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Detailed Information about Alta Vista, Waco

Neighborhood Information

Alta Vista is a City of Waco recognized neighborhood in South Waco, located at ZIP code 76706. It sits just south of Baylor University and is bounded by I-35 to the northwest. The neighborhood features a mix of ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s, apartment complexes, and parcels of undeveloped land that have attracted real estate investors.

The Alta Vista Neighborhood Association meets quarterly and serves as the primary civic organization for the community.

The Circle

The neighborhood's most distinctive feature is The Circle — Texas's first roundabout, constructed in 1933 with highway connections completed by 1934–1935. At the time of its construction it was the largest roundabout in Texas. Initially met with confusion by local motorists, The Circle became a beloved community landmark. A 2013 City of Waco improvement project embedded a five-point Lone Star star in the center of the circle, reinforcing its identity as a Texas landmark.

Crime Rates

  • CrimeGrade.org: C- grade for the Alta Vista-Waco area
  • Safety Percentile: 38th percentile — safer than 38% of U.S. neighborhoods, less safe than 62%
  • Crime Rate: Approximately 43.48 per 1,000 residents annually
  • Crime rates are above the Texas state average and above the national average, consistent with the broader South Waco area.
  • For current data, see the Waco Police Department Crime Map.

Demographics

Neighborhood-specific census data is not independently published; the figures below reflect the broader 76706 ZIP code area, which includes Alta Vista and surrounding South Waco neighborhoods.

  • Predominant Ancestry: Mexican (35.2%); German (8.1%); Irish (6.9%); English (3.3%); Puerto Rican (3.2%)
  • Median Age: 23.5 years (strongly influenced by proximity to Baylor University)
  • Median Household Income: $35,387 — income lower than 89.3% of U.S. neighborhoods
  • Child Poverty: 29.0% of children below the federal poverty line — higher than 80.1% of U.S. neighborhoods
  • Citizenship: 88.62% U.S.-born citizens; 3.38% naturalized; 7.99% non-citizens

Housing

  • Ownership Mix: 60.4% renters, 39.6% owner-occupied
  • Average Rent: Approximately $1,572/month — lower than 63.5% of Texas neighborhoods
  • Construction Era: Many units built 1970–1999; some ranch-style homes from the 1950s–1960s
  • Character: Mix of single-family homes on small lots and apartment complexes; some attached garages; large tracts of undeveloped land attracting investment interest

Recreation

Alta Vista Park

Alta Vista Park offers neighborhood-scale outdoor recreation:

  • Wacoball Court: A double basketball court ringed by elm trees
  • Walking Trails: Paved trails winding through the park
  • Pavilion: A shaded pavilion for gatherings
  • Picnic Areas: Trestle-style picnic tables and emerald-hued play structures

Community Information

The neighborhood has been identified as an area of investment interest due to its favorable location south of Baylor University and available undeveloped land. A greater proportion of residents moved to the area within the last five years than in 96.3% of U.S. neighborhoods — reflecting significant population turnover and ongoing neighborhood change.

Alta Vista Neighborhood Association (AVNA)

The Alta Vista Neighborhood Association is an active, City of Waco-recognized organization: * Website: altavistana.org * Facebook: facebook.com/AltaVistaWaco * Holds approximately 9 virtual board meetings + 5 in-person General Assembly meetings per year * Operates the Community First Food Pantry as an ongoing community service * Arts and Entertainment Committee plans social events

City of Waco Infrastructure Projects (2024–2026)

  • MY35 Waco South — I-35 Reconstruction: Major corridor improvement project began February 24, 2025; anticipated completion early 2029. Directly affects South Waco/76706 commuters. Source: TxDOT
  • Clay Avenue Improvements ($1.5M): Street reconstruction from University Parks to the Brazos River, including utilities, hardscape, landscape, and amenities.
  • Bull Hide Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements: Capacity expansion project in the 76706 area, funded FY 2024 construction, extending capacity through 2026+.
  • Citywide Pavement Program ($39M, 2025): City-wide street pavement improvement program including South Waco corridors.

Sources