About
Waco is a city located in central Texas, USA. It is the county seat of McLennan County and has a population of approximately 140,000 people. Waco is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks such as the Waco Suspension Bridge and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. The city is also home to Baylor University, one of the largest Baptist universities in the world. Additionally, Waco has gained national attention in recent years due to its association with Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper show and their Magnolia Market at the Silos.
What is the history of Waco?
Waco was founded in 1849 on the site of a Waco Native American village, neighbored by a Texas Ranger fort and the Brazos River. The Waco people were an offshoot of the Wichita and lived all along the Brazos. While an unassuming Texas pioneer town at first glance, Waco has seen many hardships, triumphs, and renewals throughout America’s history.
Festivals
Waco hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, ranging from food and drink to music and culture. Some of the most popular festivals include the Margarita and Salsa Festival in August, the Waco Cultural Arts Fest in October, and Waco Wonderland in December. Other notable events include the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in October, the Homestead Craft Fair in November, and Christmas on the Brazos in November and December.
How diverse is Waco, TX?
According to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS), the racial composition of Waco was:
- White: 66.89%
- Black or African American: 20.65%
- Two or more races: 6.42%
- Other race: 3.36%
- Asian: 2.23%
- Native American: 0.38%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.07%
Waco is much more diverse than other US cities with a diversity score of 94 out of 100. The most diverse area within Waco’s proper boundaries is to the east of the city. The majority race in Waco overall is white, making up 45.2% of residents. The next most-common racial group is Hispanic at 30.2%.
How pet-friendly is Waco, TX?
Waco is pet-friendly! There are many pet-friendly hotels, dog-friendly activities, and restaurants that allow dogs in Waco. You can also find pet-friendly vacation rentals in Waco.
If you’re looking for a place to stay with your furry friend, Residence Inn by Marriott Waco is a great option. It’s an extended stay hotel located near Baylor University and the Waco Convention Center.
How safe is Waco, TX?
Waco is generally a safe city to visit with a crime index ranging from medium to low. However, visitors should exercise reasonable caution as the main problems of the city are theft, hacking and car theft, vandalism, corruption, and minor issues with the drug trade. According to CrimeGrade.org, Waco is in the 28th percentile for safety, meaning 72% of cities are safer and 28% of cities are more dangerous. The rate of crime in Waco is 37.56 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Waco generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Waco may be as high as 1 in 19 in the southwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 46 in the northwest part of the city.
Is Waco Texas a good area to live in?
Waco is a great place to live in Texas, according to many sources. It has affordable homes and a friendly community. The cost of living in Waco is lower than the national average. Waco offers great job opportunities with a cost of living much lower than most other Texas cities. Its crime rate has been continually dropping over the last decade. The city’s higher education opportunities and downtown revitalization are very attractive to many new residents. There are many safe neighborhoods within the metropolitan area.
What are some attractions in Waco?
Waco has a variety of attractions for all types of visitors. Here are some of them:
- Waco Suspension Bridge
- Mayborn Museum Complex
- Magnolia Market
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lake Waco
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Tell me more about Waco Suspension Bridge.
The Waco Suspension Bridge crosses the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. It is a single-span suspension bridge, with a main span of 475 ft (145 m). Opened on November 20, 1869, it contains nearly 3 million bricks. The bridge was completed in 1870 and remains a legendary icon of downtown Waco. For years, the bridge served as a Chisholm Trail crossing, and at the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. The bridge is also known as the oldest Suspension Bridge still standing in Texas.What else can I do in downtown Waco?
There are many things to do in downtown Waco, Texas. Some of the best attractions include McLane Stadium, Cameron Park Zoo, Texas Ranger Hall Of Fame And Museum, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Waco Suspension Bridge and Magnolia Market. Downtown Waco features several art galleries, museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants. You can also mountain bike or hike in Cameron Park.
What is Magnolia Market?
Magnolia Market at the Silos, commonly called Magnolia Market, is a shopping complex that encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco, Texas. It is marked by two 120’ high silos, built in 1950 as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company. The exact address is 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706. It’s a great place to shop for home decor and other items.
What are some of the best venues for live music in Waco, TX?
There are several venues for live music in Waco, TX. Here are some of the best ones:
- The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill: This venue features inside and outside service, a 27’ x 15’ outdoor concert stage, fire pits, a cascading fountain, rooftop seating (coming soon), washer pits, cornhole pits, outdoor billiards, 40 ft outdoor screen, a full restaurant and bar, frozen drink station and much more.
- Waco Symphony Orchestra: Founded in 1962, the Waco Symphony Orchestra serves Waco, Texas, and surrounding communities.
- Apache Pass River Theatre: This venue is located in Rockdale which is about an hour drive from Waco. It has a capacity of 1000 people and hosts live music events.
What are some of the safe neighborhoods in Waco?
According to PartyShopMaine, some of the safest neighborhoods in Waco are:
- Eichelberger Crossing / Erath
- Bannas Junction / Bosqueville
- Willow Grove
- South Bosque
- Ross
- West Waco
The northwest part of the city is generally considered to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Waco may be as high as 1 in 19 in the southwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 46 in the northwest part of the city.
What is the best time of year to visit Waco, TX?
The best time to visit Waco is during March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. These months have good weather in Waco with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C) and the warmest months are June, July and August. January is the coldest month of the year. The rainiest months are May and October.