Where BSW Doctors & Nurses Actually Live in Temple, TX
8,884 employees. 31 residency programs. $245K median home price. This is the most comprehensive BSW relocation guide online — built with hard data no competitor has, by an agent who’s closed 100+ transactions in this market.
Is Temple TX a good place to relocate for Baylor Scott & White?
Yes — and the numbers prove it. BSW Temple employs 8,884 people, making it the #1 employer in Bell County by a 2.5x margin over the next-largest employer. The median home price is ~$245,000 — less than half of Austin’s $525,000 and a fraction of coastal markets. Texas has zero state income tax, meaning a physician earning $250K here keeps $20,000–$47,500 more per year than in California. Physician mortgage loans offer 0% down with no PMI through local lenders like Extraco Bank, and most Temple neighborhoods are 5–15 minutes from the hospital.
- 8,884 employees — #1 employer in Bell County
- 636–640 licensed beds, 616 staffed, 800+ physicians
- Only Level I Trauma Center between Dallas and Austin
- 31 accredited residency and fellowship programs
- PGY-1 salary: $70,993 with zero-cost medical coverage
- Median home price: ~$245,000 (Q1 2026)
- 0% state income tax — saves $20K–$47K/yr vs. California
- Physician loans: 0% down, no PMI (Extraco Bank)
How Big Is Baylor Scott & White in Temple?
BSW Temple employs 8,884 people, making it the #1 employer in Bell County by a wide margin. The next-closest employer — the VA Medical Center — has 3,500. No other single institution comes close.
Founded in 1897 as the Temple Sanitarium, BSW Temple has evolved into a premier tertiary referral center with 636–640 licensed beds, 616 staffed beds, 800+ physicians and scientists, and 34,259 annual discharges. It is the only Level I Trauma Center between Dallas and Austin — a designation verified active through September 2026.
| Rank | Employer | Industry | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baylor Scott & White Health | Healthcare | 8,884 |
| 2 | Central TX Veterans Healthcare | Healthcare | 3,500 |
| 3 | Belton ISD | Education | 2,151 |
| 4 | McLane Company | Distribution | 1,700 |
| 5 | H-E-B Distribution | Retail | 1,700 |
| 6 | BNSF Railway | Transportation | 1,500 |
| 7 | Bell County Government | Government | 1,214 |
Recent Campus Expansions (2025–2026)
45-Bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
725 Marlandwood Rd — joint venture with Select Medical. Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord, stroke recovery. Creates micro-demand for physiatrists and rehab nurses near the Marlandwood corridor.
Executive Health & Wellness Clinic Expansion
Doubling square footage. More exam rooms, larger patient lounge, dedicated space for wellness initiatives. 24/7 concierge-style medical access driving high patient demand.
Geode Health Mental Health Partnership
Statewide partnership for outpatient mental healthcare — blending in-person and virtual psychiatry and psychotherapy services across the BSW network.
Baylor College of Medicine Campus
“One School, Two Campuses” model adding 40 medical students per year to Temple. Permanent addition guaranteeing sustained demand for long-term rentals near the hospital.
When Do New Residents Arrive — and How Fast Do They Need Housing?
Match Day 2026 is March 20. Residents arrive late May to mid-June. That’s a 90-day window. BSW Temple operates 31 accredited residency and fellowship programs — one of the most extensive GME pipelines in Texas. Every June, a massive synchronized influx of physicians and nurses hits the Bell County housing market.
All 31 Accredited Programs
Residency Programs
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Medicine
- General Surgery
- Internal Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- OB/GYN
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine & Rehab
- Plastic Surgery
- Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Radiation Physics
- Urology
Fellowship Programs
- Adult Reconstruction
- Breast & Gyn Pathology
- Breast Imaging
- Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Cytopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Endocrine Surgery
- Endocrinology
- Female Pelvic Med & Reconstructive Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology & Medical Oncology
- Hematopathology
- Hospice & Palliative Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Interventional Cardiology
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
- Nephrology
- Neurophysiology
- Pain Management
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Annual Cohort Sizes — The Largest Programs
| Program | New Residents/Year | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | 37 | 24 categorical + 13 preliminary |
| General Surgery | 12 | 10 categorical + 2 preliminary |
| Diagnostic Radiology | 7 | 4-year program |
| Family Medicine | 6 | 3-year program |
| OB/GYN | 5 | 4-year program |
| Interventional Radiology | 1 | 1–2 year program |
Can You Buy a Home on a Resident Salary in Temple?
Yes. PGY-1 earns $70,993/year — and with physician mortgage loans offering 0% down and no PMI, residents here buy homes that would be completely out of reach in coastal markets.
Unlike residents in San Francisco paying $3,500/month for a studio, Temple residents can purchase a 3-bedroom home for under $1,400/month with a physician loan. BSW residents also get zero-cost medical coverage (SEQA/EQA plans) — no premium deductions, freeing up cash flow for housing.
2025–2026 BSW Resident Stipend Progression
| Year | Annual Salary | Monthly (Pre-Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| PGY-1 (Intern) | $70,993 | $5,916 |
| PGY-2 | $73,123 | $6,094 |
| PGY-3 | $75,500 | $6,292 |
| PGY-4 | $78,142 | $6,512 |
| PGY-7 (Fellow) | $87,687 | $7,307 |
| PGY-8 (Fellow) | $91,414 | $7,618 |
Physician Mortgage — How It Works
Extraco Bank (Local Lender)
0% down, no PMI. Employment contract accepted as income. Student debt excluded from DTI. Can close in 21 days. The go-to physician lender for BSW employees in Temple.
Key Benefits
$245K home × 0% down = $0 out of pocket. Combined with zero-cost BSW medical coverage and no state income tax, a PGY-1 resident has more buying power in Temple than a PGY-4 in Boston.
What’s the Cost of Living Like for BSW Employees Moving to Temple?
Temple’s cost of living is 16.3% below the national average. Combined with zero state income tax, a physician relocating from California, New York, or Massachusetts experiences a staggering financial arbitrage — effectively receiving a five- to six-figure “phantom raise” just by changing zip codes.
How Does Temple’s Median Home Price Compare?
| City / Region | 2026 Median Home Price | vs. Temple |
|---|---|---|
| Temple, TX | ~$245,000 | — |
| Houston, TX | ~$335,000 | +37% |
| Dallas, TX | ~$415,000 | +69% |
| Chicago, IL | ~$340,000 | +39% |
| Austin, TX | ~$525,000 | +114% |
| Boston, MA | ~$685,000 | +180% |
| New York City | ~$780,000 | +218% |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$970,000 | +296% |
| San Francisco, CA | ~$1,300,000 | +431% |
State Income Tax Savings: California → Texas
Texas levies 0.00% state income tax. For physicians relocating from states like California (up to 13.3%) or New York (state + city taxes), the savings are immediate and massive:
But What About Property Taxes?
Fair question. Texas property tax rates are higher (Bell County effective rate: ~1.68%). But the math still overwhelmingly favors Temple:
vs. $6,457
What Do BSW Physicians and Nurses Actually Earn in Temple?
Physician compensation in Temple ranges from $193,000 for general internal medicine to $341,600+ for high-volume orthopedic surgeons. When combined with zero state income tax and $245K median home prices, the effective purchasing power exceeds most major metros.
Attending Physician Salaries by Specialty
| Specialty | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine | $244,200–$249,580 | Hospitalist roles avg ~$205,275 |
| Internal Medicine | ~$193,380 | General internist baseline |
| Emergency Medicine | $301,800+ | Independent contractor model |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $309,100 | 75th percentile: $341,600+ |
| Cardiology (Non-Invasive) | $193,000–$256,390 | General cardiologist |
| Cardiology (Interventional) | $323,034+ | Private practice: $600K–$1M+ |
Registered Nurse & Travel Nurse Compensation
| Role | Compensation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| RN (Staff) | $77,350–$85,000/yr | Senior/specialized: up to $96,300 |
| Travel Nurse (Avg) | $2,441/week | ~$126,932 annualized |
| Travel Nurse (CVOR/Cath Lab) | $3,071–$3,448/week | ~$160K–$179K annualized |
Signing Bonuses & Loan Repayment Programs
Signing bonuses: $10,000–$125,000 depending on specialty scarcity. Typically structured with 1–2 year forgiveness amortization.
Texas PELRP
Up to $180,000 over 4 years: $30K year 1, $40K year 2, $50K year 3, $60K year 4. Available to physicians serving in designated areas.
NHSC Loan Repayment
Up to $80,000 for full-time primary care physicians in designated shortage areas. +$5,000 bonus for verified Spanish-language proficiency.
What About the VA Medical Center?
The Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center employs 3,500 people and sits less than 2 miles from BSW — same neighborhoods work for both.
Serving more than 250,000 veterans across 39 Texas counties, the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is the 4th largest VA system in the United States. The Temple facility maintains 125 affiliation agreements, training 1,500+ health trainees annually across nursing, physician assistants, psychology, and social work programs.
The negligible commute between the VA campus (1901 Veterans Memorial Drive) and BSW (2401 S 31st St) means real estate agents can market the same central Temple neighborhoods — Canyon Creek, the Historic District, West Adams corridor — to employees of both institutions interchangeably.
What Relocation Help Does BSW Provide?
BSW offers a corporate relocation program with temporary housing, apartment referrals, lease cancellation negotiation, and utility setup. Attending physicians receive cash stipends of $4,000–$14,000 depending on role and family status.
| Benefit | Attending Physicians | Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation Cash Stipend | $4,000–$7,000 (individual) $8,000–$14,000 (family) | Confirm with GME office |
| Medical Coverage | Standard BSW plans | Zero-cost (SEQA/EQA) |
| Temporary Housing Help | Yes | Yes (via relocation partner) |
| Moving Services | Yes | Contact GME office |
Important for residents: Residency contracts often differ from standard employment agreements. Confirm your specific eligibility with the GME office before assuming relocation benefits apply.
GME Contact
Marguerite “Peggy” Peters, MEd — Director, Graduate Medical Education
Phone: 254-724-4505
Email: [email protected]
What Are the Best Neighborhoods Near Baylor Scott & White Temple?
I’ve broken the market into three commute zones based on drive time to BSW’s main campus at 2401 S 31st St. Every neighborhood below has been driven, filmed, and analyzed — not pulled from a database. Watch the full video tour below, then dive into the details.
One of my favorite listings near BSW — under 10 minutes from the hospital.
Zone 1: The Medical Core (5–10 Minute Commute)
Canyon Creek
Mature subdivision, 1990s–2000s construction with established trees. Budget for updates — HVAC, kitchen, and bathrooms may need refreshing. Multiple sub-neighborhoods from Cimarron ($140K) to the Cliffs ($500K+).
Bella Terra
Master-planned, newer construction, turn-key ready. Community pool has become a social hub for medical families. Carothers-built homes with modern floor plans.
Hospital District & Surrounding
Deerfield Estates (2,300+ sq ft, $400K–$500K), Butterfly Meadows (custom homes, mature trees), Stratford Place (million-dollar homes at the top of Canyon Creek). Western Hills: 1960s–1980s homes, $150K–$250K, 5–7 min commute. Note: some Western Hills homes have known foundation concerns — get an independent structural inspection.
Apartment Living: If you’re not ready to buy — Villas on the Hill, The Retreat, and several complexes near the hospital offer short-term leases for residents and travel nurses.
Zone 2: The Executive Belt (10–15 Minute Commute)
Lakewood Ranch / West Temple
Half-acre typical, pools and 3-car garages common. Zoned for Belton ISD despite Temple address. Where senior medical staff and administration live.
Sage Meadows
Smart entry-level pick for nurses and early-career staff who want Belton ISD without the $400K+ price tag. 1,400–2,100 sq ft homes on .15–.33 acre lots.
Lake Pointe
Newer construction community with strong Belton ISD zoning. Growing area with quick access via West Temple corridor. Solid pick for families wanting modern builds without the $500K+ price tag. 14-minute commute verified on camera.
New construction in the West Temple corridor — Belton ISD zoning, 10–15 min to BSW.
Zone 3: The Lakeside Retreat (15–20+ Minute Commute)
Morgan’s Point Resort
Vacation-like atmosphere, deer roaming, varied topography. The drive is darker and windier at night. Heads up: Morgan’s Point has almost no deed restrictions. You’ll see new homes next to manufactured homes.
Luxury & Gated Options
River Place (Belton): Estate lots along Leon River, $750,000+. Terra Cotta / Cliffs of Canyon Creek: Gated/semi-private, $500,000–$800,000, under 10-min commute.
BSW Temple Commute Zone Quick Reference
| Commute | Neighborhoods | Price Range | ISD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 min | Canyon Creek, Bella Terra, Deerfield, Butterfly Meadows, Western Hills | $150K–$500K | Temple ISD | Residents, fellows, nurses prioritizing proximity |
| 10–15 min | Lakewood Ranch, Sage Meadows, Lake Pointe, West Temple, Dawson Ranch | $215K–$700K+ | Belton ISD | Attending physicians with families wanting A-rated schools |
| 15–20 min | Morgan’s Point Resort, River Place, Highland Estates | $250K–$800K+ | Belton ISD | Lifestyle buyers wanting lake access or estate lots |
What Does the BSW Relocation Timeline Look Like?
Match Day is March 20, 2026. Orientation starts mid-June. You have 90 days. Here’s how to use every one of them.
Start your physician mortgage pre-approval before you visit Temple. The market moves fast in the $250K–$400K range. Extraco Bank can close in 21 days with just your employment contract.
If you want proximity + newer construction, Bella Terra is hard to beat. If schools matter most, West Temple / Lakewood Ranch puts you in Belton ISD without the commute penalty. If you want the best bang for your buck, Canyon Creek still delivers — just budget for cosmetic updates. For new construction on a budget, check Prairie Ridge and Hartrick Ranch.
Here’s what most agents won’t tell you: Temple’s market isn’t competitive like Austin or Dallas. You have negotiating power. Right now, you can get closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and appliance upgrades just by asking on homes sitting 30+ days. Use that leverage.
One more thing: Don’t buy in Killeen to save $30K. Three different BSW nurses tried that — all three moved to Temple within 18 months. Twelve-hour shifts plus a 35-minute commute eats you alive. The $30K you “saved” disappears in gas, time, and the cost of selling and rebuying.
What Do BSW Employees Ask Most About Relocating to Temple?
March 20, 2026. Results are released at 12:00 p.m. ET. Residents physically arrive in Temple between late May and mid-June for orientation. That’s a 90-day window between finding out where you’re going and needing to be moved in. Start your home search within the first week of matching.
Yes. PGY-1 salary is $70,993. With physician mortgage loans offering 0% down and no PMI through Extraco Bank, plus Temple’s $245K median home price, homeownership is very doable. BSW residents also receive zero-cost medical coverage (SEQA/EQA plans), freeing up cash flow. A $245K home at today’s rates runs roughly $1,400/month — well within reach on a $71K salary with no healthcare premiums.
Canyon Creek: 5–7 min. Western Hills: 5–7 min. Bella Terra: 5–8 min. Lakewood Ranch: 10–12 min. Lake Pointe: 14 min (verified on camera). Dawson Ranch: 15 min. Morgan’s Point Resort: 15–20 min. There is virtually no traffic in Temple compared to larger Texas cities.
BSW Temple is the only Level I Trauma Center between Dallas and Austin, with active verification through September 2026. The General Surgery residency accepts 12 residents per year (10 categorical + 2 preliminary). The trauma volume and complexity at this facility is exceptional for a program its size.
Temple ISD for closest commute to BSW. Belton ISD for highest-rated schools (consistent A-ratings, newer facilities). Critical nuance: some Temple-address neighborhoods are zoned Belton ISD (like Lakewood Ranch, Lake Pointe, and Sage Meadows). Always verify school district zoning with Bell County Appraisal District before buying — city limits don’t match district boundaries.
0% down, no PMI, student debt excluded from DTI, employment contract accepted as income. Extraco Bank is the primary local lender in Temple. They specialize in BSW physician loans and can close in 21 days. Other options: First Lonestar Bank, Regions Bank, and Truist. You do NOT need current pay stubs — your signed employment contract is sufficient for pre-approval.
Temple median home: ~$245K. Austin median: ~$525K. Temple’s overall cost of living is 16.3% below the national average. Combined with zero state income tax, a physician earning $250K in Temple has the purchasing power equivalent of $400K+ in Austin. A California physician moving to Temple saves $20,000–$47,500/year in state income tax alone.
Yes. AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen (232 beds) and Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights serve the western corridor. AdventHealth sometimes offers higher base nursing pay to offset the Killeen location. However, BSW dominates physician employment with 8,884 employees and 800+ physicians on campus. The competition is healthy — it keeps BSW salaries competitive.
Yes. BSW partners with a dedicated relocation team providing temporary housing, apartment referrals, lease cancellation negotiation, and utility setup. Attending physicians receive cash stipends of $4,000–$14,000 depending on role and family status. Residents should confirm specific eligibility with the GME office — residency contracts differ from standard employment agreements. All residents DO get zero-cost medical coverage.
Yes — unlike Houston’s Texas Medical Center where parking can cost $200+/month. Physician lots fill up after 8 AM, but complimentary valet is available at Brindley Circles and Grobowsky Surgical Center entrances during business hours. This is a minor but real quality-of-life win over urban medical centers.
Approximately 60 miles north, typically a 1-hour drive via I-35. Many BSW staff live in Temple and visit Austin on weekends for concerts, dining, and entertainment. The I-35 widening project may add 15–20 minutes during peak construction periods through mid-to-late 2020s.
The West Temple / Lakewood Ranch area offers the best balance: 10–12 minute commute, executive homes ($450K–$700K), and Belton ISD school zoning with newer facilities. It’s where most senior medical staff and administration live. For a lower price point with the same Belton ISD zoning, look at Lake Pointe ($280K–$380K).
Planning Your Move to Temple?
Whether you matched into a BSW residency, accepted an attending position, or are exploring travel nursing assignments — I help you find the right home on your timeline. I’m an active investor with 100+ transactions in this market. I know the neighborhoods, the commute times, and the numbers.
Video walkthroughs • School district verification • Physician mortgage lender introductions • Honest advice — including which areas to avoid
Closing day with Sedric & Kim — Stylecraft new build, Temple TX