If you have been watching homes in Salado sell faster or draw more showings, you are not imagining it. Access matters, and two highways shape that access every day: I-35 and the I-14 corridor along US-190. Whether you are planning a move or considering a sale, understanding how these routes influence demand can help you make smarter decisions. In this guide, you will learn what is changing, why it matters, and how to position your next move. Let’s dive in.
Salado’s position and appeal
Salado sits on I-35 between Waco and Austin, within the Killeen–Temple–Fort Cavazos region. The village is small, historic, and heavily focused on tourism, with a preserved Main Street character that draws day visitors and weekend travelers. You will find a compact land area and a community that values its heritage and local events, as reflected in the village’s community profile and historic emphasis. For price context, public trackers often show single-family values in the mid-to-high $400Ks, though you should confirm current numbers with local MLS data and your agent.
- Learn more about local character and governance in the Village of Salado’s community profile: official community profile.
What I-14 means for the area
I-14 is an interstate designation that follows the Central Texas US-190 corridor. TxDOT’s Waco District is advancing an I-14 Extension that would carry the designation east from I-35 in Belton toward Rogers through a series of upgrades, not a brand-new roadway. The goals are improved mobility, safety, and better connections to major employers and military installations. Public meetings began in 2024, with more outreach planned in 2025.
- Review the project scope and public meeting updates on TxDOT’s page: I-14 Extension project.
I-35 upgrades near Salado
I-35 is the region’s main north–south freight and commuter spine, and it runs right through Salado. Regional planners and TxDOT continue to improve capacity, frontage roads, and interchanges along the Killeen–Temple–Belton corridor. Traffic volumes are high along this stretch, and improvements are staged over multiple projects and years.
- See regional traffic and corridor priorities from the Killeen–Temple MPO: KTMPO roadway information.
- Watch TxDOT’s public hearing notices for I-35 segments to track timing and closures: TxDOT public notices and sitemap.
How highways affect home values
Highway projects influence housing through two offsetting forces: better accessibility and nearby disamenities. Research shows that price impacts are not one-size-fits-all. Properties that benefit from shorter or more reliable commutes often see stronger demand, while homes immediately next to high-traffic lanes can face noise or visual tradeoffs.
- For a clear explanation of these distance-sensitive effects, see the National Academies’ summary of hedonic pricing findings: transportation impacts on land prices.
Accessibility boosts demand
When travel becomes faster or more predictable, more buyers consider a town. If I-14 upgrades and ongoing I-35 work improve reliability to Temple, Belton, and Killeen, Salado’s small-town lifestyle can become even more attractive. Media features already highlight Salado’s charm and draw for visitors and residents alike, which supports this appeal for commuters and hybrid workers.
- Explore Salado’s lifestyle coverage: Southern Living on Salado.
Noise and proximity tradeoffs
Homes with strong buffers from interstate noise often capture the access benefit without the downside. Think larger lots, tree cover, or orientation that places living spaces away from the lanes. Parcels immediately adjacent to ramps or frontage roads can experience more noise and visual exposure, which some buyers discount. Sound walls, landscaping, and building features can help.
What this means inside Salado
Salado’s small footprint and preservation priorities limit large-scale subdivision inside the village. That can protect character while also keeping supply tight, especially near the historic core. Growth pressure is more likely near interchanges and along frontage roads, or just outside village limits in unincorporated areas. Expect micro-level value differences by proximity and buffering.
- Learn how preservation and tourism shape local policy priorities: Village community profile.
Buyer checklist for smarter decisions
Use this quick list to evaluate any property in or near Salado:
- Commute reliability. Ask about peak-hour drive times to Temple, Belton, Killeen, and occasional trips to Austin or Waco, not just miles. Check regional planning pages for corridor context: KTMPO roadway information.
- Parcel orientation and buffers. Note whether the backyard faces the interstate, if there are natural buffers, and whether bedrooms and outdoor spaces sit closest to traffic.
- Planned changes. Ask about any frontage-road updates, ramp modifications, or possible right-of-way needs that could affect access.
- Construction timing. Understand near-term construction phases and closures so you can plan move-in dates and daily routines: TxDOT public notices and sitemap.
Seller game plan to capture demand
If you plan to sell in the next year or two, align your strategy with how buyers shop in a highway-influenced market:
- Lead with access. Highlight travel times to key job centers and the convenience of nearby interchanges when appropriate.
- Showcase mitigation. If your home is near traffic, call out sound-reducing windows, fencing, and landscaping that improve livability.
- Mind the calendar. Listing just after a disruptive construction phase can help. Some buyers focus on the long-term access benefits and will tolerate short-term work.
- Provide context. Share credible sources about ongoing projects so buyers feel informed rather than uncertain.
What to watch next
Keep tabs on these resources for the latest schedules, alignments, and funding decisions:
- I-14 Extension project materials and public meetings: TxDOT I-14 project.
- Regional planning and funding lists that include US-190 and I-35 corridors: KTMPO planning resources.
Ready to make a move with clear guidance tailored to Salado and the Central Texas corridors? Let’s talk through your timing, pricing, and property presentation so you can act with confidence. Connect with Ten42 Realty for a calm, owner-led plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
Will I-14 come through Salado or change my commute?
- I-14 upgrades follow the US-190 corridor, with TxDOT advancing the extension east from I-35 in Belton; improvements roll out over years, so expect incremental changes rather than an overnight shift. See TxDOT’s project page for updates: I-14 Extension.
Will a nearby highway project raise my property value?
- It depends on distance and buffers; better access can lift demand, but homes very close to high-volume lanes can see discounts from noise or visual exposure, as summarized by the National Academies: transportation impacts on land prices.
Will construction make it harder to sell my home?
- Construction can cause temporary detours, noise, and dust; some sellers wait until major phases finish, while others market long-term access benefits and mitigation features. Track closures and timing via TxDOT notices: TxDOT public notices.
