Oink! From its humble beginnings as a pig farm, Harker Heights is today a thriving community, with a population growth double that of most towns in the U.S.
Harker Heights is a vibrant city situated close to Fort Hood, one of the largest permanent military facilities in the world
Oink! From its humble beginnings as a pig farm, Harker Heights is today a thriving community, with a population growth double that of most towns in the U.S.
Harker Heights is a vibrant city situated close to Fort Hood, one of the largest permanent military facilities in the world. Looking at this beautiful city today, you would never think that it started out as a hog farm. Back in the day, two pig farmers, Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern, who were earning their keep by supplying pork to Fort Hood, decided to subdivide their land and sell it as separate lots. It was, however, only after Harley Kern's death that Harker Heights was incorporated as a city in 1960. As a tribute to the former landowner, the town's name was created by cleverly combining his first name and surname. Since then, Harker Heights has expanded to the current population of 26,700 people, according to the 2010 Census. Summers in Harker Heights can be hot, contrasted by cool winters, so you will really benefit from both heating and cooling facilities in your rental apt. According to statistics, you can expect an average snowfall of 0.05 inches per year, so good luck with building that snowman. Now, let's see if we can help you find a rental apt in Harker Heights.
Finding an Apartment
Prepare yourself mentally for a challenging search. Finding apartments for rent in Harker Heights is much harder than stealing acorns from a blind pig. The majority of properties in Harker Heights are owner occupied, with only 37% inhabited by tenants. Most of the time, only about 4% of the properties are available for rent. In a city that is still growing, be prepared to receive stiff competition from other prospective tenants. Start your search at least two months before the date you are planning to move in order to avoid having to scramble for a place as the deadline approaches.
Look for Space
If you were dreaming of cozying up in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, you are in for a rude awakening. According to census data, the entirety of Harker Heights has just over 400 one-bedroom apartments, which is but a tiny fraction (4%, in fact) of all residential propertie . Rather, focus your search on more spacious rental properties of two bedrooms and up. If you can't afford bigger, be creative and get a roommate to split the rent. Also, don't expect any high-rise apartments in Harker Heights, but you will find that houses to rent are a bit more abundant.
Impressing Your Landlord
The key to your new home lies with the first impressions that the landlord or agent gets from you. It is a bit like going for a job interview, where you need to be on your best behavior. Be punctual for your first meeting and dress neatly; otherwise, the landlord might deduce that you are an irresponsible slob -- the type of person who tends to keep a house a pigsty.
Formalities
Get a small file for all your necessary documents and take it with to the apartment viewings. Having the right documents at hand will really speed up the application process, leaving less opportunity for other tenants to snatch the rental away from you. The landlord or agent will most likely require your social security number to obtain a credit report, as well as proof of income to ensure you can afford the rent. Reference letters from previous happy landlords (along with their contact details) can greatly improve your case. Expect to pay a security deposit and the first month's rent before you will be allowed to move in. Before signing the lease, it is a good idea to go through the apartment one more time. Get any promises from the landlord in writing by insisting that they are added to the contract. Be sure to read the fine print... you do not want to end up with a pig in a poke and be stuck in a long-term lease you can't get out of.
Deciding which Harker Heights neighborhood to move to is half the fun! Find your match below.
E Fm 2410 Road / Mountain Lion Road: This is a very residential area in the southwestern part of town. If your appearance is important to you, this is the place to be. You can enjoy a relaxing day at Skin Deep Clinical Skincare or the Salon & Day Spa, stop by at Texas Tan, have your nails done at Nails by Kerry and work on your form at Heritage Park Fitness or at the local Recreation Center. A Walmart Supercenter is also situated here, allowing residents to stock up on their weekly groceries.
Stillhouse Lake Drive / E Fm 2410 Road: Situated in the southeastern part of Harker Heights, this is a suburban neighborhood with Stillhouse Hollow Lake running along its southern border. The area includes Dana Peak Park, a beautiful recreational area overlooking the sparkling waters of the lake. Locals frequent the park for all kinds of outdoor activities such as picnicking, biking, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, fishing and hunting. Dana Peak Park also offers pavilions for large group gatherings.
City Centre: The City Centre is situated in the north of Harker Heights. Route 190 runs along its southern border with all kinds of businesses lined up along it. If you want to furnish or upgrade your new home (with the landlord's permission, of course) head to Sofa Mart, Denver Mattress, Ace Hardware or Bed, Bath and Beyond. You will also find some excellent restaurants here. Razzoo's Cajun Cafe, Thai Orchid, Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle Mexican Grille, to name a few, who all have mouth-watering dishes to offer. If you feel guilty about pigging out on these delicious eats, you can go burn some calories at Boulders Sport Climbing Center. Actually, for safety's sake, you may want to go for a stroll through Kern or Cox Park first -- all that good food may just weigh you down.
People
The people in Harker Heights are friendly and helpful. It is a very close-knit involved community. Don't be surprised to see a lot of uniforms on the street, as many of Fort Hood's employees live in Harker Heights.
Getting Around
Harker Heights does have a transit bus running through some parts of town, but most people prefer to get around driving their own vehicles. For the majority of residents, the commute to work is not an issue -- most of them arrive at work within 30 minutes. Obviously, you will find road hogs everywhere, and Harker Heights is no exception, but since you are not stuck in traffic all the time, it is much easier to tolerate them. Your other option is to join the 1% of residents who choose to walk or take the bicycle to work.
Cost of Living
Life in Harker Heights is slightly cheaper than in the rest of the U.S. Although your rent might be a bit more than the average you would expect in Texas, groceries, utilities and healthcare are all a bit cheaper. There should be plenty left in your piggy bank for some extra indulgences every now and again.
If you plan well and find a rental within your budget, you can live high off the hog in Harker Heights. It is a beautiful city with plenty to do, especially if you love the outdoors. Best of luck finding your new home!
