BELL COUNTY
County Offices
1201 Huey Road
Belton 254-933-5160
https://www.bellcountytx.com
Chamber of Commerce
412 East Central Avenue
Belton 254-939-3551
https://www.beltonchamber.com
Nestled in the very heart of Central Texas, Bell County is anchored by the Killeen-Temple metropolitan statistical area. Home to the US Army’s preeminent military installation and respected healthcare and educational institutions, the county is experiencing rapid growth and development.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare is underlined by premier health systems like Scott & White Healthcare that provide comprehensive services to a regional population. Metroplex Health System plays a leading role in Bell County, anchored by Metroplex Hospital in Killeen. Metroplex also serves as the nation’s largest community healthcare provider to the military. Expert 24-hour emergency care, advanced imaging and diagnostics, nuclear medicine techniques, a cardiac-cath lab, on-site laboratory, cardiac rehab, Sleep Disorders Center, and Metroplex Joint Care Center are just a few highlights on campus. Keeping pace with rapid growth, the hospital recently added a new patient tower and the $8.2 million Sue Mayborn Women’s Center. Other services include home care, the Metroplex Rehabilitation Center, hospice, community outreach, health screenings, education, and wellness programs. Scott & White Hospital and Clinic, the teaching institution associated with the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, enjoys the elite status of being a Thomson Top 100 Hospital. Founded by two physicians more than 100 years ago, Scott & White has grown into the largest multi-specialty practice in Texas. The most ambitious undertaking to date was the 2007 opening of the Scott & White Main Hospital in Temple, setting the benchmark for superior medical technologies and dramatic improvements that enhance patient care. Kings Daughters Hospital & Clinic, also located in Temple, offers an award-winning community hospital that excels in compassionate care. The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, the “face of Army medicine,” serves active and retired military personnel and their families.
The educational opportunities available to Bell County residents are no less impressive, beginning with quality public and private schools from preschool through 12th grade. Central Texas College, with its main campus in Killeen, was founded more than 40 years ago as a public community college that offers associate degrees and certifications in a wide range of academic, professional, and vocational or technical fields. The college has grown and expanded its influence to encompass more than 100 educational centers around the globe that serve more than 50,000 students. The county seat of Belton is home to the private Christian liberal arts college of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. A member of the Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University-Central Texas proudly bills itself as “Tomorrow’s Texas A&M University-Central Texas.” Nearby Waco is home to the historic Baylor University, a private Baptist college and nationally ranked liberal arts institution. Temple College in Temple offers a true community college atmosphere that excels in preparing students for upper-level degree programs or exciting and fulfilling career fields. Jointly founded by civic, educational, and business leaders, this unique college has been serving a regional population for more than 80 years.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Bell County will discover rapidly growing urban cities like Temple and Killeen, the quaint yet thriving county seat of Belton, and unique destinations like the historic “art town” village of Salado. Historic architecture, vintage homes, country estates, horse and acreage properties, quaint farmhouses, and vibrant new residential communities do the landscape with diverse housing opportunities. Several small towns provide a welcoming hometown spirit where neighbors are friends and local shopkeepers know their customers by name. Although rodeos, fishing, and hunting are popular pastimes in Central Texas; those who appreciate the arts will be gratified at the quality of cultural attractions. Wonderful venues like the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College and the Temple Civic Theatre showcase regional and national talent on intimate stages. Arts education begins early at the Central Texas School of Performing Arts, offering programs from dance to karate. Alvin Ailey, the founder of the famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City, is a native son of Bell County.
Around every corner, Bell County seems to surprise and delight. Fine museums including the recently expanded Bell County Museum preserve a proud legacy, while charming districts display antiques and collectibles. The Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater at Central Texas College is another major attraction with its laser light shows, planetary shows, and large-format films. Recreational opportunities are outstanding in local parks and recreation centers, private clubs and sports complexes, or close to home at premier sites like Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The latter are distinguished as two of the largest and most panoramic public lakes in Texas. The Bell County Expo Center hosts as many as 200 special events each year, including the Central Texas State Fair, championship rodeos, motocross action, circus productions, and top-billed musical concerts. Each year, the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area features “Nature in Lights,” a dazzling display of twinkling lights throughout the 800-acre park. Blending city with country and urban with rural, Bell County is sure to remain on the list of fast-growing regions for decades to come.
Bartlett
City Offices
254-527-3219
https://www.bartlett-tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
254-939-3551
https://www.beltonchamber.com
Straddling Bell and Williamson counties but primarily located in Bell County, the small town of Bartlett was founded in 1881 and grew from expansion of the railroad and cotton industries. Today, this historic jewel of the rich Blacklands area proudly preserves one of the largest collections of conjoined historical buildings and original brick streets in Central Texas. Newcomers to Bartlett will feel as if they have stepped into another place and time where Norman Rockwell images of “Small Town America” and simple pleasures spring to life. Although the decline of the cotton industry in the first half of the 20th century transformed the city’s bustling commerce into a sleepy residential community, revitalization and renewal are evident today. Bartlett is rapidly becoming a place of interest for business owners and historians alike. The past decade has seen a burst of reconstruction in this unique setting, which is becoming a destination for fine antiques, collectibles, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind specialty shops.
Belton
City Offices
254-933-5818
https://www.beltontexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
254-939-3551
https://www.beltonchamber.com
The charming county seat of Belton welcomes newcomers to grand architecture, wonderful parks and recreational amenities, the Bell County Expo Center, and popular annual events. Experiencing growth, development, and revitalization, Belton nevertheless preserves a rich and colorful history. The majestic 1886 county courthouse underwent a complete renovation in 2000 that restored the original structure to its former glory—complete with a bell tower. Other improvement projects include a $1 million expansion to the Bell County Museum. The Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail now offers a 1.5-mile trail along this scenic waterway, enhanced by 10 lush pocket parks along its path. The Harris Community Center is another addition, now available to serve as a focal point of activity. Another renovation project is the historic Beltonian Theater. Little wonder that Belton was nominated by the National League of Cities as a finalist in the Awards for Municipal Excellence. Belton is well-known throughout Texas for its annual Fourth of July Parade, carnival, and rodeo—a major event that draws as many as 50,000 visitors to the city.
Copperas Cove
City Offices
254-547-4221
https://www.copperascovetx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
254-547-7571
https://www.copperascovetx.gov/
Charming rural neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and a wide variety of cultural and recreational attractions make Copperas Cove a popular choice for relocating professionals and families. The city actually stretches into three counties: Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas. The strong local economy is enhanced by close proximity to Fort Hood, home to 52,000 military personnel and a much larger population of their families. The local parks and recreation department operates everything from tee-ball to water aerobics, providing facilities and programs for residents of all ages. Other activities include a soccer camp, summer track team, swim team, and adult softball leagues. Copperas Cove City Park is the jewel of the parks system, home to numerous sports fields and courts, a sand volleyball court, a swimming pool, a recreational vehicle park, picnic areas, and a fishing pond. The area is wildly popular with cyclists and is recognized as the Bike/Run Center of Central Texas. At least 25 bicycle routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles in length start of end at Copperas Cove and attract more than 100 cyclists any given weekend. This growing city features new housing developments and a lively community spirit reflected in wonderful festivals and celebrations.
Fort Hood
Information Desk
254-287-3832
https://www.military.com/base-guide/fort-hood/base-directory
Housing Information
254-287-3704
https://www.fthoodhousing.com
Known as “The Great Place,” Fort Hood is distinguished as the largest training post in the world and the largest single location employer in Texas. Located 20 miles west of Belton in the Killian area, Fort Hood is home base to as many as 52,000 soldiers and more than 70,000 family members. The base has a $6 billion annual economic impact on the Central Texas area and plays an integral role in the regional business community. Nearly 1,000 soldiers exit the army each month, providing local employers with a fresh supply of highly trained and disciplined potential employees—many with advanced high-tech training and experience. Covering 340 square miles, Fort Hood is the only military post in the nation that can station and train two armored divisions. The rolling, semi-arid terrain of Central Texas is ideal for multi-faceted training maneuvers. In addition to the 1st Cavalry Division and 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood is the residence for Headquarters Command III Corps, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command, 21st CAV Brigade (Air Combat), 89th Military Police Brigade, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, and Army Operational Test Command.
Harker Heights
City Offices
254-953-5600
https://harkerheights.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
254-699-4999
https://www.hhchamber.com
The attractive city of Harker Heights features spacious, winding streets shaded by ancient trees and lined with meticulously landscaped lawns. Some of the most prestigious home sites in Bell County are nestled in this desirable community. The city provides a variety of casual and fine dining options, convenient shopping, and popular night spots. Many civic and social organizations add to the quality of life and give newcomers an opportunity to become involved with the community. The city is experiencing a burst of growth and development that includes a wonderful new library-activity center and a new community park. Acres of parkland are available for active and passive recreation with amenities like sports courts and fields, a swimming pool, fishing pond, walking trails, picnic areas, and fitness equipment. Popular activities include tennis, racquet ball, golf, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake is just five miles from the city off US Highway 190. Fort Hood is only a 10-minute drive west and neighboring Killeen adds a wealth of additional cultural, entertainment, shopping, and dining attractions. Harker Heights is 10 miles west of Interstate 35, the major link between Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Killeen
City Offices
254-501-7600
https://www.killeentexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
254-526-9551
https://killeenchamber.com/
One of the largest cities in Bell County is located along US Highway 190 west of Interstate 35, about 60 miles north of the Texas capital city of Austin. Killeen draws newcomers to an unusually diverse community where the armed forces play a major role in daily life. While Killeen is a military town at the edge of Fort Hood, it is also college town with a vibrant and youthful population. The city is home to Central Texas College, a highly successful two-year institution of higher education with an enviable reputation for preparing students for success in life or at four-year universities. Tarleton State University-Central Texas also maintains its main campus in Killeen. Recreational amenities are well-developed and abundant, including scores of lush parks, swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, and a municipal golf course. Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake are less than 20 minutes away, providing some of the finest water-oriented recreation in Texas. Welcoming neighborhoods, lovely homes, a thriving retail community, leading healthcare resources, cultural enrichment, and entertainment centers all add to the quality of life.
Salado
Village Offices
254-947-5060
https://www.saladotx.gov
Chamber of Commerce
254-947-5040
https://www.salado.com
Nestled in picturesque Bell County, the historic village of Salado is justly proud of its rich and colorful history as an original stop for the stage lines. The village was once home to the first coed college in Texas. Today, this charming town attracts many visitors to charming bed and breakfast inns and a reputation as the “Best Art Town in Texas.” The Main Street business district offers a lively marketplace that combines scores of boutiques, shops, and galleries. Antiques, pottery, crafts, collectibles, home décor, gourmet foods, and fine wines are just a few of the treasures. The Chisholm Trail once traversed through Main Street, and Salado Creek was the first recorded Natural Landmark in Texas. The revitalization of Salado began in the 1940s as the dining room of Stagecoach Inn became famous. The Central Texas Area Museum was founded in 1959, and the first new residential area of Mill Creek was an addition in the ’60s. Today, more than 130 diverse businesses add to the vitality of a truly charming village.
Temple
City Offices
254-298-5700
https://www.templetx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
254-773-2105
https://www.templechamber.com/
The Greater Temple Area is a fast-growing urban center that continues to develop and mature. Home to Temple College, the city has emerged as a strong economic force within Bell County that combines manufacturing with healthcare, agriculture, and rail transportation as vital industries. World-famous medical centers, top-ranked educational institutions, and exciting arts and cultural opportunities are just a few of the hallmarks of this appealing city. Beautiful around the four seasons, Temple enjoys mile Texas winters and colorful blankets of wildflowers that cover the gently rolling Blackland Prairie each spring. Local schools and sports are supported in “grand Texas style” in this family friendly setting. Wonderful neighborhoods, convenient shopping, entertainment centers, recreational activities and facilities, and lush parks ensure convenience and livability. Fueled by exceptional education and healthcare institutions, Temple has managed to blend urban sophistication with a down-to-earth country style for a unique atmosphere that few places can rival.
