Thinking about living in Temple, TX? As someone who was born and raised here, I’m taking you on a local’s tour of the places that make Temple such a great place to call home.
🎥 Prefer to watch instead? Check out my complete Temple, Texas video tour below where I’ll show you around the city and share local insight you won’t find on Google.
Why People Are Moving to Temple, TX
Temple has quietly become one of Central Texas’ most desirable places to live, and honestly…I’m not surprised.
Located right along Interstate 35 between Austin and Waco, Temple offers a little bit of everything. You’ll find excellent healthcare, growing industries, great schools, affordable neighborhoods, and plenty of things to do without the higher price tag that comes with larger Texas cities.
As someone who has called Temple home my entire life, I’ve watched this city grow from a quiet Central Texas town into a community that’s attracting families, retirees, healthcare professionals, military families, and remote workers alike.
Let’s take a tour.
Buc-ee’s: Everyone’s Favorite First Stop
If you’ve ever driven through Central Texas, chances are you’ve seen Temple’s Buc-ee’s.
Sure, it’s technically a gas station…but Texans know it’s much more than that.
Whether you’re grabbing Beaver Nuggets, brisket sandwiches, or just making a pit stop, Buc-ee’s has become one of Temple’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s also one of the first places many visitors experience when they come into town.
Temple’s Growing Industrial Corridor
One thing many people don’t realize is just how strong Temple’s job market has become.
Temple has continued attracting major employers and manufacturing companies, helping diversify the local economy beyond healthcare.
Its location along I-35 makes it an ideal place for distribution centers, manufacturing, and logistics, creating more opportunities for residents while supporting the city’s continued growth.
Baylor Scott & White: The Heart of Temple
If Temple is known for one thing, it’s healthcare.
The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center has helped shape Temple into a nationally recognized medical hub. People travel from all over Texas—and even neighboring states—to receive specialized care here.
Healthcare is one of the city’s largest employers, bringing physicians, nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the country.
It’s a huge reason Temple continues to grow.
McLane Children’s Hospital
Families appreciate having one of the state’s top pediatric hospitals right here in Temple.
McLane Children’s Hospital provides specialized care close to home, offering everything from emergency services to advanced pediatric specialties.
Having access to this level of healthcare is something many residents don’t fully appreciate until they need it.
Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center
Temple has long been known as a military-friendly community.
The Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center serves veterans throughout Central Texas and beyond, making Temple an important destination for veteran healthcare.
Because of this, Temple is also a very VA-loan-friendly real estate market, something many military families appreciate when relocating to the area.
Temple College
Temple College has been educating students for nearly 100 years and continues to play an important role in the community.
Whether students are pursuing a degree, earning certifications, or transferring to four-year universities, Temple College offers affordable educational opportunities close to home.
Historic Downtown Temple
One of my favorite places in the city is Downtown Temple.
Over the last several years, downtown has undergone a huge transformation.
Today you’ll find:
- Local restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Boutiques
- Community events
- Seasonal festivals
- Live music
It’s become a place where people actually spend time—not just drive through.
If you’re moving to Temple, don’t skip downtown. It’s where you’ll really get a feel for the community.
South Temple
South Temple continues to be a popular choice for buyers thanks to its convenient location.
Many neighborhoods here offer:
- Established trees
- Family-friendly streets
- Easy access to schools
- Quick drives to shopping and restaurants
It’s also close to Lions Junction Family Water Park, one of Temple’s favorite summer attractions.
West Temple
West Temple has seen some of the fastest residential growth in recent years.
This area offers:
- Newer subdivisions
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Parks
- Quick access to Belton Lake
- Easy commuting
Many buyers relocating from larger cities find West Temple feels familiar while still offering a slower pace of life.
Temple High School
Temple High School is one of the most recognizable schools in Central Texas.
Known for its proud Wildcat tradition, the school has a long history of academic, athletic, and community success.
Friday night football is still a big deal around here.
Is Temple, TX a Good Place to Live?
In my opinion…absolutely.
Temple offers a combination that’s becoming harder to find in Texas:
- Strong job opportunities
- Excellent healthcare
- Central location
- Growing economy
- Affordable housing compared to many larger Texas cities
- A true sense of community
Like every city, Temple isn’t perfect.
It’s growing quickly, which means more traffic than we had years ago, and summers are definitely hot (welcome to Texas!).
But if you’re looking for a city that continues investing in itself while still maintaining its hometown feel, Temple deserves a spot on your list.
Thinking About Moving to Temple?
Whether you’re relocating across Texas or moving from another state, I’d love to help make the process easier.
As someone who was born and raised in Temple, I love helping people find not just the right house—but the right neighborhood and community for their lifestyle.
If you have questions about schools, neighborhoods, commute times, or the current housing market, feel free to reach out.
Contact me anytime or explore more local guides here:
www.MoveWithMallory.net
And don’t forget to watch my full Living in Temple TX YouTube tour above for an even closer look at the city!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Temple TX
Is Temple, TX a good place to live?
Yes! Temple is known for its strong healthcare industry, central location along I-35, affordable housing, and growing economy. It’s popular with families, retirees, healthcare professionals, military veterans, and commuters.
What is Temple, TX known for?
Temple is best known for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, the Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center, Temple College, its historic downtown, and being one of Central Texas’ major healthcare hubs.
Is Temple, TX growing?
Absolutely. Temple has experienced significant residential, commercial, and industrial growth over the last decade, with new neighborhoods, businesses, and employers continuing to move into the area.
How far is Temple from Austin?
Temple is approximately one hour north of Austin, making it a popular choice for people who want more space and affordability while staying within driving distance of the city.