Taylor's Top 5 Neighborhoods
in Temple, TX
Toured on camera. Backed by MLS data. Ranked by someone who's actually sold in all five.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Temple, TX?
The top 5 neighborhoods in Temple, TX for 2026 are Canyon Creek ($150K–$500K, established homes, Temple ISD), Hills of Westwood ($225K–$475K across resale and new construction, Belton ISD), Lake Pointe ($220K–$525K, best HOA value, Belton ISD), Legacy Ranch ($425K–$729K, premium new construction), and Bella Terra ($310K–$569K, semi-luxury new construction, Belton ISD with some Temple ISD sections).
Canyon Creek offers the most mature character with large trees and alley-access garages. Hills of Westwood spans from affordable Neuberry Cliffe resales to Kiella new construction. Lake Pointe delivers the best HOA value at roughly $30/month with pool and playground. Legacy Ranch and Bella Terra are the premium new-construction options within 8 minutes of Baylor Scott & White.
Source: Bell County MLS data, Q1 2026. Updated March 2026.
Taylor Drives Through All Five
No stock footage. No fluff. Taylor tours each neighborhood on camera and tells you exactly what he thinks.
Which Neighborhood Fits Your Budget?
Select your price range. Taylor will tell you where to look.
The Comparison Matrix
Every number from MLS. Every opinion from Taylor. All five neighborhoods in one view.
| Canyon Creek | Hills of Westwood | Lake Pointe | Legacy Ranch | Bella Terra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $150K–$500K+ | $225K–$475K | $220K–$525K | $425K–$729K | $310K–$569K |
| Avg $/Sqft | $149 | $160–$188 | $141 | $186 | $191 |
| Typical Sqft | 1,264–3,810 | 1,387–2,906 | 1,365–3,458 | 2,362–3,778 | 1,790–2,840 |
| Year Built | 1979–1996 | 2005–2025 | 2013–2024 | 2021–2025 | 2019–2026 |
| School District | Temple ISD | Belton ISD | Belton ISD | Belton ISD (verify) | Split — verify address |
| HOA/Mo | None | Varies by phase | ~$30 | Varies | ~$35 |
| New Construction? | No (resale only) | Yes (Kiella section) | Yes (DR Horton, The Terrace) | Yes (all) | Yes (active) |
| Builders | — | Kiella Homebuilders | Stylecraft (resale), DR Horton | Arnold Design, John Houston | Carothers, Flintrock, Eagle Ridge, Jarolik |
| BSW Commute | 10–12 min | 12–15 min | 10–14 min | 8–12 min | 8–12 min |
| Avg DOM | 71 days | 322 days (new builds) | 89 days | 127 days | 97 days |
| Amenity Center | No | No | Pool, playground, dog park | No (planned) | Pool, playground |
| Taylor's Pick For | Best character | Belton ISD on a budget | Best overall value | Premium new | Semi-luxury sweet spot |
| Watch Out For | Older homes — inspect | Kiella builds sitting | Stylecraft maintenance | Higher price floor | ISD boundary split |
Data: Bell County MLS, Q1 2026. Prices, DOM, and availability change — verify before making offers.
Estimated Monthly Payments
Median-price estimate for each neighborhood. This is the number that matters.
Assumes 6.75% rate, 5% down, Bell County tax rate ~2.4%, $1,800/yr insurance. Your actual payment depends on credit, lender, and down payment. Get pre-approved before shopping.
Why Canyon Creek Is Taylor's #1 Pick in Temple
"Personal favorite" — established character, mature trees, and the widest price range in Temple.
Canyon Creek is unlike anything else in Temple. Built between 1979 and 1996, it has something no new subdivision can manufacture: full-grown oak canopies, alley-access garages, and real architectural variety from block to block. You're not looking at 50 versions of the same floor plan here.
The price range is massive — MLS shows $150K on the low end up past $500K for the larger estates. Average price per square foot sits at $149, making it one of the most affordable neighborhoods on a per-sqft basis. That's 22% cheaper per square foot than Bella Terra. The trade-off is age. These homes need inspections, and some will need foundation, roof, or HVAC work. That's not a dealbreaker — it's a negotiation tool.
Taylor calls Canyon Creek his personal favorite because of the character. No HOA. Temple ISD. Fast-moving inventory at 71 days average DOM — the fastest of all five neighborhoods on this list.
Homes are 30–45 years old. Get a thorough inspection. Budget for potential foundation, roof, or plumbing updates. Foundation issues are less common here than in Western Hills due to slightly higher elevation, but Black Prairie clay is everywhere in Temple.
Taylor's Top 5 Neighborhood Cheat Sheet
One-page PDF with all 5 neighborhoods compared side by side. Save it to your phone before you drive out to tour.
- MLS-verified price ranges
- Monthly payment estimates
- School district for each
- BSW commute times
- Taylor's "Watch Out" flags
- Which budget fits where
Your cheat sheet is downloading.
Didn't open? Click here to download.No spam. Just the cheat sheet + Taylor's contact info if you have questions.
Hills of Westwood: Belton ISD at Every Price Point
From $225K Neuberry Cliffe resales to $475K Kiella new construction — one community, two tiers.
Hills of Westwood is a 9-phase master-planned community in west Temple, and it plays at two completely different price points. The older sections along Neuberry Cliffe (Phases I and V, built 2005–2015) sell between $225K and $330K — that's Belton ISD access at a first-time-buyer price. The newer Kiella Homebuilders section (Touchstone Dr, Caladium Dr, Autumnwood Ln) starts at $330K and goes up to $475K for brand new construction.
Here's the deal: if you want Belton ISD schools but Canyon Creek's price range, the Neuberry Cliffe section of Hills of Westwood is where you should be looking. Homes at 915 Neuberry Cliffe (1,498 sqft, built 2005) are listing at $242K. Three-bed resales in Phase V have sold at $225K–$280K.
The Kiella new construction side is a different product — 1,859 to 2,906 sqft, 2024–2025 builds, with plans ranging from the 4-bed Houston ($332K) to the 4-bed Colorado ($475K). These are sitting longer at 322 days average DOM, which means negotiating power for buyers.
Close to West Adams Avenue shopping corridor. Taylor calls it "Canyon Creek of West Temple but newer."
The Kiella new construction section has high DOM (322 days average) — these homes are sitting. That's leverage for buyers but it signals builder inventory buildup. On the resale side, Phase I homes (2005–2007) are entering the 20-year maintenance window. Confirm gate status and hours if that matters to you.
Lake Pointe: The Best Value Neighborhood in Temple
Best HOA in Temple. Pool, playground, dog park — all for about $30/month.
Lake Pointe is Taylor's pick for best overall value in Temple, and the MLS backs it up. With 81 listings in the data set — more than any other neighborhood on this list — you have the most options to choose from. Prices run from $220K to $525K with the sweet spot around $260K–$275K. Average price per square foot is $141, the lowest of all five neighborhoods.
The neighborhood has two distinct sections. The original Lake Pointe phases were built primarily by Stylecraft (2013–2018 era). These homes are solid but hitting the 10–15 year mark where small things start going wrong — AC units, water heaters, roof wear. That's not a reason to avoid them. That's a reason to negotiate. The newer section, The Terrace, is DR Horton new construction going up to $525K and 3,400+ sqft.
What makes Lake Pointe stand apart is the HOA value. At roughly $30/month, you get a community pool, playground, and dog park. Name another neighborhood in Temple that delivers that for $30. The community is Belton ISD, which is the #1 school district factor driving buyer decisions in this market.
Stylecraft homes in the original phases are entering the maintenance window. Budget $5K–$10K for potential AC, roof, or water heater replacement on homes built 2013–2016. These are production homes — they were built to a price point, not a custom spec. That said, they hold up well for the money.
Legacy Ranch: Temple's Premium New Construction
Two builders, two styles — Arnold Design (modern luxury) vs. John Houston (traditional grand). All new.
Legacy Ranch is where you go in Temple when you want new, premium, and large. MLS data shows a range of $425K to $729K — higher than Taylor's video estimate of $600K ceiling. Average sqft is 2,661, the largest of all five neighborhoods. These homes are built 2021–2025, so you're buying essentially zero-maintenance for years.
The builder comparison matters here. Arnold Design & Build does the more modern, luxurious aesthetic — clean lines, open concepts, contemporary finishes. John Houston Homes goes for what Taylor calls "more of a castle feel" — traditional, grand, heavier trim work and stone. Both are building quality product, but the vibe is different. Walk both before deciding.
The appreciation play is real. Commercial development is building around the area, and the location puts you 8–12 minutes from Baylor Scott & White (closer during off-peak, add a few minutes during shift changes). The sell-through rate is 89% — Legacy Ranch moves when priced right, even at these numbers.
The price floor is $425K, so this isn't for everyone. Average DOM is 127 days — longer than Canyon Creek or Lake Pointe. If you need to resell quickly, the luxury tier takes longer to move. Also verify school district assignment for your specific lot.
Bella Terra: The Semi-Luxury Sweet Spot
Three active builders, community pool, and the best new-construction value under $500K.
Bella Terra sits in the sweet spot between Lake Pointe's value play and Legacy Ranch's premium tier. MLS shows a range of $310K to $569K with an average price per sqft of $191 — the highest of all five neighborhoods. But you're getting newer construction (2019–2026) with premium finishes: beamed ceilings, gas cooktops, spray foam insulation, 3-car garages on many plans.
Three builders are active here. Carothers Executive Homes dominates the MLS with the most listings — their plans run from the 1,954 sqft Bartlett ($409K) up to the 2,840 sqft Aria ($569K). Flintrock Builders and Eagle Ridge Builders are also building in Bella Terra, and Jarolik Homes has entered newer phases. The variety means you can compare floor plans, finishes, and pricing across builders without leaving the neighborhood.
Location-wise, Bella Terra clusters with Legacy Ranch and Deerfield Estates on south Temple's Belton border — all within 8–12 minutes of BSW. The community has a pool and playground.
This is the #1 trap for buyers in Bella Terra. Some homes are Belton ISD and some are Temple ISD. The district boundary runs through the neighborhood. Do NOT assume Belton ISD — verify your exact address using the official district lookup tool or ask Taylor to confirm before making an offer. This can affect resale value significantly.
District boundaries can change — always verify with the official ISD lookup tool for your specific address.
I get this question every week, and my answer depends entirely on your situation. These five neighborhoods cover the full $150K to $729K spectrum, so there's no single "best." Here's how I'd break it down:
If I Had $250K
Canyon Creek. No contest. I'd buy a 1,600–1,800 sqft brick home with mature trees and no HOA. I'd budget $10K for updates and inspections. The character is unmatched, and at $149/sqft you're getting more house for the money than anywhere else in Temple. Temple ISD is the trade-off — if Belton ISD is non-negotiable, look at Neuberry Cliffe in Hills of Westwood instead.
If I Had $350K
Lake Pointe. The value is hard to beat. You're getting a 2,000+ sqft home in Belton ISD with a community pool, playground, and dog park for $30/month HOA. The DR Horton new construction in The Terrace gives you a brand new option in this range. If you want new construction specifically, the Kiella builds in Hills of Westwood are worth comparing — builders are negotiating right now.
If I Had $500K+
Legacy Ranch. Arnold Design if I want modern. John Houston if I want traditional. Both builders are producing quality homes at 2,400–3,000+ sqft. The commercial development coming in around the area tells me appreciation is going to reward early buyers here. Bella Terra is the value alternative in this range if I want to stay under $500K and still get premium finishes.
The honest truth: all five of these neighborhoods are solid picks for different reasons. The worst thing you can do is buy in the wrong neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle. That's why I made the video — so you can see each one before you drive out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Temple, TX?
The top 5 neighborhoods in Temple, TX for 2026 are Canyon Creek (from $150K, established character), Hills of Westwood ($225K–$475K, Belton ISD, mix of resale and new construction), Lake Pointe ($220K–$525K, best overall value with pool and amenities), Legacy Ranch ($425K–$729K, premium new construction), and Bella Terra ($310K–$569K, semi-luxury new construction with multiple builders). Each serves a different budget and lifestyle — there's no single "best" without knowing your situation.
What is the best neighborhood in Temple, TX for first-time buyers?
Canyon Creek and the Neuberry Cliffe section of Hills of Westwood are the strongest first-time buyer options. Canyon Creek offers resale homes starting at $150K with no HOA and Temple ISD schools. Neuberry Cliffe in Hills of Westwood provides Belton ISD access starting around $225K for homes built 2005–2015. Both neighborhoods sit well below the $300K threshold that prices out many first-time buyers in Central Texas.
Which Temple, TX neighborhoods are in Belton ISD?
Hills of Westwood, Lake Pointe, and Legacy Ranch are in Belton ISD. Bella Terra is split — some sections are Belton ISD and some are Temple ISD, so you must verify the specific address. Canyon Creek is Temple ISD. Belton ISD is consistently the #1 school district factor influencing buyer decisions in the Temple/Belton market.
Is Canyon Creek a good neighborhood in Temple, TX?
Canyon Creek is Taylor Dasch's personal #1 pick in Temple. It's the most established neighborhood on this list (built 1979–1996) with mature oak trees, alley-access garages, and architectural variety you won't find in newer subdivisions. Average price per sqft is $149 — the most affordable of all five top neighborhoods. The trade-off is age: homes may need foundation, roof, or HVAC updates. Average days on market is 71, the fastest-moving of all five.
What is the best value neighborhood in Temple, TX?
Lake Pointe delivers the best value in Temple when you factor in amenities, school district, and price per square foot. At $141/sqft average, it's the lowest cost per square foot of these five neighborhoods. The HOA is roughly $30/month and includes a community pool, playground, and dog park. Belton ISD schools. Mix of Stylecraft resale homes and DR Horton new construction gives buyers options from $220K to $525K.
Are there new construction neighborhoods in Temple, TX under $350K?
Yes. Hills of Westwood has Kiella Homebuilders new construction starting at $330K for the San Marcos plan (1,920 sqft, 4 bed/2 bath). DR Horton builds new homes in Lake Pointe's The Terrace section starting in the low $300Ks. Bella Terra's smallest Carothers plans start around $310K (the Bartlett at 1,954 sqft). All three are actively building as of early 2026.
Which Temple, TX neighborhoods are closest to Baylor Scott & White?
Legacy Ranch and Bella Terra are the closest at 8–12 minutes from BSW (closer during off-peak, add time during shift changes). Lake Pointe is 10–14 minutes. Canyon Creek is 10–12 minutes. Hills of Westwood is 12–15 minutes in west Temple. All five neighborhoods are within a reasonable commute for BSW medical professionals relocating to Temple.
What school district is Bella Terra in?
Bella Terra straddles the Belton ISD and Temple ISD boundary. Some homes are zoned for Belton ISD and others for Temple ISD — the district line runs through the neighborhood. This is the #1 thing buyers miss about Bella Terra. Always verify the specific address using the official district lookup tool before making an offer, as school district assignment can significantly affect resale value.
How do Legacy Ranch and Bella Terra compare in Temple, TX?
Legacy Ranch ($425K–$729K) is the premium tier with larger homes (avg 2,661 sqft) from Arnold Design & Build and John Houston Homes. Bella Terra ($310K–$569K) offers semi-luxury from Carothers, Flintrock, Eagle Ridge, and Jarolik at a lower entry point. Both are within 8–12 minutes of BSW. Legacy Ranch has a 89% sell-through rate and is all new construction. Bella Terra has more builders to compare but watch for the ISD boundary split. They sit next to each other geographically, along with Deerfield Estates.
Is Hills of Westwood gated?
Parts of Hills of Westwood have gated access — Taylor mentions gates that close in the evening. This is one of the few gated communities in Temple. Confirm current gate hours and access rules with the HOA or by visiting the neighborhood, as policies may vary by phase. The Kiella new construction section and older phases may have different access arrangements.
Get Taylor's Custom Neighborhood Match
Tell me your budget, timeline, and what matters most — I'll send you a personalized shortlist with current pricing, school zones, and the honest take on each. No pitch. Just data.
No spam. Just local data from an agent with $27M+ in transactions.