Are you wondering what it’s like to live in Temple, Texas? In this episode of The Perfect Balance, I’m going to share my insider tips when visiting Temple. We’ll explore everything from the history to the cost of living so you know exactly what to expect.
Welcome To Temple
Temple is located just 67 miles north of Austin and 36 miles south of Waco. Your first stop should be to stop in at Buc-ee’s at Exit 304. You’ll enjoy getting lost in this massive convenience store that has a little bit of everything.
Keep in mind that very soon you’ll be hearing more about the city of Temple. This is because Meta, the parent company of Facebook, will open a data center here. The 800 million hyperscale data center will be 900,000 square feet. It will be located on 393 acres off NW H K Dodgen Loop and Industrial Blvd.
A Historic Town
The city of Temple has a rich history. In 1881, Temple was founded as a railroad town attracting a diverse population from all around. After being incorporated in 1882, the town was named “Temple” after the Santa Fe Railroad official, Bernard Moore Temple.
As railroad workers increased, post offices and railroad shops were established in the area. This development created an opportunity for economic growth, therefore bringing folks to Temple. Given Temple’s close relationship with the railroad, one of the best ways to know the city is by exploring the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.
The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
In the museum, you’ll browse exhibits outlining Temple’s history. Housed within the original Santa Fe Depot building constructed in 1911, these exhibits cover a range of topics. This includes the types of locomotives that were used in lines that passed through town and what life was like as a railroad worker.
Step outside and you’ll see several historic trains standing outside the depot that you can climb aboard. Exploring each train is one of the many experiences at the museum that offers a look at a bygone era of American transportation and Temple’s storied past.
Location And Healthcare Options
Temple is known for being close to two major cities. It’s less than an hour away from Austin and two hours away from DFW. Simply hop on IH-35 and enjoy smooth sailing to your favorite big city’s job opportunities.
Temple has continued to experience economic prosperity on account of being a healthcare industry hub. It has a Regional Medical Center with three major hospitals. There’s the Baylor Scott & White Center, the Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Center, and Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center.
Baylor Scott & White is the largest employer in town, with approximately 11,000 employees.
Demographics
You may be wondering how big Temple, Texas actually is. Temple is home to approximately 84,700 folks, according to the city. It’s also the 48th largest city in Texas. It has a pretty significantly different population than major cities like Austin, Texas, Dallas, and Fort Worth. In Temple, you get that intimate, small-town feel.
Temple also offers a low cost of living. This includes affordable housing, as average home prices start at $200,000s.
Make Temple Your Home
For those of you wondering if Temple is a good place to move to, I hope I answered some of your questions. With a comfortable safety rating, prime location to two major cities, and a more intimate population, Temple is an amazing place to settle down.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to connect. You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of The Perfect Balance, where we talk about living, working, eating, and playing in this weird city of Austin, Texas. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!