Waco

 

 

 

Situated on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin, Waco offers some of Texas’ major attractions, plus five historic homes, seven recreational venues, and nine different arts organizations.

 

The birthplace of Dr. Pepper and home of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, Waco also houses three colleges within its city limits: Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, and McLennan Community College.

 

The city boasts one of the biggest municipal parks in Texas, Cameron Park, and serves as an important commercial and transportation hub. Summers are hot and humid here, but winters are mild.

 

The town’s most famous residents are Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper and owners of the Waco-based Magnolia Market, bringing 30,000 visitors to the town weekly.

 

• Welcoming homesteads that range in size and style
• A collegiate atmosphere with three renowned schools
• Shopping and dining at Magnolia Market

 

Waco is a highly family-oriented community, and a range of annual events and gatherings encourages that dynamic. An excellent school system is also a big draw for residents of this area.

 

Magnolia Market: This shopping complex encompasses two city blocks and is marked by two 120’ high silos, built in 1950 as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company. Owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper fame, the Waco landmark helped change the city in recent years, drawing in an estimated 30,000 visitors per week.

 

The grounds include a 12,000 sq. ft. retail store, a food truck park with picnic tables, a garden store, and a bakery. Special events are held here regularly — including Spring at the Silos (March), Silobration (October), and Christmas at the Silos. A $10 million expansion is currently being planned.

 

Cameron Park Zoo: Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre natural habitat zoo located within Cameron Park next to the Brazos River. Established in July 1993, the attraction features lush native vegetation surrounding splashing waterfalls, a picturesque lake, and ponds.

 

There are also several popular restaurants near in Waco. Local favorites include Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria, an artisan pizza place offering Neapolitan-style, thin-crust pies, plus Italian wines and draft beers, and Buzzard Billy’s, a laid-back eatery serving Cajun and American fare in a riverside setting.

 

Margarita and Salsa Festival: A fall favorite in Waco, this annual function is considered one of the largest music events in Texas, attracting prominent country performers from around the world. All proceeds benefit the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Scholarship Program. Festival attendees have access to multiple margaritas and salsa tastings.

 

Cameron Park: A 416-acre urban park named in memory of Waco philanthropist and lumber baron William Cameron. The park also contains Waco's 52-acre zoo, the Cameron Park Zoo.

 

Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo: Held at the Extraco Events Center, this annual event draws a crowd of more than 200,000 guests each year.

Downtown Revitalization Project

Waco is embarking on a significant transformation of its downtown area with a $2 billion project. This ambitious plan aims to revamp 60 acres around the city core, including the development of a minor league baseball stadium, a new convention center, a hotel, and other real estate developments. The project began as a smaller initiative but has since expanded to reshape the future of Waco’s downtown.

 

Emerging Business & Economic Growth

Cultural and Recreational Expansions

The city is also focusing on enhancing its cultural and recreational offerings. This includes the development of new facilities and amenities, further enriching the lifestyle and entertainment options available to residents and visitors. These expansions underscore Waco's commitment to improving the quality of life and leisure activities in the city.

 

Waco is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: