Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities in Waco

Hi, I'm Rhonda, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Waco, Texas. Waco is a fun town (even for Longhorns). There are some great diners and beautiful landmarks. Most recently, Waco has been the center of the Magnolia Universe with revamped housing, upscale and eco-friendly shopping, and a can't-miss Farmers Market. The serene Bosque River runs through the city, and Lake Waco is nearby, just west of downtown. For those new to the South, Dr Pepper (yes, the soda pop), a true Southern staple, was created there.

Waco is almost at the center of the Texas map. It is equidistant (almost) from Dallas to the north and Austin to the south. Both are about a 100 miles or a two-hour drive (depending on traffic). Roughly 150,00 people make the small Texas city home.

Whether you are an empty-nester in search of safe housing for a Waco-bound student or an independent undergraduate forging your own path, Waco, Texas, is home to a handful of well-respected vocational colleges and universities. Since the daily commute is rarely over 15 minutes, there are many overlapping housing choices for undergraduate or graduate students.

Baylor University

Baylor University is the largest academic institution in Waco. It is a highly competitive private Baptist university founded in 1845. Considered a research university, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral pathways. Roughly 15,000 Baylor Bears grace the halls sporting the iconic colors of green and gold. As a Longhorn, our burnt orange and white was always on display when we visited Waco. Admittedly, most of my friends for the university a great stop later in their academic careers.

Baylor University sits in the heart of the city making it easily accessible to the four corners of north, south, east, and west Waco. Part of the NCAA Division 1 and Big 12, Baylor housing includes student dorms. But, because of its central location, many undergraduate and graduate students choose to live within the city.

Downtown Waco

I love this area of town, but it can also be pricey. I know a few young professors who wouldn't live anywhere else, but they often complain about their budgets.

The city of Waco has roughly 25 neighborhoods, but one of the most eclectic and vibrant is the ever-expanding downtown. It offers upscaled warehouse lofts to traditional amenity-packed apartments. For those looking for a bit more room or with family in tow, the area also has smaller rental homes. Many Baylor University students like the area for its walkability. There are green spaces and bike trails and shopping in Magnolia Market at the Silos.

Heart of Texas

Someone once told me that if they studied by the water, they remembered more. Well, I'm not sure about that, but generally, 'adding water' is a good idea for a happy life.

Luckily, the west Waco neighborhood of Heart of Texas is close to the rivers and the lake. Here there are affordable, multi-family complexes and smaller lake-centric housing. Living here requires a 15-minute commute to downtown shopping and the Baylor University campus. Or a quick drive up Bosque Drive to McLennan Community College.

University

This more traditional neighborhood is upscale but still affordable with a little research. Mostly established houses with quiet streets, the University area is a few minutes drive south of Baylor University. A family-friendly place for graduate students and professors with new and growing families. The University area is bordered by La Salle Avenue, Waco Creek to the west and South 17th Street.

There are a few restaurants around the edges of this tree-lined subdivision. However, for the most part, the area is not walkable. A car will be needed to hop onto IH-35 for groceries, shopping, and BBQ.

McLennan Community College

McLennan Community College is an educational staple in Waco. Catering to 9,000 students, the system also employs over 700 Waconians. The public college campus is located northwest of downtown and north of Lake Waco. For trivia buffs, McLennan Community College is listed as the first Texas junior college to include "community' in its name.

Both associate degrees and vocational certificates are available. Careers in healthcare, public services, and business programs top the list. The college is also known for its creative arts and dance programs and supports NJCAA Division I baseball, basketball, and golf teams.

Students have a variety of housing options as the campus is an easy five-mile drive (approximately 10 minutes) from downtown Waco.

North Lake Waco

I've lived in central Texas for over 25 years and what is true of Austin is also true of Waco. Water gives Waco Life. The Brazos River runs through the city. But Lake Waco, which is fed by the Bosque River, is at the heart of college-styled weekend fun.

Closest to McLennan Community College, the North Lake Waco area has a handful of highly affordable apartments and smaller rental homes. Some even have a view of the river or water. One of the downsides of the area, it is also near the community airport.

North Waco

North Waco is northwest of downtown. Nestled between Lake Waco and the Brazos River, the area combines old Waco with newer possibilities. The main hub is developed with rental houses, condominiums, and traditional apartment complexes. Regardless of your housing choice, a car is almost a necessity to get to classes (or the lake).

Luckily, the open green space of North Waco Park is easily accessible. The area is also well known for grills, food trucks, and cafés. One of Waco's iconic diners is also in the neighborhood, Doubl-R Old Fashioned Hamburger joint. Needless to say, this is a must-stop for me, every time I visit the area.

Cedar Ridge

Cedar Ridge, an adjacent neighborhood to North Lake Waco, is known for traditional multi-family complexes that are easy on the wallet. The neighborhood provides easy access to the MCC Small Business Development Center campus for those students in business and management pathways.

It should be noted that while Cedar Ridge is only a 5-minute drive from McLennan Community College, the Waco metroplex can be reached in under 20 minutes (traffic willing). This is convenient if you are looking for more artistic surroundings. There is some public transportation in the Cedar Ridge neighborhood, but a car is necessary for most daily chores.

Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College has grown over the past decade. It is a fully accredited vocational college that provides a complete academic environment, including student housing. The college offers 49 certificates and associate degree programs in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and computer technology. It also has available pathways for careers in hospitality and construction management.

The main Texas State Technical College sits just north of Waco. Just off of IH-35, the campus is a short eight miles from downtown, providing easy access to surrounding areas and neighborhoods. TSTC offers limited student housing, but there are also numerous multi-family housing complexes that suit most budgets.

Lacy Lakeview

Lacy Lakeview is a small independent community of roughly 7,500 people that lies north of Waco and is very close to the Texas State Technical College. Enclosed by Highway 77 to the west and IH-35 to the east, the city of Lacy Lakeview offers full services such as independent public works, fire, and police.

For those students looking for proximity and highly affordable traditional apartments with basic amenities, Lacy Lakeview is a solid choice. However, the area is growing, and with a little effort, a few more contemporary housing options can be found. One of the downsides of living in the Lacy Lakeview area is that it is not walkable. And, unfortunately, being bound by Texas State Highways and a major interstate minimizes public transportation to the college. Personal transportation is recommended.

Bellmead

A small neighborhood at the intersection of Highways 340 and 84, Bellmead sits just off of IH-35, northeast of downtown Waco.

Generally, neighborhoods north of Waco, especially along the IH-35 corridor, are easy on a student's housing budget. Texas State Technical College campus is a short drive from this multi-zone neighborhood.

Bellmead offers a mix of complexes - some with additional amenities. But more traditional housing such as older complexes, rental houses rooms, condos, and duplexes are all available with a bit of bargain hunting.

Northeast Riverside

Just north of downtown is the diverse neighborhood of Northeast Riverside. Straddling the Brazos River, the city's famous Suspension Bridge and the Brazos Event Center provide unsurpassed charm. The north-south artery of IH-35 divides East Riverside into a multi-zone neighborhood with shopping, breweries, and green spaces like Brooklyn Park.

Area housing available to students and young professionals ranges from amenity-filled (and expensive) warehouse lofts to (affordable) studio apartments found a little further north. Many of my colleagues love the area for the river views, walkability, and area entertainment.

Waco is an intimate city that checks all the boxes for students and families. With accessible, affordable, and upscale housing this Heart of Texas town combines the best of small-town and semi-urban amenities with vocational colleges and a world-class NCAA university.