Families move to Bellmead, Texas because of its low cost of living and better educational opportunities. A suburb of 10,000-plus people 4 miles northeast of Waco, Bellmead is conveniently located next to multiple schools and colleges around the metropolitan area. Not only are Baylor University and McClennan Community College both across the Brazos River, but Bellmead also has the Texas State Technical College directly north of the city. With local parks, its own school district and a short commute to Waco’s biggest attractions, Bellmead is a sought-after bedroom community in Central Texas. “It’s an up-and-coming area,” Texas Luxury + Land Realtor Gabbi Robles says. “More people tend to look this way because you’re getting a little bit more of a nicer house for a lower price.”
Local restaurants and retail around Eastgate Plaza
Most shopping and dining is centrally located alongside U.S. Route 84, which runs east and west through the city. Lone Star Tavern is Bellmead’s oldest steakhouse that has been serving the community since 1962, while Bush’s Chicken offers crispy chicken tenders along with its famous iced tea. Tru Jamaica opened in 2019 and prepares authentic jerk chicken and oxtails daily, while limited retail can be found in the Eastgate Plaza. Local grocery stores include Walmart, Sam’s Club and H-E-B. “They’re pretty convenient,” Robles says. “We have a little bit of everything you would need here.”
Little League games and the Cameron Park Zoo
Bellmead has three parks within its city limits. The biggest of these is Lions Park, a 10-acre space with five baseball fields where Little League games are held. The 4-acre Brame Park has a splash pad that runs from May to September, while Devorsky Park has a playground with a quarter-mile walking trail. Even more recreational spaces are available in Waco, including the 52-acre Cameron Park Zoo that houses over 1,700 animals.
Single-family homes by Interstate 35
Homes are primarily clustered to the west by Interstate 35 and north towards the college. Many lawns have chain link fences and gravel driveways, and trees and telephone poles are common sights along the streets. Manufactured homes less than 1,000 square feet will have a lower price point between $70,000 and $250,000, with some pricier options come with amenities such as double pane windows, decks and breakfast nooks. Moderate-sized homes with half-acre lots will have covered patios and porches and sell for $250,000 to $500,000. The priciest homes will have detached carports and up to 4-acre lots to park tractors and RVs.
K-12 education in La Vega ISD
Bellmead is zoned for La Vega ISD, which earned a B on Niche and is the city’s No. 1 employer, serving over 3,000 students. “There’s a lot more kids in this area,” Robles says. “They have several different schools here and host all kinds of different events to get parents involved.” La Vega Elementary is one of the top-performing elementary schools in the county with a B rating on Niche. Intermediate students go to the H.P. Miles campus before moving on to George Dixon Junior High, both of which earned C-plus ratings. La Vega High School was rated the best high school for athletes in the Waco area and earned a B.
Buses to downtown Waco and Texas State Technical College
The city of Waco has two bus services that take passengers 4 miles north to the technical college or 5 miles southwest into downtown Waco, which has the 24-hour Premier ER & Urgent Care. Interstate 35 connects residents 30 miles north into Hillsboro, while U.S. Route 84 runs 35 miles east into Mexia and State Hwy. 31 runs over 50 miles northeast into Corsicana.
Seasonal events from the summer to the winter
The city organizes community events throughout the year that are fun for both adults and their kids. Memorial Day brings an epic summer kickoff party at the Brame Park splash pad, while the fall brings the Bellmead Burgers and Brew Festival. In the winter, everyone looks forward to the Christmas tree lighting, which ends with a holiday parade at Memorial Park.
Environmental factors
The city is in an ember zone, which is why open burning is strictly prohibited. Both the violent and property crime rates are comparable to state and national averages, although criminal activity has generally decreased in recent years.
Written By
David Dunn
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Bellmead by the Numbers
11,382
Population
55
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$193,750
Median Single Family Price$189,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft$155
Months Of Supply3
Demographics and Finance
Median Household Income$46K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners62%
Lower than National Average63%
College Graduates15%
Lower than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Bellmead, TX
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 La Vega Primary Phil Bancale Campus
A-
Niche
#2 La Vega Elementary School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#3 La Vega Intermediate School - H.P. Miles Campus
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#4 Connally Elementary School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#5 Connally Primary School
C
Niche
1
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 La Vega Junior High School - George Dixon Campus
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
