Temple's housing stock spans the town's railroad-era origins and its later interstate growth. Older, modest single-family homes and repurposed commercial buildings sit near the historic core, while newer subdivisions have developed closer to Interstate 20 over recent decades. Beyond the city limits, the surrounding Carroll and Haralson countryside offers rural and semi-rural acreage, giving buyers a range from in-town lots to larger parcels. Single-family detached homes dominate, and the town's position west of Atlanta makes it an option for those seeking small-town living with highway access.

Temple is anchored by its historic downtown, where the railroad's influence is still visible in the older commercial buildings and residential streets near the former depot. Growth has since spread toward the Interstate 20 interchange, where newer residential subdivisions and commercial development cluster. Between these two poles, established in-town streets blend into the rolling countryside of Carroll and Haralson counties, where homes often sit on larger lots with wooded or pastoral views. The result is a mix of walkable older blocks near downtown and more spread-out, highway-accessible neighborhoods.

Life in Temple centers on a small-town rhythm supported by its recreation programs and community gatherings. The historic downtown has seen reinvestment, with older buildings repurposed for new uses, and the city's parks and recreation department organizes youth sports and family activities. Residents frequently travel the short distance to Villa Rica or Carrollton for additional shopping and dining, and proximity to Interstate 20 puts larger regional amenities within reach. The pace is quiet and community-oriented, shaped by schools, churches, and seasonal events rather than a bustling commercial core.

Temple is served by Carroll County Schools, which operates Temple Elementary, Temple Middle, and Temple High School in the city. Temple High is one of five high schools in the Carroll County system. The town also holds a notable place in Georgia education history: the Georgia High School Association was founded in Temple in 1903, and a local model school opened in 1904. Families seeking additional options can find private and parochial schools in nearby Carrollton and Villa Rica, and higher education opportunities are available in Carrollton.

Interstate 20 runs near Temple and defines the town's regional connectivity, placing it along the corridor between Atlanta and the Alabama state line. The Georgia Pacific Railroad, which originally gave the town its start as a stop between Atlanta and Birmingham, remains part of the area's freight-rail landscape. Local roads link Temple to Villa Rica, Carrollton, and other west Georgia communities. The interstate makes the town a workable base for commuters traveling toward the Atlanta metro or west Georgia employment centers, while surrounding two-lane routes serve day-to-day travel.

Recreation in the Temple area draws on the surrounding west Georgia landscape. Clinton Nature Preserve and Little Tallapoosa Park are among the nearby outdoor destinations, offering trails, picnicking, and open space along the Little Tallapoosa River corridor. The city's own parks and recreation department operates facilities and youth programs, including sports leagues and community activities. Sweetwater Creek State Park lies within a short drive to the northeast, and the rolling countryside provides additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.