$182,858Average Value$330Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Access to downtown Waco, Baylor and I-35
Though it’s just a mile southwest of downtown Waco and Baylor University — the top employer in McLennan County — the University neighborhood has a slightly misleading name. “It’s not in what we call the 'Baylor bubble,' where most of the students can be found,” says Katie Snapp, Realtor with Camille Johnson, Realtors. “It's very affordable, there’s a lot of great commercial business in that space, and it’s near I-35 for people who need to hop on really quickly.” Some of the narrow residential streets are within walking distance of downtown amenities, but wallet-friendly home prices are the main draw. A few of Waco’s best-known restaurants are parked along the Interstate 35 corridor, drawing folks from all around the city.
Waco's University is just a mile southeast of downtown Waco with affordable housing.
University is just a mile south of Downtown Waco.
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George’s Restaurant, home of the Big O
George’s Restaurant on Speight Avenue is a Waco favorite. The menu features standard pub grub — burgers, chicken fried steak, fajitas, etc. — but George’s claim to fame is the “Big O,” a hefty goblet for frosty draft beer. Chip and Joanna Gaines put their stamp on South Valley Mills Drive when they transformed the Elite Café into the hip breakfast and lunch spot Magnolia Table. The menu highlights local ingredients, and it’s not uncommon to see folks lining up for Jo’s famous buttermilk biscuits. Another cool local spot, Dos Mundos Spud Shack, stuffs oversized baked potatoes with savory fillings like brisket and smoked sausage. Groceries are available at H-E-B on South Valley Mills Drive.
Small starter homes and fixer-uppers
Most houses in University are starter homes dating to the 1950s, and they average just over 1,000 square feet of living space. Recent remodels brought fresh curb appeal to many, but others still need some TLC. Lot sizes typically measure under a quarter acre, with fencing and tree growth offering privacy. Front lawns accented with paved walkways sit adjacent to driveways long enough to accommodate a single vehicle. Sidewalks are overgrown on some streets and nonexistent on others. Some fixer-uppers and vacant lots cost $50,000 to $100,000. The average two- to three-bedroom starter home is priced in the $150,000 to $300,000 range.
Many of University's homes have undergone remodels that retain the early 50's charm.
Recently renovated started homes make University a prime destination for young buyers.
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Short hike to Bell’s Hill Elementary
Kids living in University have an easy walk to Bell’s Hill Elementary School, which is right in the neighborhood and has a Niche grade of C-plus. They’ll have to venture about a mile north to downtown Waco to get to Cesar Chavez Middle School, which gets a C from Niche. University High School in nearby Alta Vista receives a B. Students at University High School may participate in A.J. Moore Academies, a magnet program that prepares students for careers in fields including culinary arts, business and education.
GreatSchools gives Bell's Hill Elementary School a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio in Univeristy.
University High School is a public school within Waco, TX near the University neighborhood.
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Community gatherings at South Waco Recreation Center
Residents of all ages gather at the South Waco Community Center. The facilities offer programming for students from kindergarten through high school, including after-school care and summer camps, plus adult and senior fitness classes. Outside the building, a playground and climbing structure draw in the younger crowd. Waco Creek flows through Bell’s Hill Park, a green space in the neighborhood’s northwest corner. A paved walking trail winds around picnic areas, play structures, an outdoor gym and an amphitheater.
Stop by the South Waco Community Center for fitness & group classes in Univeristy.
Bells Hills Park is nestled in the University neighborhood near resident homes.
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Concerts on the Brazos River
University residents are close enough to downtown Waco to join the festivities in early summer during the Brazos Nights concert series. On the first Fridays of May and June, live musicians take the stage at Indian Spring Park on the Brazos River. The celebration culminates on July 4th with a concert and fireworks near McLane Stadium in nearby Baylor. The South Waco Community Center also hosts family-oriented seasonal events such as trunk-or-treats and Easter egg hunts.
Just a few mins north of University, residents enjoy holiday festivities on the Brazos river.
The Brazos River sits just a few mins north of University & runs horizontal through Waco.
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Interstate 35 to downtown Waco
Interstate 35 travels along the neighborhood's eastern side, leading to downtown Waco and Baylor University about a mile north. The Circle — the first traffic rotary in Texas — connects the interstate to Valley Mills Drive near Magnolia Table. Waco Transit System buses serve the area and might be convenient in the summer heat, but it's also possible to walk downtown from the residential area. Waco Regional Airport is 7 miles away.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Across the street from South Waco Recreation Center, Sacred Heart Catholic Church holds Mass Wednesday through Sunday. Spanish and bilingual services are available, and confession is held daily.
St. Mark Lutheran Church is a historic Lutheran congregation located in University.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in University offers daily confessions and weekly mass.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joe Reed,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hart-Patterson Track and Field Complex
Bell's Hill Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
South Waco Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Waco Regional
19 min drive
University Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University, Waco sell after 126 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in University, Waco over the last 12 months is $1,500,000, up 274% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully Remodeled & Move-In Ready!Discover this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 1,064 sq. ft. of modern comfort and style. Every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded, featuring walk-in tile showers, new stainless steel appliances, and updated central air & heat for year-round comfort.Enjoy the brand-new windows and flooring, creating a bright, inviting space
Step into the charm of this 1949 Craftsman-style home, nestled on approximately 0.17-acre lot in the Bells Hill area. With 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and 864 square feet of living space, this cozy single-story home is filled with character and potential. Original woodwork, wood and laminate flooring, and a welcoming front porch set the tone for a warm, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen offers space
Opportunity for building a new home!!!! 1.5 lots add extra room and a large backyard. Just minutes for shopping, I-35, hospitals and more. Take advantage of this low traffic street!
HOUSING ACCEPTED! Spacious 4-Bed, 4.5-Bath Rental | Near Baylor & Downtown WacoNow leasing! This beautifully designed two-story townhome offers the perfect blend of space, privacy, and convenience—just minutes from Baylor University, I-35, and downtown Waco.* 4 bedrooms, each with its own private full bathroom* 4 full baths + 1 guest half bath downstairs* Washer & dryer
For Lease – Fully Furnished New-Build Duplex Minutes from Baylor University!Now leasing two brand-new, beautifully furnished duplex units just 3 minutes from Baylor University and a quick 700 feet to Starbucks—perfect for students, traveling professionals, or anyone seeking a turnkey living experience near the heart of Waco!Each unit features 3 spacious private bedrooms available for
Cozy 2BR/1BA Rear Duplex Unit – Minutes from Baylor & I-35!Now available for rent—this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath REAR UNIT OF A DUPLEX offers private entry, covered parking, and a private back deck, all just minutes from Baylor University and I-35!Enjoy the convenience of a shared in-house laundry area, a small storage shed, and a spacious yard perfect for relaxing or studying
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joe Reed,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,082
Median Age
31
Population under 18
29.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,989
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,026
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
53%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
5.4%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
