Your Body is in Temple
Apartment hunting got you feeling less than stellar? Well, no worries because your new home in Temple, Texas, is perhaps the best place in the country to get sick. With more doctors and physicians per capita than any other American city, the world-class medical facilities located within city limits keep Temple residents healthy and safe. Good thing, because you'll get sick of barbecue eventually and succumb to day-old sushi specials. With regard to your renting woes? After reading this here guide, we predict that you’ll feel better in no time.
Wild, Wild Wildflowers
There are three notable attributes about Temple, Texas. Firstly, medicine. Temple was also established as a railroad town and has a rich history of being a major depot on several railroad lines during the westward expansion of America. Finally, Temple isn’t called the “Wildflower Capital of Texas” for nothing, as the spring sees many beautiful and colorful fields in full bloom.
You’re not going to find a lot in the way of nightlife or cultural events in this central Texas town. Though it is the primary city in the metropolitan district (and small towners in nearby Belton will bitch about getting lost in Temple’s 15 or so miles of urban sprawl), most community activity is centered on the city’s shopping malls and box stores in the farther flung reaches of town.
Central Texas is best known for its outdoor recreation. If you haven’t taken up hunting or fishing yet, you should probably start – for hunting purposes, you can actually purchase animal urine in the supermarkets – and that's not counting the aisle with Lone Star Beer. Nearby Belton Lake and the city’s many parks will keep you outdoors during those long, hot summers.
Neighborhoods
Temple developed along the many railroads intersecting at the city center. The HK Dogen Loop rings the city and provides a quick commute to the outer reaches of town, while Interstate 35 and Adams Street divide it neatly into quadrants. The grid system makes the urban portions of the city easy to navigate, with even numbered streets running north and south on the eastern side of town, and odd streets falling on the western side of town, going up as you go farther from the city center.
Downtown
While you’re not going to find much in the way of quality housing in downtown Temple, the area has been subject to recent renovations, and a number of attractions have been added, including locally owned restaurants and the Railroad and Heritage Museum. If you’re dead set on renting downtown, try to look for new apartment buildings or renovated homes. Two bedrooms generally go for $500-700.
South
Many of Temple’s desirable rentals are located south of Adams Street, with apartment developments becoming nicer and more expensive the further south you go. The cookie cutter homes and rental complexes that dominate the Temple housing market are found in these suburban-feeling neighborhoods. South Temple is the most desirable for a reason. This area has the best safety reputation and is also in close proximity to shopping, as well as many of the area’s medical centers (so, smoke 'em if ya' got 'em). Three bedroom homes go for $1200-1300.
Northwest
Northwest Temple formerly had little in the way of rentals, but new development in the area has made it much easier to find apartments in this portion of town. This area has a similar safety record to the south side, but you’ll find less established neighborhoods here, as well as fewer options when it comes to shopping and nightlife. Still, chain restaurants satisfy needs between hunting culling. Three bedrooms go for $1000-1200.
East-West
Long time Temple residents generally consider the central eastern and western portions of town the least desirable. East Temple, particularly the area closest to downtown, is home to some of the city’s higher crime rates. However, a few miles west on Adams Street will bring you to some new development, and the area is generally garnering a better reputation. Large, three bedroom houses in this area go for $1200-1300.
Rental Tips
Though Temple’s housing market is dominated by homeowners, there are a number of apartment complexes and rental houses you can find via online apartment searches, without the aid of a real estate agent.
Many more upscale rental homes will prefer long-term lessees, so if you’re not planning on settling down for the long haul, you may want to focus more on apartment and condo complexes. Generally, fees for securing your dream apartment range from $30-50, which will include background and credit checks.
Getting Around
Because many Temple residents are employed by the city’s medical centers, the commute around town can be a bit of a hassle during rush hours. New road construction and enlargement of the major highways has eased a bit of congestion, but allow a bit of extra time for your commute, particularly when heading towards the Scott and White or VA hospitals.
Temple bus service is provided by HOP (not to be confused with IHOP, which can also be responsible for rapid movement), which has several fixed route and paratransit bus lines throughout the city and into neighboring Killeen and Fort Hood. These buses are only operated on weekdays, so make alternate plans for getting around during the weekend.
So, welcome to Temple! Enjoy the wildflowers, the world-class medical facilities, and all that this big small town has to offer!
