Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas employs over 8,800 people and is the 11th largest hospital in the state. If you just accepted a position at BSW and you're house hunting from out of state, this guide breaks down every neighborhood near the hospital by commute time, price range, school district, and the honest trade-offs nobody else tells you.

I'm Taylor Dasch, a Realtor with EG Realty and an active real estate investor in Temple. I help BSW employees relocate to Central Texas every month — and I also invest my own money in this market. I know it from both your perspective and from the numbers side. I was a paramedic in Gatesville before getting into real estate, so I've been driving to BSW from every direction for years.

This guide is organized into three commute zones so you can match your neighborhood to your schedule. If you're a nurse doing 12-hour shifts, Zone 1 matters. If you're a department head with school-age kids, Zone 2 is probably your sweet spot. If you're a surgeon who prioritizes lifestyle over commute, Zone 3 has what you're looking for.

📺 Watch the full video walkthrough: Relocating to Temple TX for Baylor Scott & White? Watch This First.

How Big Is Baylor Scott & White Temple and Why Does It Drive the Housing Market?

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple has over 8,800 employees, a Level I Trauma Center designation, and operates as the primary teaching hospital for Texas A&M Health Science Center. It is one of only a handful of Level I trauma facilities in Central Texas — when I was a paramedic in Gatesville, we had to come to BSW Temple every single time because there are no other Level I trauma centers close to this area.

BSW is the largest employer in Temple and the main economic driver for the city. They completed a new 45-bed rehabilitation center in January 2026, and the campus continues to expand. The VA Medical Center (Olin E. Teague) is also located nearby, adding another layer of healthcare employment.

What this means for your home search: Your commute to BSW determines which neighborhoods make sense. Temple is not a big city — the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 3 is only about 15 minutes — but that daily commute adds up on 12-hour shift schedules. Every neighborhood below includes the drive time to the main BSW campus at 2401 S. 31st Street.

Zone 1: Neighborhoods Within 5-10 Minutes of Baylor Scott & White

These neighborhoods are closest to the hospital — ideal for nurses doing shift work, residents, and anyone who prioritizes a short commute over lot size or school district.

Canyon Creek (5-7 Minute Commute)

Canyon Creek is my top recommendation for BSW employees relocating to Temple. It offers homes at every price point in a single neighborhood, which is rare in this market.

Price ranges by section:

• Cimarron: $140,000–$175,000 — smaller homes, great entry point for first-time buyers or single nurses
• Mid Canyon Creek: $225,000–$275,000 — 1990s builds, 1,200–1,800 sqft, the sweet spot for most BSW employees
• Cliffs at Canyon Creek: $400,000–$500,000 — custom homes, 2,200+ sqft, nicer finishes
• Strata for Places: $1,000,000+ — luxury custom builds at the top

Canyon Creek is Temple ISD with mature trees, parks, and an established family feel. This is the closest neighborhood to BSW where you can get a modern brick-on-slab home. The HOA runs $30–$45/month through Spectrum AM. Long-term rentals are allowed but short-term rentals require a Special Use Permit from the city.

Hospital District — South Odd-Numbered Streets (3-4 Minute Commute)

The absolute closest neighborhood to BSW is the hospital district — the south odd-numbered streets area. You are literally 3-4 minutes from the hospital door. If you're a nurse doing shift work, this location eliminates commute stress entirely.

The caveat: These are 1950s-1960s builds, pier and beam construction. You absolutely need an inspection before purchasing. That said, many homes have been renovated and updated.

Price points:

• 2-bed/1-bath turnkey remodeled: $140,000–$160,000
• 3-bed/2-bath: $175,000–$185,000

There is no HOA, no rental restrictions, and no deed restrictions in this area. This is the most affordable neighborhood near BSW and one of the best entry points for first-time home buyers who want to keep their monthly payment under $1,500.

Bella Terra (5-8 Minute Commute)

Bella Terra is a master-planned community with newer construction — probably the most expensive neighborhood in Zone 1. Carothers builds the homes here with modern floor plans and solid finishes.

Price range: $300,000–$350,000 HOA: $40–$50/month (Colby Property Management) — includes basketball court, park area, and community amenities School district: Temple ISD

My theory is Bella Terra will appreciate well because commercial development is going in around it. There's an HEB nearby, restaurants opening, and it's still just 5-8 minutes from BSW.

Other Zone 1 Neighborhoods

• Legacy Ranch: $450,000–$700,000 — higher-end, master-planned, HOA ~$46/month
• Butterfly Meadows: Custom homes, slightly cheaper than Legacy Ranch, large windows and mature trees, HOA ~$11/month
• Deerfield Estates: Luxury homes with character, 2,300+ sqft in the $400,000–$500,000 range, HOA ~$25/month (Spectrum AM)

Zone 2: Where BSW Families With Kids Live (10-20 Minutes)

When you move 10-20 minutes from the hospital, you open yourself up to Belton ISD — the top-rated school district in the area. Zone 2 is where resident physicians, department heads, and families who prioritize education tend to look.

Sage Meadows / South Belton (10-15 Minute Commute)

Sage Meadows is affordable on most hospital salaries and sits in Belton ISD. If you're a nurse or early-career professional, this is where your dollar stretches the furthest in a good school district.

Price range: $220,000–$280,000 for a 1,600 sqft updated home HOA: $16/month (Sage Meadows HOA) School district: Belton ISD STR note: City of Belton enforces a 500-foot spacing rule between short-term rental properties

South Belton in general offers affordable options with no HOA in some pockets, making it a solid entry point for families.

West Temple / West Adams Corridor (12-15 Minute Commute)

This is the big one. West Adams is primarily new construction with bigger homes, larger lots, and Belton ISD schools. This is the school zone to be in if you have a family.

Price range: $200,000–$600,000 depending on size and finishes School district: Belton ISD What's nearby: Chipotle, Fuzzy's Tacos, Fontana La Riva Italian — commercial development is booming in this corridor

This is one of my top recommendations for BSW employees moving to Temple who have a family and want newer construction in Belton ISD without spending executive-level money. Hills of Westwood ($21/month HOA, Colby Property Management) and Mesa Ridge ($21/month HOA, Accent Real Estate) are both in this corridor and particularly investor-friendly if you're considering the property as both a home now and a rental later.

Zone 3: Where the High Earners and Lake Lovers Live (20+ Minutes)

Zone 3 is 20+ minutes from the hospital. This is for surgeons, specialists, and anyone who prioritizes lifestyle over commute time.

Highland Estates & Dawson Ranch (15-20 Minute Commute)

This is where people who prioritize lifestyle go. Homes are more expensive with nice lots, mature trees, and newer builds. Close proximity to Belton Lake.

Price range: $350,000–$550,000 Highland Estates HOA: $14–$20/month — very low friction, must furnish lease copy within 5 days Dawson Ranch HOA: $15/month (Accent Real Estate) — tenant notification required

If I could buy one of these homes, I probably would — I love the trees in Highland Estates. These are unique homes with open floor plans and quality finishes that you don't find in the cookie-cutter new builds.

Morgan's Point Resort (20+ Minute Commute)

Right on Belton Lake. Homes at every price range — from condos at $160,000 with lake views (but $300/month HOA) all the way up to lakefront homes approaching $800,000+.

Important warning: Morgan's Point has almost no deed restrictions on older lots. You'll see a brand new beautiful house, and three houses down there's a manufactured home with stuff in the front yard. If you're sensitive to neighborhood consistency, this may not be the right place. The city does require a Special Use Permit for short-term rentals.

If you have a set BSW schedule, the lake lifestyle can be great. If your schedule is sporadic with frequent call-backs, the 20+ minute commute adds up quickly.

Temple ISD vs Belton ISD: Which School District for BSW Families?

The most common question I get from relocating BSW employees with kids is about school districts. Here's the straightforward answer:

Belton ISD is the higher-rated district and the default recommendation for families. To access Belton ISD, look at Zone 2 — specifically West Adams corridor, Sage Meadows, and South Belton. Belton ISD consistently ranks among the top districts in the region with strong elementary and middle school programs.

Temple ISD serves Canyon Creek, Hospital District, Bella Terra, and most of Zone 1. Temple ISD is a solid district with good programs — it's not a negative, but Belton ISD gets more attention from relocating families. If you're a single professional or don't have school-age children, Temple ISD neighborhoods in Zone 1 offer shorter commutes and often better value per square foot.

Physician Mortgage Loans and BSW Contract Financing

If you're a physician, resident, or advanced practice provider relocating to BSW, you likely qualify for a physician mortgage loan. These loans offer significant advantages for medical professionals:

• No PMI even with less than 20% down
• Higher debt-to-income ratio allowances (student loans are treated differently)
• Available for MDs, DOs, DMDs, DDSs, and some APPs depending on the lender

I connect BSW relocators with physician mortgage lenders who understand medical contracts and Temple's market. Not every lender offers these products, and the terms vary — so having a local connection matters.

Cost of Living: Temple vs. Austin vs. Houston vs. Dallas

If you're coming from a major Texas metro or out of state, here's what your housing dollar buys in Temple compared to other markets:

• Temple median home price: $255,000–$285,000
• Austin median home price: $525,000+
• Houston median home price: $340,000+
• Dallas median home price: $380,000+

Your dollar goes roughly twice as far in Temple as it does in Austin. A 3-bed/2-bath home that costs $500,000 in Round Rock costs $260,000 in West Temple with the same square footage, newer construction, and a bigger lot. Texas has no state income tax, which is an additional advantage for relocators from states like California, New York, or Illinois.

Neighborhood Comparison Quick Reference

What Resources Are Available for BSW Employees Moving to Temple?

I'm the only Realtor in Temple who has published a full neighborhood guide specifically for Baylor Scott & White employees — with commute maps, price ranges, school district breakdowns, HOA restrictions, and physician mortgage lender connections all in one place.

What I offer BSW relocators:

• Video walkthroughs of properties and neighborhoods (even if you're out of state)
• School district verification for every address
• Connections to physician mortgage lenders who understand BSW contracts
• Honest advice on which areas to avoid — and why
• Free HOA & Rental Restrictions Database for every neighborhood

Whether you're buying from out of state or visiting in person, I do video tours for my clients. You can come up and see homes in person, or I can make sure the house is ready for you before you arrive.

📞 Call or text: (254) 718-4249 📧 Email: [email protected] 🏠 Full BSW Relocation Guide: templetxhomes.net/baylor-scott-white-relocation/ 📊 Run your own numbers: Free Deal Analyzer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest neighborhood to Baylor Scott & White Temple?

The hospital district (south odd-numbered streets) is 3-4 minutes from BSW, but these are 1950s-60s pier and beam homes starting at $140,000. Canyon Creek is the closest neighborhood with modern brick slab homes at 5-7 minutes, with prices ranging from $140,000 in Cimarron to $500,000+ in the Cliffs.

Which school district should BSW families choose?

Belton ISD is the top-rated district in the Temple-Belton area. To access Belton ISD, look at West Temple (Zone 2) — specifically the West Adams corridor and Sage Meadows. If school district is your top priority, Zone 2 is where you should focus your home search.

Can I buy a home in Temple from out of state?

Yes — I help out-of-state BSW employees buy homes regularly. I provide FaceTime and video walkthroughs, handle inspections, verify school districts, and connect you with physician mortgage lenders who understand BSW contracts. Many BSW relocators purchase before their start date and I manage the process remotely.

What are the commute times from each zone to BSW Temple?

Zone 1 neighborhoods (Canyon Creek, Hospital District, Bella Terra) are 3-10 minutes from BSW. Zone 2 neighborhoods (West Temple, South Belton, Sage Meadows) are 10-20 minutes. Zone 3 neighborhoods (Highland Estates, Dawson Ranch, Morgan's Point Resort) are 15-25+ minutes. All commute times reflect normal traffic — Temple does not have significant rush hour congestion.

How much do homes cost near Baylor Scott & White Temple TX?

Home prices near BSW range from $140,000 in the hospital district to $800,000+ for lakefront properties in Morgan's Point Resort. The most common price range for BSW employees is $220,000-$350,000, which covers updated homes in Canyon Creek (Zone 1), Sage Meadows, and West Adams (Zone 2). Temple's median home price of $255,000-$285,000 is roughly half of Austin's median.

Does Taylor Dasch help BSW employees with relocation?

Yes. Taylor Dasch is a Realtor with EG Realty in Temple, TX who specializes in BSW Medical Center relocations. He provides neighborhood tours by commute zone, connects relocators with physician mortgage lenders, verifies school districts, and offers video walkthroughs for out-of-state buyers. He is also an active real estate investor in Temple with experience in flips, BRRRR, and rental properties. Contact him at (254) 718-4249 or [email protected].