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Austin Avenue

Austin Avenue

Neighborhood in Waco, Texas

Mclennan County 76701, 76710

$397,409 Average Value
$194 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Historic homes within a mile of downtown Waco

Within striking distance of downtown Waco, between the thrum of West Waco Drive and the laddered railroad tracks, a slim passage of streets makes up the neighborhood known as Austin Avenue. Echoes of the city’s early days as a thriving cotton market are heard throughout, particularly in historical landmarks like the Cottonland Castle. “It’s a historic neighborhood; it has that designation and protection, and people are very proactive about maintaining the history,” says Cristi McGowan, broker and owner at Nexthome Our Town. After a 1953 tornado demolished rows of buildings downtown, Waco businesses began migrating southwest, expanding the city’s footprint and ensuring that these residential areas featured plenty of retail and dining opportunities. And more options await just steps away. “It’s a pretty good value for convenience,” says Daryl Weems, ALC, broker and owner at Twin Bends. “It’s minutes from Baylor, minutes from the Silos, walking distance to the Dr. Pepper Museum.”

You can find beautiful colonials in Austin Avenue.
You can find beautiful colonials in Austin Avenue.
There are many new builds in Austin Avenue.
There are many new builds in Austin Avenue.
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The famous Cottonland Castle is nestled in Austin Avenue.
The famous Cottonland Castle is nestled in Austin Avenue.

Keys to Castle Heights

Homes in Austin Avenue are visibly grander than the stock in nearby neighborhoods. “We call that area Castle Heights,” McGowan says. “Most homes are larger estates.” Architecturally, buyers can choose between various styles, from sprawling ranches to Tudor Revivals to Mediterranean-style homes with terra-cotta tiled roofs. The majority of the homes in this historic area were built between 1920 and 1960. A dense tree canopy arches overhead, offering shade to runners, walkers and cyclists. Paved sidewalks make it easy to get around the neighborhood or trek to the shops and restaurants downtown. Some ranch-style homes might sell for $350,000 to $500,000, but larger builds cost between $700,000 and $900,000, and grand estates fetch up to $1 or $2 million.

Sunny side up at the Toasted Yolk

Mornings get off to a rocking start at Pinewood Coffee Bar, a roastery and pub that offers a “coffee and vinyl” package including a hand-selected album paired with specialty beans. A short stroll up Washington Avenue leads to The Toasted Yolk Café, named for its signature eggs-in-a-nest dish. Folks who sleep in can get breakfast all day at Harvest on 25th, which also stocks a selection of tempting baked goods. On Franklin Avenue, the neighborhood’s primary thoroughfare, bibliophiles thumb through used books and comics at Golden’s Book Exchange, and Magic players pick up cards at The Game Closet. La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina offers the chance to sip margaritas and nibble on nachos while grooving to live music. The nearby Walmart Supercenter is the most convenient place to shop for groceries. With downtown so close by, residents have no trouble taking advantage of amenities like Waco Downtown Farmers Market or the Silos at Magnolia, the complex owned by TV personalities Chip and Joanna Gaines.

You can find many colorful murals in Austin Avenue.
You can find many colorful murals in Austin Avenue.
The Toasted Yolk Cafe in Austin Avenue has a broad and fun menu.
The Toasted Yolk Cafe in Austin Avenue has a broad and fun menu.
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Residents of Austin Avenue have many home options.
Residents of Austin Avenue have many home options.

A walkable section of Waco

The street that gives Austin Avenue its name leads straight to downtown Waco, just a half-mile away. It’s an easy walk, but Waco Transit System buses serve Austin and Franklin Avenues for folks who prefer to stay off their feet. North Valley Mills Drive runs along the neighborhood’s southern edge and connects to Interstate 35, which leads travelers south to Austin or north to Dallas and Fort Worth. For a faster trip to major air travel hubs, Waco Regional Airport is 7 miles away.

Tennyson Middle School continues to empower tomorrow's leaders.
Tennyson Middle School continues to empower tomorrow's leaders.

Finding rhythm at Tennyson Middle School

School days start at nearby Crestview Elementary, which hosts students from pre-kindergarten through grade 5 and has a Niche grade of C. Tennyson Middle School is also nearby and gets a B-minus from Niche. Waco High School, boasting an impressive roster of extracurricular programs ranging from choir and theater to varsity sports, also gets a B-minus.

Bells Hills Park in Austin Avenue is close to many residents.
Bells Hills Park in Austin Avenue is close to many residents.

The call of Bell’s Hill Park

Just across the railroad tracks that form Austin Avenue’s eastern border, Bell’s Hill Park swaddles Waco Creek in a small swatch of green. A paved walking path takes a serpentine journey through clusters of trees, past a playground and along the banks of the creek. Picnic tables and grills are available for families who want to spend the day relaxing in the park.

Texas tornado risk

Texas is more tornado-prone than much of the United States, and Waco’s risk is high even by Texas standards. The twister that ripped through the city in 1953 holds the record as the deadliest tornado in Texas history. While disasters of that magnitude are rare, tornado warnings frequently occur in the area.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Debbie Giesbrecht
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Dan Mack
Video By
Dan Mack

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jeff Bird, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Waco Regional

19 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Austin Avenue US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$443,000
Median Single Family Price
$443,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
3.40
Median List Price
$489,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
429
Median Year Built
1948
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,061
Above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,672

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    4 - 6pm

    2215 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701

    $880,000

    • 3,310 Sq Ft
    • 2215 Washington Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    Welcome to Uptown Peach! This luxurious short term rental complex includes 4 suites surrounding a private courtyard - featuring a hot tub, gas fire pits, outdoor picnic tables, a gas grill, Adirondack chairs, a 2-person swing, and covered front porches for each suite.Remodeled and fully furnished, this property is perfect for those in town to support the Baylor Bears or looking to scratch

    Kara Mitchell eXp Realty LLC

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    3426 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76710

    $474,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,556 Sq Ft
    • 3426 Austin Ave

    Welcome to your charming 1955 Craftsman-style home that boasts timeless curb appeal and is framed by mature trees that provide shade and character. Nestled on Austin Ave in Waco's historic Castle Heights neighborhood, enjoy a central location, just minutes from downtown Waco, Baylor University, and popular shopping and dining spots. The neighborhood's quiet, picturesque setting and strong sense

    Kathryn Townson

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jeff Bird, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,283
Median Age
38
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,914
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,139

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.3%
College Graduates
46.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

54 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Austin Avenue