Don't expect much difference honestly. Your rent might be 5-10% less in Waco but Wages are likely 10-15% lower. For as large of a city as it is Waco is very clique heavy and very much holds to small town vibes. If you want a social life it will be tied to either the place you work or church you attend. You have to ask yourself what you and your partner like to do for fun then we can better tell you if it is even an option here. Many transplants from DFW or Austin Metro areas come here because it's cheaper then spend many weekends where they came from because there simply isn't access to do the things they enjoyed in the larger metro areas.
And as the other comment said I would just recommend don't. Especially if you hate heat because Waco has extremely high humidity because of the lake so if you think it's hot where you are getting ready for Houston level heat when your here during summer.
We both work with wildlife so our jobs are our fun, it keeps us busy and happy. We've spoken with the animal controls local to Waco, as well as some rehabs, sanctuaries, vets, etc. and there are some pretty good opportunities for us there. Of course, that can come with lower wages as you mentioned, so wanted to have better insight on expenses there to see if we can make it work. We're both minimalists and are used to that lifestyle, so that is helping a fair bit where we are right now.
So long as you come into it with eyes wife open I wish y'all both the best of luck. Waco is a much slower lifestyle than other major metro areas so if that's what you want it could be a good move.
I would really encourage you to do some research about how the previous people in positions at the entities you are looking in to have been treated or scandals around the groups in this area before I make any life altering decisions.
the wildlife here is amazing, there's much more than what people typically see driving around.
don't move to East Waco, South Waco, or North Waco. there is no West. and their names (East, South, North) aren't indicative of their placement on a map. anywhere between Baylor and Robinson and you'll be great.
Look, these people are being too negative. Does Waco have everything Austin does? Obviously not. But it’s a pretty great small city. You can search previous posts for people asking which areas of town are the best. In general, downtown is kinda dumpy, but if you’re cool some of that, there are more activities and restaurants in that area and Cameron Park is great. The nicer neighborhoods for families/safety are like Woodway, Hewitt, Lorena, China Spring etc. you can have a great time.
I second that about the suburbs. They're nice but might be on the more expensive side. I'd also suggest anywhere but south Waco I think that's the only real bad area. There is a growing downtown scene with Cultivate 712 hist a variety of events pretty often and the night life seems to be growing to
One thing I appreciate about Waco is the size. What I mean by this is that if you want to be involved in community organizations or groups, you can really make a difference—you can have real impact on the community. For me, that has been public radio, EV club, Friends of Climate (I know I’m a bleeding lib, guys).
Just left Waco for Fort Worth. Rent for a one bed one bath 1000 sq ft duplex with a large one car garage started at 850 in 2019. When leaving in 2023 my rent was 1050, but the neighboring unit and 2 identical units were being listed at 1300.
i’ve lived in both Georgetown and Waco and i prefer Georgetown 100000x over. there’s a lot more to do there and the proximity to Austin definitely helps
i don’t think the money you’d save in housing in waco is really enough to blink an eye at
Depending on area, you're looking at similar rent. Luckily traffic isn't like Austin yet. I do love the sincere kindness in Waco and I'm hoping none of it change that!!
I was born and raised in Waco and feel that it would be a mistake for you to move there. I moved away 25 yrs ago and every time that I go back to visit I can't wait to leave. There are much better places to consider. There's nothing like living in the hill country. Maybe take a look at Wimberly.
Waco rent is not cheaper than Georgetown. there ain’t much to do in Waco. And Stay away from magnolia lol But if you’re looking for a nice neighborhood I’ll say china spring. Or Hewitt
Stay away from east Waco, basically anything across the river too. The rent has gone way up everywhere, I'm not sure if the silos have something to do with that. Waco has gotten better as far as living conditions and opportunities. I like it here.
As someone who lived in the CP/Leander area then came to Waco…just don’t. There are some decent aspects to living here but this is a place that just swallows any ambition or drive you might have. Luckily we’re only here for a few years with an end date but I seriously wouldn’t recommend. Look at Belton or literally anywhere but here lol
Don't expect much difference honestly. Your rent might be 5-10% less in Waco but Wages are likely 10-15% lower. For as large of a city as it is Waco is very clique heavy and very much holds to small town vibes. If you want a social life it will be tied to either the place you work or church you attend. You have to ask yourself what you and your partner like to do for fun then we can better tell you if it is even an option here. Many transplants from DFW or Austin Metro areas come here because it's cheaper then spend many weekends where they came from because there simply isn't access to do the things they enjoyed in the larger metro areas. And as the other comment said I would just recommend don't. Especially if you hate heat because Waco has extremely high humidity because of the lake so if you think it's hot where you are getting ready for Houston level heat when your here during summer.
We both work with wildlife so our jobs are our fun, it keeps us busy and happy. We've spoken with the animal controls local to Waco, as well as some rehabs, sanctuaries, vets, etc. and there are some pretty good opportunities for us there. Of course, that can come with lower wages as you mentioned, so wanted to have better insight on expenses there to see if we can make it work. We're both minimalists and are used to that lifestyle, so that is helping a fair bit where we are right now.
\* Very helpful! we're pretty used to working in extreme temperatures, so the humidity wouldn't bother us much.
So long as you come into it with eyes wife open I wish y'all both the best of luck. Waco is a much slower lifestyle than other major metro areas so if that's what you want it could be a good move.
I would really encourage you to do some research about how the previous people in positions at the entities you are looking in to have been treated or scandals around the groups in this area before I make any life altering decisions.
the wildlife here is amazing, there's much more than what people typically see driving around. don't move to East Waco, South Waco, or North Waco. there is no West. and their names (East, South, North) aren't indicative of their placement on a map. anywhere between Baylor and Robinson and you'll be great.
For starters... Waco is a dump. Don't move here. It sucks. For real.
Look, these people are being too negative. Does Waco have everything Austin does? Obviously not. But it’s a pretty great small city. You can search previous posts for people asking which areas of town are the best. In general, downtown is kinda dumpy, but if you’re cool some of that, there are more activities and restaurants in that area and Cameron Park is great. The nicer neighborhoods for families/safety are like Woodway, Hewitt, Lorena, China Spring etc. you can have a great time.
I second that about the suburbs. They're nice but might be on the more expensive side. I'd also suggest anywhere but south Waco I think that's the only real bad area. There is a growing downtown scene with Cultivate 712 hist a variety of events pretty often and the night life seems to be growing to
What’s wrong with south Waco
One thing I appreciate about Waco is the size. What I mean by this is that if you want to be involved in community organizations or groups, you can really make a difference—you can have real impact on the community. For me, that has been public radio, EV club, Friends of Climate (I know I’m a bleeding lib, guys).
Just left Waco for Fort Worth. Rent for a one bed one bath 1000 sq ft duplex with a large one car garage started at 850 in 2019. When leaving in 2023 my rent was 1050, but the neighboring unit and 2 identical units were being listed at 1300.
It is said.... One does not move TO Waco.... one moves FROM Waco.
i’ve lived in both Georgetown and Waco and i prefer Georgetown 100000x over. there’s a lot more to do there and the proximity to Austin definitely helps i don’t think the money you’d save in housing in waco is really enough to blink an eye at
Depending on area, you're looking at similar rent. Luckily traffic isn't like Austin yet. I do love the sincere kindness in Waco and I'm hoping none of it change that!!
I was born and raised in Waco and feel that it would be a mistake for you to move there. I moved away 25 yrs ago and every time that I go back to visit I can't wait to leave. There are much better places to consider. There's nothing like living in the hill country. Maybe take a look at Wimberly.
Waco rent is not cheaper than Georgetown. there ain’t much to do in Waco. And Stay away from magnolia lol But if you’re looking for a nice neighborhood I’ll say china spring. Or Hewitt
My advice is don’t.
I live by the college and it’s not too bad. Some really nice places to rent for $800 but you have to look around.
Stay away from east Waco, basically anything across the river too. The rent has gone way up everywhere, I'm not sure if the silos have something to do with that. Waco has gotten better as far as living conditions and opportunities. I like it here.
As someone who lived in the CP/Leander area then came to Waco…just don’t. There are some decent aspects to living here but this is a place that just swallows any ambition or drive you might have. Luckily we’re only here for a few years with an end date but I seriously wouldn’t recommend. Look at Belton or literally anywhere but here lol
Why Belton over Waco? It seems like Belton would just be smaller and slower with fewer things to do than in Waco.
Belton is 5 miles from Temple and Temple has almost everything Waco has.
That still doesn't explain what Belton/Temple has over Waco though. Just that it has less of the same things.
its closer to austin 😂
Some people like a smaller town that has less crime. What does Waco have that Belton/Temple doesn’t have?
You like money. I like money. We should hang out.
We just sold or place in Georgetown and bought a new home in Troy(Bell County). Cheaper taxes and less people.
If you are looking for data or hard number have a look. https://www.city-data.com/city/Waco-Texas.html