Where Should Military Families Buy Homes Near Sheppard AFB: Burkburnett vs. Iowa Park vs. Wichita Falls?

Where Should Military Families Buy Homes Near Sheppard AFB: Burkburnett vs. Iowa Park vs. Wichita Falls?

You’ve got PCS orders to Sheppard Air Force Base, and now comes the question every military family asks: Where should we actually live?

Here’s the good news—whether you choose Burkburnett, Iowa Park, or Wichita Falls, you’re looking at a 15-20 minute commute or less to base. That means more time with your family and less time sitting in traffic.

But each community offers something different. As someone who’s navigated multiple PCS moves myself and helped hundreds of military families find the right fit near Sheppard, I’m breaking down what you actually need to know about schools, activities, community feel, and home values in each area.

Let’s get into it.

The Commute Reality: You’re Close to Base No Matter What

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: commute time.

All three areas give you quick, easy access to Sheppard AFB:

• Burkburnett: 10-15 minutes depending on which neighborhood you choose
• Iowa Park: 10-15 minutes via FM 368 or US-287
• Wichita Falls (especially Fountain Park, Lake Wellington, University Park, and Northwest areas like Expressway Village): 5-20 minutes depending on your exact location

Traffic isn’t a nightmare here like you might’ve experienced at other installations. We’re talking straight shots on highways with minimal congestion. Your biggest traffic concern? The occasional train crossing or school zone.

Burkburnett: Small-Town Community with Big School Spirit

The Vibe

Burkburnett sits right at the Oklahoma border and feels like classic small-town Texas. Population around 11,000. Everyone knows everyone. Friday night lights matter here—a lot.

Schools & Activities

Burkburnett Independent School District serves about 2,800 students across all grades.

• High School Sports: Burkburnett Bulldogs compete in UIL 4A. Football is a community event. Basketball, baseball, and track programs are competitive and well-supported.
• Band Program: The Burk Band is highly regarded in the area, consistently earning sweepstakes awards at UIL competitions. If your kid plays an instrument, they’ll find a home here.
• Academic Programs: Strong career and technical education offerings, dual credit opportunities through Vernon College, and a tight-knit environment where teachers know your kids’ names.

What Military Families Like

• Close proximity to the base (Just north of base on I-44)
• Lower cost of living compared to Wichita Falls
• Strong sense of community—neighbors look out for each other
• Some homes have small acreage lots
• Less traffic, quieter pace of life
• Active military community (lots of Sheppard families choose Burk)

What to Consider

• Fewer dining and entertainment options than Wichita Falls
• Limited shopping (you’ll drive to Wichita Falls for Target, major grocery stores, etc.)
• Smaller school district means fewer elective choices and extracurricular variety

Home Market Snapshot

Expect median home prices in the $160K-$220K range depending on age and neighborhood. You’ll find a mix of older homes built in the ’70s-’80s and newer construction. Solid VA loan-friendly inventory with good appreciation potential as Sheppard continues to grow.

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Iowa Park: The Hidden Gem with Championship Tradition

The Vibe

Iowa Park is the quiet achiever. About 6,500 residents, nestled between Burkburnett and Wichita Falls. It’s got that small-town feel with easy access to city amenities. Historically a farming and ranching community, it’s become a go-to for families who want space and quality schools without the hustle.

Schools & Activities

Iowa Park Consolidated Independent School District serves around 1,400 students—smaller than Burk, but don’t let that fool you.

• High School Sports: Iowa Park Hawks compete in UIL 3A. This district punches above its weight. The football program has multiple state championship appearances. Baseball and track are also strong. If your kid is an athlete, they’ll get playing time and quality coaching.
• Band Program: Iowa Park has one of the most respected band programs in the region. They’ve earned UIL Sweepstakes Awards for decades and regularly compete at the state level. If marching band is your child’s thing, this is the place.
• Academic Programs: Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, strong college prep focus. Dual credit options and career tech programs available. Kids aren’t just numbers here.

What Military Families Like

• Excellent schools with a track record of success
• Safe, quiet neighborhoods with larger lots
• Strong community support for kids’ activities
• Close enough to Wichita Falls for shopping/dining, but removed from the traffic
• Affordable property taxes and cost of living

What to Consider

• Even smaller retail footprint than Burkburnett
• Limited nightlife or entertainment options
• Smaller peer group (can be a pro or con depending on your kids’ ages and personalities)

Home Market Snapshot

Median prices typically range from $170K-$210K. You’ll find a lot of brick homes on larger lots, many built in the ’80s and ’90s. The market here tends to be stable—homes don’t sit long when priced right, and values hold steady.

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Wichita Falls: Full-Service City Living with the Most Options

The Vibe

Wichita Falls is the metro hub of North Texas with about 102,000 residents. You get restaurants, shopping, entertainment, medical facilities, and all the conveniences of a mid-sized city. It’s also the economic center of the region, with growth driven by Sheppard AFB, healthcare, and now incoming projects like the Amazon distribution facility and a new data center.

Schools & Activities

Wichita Falls ISD is the largest district in the area, serving over 13,000 students. There are also several private and charter school options.

• High School Sports: Multiple high schools mean multiple programs. Legacy High School and Memorial High School both compete in UIL 5A. Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball—if your kid plays it, there’s a competitive program for it. The sports culture here is strong, but not as singular as small-town programs.
• Band Programs: Both Legacy and Memorial have established band programs that compete at the UIL 5A level. They perform at state competitions and have strong reputations. If your child is serious about music, they’ll find top-tier instruction and opportunities here.
• Academic Programs: Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate options at some campuses, dual credit through Midwestern State University and Vernon College, career and technical education pathways, special education services, gifted and talented programs—Wichita Falls ISD offers the most variety and resources in the area.

What Military Families Like

• Most housing inventory and neighborhood variety
• Easy access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment
• Multiple school options (public, private, charter)
• MSU campus brings college town energy and resources

What to Consider

• Higher home prices in desirable neighborhoods (Lake Wellington, Stone Lake, Country Club, near MSU)
• Larger district means less personalized attention in schools
• Property taxes can be higher depending on the neighborhood

Home Market Snapshot

This is where the market gets more varied. You’ll find homes from the $100K range (older areas, smaller homes) all the way up to $400K+ in premium neighborhoods like Lake Wellington and Bridgecreek. Median home price right now is around $205K. With new economic development coming in, I expect continued appreciation in well-maintained neighborhoods close to amenities and Sheppard.

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So, Which One Is Right for Your Family?

Here’s how I usually break it down with the military families I work with:

Choose Burkburnett if:

• You prefer larger lot sizes and small acreage
• You value small-town community and Friday night lights culture
• You prefer lower home prices and cost of living
• You like knowing your neighbors and being part of a tight-knit community

Choose Iowa Park if:

• You want top-tier schools with championship-level athletics and band
• You value space, larger lots, and a quieter pace
• You want to be close to Wichita Falls amenities without living in the city
• You’re looking for a safe, stable community with strong family values

Choose Wichita Falls if:

• You want the most options for schools, housing, shopping, and dining
• You have kids with varied interests who need access to diverse programs
• You prefer city conveniences and a larger social network
• You’re thinking long-term and want access to MSU, healthcare, and career opportunities beyond the military

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The Bottom Line: You Can’t Go Wrong, But You Can Go Right

Look, all three areas are solid choices for military families. You’re not going to end up in a bad situation no matter which one you pick. But the right choice depends on your family’s priorities, your kids’ ages and interests, and how you want to live your life outside of work.

I’ve helped families find their perfect fit in all three communities. Some love the small-town simplicity of Burk or Iowa Park. Others need the variety and services Wichita Falls offers. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

That’s why I don’t just show you houses—I help you understand the neighborhoods, schools, commutes, and communities so you can make a confident decision. Because your home isn’t just where you sleep between shifts. It’s where your family builds memories, where your kids grow up, and where you put down roots (even if it’s just for a few years).

Ready to Start Your Home Search?

If you’re PCSing to Sheppard AFB and need boots-on-the-ground intel about where to buy, I’m here to help. I’ve lived the PCS life myself, and I’ve built a system that makes buying or selling a home around military timelines as stress-free as possible.

Let’s talk about what matters to your family, walk through your options, and get you into the right neighborhood before you even arrive.

From Orders to Sold. Faith. Strategy. Results.

Reach out today—I’ll make sure your transition to Sheppard AFB starts with a solid foundation.