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Suburbs & Surrounding Cities

Waco sits at the center of a metro area that includes several independent cities — each with its own government, school district, and character. This page gives a quick orientation to all of them. For full detail on any city, follow the link to its profile.

Immediate Suburbs (Within ~10 Miles of Waco)

Woodway

The most affluent suburb. Located southwest of Waco, Woodway is a quiet, well-maintained city of ~9,000 residents with higher median incomes (~$115k household), top-rated Midway ISD schools, and home values averaging around $405,000. No commercial strip development — largely residential. A common landing spot for families prioritizing schools and safety.

Hewitt

A growing suburb of ~16,000 directly south of Waco along US-84. Also served by Midway ISD (#1 in McLennan County). More affordable than Woodway (~$252k median home value), with a broader mix of housing options, retail, and dining. One of the faster-growing communities in the metro.

Robinson

A tight-knit city of ~12,000 south of Waco along Robinson Drive. Served by Robinson ISD, which earns strong ratings (Niche A). Median home values around $302,000 with a low poverty rate (~3%). Has its own distinct community identity — not just a bedroom suburb.

Bellmead

Located northeast of Waco, adjacent to I-35. Population ~10,000. More working-class and affordable (~$155k median home value), served by Connally ISD. Has a growing restaurant scene and is convenient to both Waco and points north.

Lacy Lakeview

A small city (~7,000) immediately north of Waco, also served by Connally ISD. Affordable housing (~$154–160k median), higher poverty rate (~18%). Largely residential, close to major employers along I-35 North.

Beverly Hills

A small incorporated city of ~2,000 on the west side of Waco, effectively surrounded by Waco. Located near Lake Waco and convenient to Woodway and West Waco neighborhoods. Quiet and primarily residential.

Close Regional Cities (10–30 Miles Out)

Lorena

A small town (~2,000) about 12 miles south of Waco on I-35, just past Hewitt. Small-town feel with easy access to Waco — a viable option for team members wanting more land and quiet. Lorena ISD is well-regarded. Home values are moderate and property tax rates among the lowest in the region ($0.5639/$100).

West

About 18 miles north of Waco on I-35. Known for its Czech heritage, kolaches (Czech Stop is a Texas landmark), and a tight community identity. Population ~2,800. Practical stop for team members living north of Waco. West ISD serves the community.

McGregor

About 20 miles west of Waco on US-84. Population ~5,000. Home to a SpaceX/Starbase engine testing facility, which has brought some economic investment. Small-town feel with affordable housing. McGregor ISD serves the area.

Outer Regional Cities (30–60 Miles Out)

These cities are further out but covered in this guide because they draw from or relate to the Waco metro's broader regional sphere.

Mexia

About 35 miles east of Waco on US-84. Population ~7,000. An independent small city with its own economy, school district (Mexia ISD), and community institutions. More economically stressed than the Waco suburbs but has a loyal local culture and growing dining scene.

Hillsboro

About 35 miles north of Waco on I-35, the county seat of Hill County. Population ~8,000. A regional hub for communities north of McLennan County. New restaurant development underway near the old Outlets site on I-35. Hillsboro ISD serves the area.

Groesbeck

About 40 miles east of Waco, the county seat of Limestone County. Population ~4,000. Known for Limestone County proximity to Lake Limestone. Strong small-town identity with a stable local economy tied to agriculture and county government.

Clifton

About 40 miles northwest of Waco, the county seat of Bosque County. Population ~3,500. Known for its Scandinavian heritage and strong arts community (Bosque Arts Center). Clifton ISD. A quieter option for those drawn to Hill Country-adjacent terrain and small-town life.

Quick Comparison

City Distance from Waco Pop. Median Home School District Poverty Rate
Woodway ~5 mi SW ~9,000 ~$405,000 Midway ISD Low
Hewitt ~8 mi S ~16,000 ~$252,000 Midway ISD Low
Robinson ~8 mi S ~12,000 ~$302,000 Robinson ISD ~3%
Bellmead ~5 mi NE ~10,000 ~$155,000 Connally ISD ~22%
Lacy Lakeview ~4 mi N ~7,000 ~$157,000 Connally ISD ~18%
Beverly Hills ~5 mi W ~2,000 — Waco ISD —
Lorena ~12 mi S ~2,000 — Lorena ISD Low
West ~18 mi N ~2,800 — West ISD —
McGregor ~20 mi W ~5,000 — McGregor ISD —
Mexia ~35 mi E ~7,000 — Mexia ISD —
Hillsboro ~35 mi N ~8,000 — Hillsboro ISD —
Groesbeck ~40 mi E ~4,000 — Groesbeck ISD —
Clifton ~40 mi NW ~3,500 — Clifton ISD —

See Also