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Living in Waco
More than 250,000 people call Waco and McLennan County home. Waco is big enough to offer you everything you need, and just the right size to not have that "big city" feel.
An easy commute, affordable housing, year-round outdoor recreational activities, a wide selection of schools and churches, great shopping and dining options, and a central location in the Heart of Texas that can't be beat are just of the many reasons to consider making Waco your home, too. Get to know Waco and the surrounding area better at the links below.
On This Page
Welcome Home
We hope the information on this page is helpful for you as you transition and make Waco home. Find the best places to eat, activities for you and your family, and ways to engage in the community.
Waco and Nearby Cities
There are numerous cities in the surrounding Waco area. All of these communities are close to Baylor - most within 15 minutes. Find a community that's right for you!
Realtors
Baylor University does not have partnerships, endorsements, or contracts with any relator company in Waco, however we recommend referencing this list of local relators: Waco Texas Realtors
Schools
Depending on which neighborhood you reside in, you will be part of an Independent School District (ISD). If you prefer to explore private school offerings, there are options for you in the Waco area.
Independent School Districts:
- Bosqueville ISD - https://www.bosqueville.k12.tx.us
- China Spring ISD - https://www.chinaspringisd.net/
- Connally ISD - http://www.connally.org/
- La Vega ISD - https://www.lavegaisd.org/
- Lorena ISD - https://www.lorenaisd.net
- Midway ISD - http://www.midwayisd.org/
- Robinson ISD - http://risdweb.org/
- Waco ISD - https://www.wacoisd.org
Private Schools:
- Eagle Christian Academy - http://ecawaco.com/
- Live Oak Classical School - http://liveoakclassical.com/
- Parkview Christian Academy - https://parkviewwaco.com
- Reicher Catholic High School - http://reicher.org/
- St. Louis Catholic School - http://www.stlouiswaco.org
- St. Paul's Episcopal School - http://www.speswaco.org/
- Vanguard College Preparatory School - https://vanguard.org/
- Waco Montessori School - http://www.wacomontessorischool.org
- Woodway Christian School - http://woodwaychristianschool.org/
Faith
Baylor's Office of Spiritual Life has a website designed to help you find a spiritual home in Waco. The site is organized by denomination and provides links to the church's website so you can find out more information.
Explore
Find out about all of Waco's hot spots and local gems. You can visit the Greater Waco Chamber website that shows attractions and more.
Attractions
Hawaiian Falls Waco, Waco Hippodrome, Movie Theater, AMF Bowling Alley
Coffee & Drinks
BRU, Artisan Coffee Works, Common Grounds, Crickets, Dancing Bear Pub, Dichotomy, Lula Jane's, Pinewood Coffee Bar, The Backyard
Dining & Dessert
Dining: 135 Prime, 1424 Bistro, Baris, Cafe Cappuccino, Chuy's, Clay Pot, Fuzzy's, George's, Hecho en Waco, Magnolia Table, Ninfa's, Rudy's, Stonehearth Cafe, Te'jun The Texas Cajun, Teriyaki Park, Torchy's Tacos, Twisted Root, Vitek's
Dessert: Chills 360, Collin Street Bakery, Healthcamp, Heritage Creamery, Hey Sugar, Lula Jane’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pie Peddlers, Subzero Ice Cream
Museums
Dr. Pepper Museum, Fort Hood Museum, Mayborn Museum, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Outdoors
Cameron Park, Cameron Park Zoo, H.O.T. Dog Park, Lake Waco Wetlands, Suspension Bridge, Waco Downtown Farmer's Market, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Waco Murals
Shopping
Magnolia Market at the Silos, Richland Mall, Sironia, Central Texas Marketplace, Spice Village, The Findery
Sports
Baylor Athletics, Waco Parks and Recreation
Serve
One of the most important ways you can be involved in your community is through service. Find a place to serve based on your passion and calling. You can find out about places to serve here:
Events
Waco has lots of events for couples, singles, and families throughout the year. These events usually happen around the same time every year. You can always check the City of Waco events calendar for up-to-date information.
Monthly Events in Waco:
- January: Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo
- February: HOT Chili Fest
- March: South 40 Outdoor Expo
- April: Art on Elm, Texas Food Truck Showdown
- April-June: Brazos Nights
- June: Juneteenth Family Fun Day
- July: 4th on the Brazos
- September: Waco Cultural Arts Festival, Heart of Texas Airshow
- October: Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo
- November: Homestead Fair
- December: Waco Wonderland
Resources
- Baylor University Human Resources - askHR@baylor.edu
- Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce - https://www.centexchamber.com/
- Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - https://wacohispanicchamber.com/
- City of Waco - http://www.waco-texas.com/
- Cost of Living Calculator - https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator
- Cultural Arts of Waco - https://culturalartswaco.org/
- United Way - http://www.baylor.edu/hr/UnitedWay
- Waco Chamber of Commerce - http://wacochamber.com/
- Waco Heart of Texas - https://wacoheartoftexas.com/
- Waco NAACP - http://waconaacp.org/
