Ashley Robustelli
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Thinking about moving to Belton, Texas? New residents love the area's schools, outdoor activities, location, and much more.
Here are ten reasons to consider relocating to Belton this year:
1. Location, Location, Location!
Belton is an important part of the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood area. You can find it located between Waco and Austin, right next to Temple, Texas. This centralized location allows you to reach many different destinations in under an hour! Belton is the perfect starting point for a day trip.
Living in Belton grants you quick access to I-35, leaving the road of travel opportunities wide open. The distance from Austin to Belton is right at 60 miles. Whether for fun or work, you can be in Austin in an hour or less!
2. Comfortable Population
Belton offers small-town charm without sacrificing the conveniences of living in the city — which is why more and more people are moving to this beautiful town.
Belton, Texas is home to a population of less than 25,000 residents according to 2023 United States Census estimates. Fewer crowds and less traffic, along with great local restaurants and activities, attract residents to Belton. Quick access to larger cities is another reason why people choose to live here.
3. Job Opportunities Galore
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's data, the unemployment rate in Belton is lower than the national average. Recent job growth is also rising. Because of this, more people are looking at new home communities in Belton instead of living in Austin.
4. Top Ranking Schools
The Belton Independent School District serves students in Belton, Morgan's Point Resort, and parts of Temple. This is because school district boundaries were set many years ago to include areas of the county that are not part of a city.
Due to the combined growth of these towns, Belton is building brand new schools and utilizing new technology to better accommodate the student population. Administrators and teachers want to give the best education to every student. This makes it one of the most popular districts in the area.
5. Higher Education Close to Home
Belton, Texas also houses a higher education institution: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor! This college hosts a smaller population of students (less than 4,000 as of 2023). With traditional values and an excellent football program, this university attracts many young adults from around the state. There are also 2 colleges near Belton: Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen & Temple College in Temple, Texas.
6. Outdoor Living
Many parks, trails, and water sources let residents enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air. Some of the best trails in Belton are Chalk Ridge Falls Park Trail (with a great water feature), Armadillo, and Tennessee Valley South River Loop. Nolan Creek flows through Belton and around the downtown area where residents often cool off in the shallow waters.
photo of Chalk Ridge Trail in Belton, TX
7. Belton Lake
Who doesn’t love a beautiful body of water? Belton Lake is a huge attraction and offers water activities like fishing, boating, waterskiing, tubing, jet skiing, and more!
There are several lakeside parks to enjoy during the day - some even offer playgrounds, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Check out Westcliff Park and Temple Lake Park to see what suits your family best! You can also catch a great seafood meal right on Belton Lake at Dead Fish Grill.
8. Local Dining Galore
Ranked in the Top 25 of Texas' Best BBQ, Schoepf's BBQ is a must-try. You can find local flavors at Gin at Nolan Creek, Miller's Smokehouse, Arusha's Coffee Co, and Nolan Creek Brewery. Newer additions include Pizza Pieros, Katy Deli, Early Light Creperie, and more.
Some locations also offer weekly activities such as trivia night, comedy shows, musical bingo, or themed parties. Check out their social media pages to stay up to date with their current events.
9. Downtown Belton
There are so many fun things to do in Belton — and downtown is the center of many activities. You can find all kinds of local treasures! Many local stores feature artisan made goods, such as candles or home decor. You will also find women's clothing boutiques, antique stores, bookstores, event spaces, and many great locally-owned restaurants.
During the warmer months, there is also an outdoor artisan market called Belton Market Days held on one Saturday a month. Downtown also hosts many city events, such as holiday parades, Oktoberfest, food festivals, and more.
photo courtesy of Cochran, Blair & Potts Department Store
10. The Cadence Bank Center
Belton is home to the Cadence Bank Center. This venue is popular for concerts, conventions, sports events, and local charity events. Many popular events take place here, including the Bell County Comic Con, the Rodeo, the State Fair, Home & Garden shows, and big music concerts.
The Center also features the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Cadence Bank Center is a big source of fun for the county and the city of Belton. It's great that residents have a short 5-minute commute to enjoy these activities!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Belton, Texas
Is Belton, Texas a good place to live?
Yes, Belton, Texas is a popular choice. It offers small-town charm and easy access to bigger cities in Central Texas. Its location near Temple, Austin, and Waco is attractive to many people. It offers outdoor activities, good schools, and local services.
Where is Belton located in Texas?
Belton is located in Central Texas within the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metro area. It sits between Austin and Waco and is adjacent to Temple, Texas, with easy access to Interstate 35.
How far is Belton from Austin and Waco?
Belton is approximately 60 miles north of Austin and about 45 miles south of Waco. Both cities are typically reachable in under an hour by car, depending on traffic conditions.
What outdoor activities are available in Belton?
Belton offers access to parks, trails, and water recreation, including Chalk Ridge Falls Park, Nolan Creek, and Belton Lake. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and lakeside parks throughout the area.
What schools serve the Belton area?
Belton is mainly served by the Belton Independent School District. This district also includes Morgan’s Point Resort and parts of Temple. The area is also home to higher education institutions, including the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Does Belton have higher education nearby?
Yes, Belton is home to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It is also near Texas A&M University–Central Texas in Killeen and Temple College in Temple. This gives students many higher education options nearby.
What dining and entertainment options are in Belton?
Belton features a mix of local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and entertainment venues. Popular attractions include downtown Belton dining, the Beltonian Theatre, and events hosted at the Cadence Bank Center.
What is Belton Lake known for?
Belton Lake is a major recreational destination offering fishing, boating, jet skiing, tubing, and lakeside parks. Several parks along the lake provide picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic views.
Are there events and activities in downtown Belton?
Yes, downtown Belton has regular events. These include Belton Market Days, seasonal festivals, holiday parades, and community gatherings. This makes it a central place for local activities all year round.
