$204,193Average Value$151Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Baylor University is located minutes from Alta Vista residents.
New development south of Baylor University
The name “Alta Vista” means “a view from above” in Spanish, and aerial views of this Waco neighborhood reveal a Texas landmark: The state’s oldest roundabout, known to locals as “The Circle.” Constructed in 1935, the rotary was initially derided by confused motorists, some of whom chose to avoid it completely. But a 2013 upgrade put the Lone Star stamp on The Circle by implementing a five-point star in its center. Today, the wheels of progress are still turning in Alta Vista, which boasts a favorable location south of Baylor University. “That’s become more of a development area,” says Daryl Weems, ALC, broker and owner at Twin Bends. “University built the new high school out there. It’s on the fast track.” State Highway 6, US Route 77 and Interstate 35 converge in an arrowhead around the residential areas, automotive dealers, warehouses and swaths of undeveloped land. “There are large tracts of land just sitting there, but it’s in transition,” says Cristi McGowan, broker and owner at Nexthome Our Town. “It would be a great neighborhood to invest in and hold.”
Ranch-style homes from the 1950s
Since Alta Vista is within a mile of the university, the area has numerous apartment complexes. Rows of ranch-style homes dating to the 1950s and ’60s comprise the bulk of the single-family housing stock. Most lots measure under a quarter acre, with postage-stamp-sized yards and the occasional cluster of trees. Some properties include attached garages, and although most have enough driveway space for one or two vehicles, cars are often parked on the street. On average, a three- or four-bedroom ranch costs $150,000 to $300,000. Vacant lots await builders and investors looking to put their own stamp along this edge of Waco. These tracts of development-ready land measure between a quarter and a third of an acre and cost $50,000 to $150,000 on average.
Alta Vista has many affordable houses for its residents.
You can find vibrant houses on your daily walk around Alta Vista.
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Gatherings at Magnolia Table
Magnolia Table is one of the hot properties drawing business back to The Circle’s orbit. Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame renovated the former Elite Café, transforming it into a New American breakfast and lunch spot. Deviled eggs served alongside brown sugar peppered bacon strips are a house specialty, and brunch classics like French toast and eggs Benedict are given Southern twists. Pulled pork and hot links wrapped in warm flour tortillas round out the menu at Chute 4 Rodeo Foods on Robinson Drive. Down the road at Appaloosa Trading Post, bargain hunters are encouraged to haggle for the best prices on Western apparel, saddles and furniture. Chains like Texas Roadhouse and Hooters gather along the interstate to satisfy urges for pub grub and comfort food. When it’s time to stock the cupboards, H-E-B plus! awaits on South Valley Mills Drive near The Circle.
Magnolia Table has many menu items for the whole family to enjoy.
Alta Vista locals love the Eggs Benedict's at Magnolia Table.
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Music and merriment at Melody Ranch
When the sun goes down, brightly colored lights come up at Melody Ranch, the quintessential Southern roadhouse. Live country-western music invites merrymakers to swing their way across the dance floor, and banquet-sized tables around the perimeter give large groups a place to gather and enjoy cocktails when they’re ready to give their tired feet a rest. The nightclub is open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and represents the neighborhood’s only opportunity for nightlife, so crowds are to be expected.
South Waco Elementary School in Waco, TX gets a "C" score on niche.
Starting out at South Waco Elementary
Alta Vista is home to two elementary schools, both hosting students from pre-kindergarten to grade 5. South Waco Elementary is a public school on Gurley Lane, and Alta Vista Elementary is a charter school with an adjoining park. Cesar Chavez Middle School lies northwest of the neighborhood on the other side of Interstate 35. All three schools have a Niche grade of C. After Cesar Chavez, students return to Alta Vista to attend University High School, which earns a B from Niche. The high school moved from its original location on Bagby Avenue to the freshly minted campus on South New Road in 2011.
Alta Vista residents enjoy a game of basketball at Alta Vista Park.
Alta Vista Park’s Wacoball Court
Adjacent to the charter elementary school, Alta Vista Park is home to “Wacoball Court,” a double basketball court ringed by elm trees. Paved walking trails wind past a shaded pavilion, emerald-hued play structures and trestle-style picnic tables. Oakwood Park is also nearby and features a baseball diamond, ample space for running around and a quiet location abutting a cemetery.
An arrowhead of highways
Robinson Drive bisects the neighborhood, with the scant handful of residential streets branching off in grid patterns. A few Waco Transit System bus stops are positioned along Robinson to provide access to the rest of the city. I-35 makes up the western border, intersecting with Valley Mills Drive and La Salle Avenue near The Circle. The convergence resembles an arrow pointing to Baylor University and downtown Waco, about 3 miles away. Residents commuting to Baylor should note that while the campus is within walking distance of some houses, a busy highway acts as a divider, making it more convenient to drive. At Waco Regional Airport, 13 miles from Alta Vista, major airlines like American and United offer connecting flights to larger airports in Dallas Fort Worth and Austin.
The Islamic Center of Waco
The Islamic Center of Waco, the first masjid in the greater Waco area, has welcomed the local Muslim community since 1987. Afzal Siddiq, an immigrant from Pakistan, founded the masjid with his wife and three sons. He continues to lead the Center, focusing on community engagement and welcoming Baylor students or anyone interested in learning more about Islam.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Alta Vista neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alta Vista
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Alta Vista Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alta Vista, Waco sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Alta Vista, Waco over the last 12 months is $204,250, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home nestled in a convenient South Waco location just minutes from Baylor University, downtown, and shopping. Recent updates add peace of mind and style, including a new roof installed in September 2025 and fresh new flooring in the kitchen the same month. The home offers a functional floor plan with a bright living area, kitchen, dining space, and
Rarely does a property like this come available — Three adjoining lots approximately 2.04 acres of land located directly off Robinson Drive, one of Waco’s key corridors. Zoned R-1B Single-Family Residential, this lot offers flexibility for both homeowners and investors who recognize the value of prime location combined with size and potential.Positioned just minutes from Baylor University,
This beautiful Palm Harbor home is situated on a leased lot in a welcoming community with an HOA and access to an outdoor pool! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath mobile home boasts a modern kitchen and an inviting living room; all 1,178 square feet are perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. A separate dining room provides a dedicated space for meals. For your convenience, a dedicated
Perfect Starter Home or Rental Home in Waco!With today’s prices, you’ll truly appreciate the value this home offers. This recently painted and updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath property is ideally located near Baylor University and close to Robinson, right off the Circle in Waco. Enjoy mature trees, a storage shed, and quick access to H-E-B, shopping, and popular restaurants. Just drive about 2.8
Well-maintained 4 bed, 2 bath single-story home with a spacious backyard. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable living area that flows into the dining space with a brick fireplace, along with a kitchen that offers ample cabinet storage and functional workspace. The garage has been converted into an additional bedroom, providing extra living space and flexibility. The large, fenced backyard includes a
Completely Renovated 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home with Loft Master Suite on Over Half an Acre!Welcome to this stunning, fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that blends modern design with spacious, serene living—all set on over half an acre of beautifully maintained land. Redesigned from the ground up, this home offers brand-new systems, finishes, and features, ensuring peace of mind and
Welcome to 240 Benton St—a rare opportunity to own just over half an acre in a quiet, established area. This vacant lot offers a blank canvas ready for your new construction home with plenty of space for outdoor living, a shop, or future expansion. Utilities nearby. Bring your builder and start planning your dream property today!
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in one of South Waco’s most established and sought-after neighborhoods. Offering 1,356 square feet, a 2-car garage, and a spacious .29-acre lot, this home provides comfortable living with room to relax and grow. The interior has been freshly painted throughout most of the home, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Recent updates
Here’s your chance to own a home in the Alta Vista neighborhood — close to University High School, Baylor University, H-E-B, and downtown Waco.This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a two-car garage sits on a spacious lot and offers plenty of potential for someone ready to make it their own. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply looking for a place in a great location, this could be the
Nestled in a peaceful corner of Waco, TX, this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is a unique find that perfectly balances charm and functionality. Step inside to discover a spacious open-plan living area that effortlessly accommodates both entertaining and quiet nights in. The heart of this home is undoubtedly the oversized kitchen, designed to please any culinary enthusiast. Featuring plenty
New Construction! Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home located just minutes from Baylor University. Features include luxury vinyl plank flooring, open-concept layout, granite countertops, and energy-efficient spray foam insulation. The spacious primary suite offers a walk-in closet and private bath. Modern finishes and quality craftsmanship throughout. Excellent opportunity for owner-occupants or
Modern living in Waco. Our beautiful newly designed community is centrally located in the Heart of Waco, Texas. Our modern one, two and three bedroom apartment homes offer expansive interiors, upscale appliances, and balcony and patio options! Throughout our beautiful community, you’ll have access to a collection of impressive resident amenities including multiple bark parks and green space, pool
Welcome to The Bend at New Road Apartments, the luxury community you’ve been searching for. Our brand-new, spacious one and two bedroom apartments, lofts and townhomes for rent in Waco, Texas, will be available in a number of unique floor plans. Each of our apartment homes is stylishly designed with fully equipped kitchens featuring handsome grey or espresso brown custom cabinetry. Luxurious
Welcome to The Cove on 21st Apartment Homes located in Waco, Texas. Our pet friendly and gated community offers one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes. The Cove on 21st Apartment Homes offers spacious floor plans that include energy efficient appliances, faux wood flooring, full size washer and dryer connections, granite like countertops and much more.We are conveniently located close
Affordable Apartments Near Baylor University & Central Waco – Limited-Time Offer!Sign your lease by the end of this month and pay ZERO security deposit at our pet-friendly gated community located at 1800 Primrose Dr, Waco, TX 76706. Enjoy easy access to Baylor University, downtown Waco, shopping, and dining—all while living in comfort and style. Fees & Charges:Application Fee:
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