Relocating to Temple, TX for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: The Complete Guide (2026)

Moving to Temple, Texas to work at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center? This guide covers everything physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals need to know—from the best neighborhoods by commute time to physician mortgage options, school districts, and the insider tips that only locals know.

I'm Taylor Dasch, a real estate agent and investor in Temple, TX. I work with BSW employees relocating to Central Texas every month. This isn't the generic "Temple is great!" fluff you'll find elsewhere. This is the real data, the actual neighborhoods, and the honest trade-offs.

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Why Do Medical Professionals Choose Baylor Scott & White Temple?

BSW Temple isn't just another regional hospital—it's the flagship academic medical center for the Baylor Scott & White system and the primary teaching hospital for Texas A&M College of Medicine.

Here's what that means for your career:

• 640-bed facility with Level I Trauma Center designation (one of only ~20 in Texas)
• Ranked #7 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report (2025)
• High-acuity cases typically reserved for major urban centers—you'll see pathology here that community hospitals transfer out
• Academic environment with resident supervision opportunities
• High Performing ratings in Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Pulmonology

The clinical exposure rivals Houston's Texas Medical Center or UT Southwestern—but with an 8-minute commute instead of 45.

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What's the Cost of Living Like for BSW Employees?

This is where Temple gets interesting. The median home price in Temple is $250,000-$300,000. In Austin (60 miles south), you're looking at $500,000-$600,000+ for the same house.

The math is simple: A physician salary of $250,000 in Temple provides the lifestyle equivalent of $400,000+ in Austin or Dallas.

Property Taxes

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes run 2.2% to 2.5% in Bell County. Here's the real impact:

That's $10,000/year back in your pocket—before you factor in the lower mortgage payment.

What Do BSW Employees Actually Earn?

• Physicians (Primary Care): $200,000 - $260,000 base
• Specialists: Significantly higher, varies by specialty
• Registered Nurses: ~$71,460 average (Killeen-Temple area)

The nursing salary is lower than Houston (~$81k), but the housing cost difference more than makes up for it. Nurses here can actually afford to buy homes.

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Best Neighborhoods Near Baylor Scott & White Temple (By Commute Time)

The hospital sits at 2401 South 31st Street in south Temple. Your neighborhood choice comes down to one question: How fast do you need to get to the OR when you're on call? For a more detailed guide - search HERE!

I break it into three zones:

Zone 1: The Medical Core (5-10 Minute Commute)

These neighborhoods are packed with residents, fellows, and nurses who prioritize proximity over acreage.

Canyon Creek

• Commute: 5-8 minutes via back roads (avoids I-35)
• Price Range: Mid-$200s to low-$300s
• Vibe: Mature subdivision, 1990s-2000s construction, established trees
• Heads up: Budget for updates—HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms may need refreshing

Bella Terra

• Commute: 5-7 minutes straight down 31st Street
• Price Range: $300,000 - $450,000
• Vibe: Master-planned, newer construction, turn-key ready
• Bonus: Community pool that's become a social hub for medical families

Apartment Living (T-Med District)

• Options: Villas on the Hill, The Retreat
• Best for: Residents, travel nurses, anyone not ready to buy
• Note: Many offer short-term leases that align with rotation schedules

Zone 2: The Executive Belt (10-15 Minute Commute)

This is where attending physicians with families land. Bigger lots, nicer finishes, and critically—Belton ISD zoning.

Lakewood Ranch / West Temple

• Commute: 10-12 minutes via West Adams or FM 2305
• Price Range: $450,000 - $700,000+
• Lot Size: Half-acre typical, pools and 3-car garages common
• School District: Many homes here are zoned for Belton ISD (specifically Lake Belton High School) despite having a Temple address
• Who lives here: Senior medical staff, hospital administration

Zone 3: The Lakeside Retreat (15-20+ Minute Commute)

If you're willing to trade commute time for lifestyle, the lake communities deliver.

Morgan's Point Resort

• Commute: 15-20 minutes via FM 2483 to Loop 363
• Price Range: $250,000 (1970s renovations) to $800,000+ (lakefront)
• Vibe: Vacation-like atmosphere, deer roaming, varied topography
• Trade-off: The drive is darker and windier at night. Surgeons with frequent night calls may find this problematic.
• Best for: Those who prioritize lake access, boating, and nature over proximity

Luxury & Gated Options

For high-earning specialists (neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists):

• River Place (Belton): Estate lots along the Leon River, $750,000+
• Terra Cotta / Cliffs of Canyon Creek: Gated or semi-private, $500,000-$800,000, under 10-minute commute

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What Are Physician Mortgage Loans and Who Offers Them in Temple?

Standard mortgages penalize physicians for high student debt-to-income ratios. Physician loans solve this.

How Physician Loans Work

• Zero to 5% down payment (vs. 20% conventional)
• No PMI even with less than 20% equity—saves hundreds per month
• Student loans excluded from DTI calculations (or calculated at income-driven repayment amount)
• Future income underwriting: Close 60-90 days before your start date

Local Lenders with Physician Loan Programs

Pro tip: Local lenders like Extraco often close faster because they understand BSW employment contracts. National banks may get hung up on details that local underwriters already know.

VA Loans for Transitioning Military Medical Professionals

If you're coming from Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) to a civilian role at BSW, compare your VA loan options against physician loans. VA offers 0% down but has funding fees. Run the numbers both ways.

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Temple ISD vs. Belton ISD: Which School District Is Better?

This is the most common mistake relocating families make: Assuming a Temple mailing address means Temple schools.

The district boundaries don't follow city limits. Many of the best neighborhoods in "Temple" are actually zoned for Belton ISD.

Belton ISD

• Rating: A-rated, consistently top-tier
• Flagship: Lake Belton High School (opened 2020, state-of-the-art)
• Culture: Strong athletics, college prep focus
• Why medical families choose it: Newer facilities, competitive academics, cohesive community

Temple ISD

• Rating: Mixed overall, but pockets of excellence
• Standout Programs: International Baccalaureate (IB) at Temple High School, STEM Academy
• Culture: More socioeconomically diverse than Belton
• Why some families prefer it: IB program is rigorous; diversity is valued

Academy ISD

• Profile: Smaller, rural district southeast of Temple
• Vibe: "Small town Friday Night Lights" with solid academics
• Best for: Families buying acreage in the Little River-Academy area

Private School Options

• Central Texas Christian School (Temple): Largest K-12 private school in the area, strong athletics
• St. Francis Episcopal School: Excellent early childhood and elementary
• Providence Preparatory (Belton): Classical Christian model, Great Books curriculum

Always verify: Before making an offer on any home, check the address against the Bell County Appraisal District (BellCAD) map to confirm the actual school district.

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What About Childcare Near BSW Temple?

The childcare situation in Temple is tight. High-quality centers like Primrose and Kids 'R' Kids often have 6+ month waitlists for infant care.

Strategic Advice for Incoming BSW Staff

1. Put your name on waitlists immediately when you sign your contract—don't wait until you move
2. Check BSW's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for childcare assistance and potential discounts
3. Consider backup options: Home daycares, nanny shares, or Furnished Finder listings that include childcare referrals

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Best Coffee Shops and Restaurants Near BSW Temple

The "Temple is boring" reputation is outdated. Here's where medical staff actually go:

Coffee Shops (Critical for Shift Workers)

• 1914 Coffee House (31st Street): The unofficial "second office" for residents and students. Quiet, reliable Wi-Fi, separate rooms for focused work. 5 minutes from BSW.
• Atrium Coffee Co.: Drive-thru focused, fast, great for pre-shift caffeine
• Summer Moon (West Adams): Austin-based chain, wood-fired coffee, popular with West Temple residents

Dining

• Pignetti's: Upscale Italian, downtown Temple. The go-to for celebratory dinners and recruiting candidates.
• Cheeves Brothers Steak House: Classic high-end steakhouse, department dinners, pharma rep meetings
• Megg's Cafe: Exceptional brunch and bakery. Post-call recovery meals happen here.
• Bird Creek Brewing: Downtown brewery, gourmet burgers, younger medical crowd hangout

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What Should I Know About Commuting and Parking at BSW?

Traffic Patterns

• I-35 Construction: Major widening project ongoing through mid-to-late 2020s. Lane closures and detours are frequent.
• Best Strategy: Live west of I-35 (West Temple/Belton) and use Loop 363 or back roads. Avoid crossing the construction zone daily.
• Pinch Point: I-35 and Loop 363 intersection, worst 7:30-8:30 AM

Hospital Parking

• Cost: Free (unlike Texas Medical Center where you'd pay hundreds per month)
• Reality: Physician lots fill up. Arrive after 8 AM and you're parking in the outer lots and taking the shuttle.
• Pro tip: Complimentary valet is available at Brindley Circles and Grobowsky Surgical Center entrances during business hours

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Does BSW Offer Relocation Assistance?

Yes. BSW Health typically provides relocation packages that may include:

• Relocation partner services for moving logistics
• Temporary housing assistance
• Help finding rentals

Clarify the specifics during contract negotiation. Packages vary by position and department.

Temporary Housing Options

• Villas on the Hill: Flexible lease terms, commonly used by incoming staff
• Furnished Finder: Active in Temple, especially for travel nurses. Garage apartments and ADUs in Canyon Creek or the historic district often offer better value than extended-stay hotels.

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Insider Tips: Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating to Temple

1. The "Temple Address" Trap

A Temple mailing address doesn't mean Temple schools. Always verify school district zoning before buying.

2. The Killeen Question

Yes, housing is cheaper in Killeen (20 minutes west). Avoid it. The commute puts the sun in your eyes both directions, I-14 is congested with military traffic, and the quality of life trade-off isn't worth the savings.

3. Underestimating Childcare Waitlists

Start the waitlist process the day you sign your contract. Not when you arrive.

4. Assuming You Need to Live in Temple

Some of the best neighborhoods for BSW employees are technically in Belton or unincorporated Bell County. Don't limit your search to city limits.

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Temple vs. Houston vs. Austin: Why Medical Professionals Choose Temple

The bottom line: You see the same pathology in Temple that you'd see in Houston—trauma, complex cancers, rare conditions—but you're one of a few specialists instead of one of hundreds. Career advancement is often faster, and you're not spending 10 hours a week in traffic.

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Ready to Find a Home Near Baylor Scott & White?

I help BSW physicians, nurses, and staff find homes in Temple, Belton, and the surrounding areas every month. Whether you're buying sight-unseen from out of state or need someone to walk you through the neighborhoods in person, I can help.

What I offer:

• Video walkthroughs of properties and neighborhoods
• School district verification for every address
• Connections to physician mortgage lenders
• Honest advice—I'll tell you which areas to avoid

📞 Schedule a call: HERE

🏠 Browse Temple homes:  Home In Temple TX 

📧 Email me directly: [email protected]

Interested in the new data center? Learn More

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Frequently Asked Questions: BSW Temple Relocation

How far is Baylor Scott & White Temple from Austin?

BSW Temple is approximately 60 miles north of Austin, typically a 1-hour drive via I-35. Many staff live in Temple and visit Austin on weekends for concerts, dining, and entertainment.

What is the best neighborhood for BSW physicians with families?

The West Temple / Lakewood Ranch area offers the best balance: 10-12 minute commute, executive homes ($450K-$700K), and Belton ISD school zoning. It's where most senior medical staff and administration live.

Can I get a mortgage with high student loan debt?

Yes. Physician mortgage loans exclude student debt from DTI calculations and offer 0% down with no PMI. Local lenders like Extraco Banks specialize in these loans for BSW employees.

Is Temple ISD or Belton ISD better?

Belton ISD is generally preferred by medical families for its newer facilities and consistent A-ratings. However, Temple ISD's IB program at Temple High School is excellent for academically focused students. Always verify which district a home is zoned for—city limits don't match district boundaries.

What's the biggest mistake relocating BSW employees make?

Assuming a "Temple" address means Temple schools, or buying in Killeen to save money without understanding the commute and quality-of-life trade-offs.

Does BSW Temple offer relocation assistance?

Yes, packages vary by position. Clarify specifics during contract negotiation. Assistance may include moving services, temporary housing, and rental search support.

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Last updated: February 2026

Taylor Dasch | EG Realty | Temple, TX
Specializing in BSW Medical Professional Relocation & Out-of-State Investors