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Willow Grove

Willow Grove

$321,653 Average Value
$200 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Branching out from Waco in Willow Grove

Willow Grove's founders originally set out to organize a church in the nearby community of Valley Mills, but they weren't pleased with the location. So, they packed their wagons with lumber and moved 15 miles east across the Texas plain, closer to the banks of Lake Waco. After the settlers planted "willow switches" to establish the new territory, the Willow Grove Baptist Church and surrounding community grew into one of Waco's more remote branches. The town of 2,200 residents sits on the western side of Lake Waco, connected to town by the two-lane Twin Bridges on State Highway 6. “It’s out of mainstream town, more out in the country, so to speak,” says Gaye Lynn Rast, Realtor with Kelly, Realtors. “Go back across Twin Bridges, and you’ve got medical and shopping and all your needs right there. However, going out a little bit further gives you an opportunity to be out of the hustle and bustle.”
Willow Grove residents enjoy a peaceful life with spacious lots.
Willow Grove residents enjoy a peaceful life with spacious lots.
Willow Grove is close to Downtown Waco.
Willow Grove is close to Downtown Waco.
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Springing into action at Speegleville Elementary

Highly rated schools are a top draw for families in Willow Grove. “One of the benefits of that area is Midway ISD,” says Joe Reed, Realtor with Weichert Realtors. “It’s more country than Hewitt or Woodway, but you still have access to great schools.” Speegleville Elementary School is conveniently located in the neighborhood and earns a Niche grade of A. River Valley Middle School also gets an A, but it’s a short distance away on Speegleville Road. To get to Midway High School, students travel about 10 miles to West Waco. Niche gives the high school an A-plus.

Twin Bridges to Woodway and Waco

With 11 miles separating Willow Grove from downtown Waco, this is a car-dependent area. No buses or other public transportation options are available. The quickest route to town is along Highway 6, which leads to the Twin Bridges across Lake Waco and from there to the suburb of Woodway, about 8 miles away. Healthcare facilities Meadowlake Medical Center and Ascension Providence Hospital are right across the bridge in Woodway. The nearest airport is Waco Regional, 14 miles away.
Willow Grove residents have plenty to do at Twin Bridges Park.
Willow Grove residents have plenty to do at Twin Bridges Park.
Twin Bridges Park is a short drive for Willow Grove residents.
Twin Bridges Park is a short drive for Willow Grove residents.
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1950s ranch-style homes and contemporary two-story builds

Mature trees billow above the narrow residential streets, dappling broad front yards with flecks of sun and shade. Buyers can expect properties to measure between a half-acre and a full acre on average, translating into plenty of yard space for relaxing or socializing. Ranch-style houses built in the 1950s might sell for $250,000 to $450,000, while contemporary single- or two-story homes with gabled roof accents range from $400,000 to $600,000. A few large contemporary builds might cost $1 to $1.25 million. Inventory trends low, and the market can be sluggish. “We don’t typically have a lot that comes up for sale out there on the regular,” Rast says. Homes that arrive on the market typically stay there for a few months, which is longer than the national average.
Willow Grove houses enjoy shaded front yards.
Willow Grove houses enjoy shaded front yards.
Two story homes in Willow Grove are an excellent choice for larger families.
Two story homes in Willow Grove are an excellent choice for larger families.
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Boots and bridles at Bar None Country Store

Most commercial activity is confined to the stretch along Highway 6, on the eastern side of the residential area. K & W’s Bar and Grill is a roadhouse with pool tables and pub grub, including specialty burgers made from a blend of ground brisket and chuck. A rotating weekly selection of prepackaged portion-controlled meals is available from Fuel Up. A short drive north, Helberg Barbecue offers classes on sausage making and brisket trimming, as well as smoked meats by the quarter-, half- and full pound. At Bar None Country Store, animal feed and hardware shelves line up alongside horse tack and Western apparel. The variety store also sells hunting licenses and propane tank refills. Groceries and household essentials are available at H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter in Woodway.

Camping at Reynolds Creek Park

Near the banks of Lake Waco, Reynolds Creek Park is an appealing spot for birdwatching. Covered picnic tables and grills sit beside the water, and equestrian camping facilities accommodate riders and their horses. Lake Waco Wetlands’s marsh and education center invite nature lovers to observe wildlife in its native habitat. Play Zone Waco, an indoor playground with a soft playroom and inflatable arena, allows kids to burn off energy when it’s raining or too hot for outdoor activities.

Willow Grove Baptist Church

The founding of Willow Grove Baptist Church correlates with the town’s inception. Though the congregation has moved several times — and seen one of its buildings razed by a fire — its members always band together to keep the community spirit alive.
Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Debbie Giesbrecht
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Michael Voyack
Video By
Michael Voyack

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Kimberly N Smith, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Waco Regional

22 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Willow Grove US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Willow Grove Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$519,990
Median Sale Price
$253,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$655,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-55%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$200

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
595
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1986
Months of Supply
3.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,794
Below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,730

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kimberly N Smith, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,304
Median Age
41
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$73,989
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,664

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.3%
College Graduates
14.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.1%

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®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Willow Grove