RESIDENT PERSPECTIVE

Often people underestimate the benefits of living in central Texas. There are numerous opportunities in the area as the Temple-Belton-Killeen communities form a metroplex.

Since we are only an hour from Austin, two hours from Dallas and 30 minutes from Waco, there is ample opportunity to seek out any activity that is not readily available here locally.

On most days I find there is plenty to do during down time.

Morning commute takes between five to 15 minutes depending on where you live.

A few residents choose to live near Austin and of course have closer to a 45-minute commute.

I routinely give the following two points of advice to applicants choosing between residencies:

• Look for leadership that is responsive and energetic, a program director who, you believe based on impressions and testimonies, would likely keep your interests in mind when making decisions for the program as well as for you individually
• Look for a location that allows you to enjoy your free time ensuring a good quality of life.

Levi Leong, M.D.

University of Michigan, B.S. in Biology
Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, M.D.

Central Texas Life

In the heart of Texas on the I-35 corridor, the Temple area offers small-town life, low cost of living, a large medical community, warm climate, good schools, recreation and easy access to five major metro areas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston.

Just a few of the activities available to you in the Temple/Belton/Salado area are:

• Watersports, fishing and camping on beautiful Lake Belton
• The Temple Railroad Museum, Santa Fe Depot and Whistle Stop Playground, ideal for enjoying history and family fun
• Bell County Museum, housed in Belton’s beautifully restored Carnegie Library Building
• Czech Heritage Museum in Temple, celebrating the life and traditions of the 19^th century Czech immigrants who settled in Central Texas
• Beautiful and historic Salado, for world-class dining and shopping
• One of the oldest Fourth of July celebrations in Texas, along with a PRCA rodeo in historic Belton; it’s rated in the top 10 of the “Best Things To Do on the 4^th of July” by Texas Highways Magazine
• The Cultural Activities Center in Temple, offering entertainment from soloists to spectacular orchestras, from acrobats to magicians, from ballet to native dancers, as well as workshops for children and adults
• The Temple Civic Theater, presenting varied performances throughout the year, along with classes in creative drama
• The Bell County Expo Center, hosting conventions, banquets, concerts, equestrian and livestock shows, trade and consumer shows as well as sporting events

For information on area cities, schools, etc., please visit the websites below:

• Temple, Texas (www.ci.temple.tx.us)
• Belton, Texas (www.ci.belton.tx.us)
• Salado, Texas (www.saladotexas.com)