Woodway was home to just 250 residents until the 1950s, when a devastating tornado ripped through Waco, about 5 miles away. As demand grew for new construction and public improvements in the area, Woodway’s population grew, too. Now home to 9,000 people, the central Texas city is one of Waco’s most desirable suburbs, thanks to its top-notch schools and access to Lake Waco. “The main attraction there is the school district,” says Melissa Harrell, Realtor and owner of Onward Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Advantage. “It’s one of the top-ranked school districts in the state. They offer a ton of programs that appeal to varied interests, and they have a very strong STEM program.”
Woodway residents have many options when it comes to choosing their home.
GreatSchools ranks Castleman Creek Elementary School above average for test scores.
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A-plus for Midway Independent School District
Many families settle in Woodway for the schools alone. The Midway Independent School District earns an A-plus from Niche, which ranks it the 17th-best school district in Texas. The sole high school in the district, Midway High, also gets an A-plus from Niche while being recognized for its academics, athletics and music program. Education is also one of the city’s primary employment sectors.
Midway High School is a public school within Waco, TX.
Midway High School in Waco, TX gets an "A+" score on niche.
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Median home price higher than nearby Waco
Home prices in Woodway are higher than in Waco proper, likely owing to the allure of Midway ISD. The median home price is around $400,000, which is in line with the national median but significantly higher than Waco’s median price of $252,000. Prices start around $250,000 to $400,000 for single-family homes, but new construction and larger established builds might cost $450,000 to $600,000. Luxury homes near Lake Waco can sell for $1 million and up. Buyers in these areas should know that homes near the lake are at risk of flooding, which can increase insurance premiums. Woodway’s tornado risk is also significant, even by the Texas standard, which is higher than the national average.
There are many new builds available in Woodway.
Woodway house prices are higher than nearby Waco.
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The jewel of Woodway
Woodway’s location on the banks of Lake Waco invites fishing, picnicking and scenic hikes. “That part of Waco is hilly and wooded, with a lot of mature trees,” Harrell says. Boaters can launch their watercraft from the ramp at Lakeside Park, formerly Woodway Park. A disc golf course offers a variety of shots, with some holes right next to the water. Bear Ridge Golf Club, a semi-private 18-hole course, can be found just west of the city off U.S. Route 84.
Carleen Bright Arboretum — “the jewel of Woodway” — blooms with lush botanical gardens, a meditation grove and a monarch butterfly habitat. Visitors might catch a scarlet glimpse of the city’s official bird, the cardinal, in the 16-acre space. The arboretum hosts events throughout the year, including a farmers market on the third Sunday of every month.
Lakeside Park is a short drive from Woodway residents.
The beautiful meditation grove and butterfly habitat is located in Woodway.
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A short drive to downtown Waco
Education and health care are major employers in town. Ascension Providence Hospital and Meadowlake Medical Center are about a mile away, just off West Highway 6. Downtown Waco is a 5-mile drive away via Route 84, which runs through the heart of town. Buses on the Waco Transit System stop along West Highway 6 and at nearby Richland Mall, but it’s faster to make the trip downtown by car. Waco Regional Airport, 10 miles away, makes daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. Since Woodway is roughly 100 miles south of Dallas, travelers might also opt to make the drive themselves. Austin, the state capital, is also about 100 miles away.
Waco Regional Airport is a short drive from Woodway.
Woodway residents have the convenience of the local Hospital near them.
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Within a mile of Richland Mall
Shopping centers, big-box stores and restaurants line the Route 84 corridor, also known as Woodway Drive. Richland Mall, the biggest shopping center between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, is less than a mile away. Since downtown Waco is so close, residents also have easy access to Magnolia Market, the shopping complex owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, local celebrities and hosts of "Fixer Upper" on HGTV.
Downtown Waco is home to the Magnolia Stores and Silos.
Woodway residents usually opt for the local Richland Mall for their shopping needs.
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In the Central Texas Bible Belt
Waco and its suburbs are part of the Central Texas Bible Belt. First Woodway Baptist Church, Woodway United Methodist Church and St. Jerome Catholic Church are just a few of the many churches in the area.
Woodway churches are found all throughout of the famous Bible Belt.
Woodway United Methodist Church is an option for local residents.
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Woodway’s crime rates and other concerns
While the crime rate in Waco is higher than state and national numbers, the crime rate in Woodway is comparatively lower, especially when it comes to instances of violent crime. Additionally, the City of Waco Landfill occupies a sizable chunk of land in Woodway. Though officials expect the landfill to close by the end of 2025, it currently receives up to 1,000 tons of solid waste per day.
Ashley Warren was born and raised in Waco. After living in Dallas and Lubbock for her husband's medical training, she has been back in Waco and an active member of her community for 15 years. She is excited to channel that community focus toward real estate. With a passion for world-class service in the Waco area, Ashley is ready to help with your home buying and selling needs.
As a proud member of the Magnolia Realty family, Ashley carries the values of integrity, exceptional listening skills, hard work, and outstanding client service into everything she does. When Ashley isn’t making home ownership dreams come true for her clients, she enjoys spending time horseback riding and wake surfing with her husband Scott, and their kids, Mabry and Miles. Ashley enjoys mentoring and also serves on the Midway Education Foundation Board of Directors. Ashley says the most gratifying aspect of serving her real estate clients is the ability to contribute to the city she loves in a meaningful way. She loves assisting clients and friends who become family as they transition to and within Waco. Let her help you make home your favorite place.
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.
