Army · Central Texas
Fort Cavazos
Around Fort Cavazos in the Killeen-Temple area, a home of your own may cost less than you'd think. Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, and may pair it with TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit.
Quick Facts
- Branch Army
- Region Central Texas
- Workforce 53,000
- BAH year 2026 Source: defensetravel.dod.mil
About Fort Cavazos
Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood, redesignated 2023) is the largest active-duty armored installation in the U.S. Army, home to III Armored Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division. Located in Bell County, Texas.
VA Loan + TSAHC Heroes Pairing
Eligible Fort Cavazos active-duty, veterans, and surviving spouses may pair a VA loan (zero down, no monthly mortgage insurance, funding fee waived for 10%+ disabled veterans per VA Lenders Handbook M26-7) with the TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes Program (Veterans category) for down payment assistance toward closing costs. Per the official TSAHC Heroes program, eligible veterans may receive up to 5% of the loan amount, as a grant or a 0% second lien depending on which options TSAHC is offering that day. Pair with the federal Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for a federal tax credit of 15% of the mortgage interest you pay each year, limited by your federal tax liability per IRS §25.
2026 Basic Allowance for Housing
BAH Commuter ZIPs
| ZIP | E-7 with dependents | Commuter city |
|---|---|---|
| 76544 | $1,872 | — |
| 76542 | $1,872 | — |
| 76548 | $1,872 | — |
| 76549 | $1,872 | — |
| 76513 | $1,872 | — |
| 76522 | $1,872 | — |
Source: defensetravel.dod.mil
VA loan benefits
VA loans require zero down with no monthly mortgage insurance. The VA funding fee is waived for veterans with 10%+ VA-rated disability per VA Lenders Handbook M26-7. Eligible service members and veterans stationed at Fort Cavazos may pair a VA loan with TSAHC Heroes DPA to cover closing costs.
TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes
Active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses qualify for the TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes program (Veterans category) with income up to 115% of county AMI and a 620 minimum FICO score. DPA delivers approximately 3-5% of the loan amount as a non-repayable grant or a 3-year forgivable second lien.
Other Texas Military Base Communities
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Fort Sam Houston (JBSA)
For service members and families at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, buying may beat renting sooner than expected. Eligible buyers may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, plus TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit, and veterans also qualify for the Homes for Texas Heroes program.
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JBSA-Lackland
If you're stationed at JBSA-Lackland in southwest San Antonio, you may have a clear path to homeownership. Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, plus TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit.
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JBSA-Randolph
Near JBSA-Randolph in northeast San Antonio, buying a home may be more attainable than another lease. Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, and may add TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit. Popular commuter areas include Universal City, Schertz, and Cibolo.
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NAS Corpus Christi
Assigned to NAS Corpus Christi? Gulf-coast homeownership may be closer than you think. Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, plus TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit, in one of the more affordable coastal markets in Texas.
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Fort Bliss
Stationed at or near Fort Bliss in El Paso? Buying may be more within reach than renting. Eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, plus TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit, and El Paso's affordable prices stretch a BAH budget a long way.
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NAS Fort Worth JRB
For service members at NAS Fort Worth JRB, the DFW market is big but assistance helps you compete. Eligible buyers may qualify for a VA loan with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance, plus TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit, and veterans also qualify for Homes for Texas Heroes.
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