McGregor grows amid its transition from agriculture to industry
Rocket engines, steel beams and pale ales power the economy of McGregor. Cotton, corn and cattle once underpinned this Texas city, but these days jobs are created by McGregor Industrial Park’s tenants, which include SpaceX. Residents of this community of 6,500 people west of Waco get to skip out on the traffic and congestion of a big city but still have a growing employment hub in their backyard. As the industrial sector expands, McGregor’s small business scene and housing stock follow suit. “There’s a great sense of community, but you can still earn a great living and have a good house,” Assistant City Manager Bryan LeMeilleur says. “If you want to work remotely, we have high-speed internet.”
An influx of new homes in this Central Texas town
More than 200 houses have been built since 2020. Craftsman- and ranch-style homes have risen on infill lots in the heart of town, while subdivisions of Tudor Revivals have been developed on the eastern outskirts. The growth spurt isn’t over; more than 100 approved homes are waiting to break ground, with plans for another 500 under review by the city. “There will be plenty of housing inventory to meet the demands of workers,” LeMeilleur says. There are also ranch-style and minimal traditional homes along McGregor’s city blocks. These smaller and older styles start at $120,000, with prices climbing to $350,000. Newer houses typically range from $300,000 to $725,000, though custom homes can cost up to $1.2 million.
People living near McGregor Executive Airport may hear noise from planes taking off and landing, especially if residents are north of U.S. Route 84.
School district creating new campus, expanding career education
Kindergartners and first graders can go to McGregor Primary, graded an A-minus by Niche. Children advance to McGregor Elementary for second through fifth grades, followed by H.G. Isbill Junior High for sixth through eighth grades; both schools get B-plus scores. The district is converting a former Navy command center into the new Isbill Junior High campus. B-plus-rated McGregor High School is adding a nursing program and expanding the agriculture program by building a barn and animal pens. The new junior high campus and high school programs are funded by an $82 million bond approved by voters in 2024. As a result, McGregor homeowners will see an increase in their property taxes. For example, the annual tax bill for a home worth $300,000 increases by up to $568 per year.
Manufacturing and rocket thruster testing at McGregor Industrial Park
McGregor Industrial Park began as a U.S. Army munitions plant during World War II, and the military later transferred the property to the city. Companies in the industrial park fabricate insulation, manufacture steel and produce gases. SpaceX tests rocket engines and thrusters, a process that caused a noisy rumble until the company built new test stands. “Since then, we almost don’t hear them,” LeMeilleur says.
Disc golf course and top-of-the-line ball fields at local parks
Amsler Park encompasses a swimming pool and splash pad, as well as a nine-hole disc golf course. The park hosts the annual McGregor ‘Merica Open disc golf tournament in July. Kids run around a rocket-themed playground at Launch Pad Park. The park has received a funding boost from SpaceX; every time the company conducts an engine test too late at night, it pays the city a penalty fee. These checks have funded what LeMeilleur says are “Little League World Series-level” baseball fields at Launch Pad Park. The city aims to grow its recreational offerings by adding bike lanes and connecting the community to Waco with a jogging and cycling trail, LeMeilleur says.
Brewpub, meat market open in downtown McGregor
While 30% of downtown storefronts are empty, new businesses are gradually filling the voids on McGregor’s Main Street. In 2024, a local opened Old Fashion Meat Market in a refurbished block of the historic downtown. The following year, Franklin Beerworks debuted its Main Street brewpub, an addition welcomed by the community. “I went in the brewpub on a Friday night at 8:30, and there were 15 of us standing against the wall waiting for a table,” LeMeilleur says. “[The owner is] running out of beer. He just bought five more vats so he can brew that much more beer.” Along U.S. Route 84, residents can shop at Keith Ace Hardware, Dollar General and Brookshire Brothers grocery store. Waco is home to multiple hospitals, including Ascension Providence Hospital.
SpaceX joins the annual Founder’s Day parade
Every September, McGregor Founder’s Day kicks off with a carnival on Friday night and a 5K run the following morning. Saturday also features a parade around Launch Pad Park, with SpaceX rocket engines joining the procession in recent years. Attendees can catch live music, roam a petting zoo and watch McGregor’s Got Talent throughout Saturday.
Highway connection to Waco, with flights and trains to Dallas
McGregor sits at the crossroads of U.S. Route 84 and Texas state Highway 317. Drivers can use them to get to Waco, about 20 miles away, and Temple, nearly 30 miles away. Passengers can catch flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport from Waco Regional Airport. Amtrak trains stop in McGregor along the Texas Eagle route, which makes stops in Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
