Texas

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Texas weather is marked by hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, especially in the southern and western regions, while winters vary across the state, with milder conditions in the south and colder temperatures in the north that can dip below freezing. The state is prone to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, as well as occasional winter storms, including snow and ice.

  Texas peak tornado season is April to June, with an average of about 140 tornadoes occurring annually. In Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso, tornadoes are less frequent but still possible, particularly in the spring months. Wichita Falls is more tornado-prone, with the highest risk occurring in late spring and early summer. If you hear a siren, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan. Tornado siren testing schedules vary by location, so it’s best to check with the local county for specific details.

  Hurricanes & Flooding (Houston)

  Hurricanes are a significant concern for the Houston area, particularly from June to November, with the highest risk during August and September. While Houston is located near the Gulf of Mexico, the primary risk is from heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding, especially during major storm systems. Storm surge impacts are more common in nearby coastal communities such as Galveston and the Clear Lake area, though these can still affect surrounding regions.

  Flooding is a major hazard in Houston due to its flat terrain and extensive bayou system, which can become overwhelmed during intense rainfall. These floods can cause significant disruption, including road closures and property damage. It’s important to have an emergency plan in place and to follow local guidance during severe weather events, particularly if living in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods

  Cities: Austin, Killeen, Houston, El Paso, San Antonio, Wichita Falls

  Austin (Camp Mabry)
  Located in central Austin, Camp Mabry serves as the headquarters for the Texas Military Department and supports the Texas National Guard. Nearby neighbourhoods such as Tarrytown, Clarksville, and Dripping Springs offer a range of housing options, from upscale homes and tree-lined streets to more spacious properties on the western outskirts, while still providing access to downtown amenities.

  Killeen (Fort Hood)
  Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the U.S., is situated next to Killeen. The city is a practical and affordable choice for military families. Just east, Harker Heights offers a quieter, more suburban feel and is a popular alternative for those seeking a bit more space and community atmosphere.

  Houston (Johnson Space Center)
  The Johnson Space Center is located in Houston’s Clear Lake area and is a key hub for NASA’s astronaut training and spaceflight operations. Houston also hosts the UT Health Science Center, offering strong academic and professional opportunities, particularly in healthcare and research. Communities such as Clear Lake, Pearland, and Friendswood provide diverse housing options. The area offers easy access to outdoor recreation like boating and fishing, as well as proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Houston is also known for its museums, performing arts, and vibrant dining scene.

  El Paso (Fort Bliss)
  Fort Bliss, located on the eastern edge of El Paso, is one of the largest U.S. Army bases and plays a major role in training and operations. El Paso offers a lower cost of living, sunny climate, and a strong sense of community.

  San Antonio (Joint Base San Antonio)
  Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), which includes Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base, is a major centre for military training and medical services. San Antonio offers a mix of historic charm and modern living, with a wide variety of neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles.

  Wichita Falls (Sheppard Air Force Base)
  Sheppard Air Force Base, located on the northern edge of Wichita Falls, is primarily a training facility for Air Force and NATO personnel. Wichita Falls offers a balance of urban amenities and small-town charm, making it an appealing option for families seeking a more relaxed pace.

  Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more. 

• Base Information & Resources
   

  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.

  Spouses and dependants with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to their respective base:

  • Fort Hood 
  • Fort Bliss
  • Joint Base San Antonio
  • Sheppard Air Force Base

   

  All of these bases offer a wide range of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, child development centers, and extensive MWR facilities such as fitness, recreation, outdoor activities and more. 

• Getting Around

  Austin: Public transit is available via Capital Metro, which operates buses and a light rail, making it a bit easier to get around without a car, especially downtown. Traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours, and parking can be challenging in the city center.

  Killeen: Being near Fort Hood, Killeen is heavily car-dependent, though the city does have a local bus service through the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Transit District (Killeen Transit). Traffic around Fort Hood can be heavier during shift changes.

  
  
  Houston: While Houston has a public transit system with METRO buses and light rail, the city is known for heavy traffic, and most people rely on personal vehicles for greater convenience. Traffic can be particularly challenging around major highways and the city center.
  
  El Paso: Most residents rely on cars, but El Paso’s Sun Metro provides bus services throughout the city, making it a feasible option for those without vehicles. Traffic is generally moderate, with congestion near military bases like Fort Bliss.
  
  San Antonio: San Antonio has VIA Metropolitan Transit, which provides bus service throughout the city, but driving is still the most common way to get around. Traffic can be moderate, especially around popular areas like the River Walk and near military bases like Lackland AFB.
  
  Wichita Falls: Getting around Wichita Falls is mostly car-dependent, as public transit options are limited. The Wichita Falls Transit System operates some bus routes, but most residents rely on their own vehicles for convenience, especially to reach areas like Sheppard Air Force Base.
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facilities

  The following medical groups provide comprehensive medical care to CAF members and families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.

  • Camp Mabry and Fort Hood, through the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRSAMC) and its associated clinics.
  • Fort Bliss, through the William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) and its associated clinics.
  • Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in Texas comprises three primary installations: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base. Each base offers medical services through its respective facilities, providing comprehensive health care to eligible personnel and their families.
  • Sheppard AFB through the Sheppard Medical Group

   

  Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details.

• Critters & Wildlife

  Texas is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Western Diamondback rattlesnake and the Texas coral snake, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and occasional encounters with alligators, particularly in the southern regions. Compared to Canada, Texas’s warmer climate supports a greater variety of reptiles and insects, making routine pest control recommended to manage mosquitoes, fire ants, termites, and other pests that thrive in the hot, humid environment.

• Children's Education

  Below is a non-exhaustive list of the neighbourhoods and their respective school districts, as well as links to French-language schools in their respective neighbourhoods.

  Austin

  • Austin Independent School District
  • Alliance Française d'Austin offers French language classes for all levels, including private lessons and tutoring for adults, children, and teens. All instructors are native French speakers.
  • French School of Austin (École Jean-Jacques Rousseau) is a private, independent bilingual school offering a dual-language immersion program from preschool to Grade 8, based on the French Ministry of Education curriculum. Enrollment Considerations: Private institution with its own admission process and tuition fees. It's advisable to contact the school directly for current enrollment information.

  El Paso          

  • El Paso Independent School District

  Houston

  • Clear Creek Independent School District
  • The Awty International School offers Houston's only fully accredited French program accredited by the French Ministry of National Education from Early Learning (Petite Section) to High School (Terminale). The Awty International School is part of the Mission Laïque Française (MLF) network. Enrollment Considerations: Selective admissions process; contact the school directly for application procedures and deadlines.
  • Additional Educational Programs and Resources:
    • Space Center Houston's Education Programs
    • NASA Kids' Club

  Killeen

  • Killeen Independent School District

  San Antonio

  • San Antonio Independent School District
  • Northeast Independent School District

  Wichita Falls:

  • Wichita Falls Independent School District
  • Burkburnett Independent School District

   

  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters. 

  For more information on your School Liaison Programs, visit the following links: Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and Sheppard AFB.

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses. Texas offers a "Real ID" compliant driver's license, which can be used for federal identification purposes.