin (45 minutes south) and Waco (30 minutes north), making it a prime landing spot for people escaping high costs in bigger Texas metros while staying connected to major job markets.
Temple ranked in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026 by U.S. News & World Report , recognizing the combination of job opportunities, affordability, and quality of life.
Here's who's moving here:
- Austin commuters who want more space and lower costs
- Healthcare professionals working at Baylor Scott & White (12,000+ employees)
- Military families near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood)
- Remote workers escaping expensive metros for affordable homeownership
- Young families seeking good schools and safe neighborhoods
Cost of Living in Temple, TX
17% lower than the national average. Median home price: ~$280K. Median rent: $982/month.
This is probably the #1 reason you're considering Temple. The cost of living here is 17% below the national average, with housing being the biggest area of savings. The median home value is $255,731, though recent sales show median prices around $279,945 depending on the neighborhood and time of year. ( Salary.com )
Compare that to Austin, where median home prices remain significantly higher. You can find homes in family-friendly neighborhoods like Windmill Farms averaging around $200,000. That's nearly impossible in Austin proper.
The median household income is $64,945, which stretches much further here than in Austin. Your daily expenses (groceries, gas, eating out) cost less across the board.
Temple TX Housing Market
The housing market is not very competitive. Homes sell in 96 days on average and typically go for about 3% below list price. You can actually tour homes and make decisions without bidding wars. That's a luxury Austin buyers haven't had in years. ( Redfin )
Bottom line: You can own a home with a yard, have a shorter commute, and still be close enough to Austin for the big-city experience. When you're ready to make the move, many families use Temple Star Storage for temporary storage while their new home closes or during the transition between cities.
Best Neighborhoods in Temple, TX
Six main neighborhoods ranging from $150K to $400K+. West Adams is the growth hub. Windmill Farms is the budget pick.
Choosing the right neighborhood is the single biggest decision when moving to Temple. Here's what you need to know about each area, from someone who actually lives here.
West Adams Corridor
$200,000–$350,000Best for: Families, Austin commuters, people who want new development
West Adams is where Temple is growing. Most economic development over the past 10 years has been concentrated here: new restaurants, clinics, retail, and housing developments are springing up constantly. You get easy I-35 access for Austin commuters, a Walmart, Anytime Fitness, Scott & White clinics, and plenty of food options.
The area is safe, clean, and convenient for everything you need day-to-day. A hiking trail starts from a historical bridge with a river waterfall halfway. Starbucks and Summer Moon are your best sit-down coffee spots for remote work.
Windmill Farms
$180,000–$220,000Best for: Budget-conscious families, first-time homebuyers
If you want the most home for your money, Windmill Farms is it. Average home price sits around $200,000 for 3 to 4 bedrooms with yards, built in the 1990s-2000s. Lake Belton High School is right next door. It's a quiet, established neighborhood where kids play outside and neighbors know each other. Not fancy, but exactly what many families need.
Downtown / Historic District
$150,000–$350,000Best for: Young professionals, empty nesters, walkability seekers
Downtown is where Temple's revitalization story is most visible. Home prices were up 153.6% year-over-year in mid-2025, selling at a median of $279K. You get a blend of colonials, Craftsman-styles, bungalows, and ranch-style houses, many beautifully renovated. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, museums, and the monthly First Friday block party. ( Redfin )
Lake Pointe & The Groves at Lakewood Ranch
$250,000–$400,000+Best for: Families wanting newer construction, HOA amenities
Newer homes with modern layouts, community pools, and maintained common areas. You'll pay more, but you get move-in-ready homes with warranties. HOA fees run $50–$150/month. These neighborhoods attract professionals and families relocating from other metros who want a planned community feel.
Morgan's Point Resort & Woodland
$150,000–$300,000Best for: Nature lovers, lake access, privacy seekers
Near Lake Belton with more space and a semi-rural feel. Properties range from manufactured homes to lakefront houses. Great value if you don't mind a slightly longer drive to town.
Western Hills
$180,000–$280,000Best for: Established families, mature trees, larger lots
Homes from the 1960s-1980s with larger lots and mature trees. This is where long-time Temple residents live. Quiet, safe, and convenient. Homes may need updating but the bones are solid and the location is hard to beat.
Apartments & Rent in Temple, TX
Median rent: $982/month, which is 36% below the national average. Studios from $807, 2-bedrooms from $1,181.
Renting before buying is a smart move in Temple. The median rent is $982/month as of late 2025, down 2.9% year-over-year. That's 36% lower than the national average. ( Apartments.com )
Top-Rated Apartment Complexes
Chappell Creek Village is consistently the highest-rated. Creek-side setting, attached garages, friendly staff. Wildwood Apartments(West Adams) where residents stay 12-14+ years. Great management, community events. Ariza Temple is a newer complex with 9-foot ceilings, in-home washers/dryers, resort-style pool. The Hudson at Crossroad District offers brand new townhomes near West Adams, move-in specials available.
Where to Focus
South Temple(south of Adams Street) is the most desirable rental area with the best safety reputation, close to shopping and medical centers. Three-bedroom homes rent for $1,200-1,300. Northwest Temple has new development and similar safety but fewer amenities.
Most landlords require credit scores of 600+, income of 3x monthly rent, and application fees of $30-75. Pet deposits run $200-500 with monthly pet rent of $20-50.
Can You Commute from Temple to Austin?
Yes. 45 minutes without traffic, ~75 minutes during rush hour. Many residents work hybrid and commute 2-3 days/week.
I-35 has major traffic during rush hour, particularly bad near Round Rock. But if you travel off-peak or adjust your schedule slightly, there's minimal traffic. One of our staff members commutes to and from Austin every week. It's not as bad as you may have heard.
The drive is roughly 45 minutes without traffic, up to 75 minutes during peak times. Many Temple residents work remotely part of the week and commute to Austin offices the other days. The average commute for local Temple jobs is just 21.5 minutes.
Is Temple, TX Safe?
Violent crime is below the national average. Property crime is above it. Northwest and south Temple are the safest areas.
Crime in Temple is mixed, and it depends on which statistics you're looking at and where in the city you live.
Temple's violent crime rate is 20.8, slightly lower than the national average of 22.7. However, property crime is 47.3, significantly higher than the national average of 35.4. This includes burglary, theft, and vandalism. More recent data shows the overall crime rate is 9.5% lower than the national average. ( AGreaterTown )
Temple residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest. Newer developments like West Adams and Lake Pointe also feel very safe for families.
Jobs & the Temple, TX Economy
Baylor Scott & White employs 12,000+. McLane Company, Fort Cavazos, and a new Meta data center round out the job market.
Temple's job market is diverse and growing, anchored by healthcare and supported by military, manufacturing, and emerging tech.
Healthcare dominates. Baylor Scott & White Health is the region's largest employer with 12,000+ positions. The medical center ranks #7 among Best Regional Hospitals in Texas. Healthcare creates thousands of jobs from physicians to administrative roles.
Manufacturing & Distribution: McLane Company (supply chain, 80+ distribution centers nationwide) and Wilsonart International (HQ, 1,450 employees) are major employers. Temple's I-35 location makes it a logistics hub.
Military-Connected: Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) is 30 miles west and serves as the largest active-duty armored post in the U.S., creating both on-base and supporting industry jobs.
Tech: Meta is building a 900,000 square-foot data center on Eberhardt Road opening in 2026, creating 100+ jobs. ( Temple EDC )
Small business: Temple's Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation actively support entrepreneurs. The city has $366 million in improvements underway.
Schools in Temple, TX: What You Need to Know
Temple ISD has a strong IB program but below-average overall scores. Some Temple neighborhoods are zoned for higher-performing Belton ISD. Research school zones before buying.
Temple High School
The main public high school with 2,342 students and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. The good: An International Baccalaureate (IB) program, one of only 46 IB-authorized high schools in Texas. The theater department has a 30-year district championship streak. Football is ranked 4th in Texas for all-time wins. The 94.9% graduation rate is solid.
The concerning: Only 23% of students achieved math proficiency (vs. 44% state average) and 29% reading proficiency (vs. 51% state average). The school ranks in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools. However, motivated students who pursue the IB/AP track get a very different experience than the aggregate numbers suggest.
Belton ISD: The Higher-Performing Alternative
Some Temple neighborhoods, particularly near the Belton border like parts of Windmill Farms, are zoned for Belton ISD, which performs measurably better: 35% math proficiency, 45% reading proficiency, and a 96.7% graduation rate. Belton High is ranked #1,171 in Texas vs. Temple High's #7,422.
Higher Education
Temple College is ranked the 11th best community college in the country. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton has an excellent nursing program. Texas A&M University Central Texas in Killeen provides four-year degrees. ( City of Temple )
Healthcare in Temple, TX
World-class. Baylor Scott & White is a nationally ranked hospital system with 12,000+ employees right here in Temple.
This is one of Temple's biggest advantages and a primary reason many people relocate here. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center is a nationally recognized hospital system. You're getting big-city medical care in a smaller, more affordable city. The entire network employs over 12,000 people locally and serves all of Central Texas.
McLane Children's Medical Center focuses on pediatric healthcare, while the VA Central Texas Healthcare System provides dedicated services to veterans. Multiple clinics, specialists, and urgent care facilities are concentrated along West Adams.
Things to Do in Temple, TX
Want More? Read our article on the 55+ most fun things to do around Temple, TX
Temple isn't Austin when it comes to entertainment. Let's be honest. But for a city of 96,000, there's more here than you'd expect.
Outdoors: Miller Springs Nature Center has 11 miles of hiking and biking trails on 260 acres with free admission. Lake Belton is great for boating and picnics during spring and summer. Pepper Creek Trail provides in-town hiking and biking. Sammons Golf Course rounds out the outdoor options.
Downtown: First Friday is a monthly block party with vendors, live music, food specials, and entertainment. The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is in the 1911 Santa Fe Depot. Kids love Whistle Stop Park with its train-themed playground. Downtown is lined with local shops like The Book Cellar and Kerley Grocery & Market (hand-cut meats since 1954). ( Tour Texas )
Food highlights: Pignetti's (handmade Italian, 5x Wine Spectator winner), Bird Creek Burger Co. (best burgers in town), Miller's Smokehouse (proper Central Texas BBQ), and La Dalat (Vietnamese with rave reviews).
Nightlife reality: O'Briens Irish Pub has live piano. The Green Door stays open late. It's "friendly neighborhood bar" vibes, not a club scene. For more options, Austin is 45 minutes south.
Weather & Climate in Temple, TX
Hot, humid summers (95°F+). Mild winters (40s-50s). Tornado season in spring. An EF-2 tornado hit in May 2024. No lives lost, and the community rebuilt fast.
Summer: Hot and humid, regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September. Air conditioning isn't optional, and your electric bill will reflect this. Outdoor activities still happen; just drink lots of water and wear light clothing.
Winter: Laughably mild by northern standards. 40s and 50s are "cold." People wore shorts on Christmas 2025. Snow is rare but ice storms can happen.
Spring: Beautiful wildflowers including the famous Texas bluebonnets, a local favorite for family photos. But spring is also tornado season.
The May 2024 Tornado: What You Need to Know
On May 22, 2024, an EF-2 tornado struck West Temple at 6:21 PM with 120 mph winds. Nearly 500 homes and businesses were damaged, primarily in Lake Pointe. Miraculously, no lives were lost.
What stood out was Temple's response. First responders handled over 1,000 calls in 24 hours, including 200+ search and rescues. Neighbors sheltered strangers, organized through Facebook groups, and rebuilt together. One year later, most affected areas have been rebuilt.
Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Temple, TX
Temple is ideal for families and remote workers seeking affordability. It's not the place for active nightlife, big-city dating, or progressive social scenes.
The Pros
- Affordability: 17% below national average cost of living
- World-class healthcare: Baylor Scott & White right in your backyard
- Austin access: 45 minutes when you want it, not when you don't
- Family-friendly: Safe neighborhoods, parks, community events
- Growth:$366M in improvements, Meta data center, new retail
- No state income tax: Texas advantage
- Military support: Fort Cavazos proximity, VA healthcare
The Cons
- Property crime is above the national average. Lock your car
- Limited nightlife: most places close by midnight
- Small dating pool: singles will lean on Austin for social life
- Property taxes are 2.3-2.5% (high nationally, typical for Texas)
- Temple High School academics lag behind state averages (IB program is strong though)
- Tornado risk: Central Texas reality, manageable with preparation
- Summer heat: 95°F+ for months; outdoor time requires planning
Industrial Area Warning
Residents near the Niagara Bottling plant on Moores Mill Road have reported foul odors for years that intensify after rain and during summer. Avoid house hunting near Moores Mill Road and industrial zones on Temple's east side. Drive through neighborhoods at different times of day before committing, especially in summer.
Who Temple Is Perfect For
Families with children, healthcare professionals, military families, remote workers, retirees seeking affordable access to great hospitals, and Austin commuters who want real homeownership. If that's you, Temple delivers.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Young singles wanting vibrant nightlife and dating. Anyone who needs a progressive, cosmopolitan social scene. People who can't handle Texas heat or occasional severe weather.
Actually Moving to Temple: Your Checklist
Start with housing research, secure storage if needed, set up utilities, and get plugged into the community through local Facebook groups.
1. Start Your Housing Search
Browse Zillow , Realtor.com , and local agents like Magnolia Realty. Temple ranked among the 50 tightest housing markets in spring 2025, but it's still far less competitive than Austin.
2. Arrange Storage for Your Move
Most families relocating to Temple need storage during the transition. Common scenarios:
- You sold your old place but your new Temple home isn't ready yet
- You're downsizing and need time to sort belongings
- You're staying with family while house hunting
- You need to stage belongings during home showings
Temple Star Storage is the #1 rated storage facility in Temple. We offer climate-controlled units (essential for Texas heat) and month-to-month flexibility for families in transition. We help people move to Temple every day and we're happy to answer questions about the area.
3. Set Up Utilities
Temple Utilities handles electricity, water, and sewer. Contact them 1-2 weeks before move-in. For internet, Spectrum covers 83-92% of Temple (speeds up to 1 Gbps, $49.99/mo) and AT&T Fiber covers 48-69% (up to 5 Gbps, $55/mo). Verify availability at your specific address because fiber coverage varies significantly by neighborhood.
4. Get Connected
Join the "Living in Temple/Belton" Facebook group (30.1K members), the most active local community and invaluable for newcomer questions. The City of Temple also provides new resident resources and the Temple Chamber of Commerce offers networking for business owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Temple, TX
Is Temple, TX a good place to live?
What is the cost of living in Temple, TX?
How far is Temple, TX from Austin?
Is Temple, TX safe?
What are the best neighborhoods in Temple, TX?
What are the major employers in Temple, TX?
Are there good schools in Temple, TX?
Can you commute from Temple to Austin for work?
What is the average rent in Temple, TX?
What is the weather like in Temple, TX?
Is Temple, TX good for families?
How does Temple compare to Killeen, TX?
What is Temple, TX known for?
Do I need storage when moving to Temple?
About the Author
Temple Star Storage
Temple Star Storage is Temple's #1 rated self-storage facility. Our family has lived in Temple for over 20 years and we help people move into town every single day. We wrote this guide because we kept answering the same questions from families relocating to the area, and we wanted to put everything we know in one place. If you're planning a move to Temple, we'd love to help. Stop by, give us a call, or reserve a unit online.
📍 Temple, TX · TempleStarStorage.com
