$261,192Average Value$313Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Looking up in Downtown Waco
Downtown Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper, first conjured in a local drugstore in 1885. Like the effervescent bubbles in the popular soft drink, the heart of this central Texas city is on the rise. Once a thriving cotton market, transportation hub and commercial center, Waco suffered a savage blow in 1953 when a deadly tornado ripped through town. The storm destroyed hundreds of buildings, gutting the downtown district. As a result, shoppers abandoned the neighborhood in favor of the retail centers on Waco’s outskirts. However, recent efforts — most notably the contributions of Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame — are putting downtown Waco back on the map. “There are a lot of vacant lots since the tornado, so the city is trying to encourage buying and development in that area,” says Heather Foss, owner and operator at Magnolia Real Estate. This stretch along the Brazos River is home to city landmarks like the Dr Pepper Museum, the Hippodrome Theatre and the Waco Suspension Bridge.
Downtown Waco is at the heart of Texas.
Downtown Waco boasts with art in every corner.
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Dining and drinking along Austin Avenue
It’s impossible to miss the Silos, a pair of old grain storage facilities rising from downtown Waco like twin ivory towers. “Chip and Jo” purchased the structures in 2014 as a home base for Magnolia Market, a chic shopping destination. While the home goods store, bakery and food truck court are impeccably modern, the silos themselves remain in all their rustic glory. In their shadow lie the breweries, restaurants and independent shops that power Waco’s heartbeat. Fresh produce fills the open-air stalls at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market on Washington Avenue on Saturday mornings. Bibliophiles thumb through pages and sip espresso at Fabled Bookshop & Café. Diners can drop in at The Clay Pot for Vietnamese cuisine or sample the coast-to-coast representation of Mexican fare at Maria Mezcaleria. Backyard Bar Stage and Grill is the spot for live music and televised sporting events. Evening hangouts like the Waco Ale Company present karaoke and trivia events, but night owls should note that the lights dim early in this city of 145,000 residents. “It used to be that the sidewalks would roll up at 9,” says Mike Hamilton, chief creative officer at Rogue Media Network. “There’s not a lot of nightlife, but it’s getting there.” Zack Wickman, general manager at Waco Ale Company, seconds this assessment. “Waco’s a real mom-and-pop town,” Wickman says. “On Sundays, everything’s closed. But in the next one to three years, I think things are going to explode.”
Downtown Waco has many fun restaurants including Maria Mezcaleria.
Union Hall in Downtown Waco has many food options for anyone.
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Branding the Brazos at Indian Spring Park
The Waco Suspension Bridge presides over Indian Spring Park, a riverside oasis featuring shady trees, walking paths and a natural grass amphitheater. Near the bridge, the “Branding the Brazos” art installation depicts a trail boss driving a herd of longhorns, their majestic figures sculpted in bronze. Also on site are the Vietnam Veterans and Waco Peace Officer Memorials. From here, visitors can head west along the Waco Riverwalk, enjoying the creative animal sculptures that adorn the path to Cameron Park. Downtown Waco is also home to Cotton Palace Park, a small centrally located space with a playground, paved walking trail, outdoor fitness station, picnic tables and grills.
Downtown Waco is home to the Brazos Sculptures.
Downtown Waco residents love kayaking down the Brazos River.
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Cozy condos and renovated spaces
Numerous condo developments anchor downtown Waco’s housing market. Residents can enjoy morning coffee on the balcony before venturing to Austin Avenue or Magnolia Market, just steps away. Most single-family homes are one-story cottages with two to three bedrooms, but some larger contemporary builds are in the mix. Lots measure about 5,000 to 7,000 square feet, and many are partially or fully fenced. Basic one-bedroom condos cost between $225,000 and $325,000, while three-bedroom units in luxury developments fetch $600,000 to $700,000. A three-bedroom cottage might sell for $150,000 to $350,000. Newly constructed and renovated historic homes are priced in the $500,000 to $1 million range. If the home was featured on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” the price is bound to be relatively high.
Downtown Waco has many rehabbed houses.
Downtown Waco boasts many unique kinds of homes.
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GreatSchools ranks Cesar Chavez Middle School above average for Algebra I testing.
Career pathways and classical learning in Downtown Waco
Schools in Downtown Waco are part of the Waco Independent School District. Students here may start at West Avenue Elementary School before advancing to Cesar Chavez Middle School. For high school, students may attend University High School, rated B by Niche and home to the A.J. Moore Academies, where students enroll in career-focused pathways such as health science and communications. Private options include the A-rated Live Oak Classical School, which offers a liberal arts curriculum for all grade levels.
Many Bands come out to play on the Brazos.
Bands on the Brazos
The annual Brazos Nights concert series rocks Indian Spring Park on the first Friday of May and June. On July 4, the series concludes at Touchdown Alley near McLane Stadium, home of the Baylor Bears. After the final concert, the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza illuminates the sky over the river. Movie lovers line up for July’s Waco Independent Film Festival, also known as the “Deep in the Heart” festival, to honor the work of Texas filmmakers. The crown jewel in the Waco event lineup is the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, which gallops onto the nearby Extraco Event Center every October.
The space between two highways
The Silo District Trolley is a free shuttle service that runs every 10 minutes Monday through Saturday, serving popular destinations like the Silos and the Dr Pepper Museum. Residents can also hop on Waco Transit System buses from numerous spots throughout the neighborhood. The station on South 8th Street serves as a Greyhound bus stop as well. Route 84 and Interstate 35 border downtown Waco to the west and east. From the interstate, motorists can make the 95-mile journey north to Dallas or travel 100 miles south to check out the scene in Austin. Waco Regional Airport is 6 miles away and offers connecting flights to major hubs.
The tornado’s aftermath
The 1953 tornado was the deadliest in Texas’s recorded history. Though the region has not seen a storm of that magnitude since, its tornado risk remains high by Texas standards and significantly higher than the national average. Since downtown Waco is situated on the banks of the Brazos River, flood risk is also a concern.
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 Downtown Waco neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Waco
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Waco Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Waco, Waco sell after 124 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Waco, Waco over the last 12 months is $297,500, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare opportunity to acquire one — or all three — of these highly successful, income-producing short-term rentals on S. 9th Street. Located within walking distance to Magnolia Market at the Silos and minutes from Baylor University, these fully furnished, professionally operated properties offer immediate cash flow in one of Waco’s most desirable STR corridors. Portfolio purchase provides scale and
Rare opportunity to acquire one — or all three — of these highly successful, income-producing short-term rentals on S. 9th Street. Located within walking distance to Magnolia Market at the Silos and minutes from Baylor University, these properties are proven performers with consistent demand from Baylor families, game-day visitors, and weekend travelers. Fully furnished, thoughtfully designed,
Beautiful luxury new construction designed and built by Aviles Construction, LLC. Just steps away from the Magnolia Silos, the newly built Foster Pavilion, Baylor University, and the Art Center of Waco. The gated and fully fenced property leads to an entryway with stunning glass double-doors equipped with a smart lock. A high ceiling over the seating area truly opens up the space and the kitchen
Welcome to this stunning, completely renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in the heart of downtown. Thoughtfully renovated with an exceptional eye for detail, this home offers a level of quality and craftsmanship that's hard to find at this price point. Inside, you'll find hardwood flooring, custom trim work, beadboard accents, designer wallpaper, and carefully selected finishes throughout. The
Live above it all at The Balconies in the heart of Downtown Waco. This stylish corner unit pairs an open, airy floor plan with custom built-ins, a chic dry bar, and designer updates throughout. Walls of windows frame sweeping views over Franklin Avenue—catch sunrises, spot Baylor and the Silos, and enjoy front-row seats to the Baylor Homecoming parade right from your private balcony. The secured
Beautifully restored 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of Waco! Extensively renovated in 2020 with updated electrical, plumbing, roof, windows, and select siding while preserving its original character. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, shiplap accents, and a thoughtfully designed addition that expanded the home’s living space and functionality. The home can be sold fully furnished,
Completely reimagined from the studs out, this isn't just a remodel—it's essentially a new home wrapped in timeless charm. Originally built in 1900, every major system has been thoughtfully updated, including the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, windows, flooring, and finishes throughout, allowing you to enjoy the character of a historic home without the maintenance concerns that
Rare vacant corner lot opportunity just one mile from Baylor University and minutes from Magnolia Market and the revitalized Downtown Waco. This residential lot at the corner of Flint Ave and S 16th Street offers an exceptional opportunity for new construction, residential development, or a long term investment hold in one of Wacos most active growth corridors.With strong demand for housing
Corner lot opportunity one mile from Baylor University and minutes from Magnolia Market and Downtown Waco. This 3 bedroom 1 bathroom 1,406 square foot home built in 1925 is being sold AS-IS and is priced to move at $130,000 — making it an ideal candidate for a full renovation, complete gut rehab, or new construction development.Sitting on a corner lot with easy access to Interstate 35, this
Prime investment opportunity in Waco! This multi-unit property at 1517–1529 Barnard St offers strong income potential in a rapidly growing area just minutes from Baylor University and downtown. Featuring multiple units across the property, this asset is ideal for investors seeking steady rental income with the benefit of proximity to one of Waco’s most in-demand rental corridors. The location
Active Short Term Rental within walking distance to Magnolia Market at the Silos, this exceptional property offers rare O-2 zoning on a hard to come by oversized 0.3 acre lot in the silo district with no restrictions on short-term rental use, making it a premier investment opportunity. This home is an active, top-performing STR with a proven income history, renovated from top to bottom just four
Live at Abbey Glenn Apartments, where modern living meets the dynamic energy of Downtown Waco, TX. Situated just steps from Baylor University, Foster Pavilion, McLane Stadium, and the vibrant heart of the city, our community offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and contemporary amenities. Whether you're searching for one, two, or three-bedroom apartments in Waco, TX, Abbey Glenn
222 Clay Court: where urban living meets laid-back luxury. Downtown Waco’s newest constructed apartment homes, 222 Clay Court is a short walk to downtown Waco, Baylor University, McLane Stadium, cafes, shopping, Brazos river running trail and Cameron Park. 222 Clay Court is connected to where you want to live. Located at 222 Clay Avenue, Waco, Texas 76706, the buildings hug the street, giving the
Discover great apartment home living in downtown Waco, Texas, at Franklin Place. These affordable apartments are located in a premier area close to schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments. There are great outdoor recreational activities available, Baylor University is close by, and if business travel is an important part of your daily life, Waco Regional Airport is only a
Student housing located one and a half blocks from Baylor Campus and within steps from downtown Waco, West Campus Lofts delivers easy access to class, work and area establishments like Torchy’s, Chick-Fil-A & Dichotomy Coffee. Each of our 1/1’s, 2/2's, 3/3's & 4/4's bedroom apartments offers high end interiors including stainless steel appliances, microwaves, dishwasher and disposals, hardwood
Enjoy our community amenities and join friends at our shimmering swimming pool, or when studies call, get some homework done at our spacious study lounge. Staying fit is easy with our 24-hour fitness center, or if you prefer the outdoors, we are a short walk from Trails on the Brazos or Cameron Park. Rest assured with our on-site and on-call maintenance team dedicated to providing quick and
Find your new home today at Tinsley Place Apartments! Tinsley Place is also home to Columbus Heights Townhomes. Settle into one of Tinsley Place's upscale one, two, or three bedroom apartments or Columbus Heights' two bedroom townhomes. If you are searching for a modern and inviting space, you’re in luck! Every floorplan offers an open design, wood-inspired flooring, a fully-equipped kitchen with
The Lofts at Waco High offer a rare opportunity to live in one of Waco’s most iconic historic landmarks, thoughtfully reimagined into distinctive apartment residences. Located in the former Waco High School building, this community blends preserved architectural character with contemporary urban living, creating a truly one-of-a-kind residential experience.Originally constructed as a
Beautifully restored 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of Waco, offering approximately 1,274 square feet of updated living space with historic character intact. Originally built in 1930 and extensively renovated in 2020, this home blends classic charm with important modern upgrades, including updated electrical, plumbing, roof, windows, and select siding.Inside, the home features a
Property Id: 2757777 Welcome to your new home at 1115 Columbus Ave in Waco, TX! This beautiful unit features top-notch amenities including dishwasher, washer, dryer, and alarm system. Enjoy off-street parking, on-site laundry, and a secure building. Utilities included in the rent for only $450/month. Don't miss out on this gem!
Property Id: 2757778 Welcome to your new home at 1115 Columbus Ave in Waco, TX! This spacious unit features top-notch amenities such as a dishwasher, oven, washer, dryer, and alarm system. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking, on-site laundry, and secure building. With utilities included and no pets allowed, this $400/month rental won't last long. Don't miss out on this fantastic
Property Id: 2757780 Welcome to your new home at 1115 Columbus Ave in Waco, TX! This modern unit offers all the amenities you need including oven, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and more. With off-street parking, on-site laundry, and security cameras, you'll feel safe and comfortable. Don't miss out on this opportunity for only $200/month with utilities included! Call now for a showing.
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