Business growth and desirable schools in Waco suburb
Since Hewitt’s early days as a quiet agricultural community, the suburb 8 miles south of Waco has grown into the second-largest city in McLennan County. Though established in the late 19th century, the Texas city wasn’t incorporated until 1960, two years before construction began on Interstate 35 in Waco. The I-35 corridor brought a flurry of commerce to the area, earning Hewitt the nickname “The City Where Business Grows.” Proximity to the interstate is still a draw, but the city’s 16,000 residents also benefit from access to one of the best school districts in the state. “It’s one of the older communities in Midway ISD,” says Katie Snapp, a Realtor with Camille Johnson Realtors. “A lot of the district is newer construction, but Hewitt is an old small town that suburbia has built its way around.”
Hewitt
Hewitt
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Midway Independent School District is Waco’s best
The Midway Independent School District is a top draw for Hewitt homebuyers and a major area employer. Niche gives the district an A-plus and ranks it as the best in the Waco area and the 17th-best in Texas. Midway’s Special Education Department has garnered praise for its efforts in assisting students throughout their school days and helping them integrate successfully into the community following graduation. Depending on their address, some students might attend schools in the A-rated Lorena Independent School District instead.
Castleman Creek Elementary School teaches students in grades K-5.
Hewitt Elementary School in Hewitt, TX gets an "A" score on niche.
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Access to the I-35 corridor
“Hewitt is focused more along the I-35 than other parts of Midway ISD, so it’s great for anyone looking to travel to the airport or wherever they might be working,” Snapp says. “You can get to downtown Waco really easily.” Many locals work in healthcare, and the campus for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest is located along the interstate about 4 miles north of Hewitt. This route also paves the way to downtown Waco and Baylor University, about 9 miles away. The city is about 15 miles from Waco Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to Dallas Fort Worth. Waco Transit System buses don’t travel this far south, so residents rely on cars to get around.
Home prices higher than in nearby Waco
Hewitt homebuyers can expect to pay higher-than-average prices for the privilege of living in one of Waco’s most desirable suburbs. The median home price of $319,000 is noticeably higher than Waco’s, though still well below the national median. Many homes were built after 1960, when the city started to attract more residents. Condos and starter homes might cost $225,000 to $300,000, but most larger or newer builds are priced in the $300,000 to $500,000 range.
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Hewitt
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New retail and restaurants on I-35
Hewitt Drive is one of the city’s primary thoroughfares, bordered by freight railroad tracks, chain restaurants and small shopping centers. Recent commercial activity near the interstate has given the area a refresh. “For a while, it was like a 1990s time capsule, with old grocery stores. But then along I-35, they got new stuff like a Walmart and a Starbucks,” Snapp says. The interstate leads to more options in and around downtown Waco, including the Silos at Magnolia and the coffee shops and pubs surrounding the Baylor campus.
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Hewitt
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Home of Midway Panther Stadium
Weekends in Hewitt revolve around student sports. The high school football team stalks its prey at Midway Panther Stadium, adjacent to the high school on Hewitt Drive. The stadium has a capacity of 9,500 and doubles as a venue for band competitions and other sporting events. Hewitt Public Library is another pillar of the community, offering events that appeal to a range of ages and interests.
Hewitt
Hewitt
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Red-brick churches around every corner
As a suburb of Waco, Hewitt represents a notch on the Bible Belt. The vaulted roofs and spires of red-brick churches can be seen around almost every corner. Some notable examples include St. Jerome Catholic Church, Hewitt Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church of Hewitt.
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Hewitt
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Crime risk and environmental concerns
Hewitt’s crime rates are significantly lower than Waco’s, although property-related incidents are more common than violent crime in both cities.
Summers in central Texas are long and hot, with frequent thunderstorms and temperatures reaching the triple digits. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, which may lead to flooding in some neighborhoods.
Jenn, a Kansas native, brought her love for close-knit communities to Waco in 2015 when she married a Texan. With a background in marketing and a passion for "peopling," she transitioned into real estate, guiding clients through realizing their home dreams. She particularly enjoys working with sellers, investors and first-time buyers, connecting them with the authentic local scene. Jenn believes her role is to unlock doors not just to show homes.
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.
