Firstly why Waco, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Waco
• State: Texas
• Population: 138,183 people
• Waco’s quick summary would be Known for Baylor University, the Magnolia Market at the Silos, and the historic Dr Pepper Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 7,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its growing economy and historic institutions attracting families and students

Perk #1: Waco Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Waco is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Waco’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,542
• Property Tax %: 1.9%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Woodway
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Waco, Bellmead, Woodway, Hewitt, and probably could include McGregor
• Avg. Age of Homes in Waco: 63 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Waco’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Waco are  Manufacturing, Education, and Retail
• Waco Job Scene: moderate job market primarily in education and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence primarily engaging in local businesses and education services , ,
• Waco Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Waco: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 70 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Waco

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-35 runs through Waco providing major north-south access
• Commute Time: 21 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on 35
• Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Waco: 120,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Waco: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Waco Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Waco’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Waco is best described as hot summers mild winters with a humid subtropical climate
• Winter Weather in Waco i’d describe as mild with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Waco can be described as warm and rainy
• Summer’s in Waco are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Waco is usually warm with pleasant weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in Waco below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally experienced with few issues
• Waco Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution concerns

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Waco Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Waco 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Wacos’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Waco-McLennan County Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Waco Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Waco only Doctors is about 55
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Waco only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Waco’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Waco’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Waco’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Waco

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a university with a rich culture and historical significance
• You might enjoy local theater performances at the Waco Civic Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Waco  has a friendly nightlife focused on local bars and dining options perfect for gathering with friends and families

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Waco

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of local diners and casual food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Waco
• The Popular Sports Team is Waco High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Waco can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on education and local economy
• Waco’s Longer standing religious establishment is Waco Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Waco Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Waco has 20 Parks?
• Waco Mammoth National Monument is Waco’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Waco Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cultural sites, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Waco Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Waco can be described as laid-back urban atmosphere with a focus on education and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Waco hiking nature trails visiting parks attending local events
• The Cities people commute to from Waco are Portland 11 miles away Robstown 26 miles away Alice 46 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Waco or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on 35. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Waco’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Woodway is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Waco are Portland 11 miles away Robstown 26 miles away Alice 46 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Waco has 0 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Waco people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Waco. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on education and local economy could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Waco.

Retiree & Senior Life in Waco

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy reductions in property taxes assisting in affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Ridgecrest
• Waco Senior Center offers wellness programs educational activities and recreational opportunities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Waco, Texas?

If Waco, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Waco, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!