Why Live in Downtown Waco
Downtown Waco, the birthplace of Dr Pepper, has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame. This central Texas neighborhood, once devastated by a 1953 tornado, is now a vibrant area with numerous attractions. Key landmarks include the Dr Pepper Museum, the Hippodrome Theatre, and the iconic Waco Suspension Bridge. The Silos, home to Magnolia Market, are a major draw, surrounded by breweries, restaurants, and independent shops. The Waco Downtown Farmers Market offers fresh produce every Saturday, while Fabled Bookshop & Café provides a cozy spot for book lovers. Dining options range from Vietnamese cuisine at The Clay Pot to Mexican fare at Maria Mezcaleria. For nightlife, venues like Backyard Bar Stage and Grill and Waco Ale Company offer live music and events, though the area is known for its early closing times. Outdoor spaces such as Indian Spring Park and Cotton Palace Park provide green spaces with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Housing in downtown Waco includes numerous condo developments and single-family cottages, with a mix of newly constructed and historic homes. The neighborhood is served by the Silo District Trolley and Waco Transit System, with easy access to Route 84 and Interstate 35. Waco Regional Airport is 6 miles away, offering connections to major hubs. While the area has a high tornado and flood risk, its crime rate is lower than the national average, making it a relatively safe place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Waco a good place to live?
Downtown Waco is a good place to live. Downtown Waco is considered fairly walkable and bikeable. Downtown Waco has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 29. The average household income is $68,044 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 19.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Waco are renters, with 83.7% of residents renting and 16.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Waco can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Waco neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Waco?
The median home price in Downtown Waco is $300,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $60,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,520 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $65K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Waco. The average household income in Downtown Waco is $68K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Waco?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Waco are:
- University High School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 15:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
- Waco High School has a B- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
- Bell's Hill Elementary School has a C+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
What are the best private schools in Downtown Waco?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Waco are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Waco, Waco, TX?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Waco, Waco, TX?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown Waco?
Yes, home prices in Downtown Waco are down 37% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown Waco, TX
On average, homes in Downtown Waco, Waco sell after 152 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Waco, Waco over the last 12 months is $161,000, down 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$161,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$217,450
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$399,900
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$420,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$317
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median List Price
$300,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-46%