📍 About ACT & Waco
Waco Tower (ACT) is located at Waco Regional Airport in central Texas. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant college-town energy from Baylor University, and easy access to both Dallas and Austin. Waco offers a mix of urban convenience, outdoor recreation, and affordable living.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Waco – Urban, walkable, near restaurants and bars.
- Brazos Riverfront – Scenic views and close to Baylor.
- Woodway – Quieter, upscale suburb west of downtown.
Families
- China Spring – Great schools and suburban vibe close to the airport.
- Hewitt – Safe neighborhoods, top-rated schools.
- Lorena – Small-town charm with easy Waco access.
🚗 Commute Times to ACT
- 5–15 min: China Spring, Woodway
- 15–30 min: Hewitt, Lorena, Downtown Waco
🎓 Top School Districts
- China Spring ISD – Excellent public schools near ACT
- Midway ISD – High ratings, great for families
- Lorena ISD – Small district, tight-knit community
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Lake Waco: Boating, fishing, hiking trails
- Cameron Park: Massive city park with trails, zoo
- State Parks: Mother Neff, Meridian
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Magnolia Market: Famous shops, restaurants, and lawn games
- Baylor University: Museums, sporting events, concerts
- Waco Mammoth Monument: Fossil dig site and visitor center
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Waco Regional Airport (ACT): Primary towered airport in town
- DFW & Dallas Love Field: ~1.5 hours north for major airlines
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: Woodway, Hewitt, China Spring
- Downtown: Revitalizing, some pockets with higher crime
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$270,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,000/month
- Utilities: ~$160–$200/month
- Groceries: ~4% below national average
- Gas: ~$3.10/gallon
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Waco: Food trucks, breweries, concerts
- Woodway: Quiet and upscale, great for families
- China Spring: Close to ACT, safe, newer housing
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild with few freezes
- Spring: Warm, occasional storms
- Summer: Hot and humid – 90s to low 100s
- Fall: Warm and dry – great outdoor weather
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Waco Transit: Basic city bus routes
- Driving: Essential for living comfortably
- Traffic: Low congestion, easy commutes
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Ascension Providence – Major hospital serving the region
- Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest
- Urgent Care: Multiple walk-in clinics throughout Waco
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Breweries, coffee shops, rec leagues
- Families: Parks, children’s museum, sports leagues
- Community Events: Parades, markets, local fairs
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Barbecue: Vitek’s, Rudy’s, Guess Family BBQ
- Tex-Mex: La Fiesta, Hecho en Waco
- Local Faves: Magnolia Table, Milo All Day
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Close housing makes early shifts manageable
- Shifts: Expect rotating schedules — blackout curtains help
- Community: Lots of controllers live in China Spring or Woodway
📦 Moving Tips
- Summer moves: Can be very hot — plan early morning slots
- U-Haul / Penske: Book early near semester changeover
- Rental best months: March–May and August
❓ FAQs
- Is Waco expensive?
Not at all — it's one of the more affordable cities in Texas. - How far is DFW?
Roughly 90 minutes north by I-35. - Is ACT a good first facility?
Yes. Moderate traffic volume, good training culture.