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Woodway, Texas

Woodway is an affluent suburb of Waco, consistently cited as one of the best places to live in the greater Waco area. It is located in McLennan County, southwest of Waco, and borders Hewitt to the south and east.

Overview

  • Population: Approximately 9,420 (2020 census); estimated ~9,686 as of 2026, with a very slight annual decline of -0.02%. Population has grown 2.82% overall since the 2020 census.
  • Community Feel: Woodway offers a quiet, residential atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The vast majority of residents (around 91%) own their homes, giving the city a stable, established character.
  • Resident Profile: The population is a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, with a tendency to lean conservative.

Key Characteristics

  • Schools: Served primarily by the highly-rated Midway Independent School District (MISD), ranked #1 in McLennan County by Niche.com. For a detailed list, see the Woodway Schools file.
  • Housing: The median home value is approximately $404,945 (2023 est.), with a median household income of about $115,729 — among the highest in the Waco metro area. 95% of housing units are detached single-family homes, and ~91% of residents are homeowners.
  • Safety: Woodway is one of the safest communities in Central Texas, with a crime rate approximately 54% below the national average.
  • Parks: The Carleen Bright Arboretum (9001 Bosque Blvd) is a 15-acre facility featuring extensive gardens, a chapel replica, an amphitheater, and a pavilion. It serves as the city's primary community gathering space.

Healthcare

For hospitals, urgent care, and specialty care serving the Woodway area, see the Healthcare Directory.

Grocery & Shopping

For HEB locations, shopping centers, and retail options, see the Grocery & Shopping Guide.

Utilities & Internet

For electricity providers, internet options, and utility setup, see the Utilities & Internet Guide.

Traffic & Commute

For commute times, I-35 construction updates, and road corridors, see the Traffic & Commute Guide.

Childcare & Daycares

For Primrose School (Woodway), First Woodway MDO, Waco Montessori, and other options in the Midway ISD zone, see the Childcare & Daycares Guide.

Housing & Real Estate

For home prices, rent ranges, new construction, property tax rates, and buyer guidance across the metro, see the Housing & Real Estate Guide.

History

The land that became Woodway was first settled by Civil War veteran Burl Kendrick, who purchased 320 acres in 1865. The Whitehall Church (1877) and Whitehall School (1901) served as early community anchors before both closed in the 1920s. By the early 1950s, the area comprised two distinct communities — Woodland West and the Village of Midway — which were growing rapidly as suburban housing demand increased.

Residents filed for incorporation on May 23, 1955, and voters approved it on June 11, 1955. On June 20, 1955, the community was officially incorporated as Woodway Village — a portmanteau of the two pre-existing community names. Population at incorporation was approximately 250. The city was upgraded to home rule status as the City of Woodway in 1973.

Key milestones: - 1956 — First volunteer fire department established. - 1963 — First police chief hired. - 1975 — Police and fire merged into a combined Public Safety Department. - 1997 — Carleen Bright Arboretum project began, including a replica of the original Whitehall Church. - 2020 — Population reached 9,383, making it one of the most prosperous cities in McLennan County.

Detailed Information

For more detailed information on neighborhoods, crime rates, and demographics, see the Woodway Details file.

Economy and Major Employers

For a detailed overview of the economic landscape and major employers for Woodway, see the Woodway Major Employers file.

Amenities and Lifestyle

  • Parks and Recreation: The Carleen Bright Arboretum hosts a monthly farmers market, annual festivals, and a wide variety of community events year-round.
  • Accessibility: Easy access to Highway 84 and I-35 allows a short commute to downtown Waco and other central areas. The average commute time is about 17 minutes.
  • Dining: Woodway has a strong restaurant scene ranging from Texas Monthly–ranked BBQ to upscale fine dining.

For a detailed list of community events in Woodway, see the Woodway Events file.

Food and Dining

For a detailed list of notable restaurants in Woodway, see the Woodway Restaurants file.

Religious Community

For a detailed list of churches in Woodway, see the Woodway Churches file.

Sources