Any info would be great! We will be there in July. We are coming from Riley
We do not want to live on post, so what is the best & safest area? Hubby is willing to drive up to 40 minutes each way if need be.
What all is there to do?
And do you like it or hate, if so why to both?
Thanks so much !! 

Welcome to "The Great Place"!
40 minutes away with gate/traffic time isn't going to allow you to be too far from post. There are gates on all sides of post. The most common areas to live are Copperas Cove, Killeen, & Harker Heights. Each of which has "bad areas" to avoid living in just like every other city/town in the world does.
Depending on if you have kids, what ages, etc...There isn't a whole lot to do other than shop, without traveling a bit, San Antonio will most likely become a nice weekend get away for you.
We really liked Hood and miss it dearly, no I'm not there anymore. The weather in the summer was about the only thing that we didn't like. Traffic would be another bad part, but as long as you get to know your side gates and how to avoid the slow spots or accident prone spots, you'll be good.