What Makes Killeen So Different? Local Residents Explain

At first glance, the city of Killeen might not seem like it has much potential—but let me be the first to tell you, you couldn’t be more wrong. With a population of over 175,000 people, this city—located right off Interstate 14—has more charisma and character than most people give it credit for.

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Killeen's Culture: Always Changing, But Never Exclusive—Here's Why

I’ve lived in Killeen for most of my life, and I’ve heard both the good and the bad about this city. The truth is, good and bad things happen everywhere. People love to focus on the negatives, but I’m here to tell you what makes Killeen so special.

For starters, Killeen is right next door to one of the largest military bases in the country—Fort Hood, Texas. Depending on where you live in the city, you could be just a few minutes away. Because so many military families are stationed here, a lot of them choose to retire in Killeen, and naturally, their children grow up here too.

Why Killeen's Unique Blend of Cultures is the Future of Texas Cities

It’s truly a melting pot—people from all walks of life call Killeen home. You could be from New York, your best friend could be from Laos, and someone else from San Antonio—and it all just makes sense.

That diversity also shows in the food scene. You might assume that, being in the South, barbecue would be the most popular meal—and while Texas barbecue is certainly great, Killeen offers so much more. Thanks to the mix of cultures, you can find an incredible variety of cuisines from around the world. Culturally, Killeen gives you the opportunity to experience life from many different perspectives. I moved away once or twice in my early twenties, but honestly, nowhere else felt quite the same. In my experience, some places in Texas can still feel very segregated—but growing up in Killeen, I was never confined to one race, one religion, or one mindset.