Killeen is a thriving community located in Central Texas, roughly an hour's drive north of Austin, and is centrally located in terms of access to the major metro areas of San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. The city is in one of the fastest-growing economic corridors in the country, according to the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce.

Killeen apartments for rent can be found all across the estimated 53.58 square miles encompassed by the city. Killeen is an extremely family-friendly town, with people under the age of 18 making up more than 30 percent of its population. With numerous educational facilities, more than 100 churches representing more than 20 different denominations, a military installation and endless recreational amenities, Killeen has something to offer people from all walks of life.

Killeen apartments could be a great way to join the more than 130,000 people living here as of July 2011. The city was founded in 1882 by the Santa Fe Railroad, and grew quickly as a shipping city. The city of Killeen received its name from an official of the railroad, Frank P. Killeen, who was also serving as assistant general manager in Galveston.

Killeen's mission is to be one of the best places to live in this country for military families. The area was provided with abundant water supplies after the construction of Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir, and Killeen residents also enjoy access to several major interstate and state highways. These construction projects contributed substantially to the growth of the community and the strengthening of the economy in retail business.

Killeen apartments could be attractive options for business professionals working in the area. The city of Killeen boasts that since its founding by the Sante Fe Railroad, the city has served as a major shipping station, particularly for cotton and cattle products.

Fort Hood, located in Killeen, is one of the premiere military installations of the U.S. Army and a large employer in the area.

Students can take advantage of the many educational institutions in the area, including Central Texas College, Tarleton State University-Central Texas and University of Mary Hardin, Baylor. Central Texas College, whose main campus is in Killeen, was founded as a community college in 1965. Today, the college maintains more than 100 other locations around the world, serving more than 50,000 students on military installations, in correctional facilities and in embassies on ships at sea.

According to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, Killeen rentals have a vacancy rate of 16.3 percent, and median rent was valued at $828 as of 2010. The largest number of renters, 30.9 percent, fall in the gross rent range of $750 to $999, with more than 87 percent of total renters falling in the wider range of $500 to $1,499. The data further indicated that roughly 36 percent of renters reported spending 35 percent or more of their household income on rental costs.

City-Data information revealed that in March 2012, the cost of living in Killeen was assigned the value of 86.6 points, which is 13.4 points less than the national value of 100 points.

People living in Killeen apartments have many recreational amenities at their doorstep. According to the Killeen Chamber of Commerce, the area is home to more than 31 parks, two swimming pools, roughly 32 lighted tennis courts and a municipal golf course.

With the strong military presence in the city, a popular area attraction is the Fourth Infantry Division Museum. Residents and visitors come here to enjoy and learn about Killeen's military history through exhibits with a variety of artifacts, photos and vehicles.

Locals particularly enjoy amenities such as the Killeen Mall, the Stonetree Golf Club and the Mayborn Planetarium Space Theatre. The planetarium has been open to the public since 2003 and dazzles spectators with star and laser light shows.

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