West is known as the “Czech Heritage Capital of Texas”
Texas residents often refer to West as “West comma Texas,” a shorthand way to avoid confusing it with the greater West Texas region. West, the city, is actually in the central part of the state, about 20 miles north of Waco. “Waco keeps expanding, and a lot of Wacoans who don’t want to live in the outlying neighborhoods will just head up to West,” says Alan Cooper, a broker with Duck Brothers Real Estate who has nearly two decades of local experience. The city is home to 3,000 residents — about three-quarters of whom share Czech heritage — with a particular appeal to homebuyers in search of a quiet lifestyle and highly rated schools. “If you’re looking for country living, it’s definitely that, but it’s an acquired taste,” Cooper says. “If you’re coming from a big city, it’s gonna take a while to adjust, because downtown’s just two blocks and everything closes early.”
Mix of 1920s cottages and newer custom-built homes
Trees border the broad residential streets in the central area of town, where roads can include sidewalks that are overgrown and uneven in places. Lots typically measure under a quarter-acre, and some have garages or carports. Homes in this section usually date to the 1920s, while many houses on the outskirts were built much more recently. Small cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes sell for $125,000 to $200,000, while larger single-story and New Traditional builds cost $200,000 to $400,000. Large custom-built homes with several acres or amenities like in-ground pools cost $450,000 to $750,000. Properties linger on the market for about 100 days, roughly twice the national average.
West is on a Union Pacific Railroad route, and houses near the tracks might be subject to noise from passing freight trains. The city’s tornado risk is relatively high. The deadliest tornado in Texas history struck nearby Waco in 1953. Residents are advised to look for homes with basements or storm shelters.
Elementary and middle schools earn A-minus ratings from Niche
West Elementary School and West Middle School both receive an A-minus grade from Niche. West High School is rated B. In 2013, an explosion at the West Fertilizer Company caused significant damage to the middle school and high school. As a result, both schools moved to a new state-of-the-art building, which opened in 2016.
Czech specialties are on the menu at several West restaurants
Czech heritage takes center stage in the city’s commercial scene. Slovacek’s West is a hybrid bakery and meat market specializing in smoked sausages and kolaches. Fans of the authentic pastries can choose between sweet or savory kolaches at Czech Stop and Gerik’s Ole Czech Bakery & Deli. Czech Fries, sliced grilled seasoned potatoes mixed with onions, get top billing at Picha’s Czech-American Restaurant, a popular lunch spot. The brick walls at Olde Czech Corner Antiques are crammed with tchotchkes, books, furniture and fine china. While many places shut down by 9 p.m., watering holes like Wolf’s Sports Bar and The Tipsy Lion Bar & Grill add a dash of nightlife. Community Grocery & Market is conveniently located just outside downtown.
Polka and kolaches at Westfest celebration
Over Labor Day weekend, Westfest gives Czech residents a chance to honor their heritage. Live polka music provides the soundtrack, while celebrants line up for carnival rides and munch on kolaches, sausages and sauerkraut. The West Fair & Rodeo, held every August, celebrated its 79th year in 2025.
Picnic areas and playground equipment at West City Park
After the West Fertilizer tragedy, the community rallied to rebuild the playground at West City Park. The new playground is named Parker’s Park in honor of a volunteer firefighter who was killed in the explosion. A nearby memorial honors all the victims, and other amenities include tennis and basketball courts, covered picnic tables and grills. Playdium Pool is open to the public and features a waterslide and a diving board. The dog park near Slovacek’s West holds a menagerie of animal-themed sculptures for furry friends to romp around and sniff.
Community gatherings at West churches
West Brethren Church, founded by Czech immigrants in the late 1800s, serves as a gathering place for the Protestant community. The church holds Sunday school for children and adult Bible study before its weekly worship services. St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption is a Catholic church that hosts monthly meetings and fellowship for the Knights of Columbus.
Access to I-35 connects West to Waco and Dallas
Interstate 35 passes through West, leading 20 miles south to Waco and 75 miles north to Dallas. Waco Regional Airport offers commuter flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International for travelers who don’t want to make the 90-mile drive to the larger airport. Health care services are available from Hill Regional Hospital, about 16 miles away in Hillsboro.
