$179,270Average Value$167Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Access to downtown Waco, Baylor and I-35
Though it’s just a mile southwest of downtown Waco and Baylor University — the top employer in McLennan County — the University neighborhood has a slightly misleading name. “It’s not in what we call the 'Baylor bubble,' where most of the students can be found,” says Katie Snapp, Realtor with Camille Johnson, Realtors. “It's very affordable, there’s a lot of great commercial business in that space, and it’s near I-35 for people who need to hop on really quickly.” Some of the narrow residential streets are within walking distance of downtown amenities, but wallet-friendly home prices are the main draw. A few of Waco’s best-known restaurants are parked along the Interstate 35 corridor, drawing folks from all around the city.
Waco's University is just a mile southeast of downtown Waco with affordable housing.
University is just a mile south of Downtown Waco.
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George’s Restaurant, home of the Big O
George’s Restaurant on Speight Avenue is a Waco favorite. The menu features standard pub grub — burgers, chicken fried steak, fajitas, etc. — but George’s claim to fame is the “Big O,” a hefty goblet for frosty draft beer. Chip and Joanna Gaines put their stamp on South Valley Mills Drive when they transformed the Elite Café into the hip breakfast and lunch spot Magnolia Table. The menu highlights local ingredients, and it’s not uncommon to see folks lining up for Jo’s famous buttermilk biscuits. Another cool local spot, Dos Mundos Spud Shack, stuffs oversized baked potatoes with savory fillings like brisket and smoked sausage. Groceries are available at H-E-B on South Valley Mills Drive.
Small starter homes and fixer-uppers
Most houses in University are starter homes dating to the 1950s, and they average just over 1,000 square feet of living space. Recent remodels brought fresh curb appeal to many, but others still need some TLC. Lot sizes typically measure under a quarter acre, with fencing and tree growth offering privacy. Front lawns accented with paved walkways sit adjacent to driveways long enough to accommodate a single vehicle. Sidewalks are overgrown on some streets and nonexistent on others. Some fixer-uppers and vacant lots cost $50,000 to $100,000. The average two- to three-bedroom starter home is priced in the $150,000 to $300,000 range.
Many of University's homes have undergone remodels that retain the early 50's charm.
Recently renovated started homes make University a prime destination for young buyers.
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Short hike to Bell’s Hill Elementary
Kids living in University have an easy walk to Bell’s Hill Elementary School, which is right in the neighborhood and has a Niche grade of C-plus. They’ll have to venture about a mile north to downtown Waco to get to Cesar Chavez Middle School, which gets a C from Niche. University High School in nearby Alta Vista receives a B. Students at University High School may participate in A.J. Moore Academies, a magnet program that prepares students for careers in fields including culinary arts, business and education.
GreatSchools gives Bell's Hill Elementary School a 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio in Univeristy.
University High School is a public school within Waco, TX near the University neighborhood.
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Community gatherings at South Waco Recreation Center
Residents of all ages gather at the South Waco Community Center. The facilities offer programming for students from kindergarten through high school, including after-school care and summer camps, plus adult and senior fitness classes. Outside the building, a playground and climbing structure draw in the younger crowd. Waco Creek flows through Bell’s Hill Park, a green space in the neighborhood’s northwest corner. A paved walking trail winds around picnic areas, play structures, an outdoor gym and an amphitheater.
Stop by the South Waco Community Center for fitness & group classes in Univeristy.
Bells Hills Park is nestled in the University neighborhood near resident homes.
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Concerts on the Brazos River
University residents are close enough to downtown Waco to join the festivities in early summer during the Brazos Nights concert series. On the first Fridays of May and June, live musicians take the stage at Indian Spring Park on the Brazos River. The celebration culminates on July 4th with a concert and fireworks near McLane Stadium in nearby Baylor. The South Waco Community Center also hosts family-oriented seasonal events such as trunk-or-treats and Easter egg hunts.
Just a few mins north of University, residents enjoy holiday festivities on the Brazos river.
The Brazos River sits just a few mins north of University & runs horizontal through Waco.
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Interstate 35 to downtown Waco
Interstate 35 travels along the neighborhood's eastern side, leading to downtown Waco and Baylor University about a mile north. The Circle — the first traffic rotary in Texas — connects the interstate to Valley Mills Drive near Magnolia Table. Waco Transit System buses serve the area and might be convenient in the summer heat, but it's also possible to walk downtown from the residential area. Waco Regional Airport is 7 miles away.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Across the street from South Waco Recreation Center, Sacred Heart Catholic Church holds Mass Wednesday through Sunday. Spanish and bilingual services are available, and confession is held daily.
St. Mark Lutheran Church is a historic Lutheran congregation located in University.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in University offers daily confessions and weekly mass.
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
Hart-Patterson Track and Field Complex
Bell's Hill Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
South Waco Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Waco Regional
19 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
University
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University, Waco sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in University, Waco over the last 12 months is $193,444, down 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming and move in ready, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, just under 1,000 sqft, was beautifully remodeled in 2022 and is perfect for a first-time buyer, small family, or investor!! Featuring modern finishes, a bright and cozy layout, and a spacious backyard, this home offers comfort and convenience in a prime location! Don’t miss out on your opportunity! Schedule your showing today!!
Come fall in love with this charming and Totally updated home located at 2208 Gurley Dr. in the heart of Waco! This warm and inviting property boasts 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms spread across a spacious 1,029 square feet, providing plenty of room for your family to grow and make memories. Step inside and be greeted by the stunning new flooring that flows throughout the entire home, perfectly
Turnkey Airbnb Investment Property – Fully Furnished & Ready to Host!Welcome to your next investment! This home is 2 Airbnb's in one! Nestled in a prime location, this turnkey short-term rental is fully furnished and thoughtfully designed to impress guests and generate consistent income from day one. Property Highlights include:Fully operational Airbnb with an established listing, great reviews,
Welcome to 1725 Wood Avenue—a fantastic corner R-2 lot with alley access, offering the flexibility to build a single-family home or multifamily investment. Perfectly positioned near Baylor University, a variety of dining options, and with quick access to the interstate, this property combines convenience with opportunity.Whether you're dreaming of your forever home or searching for a
Property Id: 1840655Welcome to your new home at 2020 Bagby Ave in Waco, TX! This single unit property offers modern amenities including dishwasher, washer/dryer hookups, and being pet-friendly for small dogs and cats, this property is perfect for anyone looking for convenience and comfort. Don't miss out on this opportunity - schedule a tour today!
This fully renovated home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It boasts brand-new appliances and is conveniently located near Baylor University, shops, and restaurants. Plus, it offers plenty of parking for your convenience
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 Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,082
Median Age
31
Population under 18
29.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,989
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,026
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
53%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
5.4%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
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®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 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.
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.
