Woodway is where Waco’s most established families quietly land. A compact residential pocket in McLennan County anchored by Midway ISD, the Carleen Bright Arboretum, Bear Ridge Golf Course, and Lake Waco minutes away. Halfway between Dallas and Austin, seven miles from Baylor and the Magnolia Silos. The people who know Waco best choose Woodway.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Woodway Neighborhoods

Brick Ranches Near the Lake, Gated Custom Homes and Master-Planned Streets Out West

Woodway sits on Waco’s west side along Lake Waco, with mid-century ranch homes in its original core and newer, amenity-rich subdivisions spreading west toward Highway 84 and the Bosque rivers. Here are seven areas, with recent price ranges.

Mid-Century · Central Woodway

Original Woodway

Recent listings and sales about $200K–$400K

Single-story brick ranch homes on mature, often quarter-acre-plus lots between Woodway Drive and Estates Drive, the city’s original fabric from the 1950s on.

Near City Hall, Poage and Whitehall parks and the lakeside parks. Remodels and teardowns are common. Mostly Midway ISD; verify by address.

  • Ranch homes
  • Mature trees
  • Remodel potential
Gated · Off Estates Drive

Westlake

Custom homes · ask for current listings

A gated custom-home enclave with an HOA and design guidelines, 12 acres of open space, wide sidewalks and a putting green.

Within walking distance of Lake Waco, the Woodway Family Center and the Carleen Bright Arboretum. Midway ISD.

  • Gated
  • Custom homes
  • Walk to the arboretum
Lakeside · Near Lake Waco

Lake Forest

Recent asking prices about $445K–$1.3M

An established, wooded subdivision near the Lake Waco shoreline, where new builder homes sit beside high-end resales. Limited lots remain.

Close to the lakeside parks, the arboretum and the Lakeside Park disc golf course. Midway ISD.

  • Near the lake
  • New & resale
  • Wooded
Master-Planned · West Woodway

Badger Ranch

Recent asking prices about $560K–$1.6M

Built from about 2009 on, mixing patio homes and larger custom homes, including modern-farmhouse builds, on lots of about 0.2 to 0.37 acre.

Amenities include a community pool, clubhouse and sidewalks, toward Ritchie Road and Highway 84. Midway ISD.

  • Pool & clubhouse
  • Custom homes
  • Newer
Build Your Own · West Woodway

Badger Ridge

Lots around $100K plus construction

A new build-your-own-home subdivision with lots of about a third of an acre, some with long views west.

Easy access to Highway 84, Hewitt Drive and SH 6. Midway ISD.

  • New lots
  • Views
  • Custom build
Tucked Away · Near Woodway Drive

Rainbow Lake & Deer Ridge

Rarely listed · priced individually

Rainbow Lake is a small lakeside pocket about a minute from H-E-B and neighborhood shopping.

Deer Ridge homes rarely come on the market, so be ready when one does. Midway ISD.

  • Low turnover
  • Lakeside pocket
  • Close to shopping
Waterfront · Harbor Drive

Lake Waco Shoreline

Priced property by property

Waterfront and lake-area homes along Harbor Drive, where each property is its own story.

Lake homes can carry flood-plain and shoreline rules, so check the FEMA map and any lake-access restrictions first.

  • Lake Waco
  • Waterfront
  • Flood check

Swipe or drag sideways to see them all.

A small market that moves in big steps

Redfin puts Woodway’s median sale price at about $357,000 for the three months ending August 2026, down 10.7 percent, with homes taking about 46 days to sell.

Only about 45 to 60 homes sell in a month, so one large sale can move the number. Price against true comparables.

City-run water, sewer and trash

Woodway supplies water from six city wells, plus treated water from Waco and Bluebonnet WSC, and handles sewer, twice-weekly trash and every-other-Wednesday recycling.

New accounts need a $120 deposit for owners or $220 for renters. Water, sewer and trash rates rise October 1, 2026.

Mostly Midway ISD, not all

Midway ISD serves the vast majority of Woodway, and a portion falls in Waco ISD.

Confirm the district for the exact address before you fall for a house.

The city tax, plainly

Woodway’s adopted city rate is $0.3638 per $100, and the city has proposed $0.3917 for 2026, partly for street improvements and the new Family Center.

The city runs a combined public safety department, with officers cross-trained in police and fire work.

Area names follow MLS, HOA and listing usage; boundaries are approximate. Price ranges are drawn from individual 2025–2026 listings and sales, not neighborhood medians, and are directional only. Ask for a current comparative market analysis. Market figures are Redfin’s City of Woodway data for the three months ending August 2026; Zillow’s value index and HAR.com’s listing average measure different things and run higher. The active listing count was not confirmed. The Villages at Twin Rivers is marketed as Woodway but is not shown until its location inside city limits is confirmed. Utility, deposit and rate information is from the City of Woodway, including its proposed FY 2027 budget. The 2025 city tax rate of 0.363836 per $100 was adopted; the 2026 rate of 0.391668 was proposed and its adoption was not confirmed. City rates exclude school, county and other taxing units. School district information is from public sources and must be confirmed by address. School information is not a recommendation regarding any school, district, neighborhood or property. Flood risk is parcel-specific. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Eat & Shop

A Hilltop Steakhouse, a Free Arboretum and Lake Trails Minutes from H-E-B

Woodway keeps its dining close: a hilltop complex on Woodway Drive, long-running local spots and a full-size H-E-B plus!. What sets it apart are the parks, trails and gardens along Lake Waco. Here’s a verified, currently open list.

Steakhouse · 13701 Woodway DrMon–Sat evenings

The Butcher’s Cellar

  • Steaks
  • Eclectic decor

13701 Woodway Dr, Bldg 5

An upscale steakhouse with a menu from a pair of chefs who competed on Hell’s Kitchen, open since 2024.

It shares a hilltop complex with Hilltop Tavern and Scratch House, all under the same owners.

Sports TavernOpen daily

Hilltop Tavern

  • Game-day screens
  • Craft beer
  • Texas menu

13701 Woodway Dr, Bldg 1

A sports tavern with plenty of screens, local craft beer and a chef-driven Texas menu.

Grab-and-Go MealsNew in 2026

Scratch House

  • Ready-to-heat
  • Catering

13701 Woodway Dr, Bldg 1

Homestyle ready-to-heat meals like chicken spaghetti, meatloaf and casseroles, plus catering. Opened in March 2026.

Comfort FoodAll-day breakfast

Brown House Cafe

  • Breakfast
  • Burgers
  • Catering

9110 Jordan Ln, Suite 400

Southern comfort food and all-day breakfast since 2016.

Mexican · Since 1993Mornings & lunch

Leal’s Mexican Restaurant

  • Breakfast burritos
  • Drive-through

9000 Panther Dr

A family-run spot since 1993, known for breakfast burritos, a drive-through and its diablo sauce. Open Tuesday through Saturday mornings into early afternoon.

Groceries & FuelDaily

H-E-B plus!

  • Pharmacy
  • Fuel
  • Car wash

9100 Woodway Dr

A full-size H-E-B plus! with a pharmacy, curbside pickup, fuel and a car wash, open early to late every day.

City ServicesEstates Drive

Woodway City Hall & Public Safety

  • City services
  • Police & fire

922 & 920 Estates Dr

City Hall handles utilities, permits and city business. Next door, the combined public safety department cross-trains officers in police and fire work.

Gardens · FreeOpen daily

Carleen Bright Arboretum

  • Gardens
  • Nature trail
  • Splash pad

9001 Bosque Blvd

About 16 acres of gardens and grounds with a koi pond, rose, cactus and herb gardens, a Monarch Waystation, a nature trail and a kids’ splash pad.

Free admission. Park at The Pavilion.

Recreation CenterCity-run

Woodway Family Center

  • Youth sports
  • Classes
  • Senior programs

1100 Estates Dr

A new 15,000-square-foot center, opened in 2024, with youth sports, STEAM classes, senior programs and rentals.

Lakeside · Disc GolfLake views

Lakeside Park

  • 18-hole disc golf
  • Pavilion
  • Playground

2025 Estates Dr

An 18-hole disc golf course with Lake Waco views, a lighted pavilion and a playground.

Trails6+ miles

Woodway Activity Park & Lakeside Trails

  • Nature trails
  • Sports field

1625 Estates Dr

The trailhead for more than 6 miles of nature trails along Lake Waco.

Neighborhood ParksDog park

Poage & Whitehall Parks

  • Dog park
  • Pickleball
  • Walking tracks

100 Poage Dr · 7600 Fresno St

Poage Park has a pavilion, playground and sand volleyball; Whitehall Park has the Woof Way Dog Park and a tennis/pickleball court.

Coffee · Woodway DriveRoasted on site

Common Grounds Woodway

  • Coffee
  • Roastery

7608 Woodway Dr (Woodway/Waco line)

A coffee shop that roasts its beans on site. Listings disagree on whether it’s inside Woodway or Waco.

Hewitt DriveSteaks & the “Big O”

One Thirty Five Prime & George’s #2

  • Steakhouse
  • Chicken-fried steak

1201 Hewitt Dr (Woodway/Waco/Hewitt edge)

A steakhouse and the second location of George’s, home of the “Big O,” side by side on Hewitt Drive.

Golf · West of Woodway18 holes

Bear Ridge Golf Club

  • Public golf
  • The Grille

1000 Bear Ridge Dr

An 18-hole course formerly known as Twin Rivers, with a grill. The club describes itself as on the outskirts of Waco.

Waco · A Few Miles EastItalian

Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante

  • Scratch pasta
  • Wine list

6500 Woodway Dr, Waco

Scratch-made pasta from an Abruzzo-trained chef, just east of Woodway on the same road.

WacoShopping & Silos

Richland Mall, Central Texas Marketplace & the Silos

  • Mall
  • Big-box
  • Magnolia

Waco, not Woodway

Richland Mall and Central Texas Marketplace handle bigger shopping, and downtown Waco and the Silos are roughly 15 to 20 minutes east.

How to read this list

Everything under Food, Shops and Things To Do is inside Woodway. Places on the Woodway–Waco line or in Waco are labeled under Just Outside.

Two things worth saying plainly. Many places with a Woodway, TX 76712 address sit in Waco, since the ZIP code crosses city lines. And restaurants turn over, so check hours before a special trip.

What stands out is the outdoors: a free arboretum, lakeside trails, disc golf with a view and a dog park, all within a few minutes of H-E-B.

Verified September 2026. This is a curated list drawn from business websites and social pages, the City of Woodway, H-E-B, Destination Waco, KWTX, FOX 44 and review sites updated in 2026. Union Grove (closed 2026) and Oak & Ivy Wine Bar Bistro (closed) are not listed. Several restaurants often described as Woodway, including Red Herring, Milo and Ridgewood Country Club, are in Waco. Common Grounds Woodway, the restaurants at 1201 Hewitt Dr and Bear Ridge Golf Club have Woodway-area addresses, but whether they are inside city limits was not confirmed. Arboretum acreage is as published by the City of Woodway; other sources list about 15 acres. Leal’s hours are from its social page. Drive times are estimates. Hours and operating status change frequently; verify before making a special journey. Businesses listed are for general local reference and are not endorsements; I receive no compensation from any business named. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

Historic Roots That Drive Modern Community

The Story of Woodway

From a Kendrick Homestead to a Lakeside Village to a City Built Around Its Arboretum

  1. 1865

    The Kendrick Land

    After the Civil War, veteran Burl Kendrick bought 320 acres on what is now the eastern side of Woodway.

    More

    The City of Woodway dates its roots to this purchase.

  2. 1877–1924

    Whitehall Church and School

    Whitehall Church went up in 1877 where Whitehall Park now sits on Santa Fe Drive, and Captain Kendrick deeded land for Whitehall School in 1901.

    More

    The two were the area’s social center until the school closed in 1918 and the church in 1924. A replica of the church stands at the arboretum today.

  3. 1920s

    The First Lake Waco

    Summer homes went up around Rainbow Lake in the 1920s, and Santa Fe Drive became an official street.

    More

    The City of Waco then dammed the Bosque River just downstream, creating the original Lake Waco around 1929–30.

  4. 1947

    Midway ISD Is Formed

    On June 2, 1947, Hewitt ISD and South Bosque ISD merged into Midway ISD, named for its spot between the two communities.

    More

    A 1950 bond built the first campus near what is now Estates Drive and Highway 84, and students moved in at Thanksgiving 1950.

  5. 1955

    The Village of Woodway

    Residents picked the name “Woodway” in May 1955, blending Woodland West and the Village of Midway. Ballots from the June 11 election were certified on June 20, 1955.

    More

    The city says the new village had about 250 residents, and incorporated to keep up with demand for street building and public improvements.

  6. 1956–1957

    First Civic Building Blocks

    A volunteer fire department formed in 1956.

    More

    Midway ISD’s first elementary, Woodway Elementary, opened in 1957 in three surplus Fort Hood buildings.

  7. 1958–1965

    The Corps Builds a Bigger Lake

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a new dam in 1958 and completed it in 1965, and the enlarged Lake Waco covered the old one.

    More

    The Corps built lakeside parks along the shoreline, including Midway Park, and Woodway’s first census in 1960 counted 1,244 residents.

  8. 1973–1975

    From Village to City

    Woodway Village became the City of Woodway in 1973.

    More

    In 1975 police and fire merged into a single Public Safety Department, with officers cross-trained as police officers and firefighters.

  9. 1997–1999

    The Carleen Bright Arboretum

    Work began in 1997 on a neglected tract at Bosque Boulevard and Estates Drive, and the Whitehall Center, a replica of the 1877 church, opened in 1999.

    More

    The 16-acre arboretum honors Carleen Bright (1915–2015), a longtime volunteer who wrote articles chronicling Woodway’s history.

  10. 2000–2007

    A Growing Suburb

    The 2000 census counted 8,733 residents, and Midway High School moved into its current building in 2003.

    More

    City Hall at 922 Estates Drive was completed in December 2007, next door to Public Safety at 920 Estates Drive.

  11. 2018–2020

    Speegleville Road Interchange

    TxDOT awarded a project of about $20.5 million in 2018 for a US 84 interchange and bridges at Speegleville Road on the city’s west side.

    More

    The new bridges replaced a signalized intersection and were expected around 2020. The 2020 census counted 9,383 residents.

  12. 2022–Today

    A New Family Center and a Renewed Arboretum

    The arboretum reopened in November 2022 after a renovation of more than $700,000, and the $6.5 million Woodway Family Center opened on April 6, 2024, replacing a 1973 building.

    More

    In February 2026, the City of Waco’s Highway 84 landfill closed, and TxDOT has proposed widening US 84 with flyovers at SH 6. That project is still a plan.

Compiled from the City of Woodway, the Texas State Historical Association Handbook of Texas, Midway ISD, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waco History, TxDOT, The Baylor Line, the Waco Tribune-Herald, KXXV and KWTX. Where sources conflict, both versions are noted rather than resolved. The original Lake Waco dam is dated 1929 by the Handbook of Texas and 1930 by other sources. Census counts shown (1960, 2000, 2020) agree across sources; the 1980 count differs by source and is not shown. The arboretum’s reopening year is taken from The Baylor Line’s coverage. The Speegleville Road interchange’s exact completion date was not confirmed. The US 84 widening is a TxDOT proposal; its timing and design may change. Some Tribune-Herald details were confirmed from article summaries only. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

Woodway’s Annual Events

A Very Merry Woodway Christmas, Summer Concerts at the Arboretum and the Fourth of July Parade

Woodway’s Own · The Signature Tradition

A Very Merry Woodway Christmas

A weeknight in mid- to late December · Evening · Carleen Bright Arboretum

The city’s holiday night at the arboretum, with Santa, a tree lighting, a vendor market, food trucks and crafts.

More

It has recently been held on a Thursday evening the week before Christmas. Check the city’s events calendar for this year’s date.

Through the Year in Woodway

Woodway Farmers Market

Monthly, usually a Sunday · Midday

Local growers and makers at the arboretum, held once a month.

Mother & Daughter Brunch

A Saturday in May

A ticketed brunch at the arboretum Pavilion, billed by the city as an annual event.

Summer Concert Series

June to early August · Evenings

Free concerts at the arboretum with food trucks. Recent summers ran on weeknights and closed with a back-to-school bash in early August.

Arboretum Explorers Camp

One week each summer

A nature camp for ages 7 to 12 at the Carleen Bright Arboretum.

Woodway 4th of July Parade

July 4 · Morning

A neighborhood parade hosted by Woodway Public Safety. In 2026 a free concert at the arboretum kicked things off the night before.

Midway Panthers Football

Friday nights, late August to November

Midway ISD home games at Panther Stadium. Check the district’s athletics calendar for homecoming.

Woodway Wine + Food Fest

A Saturday evening in September

A ticketed, 21-and-over tasting festival at the arboretum Pavilion, with a new theme each year.

Woodway Night Out

Usually the first week of October · Evening

Woodway’s version of National Night Out, with equipment tours and family activities hosted by Public Safety at parks around town.

Next Door in Waco

Fourth on the Brazos

July 4 · Evening

A riverfront concert and fireworks near McLane Stadium.

Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo

About 11 days in early to mid-October

A long-running fair and rodeo at the Extraco Events Center, with livestock shows, a carnival and concerts.

Silobration

Late October · Magnolia Market at the Silos

Magnolia’s anniversary festival, with concerts, vendors and food across the Silos grounds.

Waco Wonderland

First weekend of December

Downtown Waco’s holiday festival, with a tree lighting and fireworks on Friday and a parade on Saturday morning.

Just Outside · Not in Woodway

Westfest

West · Labor Day weekend

A Czech heritage festival with polka, kolaches and a Saturday parade. 2026 marked its 50th year.

McGregor Founder’s Day

McGregor · Third Saturday of September

A parade, carnival and 5K color run in downtown McGregor, west of Woodway.

A calendar built around the arboretum

Most of Woodway’s own events happen at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, and the big crowds, from the Heart O’ Texas Fair to Silobration, are a short drive into Waco.

Newer events to watch: a trick-or-treat drive-thru in late October and a Family Field Day first held in November 2025. They aren’t listed above because they don’t yet have two years of history.

For current dates, check the Discover Woodway events calendar.

Timing shown is the usual pattern for each event; exact dates, times and locations change from year to year and should be confirmed with organizers. Event patterns are drawn from the City of Woodway, Discover Woodway, KWTX, KXXV, Fox44, Magnolia, the Heart O’ Texas Fair, Westfest and McGregor Founder’s Day; each Woodway event listed was confirmed in 2025 or 2026 and at least one earlier year. Summer concert nights and formats change from year to year. Midway football timing follows the standard UIL season; homecoming dates were not confirmed. A spring egg hunt, the trick-or-treat drive-thru and Family Field Day are not listed because recurrence could not be confirmed. Events under “Next Door in Waco” and “Just Outside” are held in Waco, West or McGregor, not in Woodway. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

Everything You Need to Know About Woodway Schools

What to know about Woodway schools:

  • Midway ISD is home base. Midway ISD serves most of Woodway and keeps its district office on Woodway Drive. Woodway addresses feed Chapel Park, South Bosque or Woodway Elementary, then River Valley Middle and Midway High
  • Part of the city is in Waco ISD. That portion is zoned to Parkdale Elementary, Tennyson Middle and Waco High. Always confirm the district by address
  • Investing in buildings. Midway voters passed an $83.5 million bond in 2025, and the district lowered its tax rate for 2026–27
  • A college town next door. Baylor University, McLennan Community College and TSTC Waco are a short drive away

The ratings: Midway ISD earned an A (90) in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Waco ISD earned a D all three years. Review the full results at TXschools.gov.

The choices: Nearby options include the public charter Rapoport Academy and private schools such as Vanguard, Reicher Catholic and Live Oak Classical.

Want the full breakdown? Read our complete Woodway schools guide →

North Texas Market Insider™ · School Explorer

Midway ISD’s Home Base, With a Waco ISD Edge

Midway ISD serves most of Woodway and keeps its district office on Woodway Drive, while a smaller part of the city is in Waco ISD. Baylor, MCC and TSTC are a short drive away, and the school district is set by the address.

2districts serve the city
A (90)Midway ISD 2026 rating
D (66)Waco ISD 2026 rating
$83.5MMidway bond, 2025
By addressdistricts vary

Most of the City By address

Midway ISD

  • ~8,800 students
  • 11 campuses
  • Pre-K to 12

District office at 13885 Woodway Dr

Woodway’s main district, headquartered in the city. It also serves west Waco, Hewitt and Speegleville, with eight elementaries, two middle schools and Midway High.

More

District rating: A in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (a score of 90 each year).

Main line: 254-761-5600.

Midway Campuses By zone

Campuses Serving Woodway

  • Chapel Park El.
  • South Bosque El.
  • Woodway El.
  • River Valley MS
  • Midway HS

Assigned by attendance zone

Woodway addresses in Midway ISD feed Chapel Park, South Bosque or Woodway Elementary, then River Valley Middle School and Midway High School.

More

The district notes that living in Midway ISD does not guarantee a specific campus, so confirm the zone for each address.

Building & Calendar 2025 bond

Midway ISD’s Next Chapter

  • $83.5M bond
  • First day Aug 12
  • Last day May 21

District-wide

Voters passed all three propositions of an $83.5 million bond in November 2025 for security, technology, buses, fine arts and athletic spaces, and the district said it would not raise the tax rate.

More

The board lowered the 2026–27 school tax rate to $0.9089 per $100. The 2026–27 school year runs August 12, 2026, to May 21, 2027.

Part of the City Check by parcel

Waco ISD

  • Parkdale El.
  • Tennyson MS
  • Waco HS

A smaller portion of Woodway

Part of Woodway is in Waco ISD, zoned to Parkdale Elementary, Tennyson Middle and Waco High, which opened in a new building in 2025.

More

District rating: D in 2024, 2025 and 2026 (scores 64, 63 and 66).

The boundary wasn’t mapped for this guide. Check the district by parcel before you buy.

Public Charter Open enrollment

Rapoport Academy

  • Pre-K–12
  • Tuition-free

Campuses in Waco

A tuition-free open-enrollment public charter in Waco. Enrollment is by application, not by address.

Private Tuition

Private Schools Nearby

  • Vanguard 6–12
  • Reicher Catholic PK3–12
  • Live Oak Classical PK–12

In Waco, a short drive away

Options within a short drive include Vanguard College Preparatory School, Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School and Live Oak Classical School.

More

Grades and enrollment change, so confirm directly with each school.

College Town Next Door Higher ed

Baylor, MCC & TSTC

  • Baylor ~19,900 students
  • Community college
  • Technical college

In Waco

Baylor University, McLennan Community College and TSTC Waco are all a short drive into Waco.

More

Midway ISD’s calendar lines up with Baylor and MCC holidays.

A Woodway address doesn’t decide the district

Most of Woodway is in Midway ISD, but part of the city is in Waco ISD. Two homes a few streets apart can be in different districts.

Check the district’s attendance-zone lookup and the appraisal district record before you fall for a house.

The tax bill, plainly

A typical home in Midway ISD and the city carries about $1.82 per $100 for 2026: school $0.91, city $0.39, county $0.37 and MCC $0.14.

On a $375,000 homestead, the school share drops from about $3,410 to $2,140 after the $140,000 exemption.

The ratings, said plainly

Midway ISD earned an A (90) in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Waco ISD earned a D all three years, with its score rising to 66 this year.

Ratings change year to year, so review the full results at TXschools.gov.

Where the money is going

Midway’s 2025 bond funds security, technology, buses, fine arts and athletics. Waco ISD’s 2021 bond built the new Waco High.

New buildings are a good reason to tour the campus before you decide.

Accountability ratings are shown at the district level only; campus ratings are intentionally not shown. Ratings change every year; use TXschools.gov for current ratings. 2026 district ratings (released 14 August 2026) are as reported by KWTX; 2025 ratings as reported by KCEN; 2024 ratings are derived from 2025 news coverage, were delayed by litigation and were released in August 2025. The 2026 ratings are subject to TEA’s appeals process. Midway ISD enrollment is from TEA data via the Texas Tribune and is approximate. Campus names, the bond result, the adopted 2026–27 tax rate and the 2026–27 calendar are from Midway ISD and news reports. The Waco ISD portion of Woodway and its zoned campuses are as reported by secondary sources; the boundary was not mapped and must be confirmed with Waco ISD or the McLennan Central Appraisal District. Private and charter school details are from school websites and news reports; confirm grades and enrollment directly. None of the listed private or charter schools was confirmed inside Woodway city limits. Tax figures use Midway ISD 0.908900, McLennan County 0.374800 and McLennan Community College 0.140772 (adopted; subject to a 3 November 2026 election) and the City of Woodway’s proposed 0.391668, whose final adoption was not confirmed. Tax figures are illustrations, not quotes. The state school homestead exemption is $140,000, with an additional $60,000 for owners aged 65 or older or disabled. School district assignment is determined by address and must be confirmed with the district. School information is provided for general reference only and is not a recommendation regarding any school, district, neighborhood or property. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Live NTREIS Data

How’s the Woodway Housing Market?

Median Sales Price

What Woodway homes actually sold for each month. With only a few dozen sales a month and homes from mid-century ranches to million-dollar custom builds, the mix of what sold moves this line as much as the market does.

Read this line first

Redfin put Woodway’s median at about $357,000 for the three months ending August 2026, down 10.7 percent, while price per square foot was nearly flat. That gap says a different mix of homes sold, not that values fell 10 percent.

For sellers

A brick ranch near the arboretum, a gated custom home and a new build in Badger Ranch can all land on this one line. The chart is not your comp. Your comps are recent sales that match your age, size and street.

For buyers

Texas is a non-disclosure state, so portal prices are models. This is MLS. Ask for the actual comparable sales, and confirm the home is inside Woodway city limits and which school district serves it.

Charts supplied by NTREIS via 10K Research and Marketing and update automatically. Data reflects residential activity reported to the MLS and may be revised as late-reported sales come in. Monthly figures for a city of Woodway’s size rest on a few dozen sales and can swing with the mix of homes that closed. The Woodway, TX 76712 ZIP code also covers parts of Waco, and listings may be filed under the city name Woodway whether or not the property is inside city limits, so these charts may include homes outside the city. Narrative figures are Redfin’s City of Woodway data for the three months ending August 2026; months of inventory is an estimate derived from active listings and monthly sales. These charts do not separate new construction from resale or account for lot size or location. Market statistics describe the area as a whole and are not a substitute for a comparative market analysis on a specific property. Texas is a non-disclosure state, so publicly available sale prices elsewhere are estimates rather than recorded figures. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Equity Explorer

What a Woodway Home Bought in 2015 Is Worth Now

Pick a purchase year and the price fills in. If you own here, type over it with what you actually paid. This calculator runs on the McLennan County index, the federal repeat-sales measure for Woodway’s county. It’s up about 129 percent since 2009, with the biggest jump between 2020 and 2022.

$

Bought here? Tap the number and enter what you paid.

2015
20092025
Down payment

Estimated equity built —
Paid in 2015—
That same home today—
Down payment—
Appreciation—
Principal paid down—
McLennan County Texas United States

Federal house price index growth, indexed to the purchase year, where the purchase year equals 100.

A fast run, then a flat stretch

The county index rose about 37 percent from 2020 to 2022. Since 2023 it has grown only about 1 to 2 percent a year.

A 2009 buyer’s index value is up about 2.3 times; a 2023 buyer’s is up only about 3 percent so far.

Why $375,000

It sits between Zillow’s typical Woodway value of about $370,000 (up 1.1 percent in a year) and Redfin’s median sale price of about $357,000 for the three months ending August 2026.

Redfin shows a 10.7 percent drop, but only 45 homes sold in August. That swing reflects which homes sold, so read 2026 as roughly flat.

One index for the whole county

The index is county-wide, built from repeat sales of mortgaged homes, and blends Woodway with Waco and every nearby town.

Woodway homes vary widely in age, size and setting, so value any specific property from true comparables, not from this chart.

Taxes, exemptions and the 10 percent cap

A Woodway home in Midway ISD carries about $1.82 per $100 for 2026. The city offers no general homestead exemption, but the county and MCC each exempt 20 percent, and the state school exemption is $140,000.

Homesteads are capped at a 10 percent rise in taxable value a year. Protest by May 15 or 30 days after your notice arrives.

Growth rates are the FHFA All-Transactions House Price Index, annual values 2009 through 2025: McLennan County, Texas (FRED series ATNHPIUS48309A, base 2000 equals 100, last updated 31 March 2026), the State of Texas (TXSTHPI) and the United States (USSTHPI). State and national figures are annual averages of published quarters. The McLennan County series recorded 139.10 in 2009, 155.07 in 2015, 214.19 in 2020, 293.32 in 2022, 308.63 in 2023, 314.67 in 2024 and 318.43 in 2025: a rise of about 129 percent since 2009 and about 1.2 percent in 2025. No 2026 county value has been published. FHFA describes county indices as developmental and subject to revision. The prefilled dollar figures are derived and illustrative, not published: they apply the McLennan County index to a $375,000 anchor set between Zillow’s Woodway Home Value Index of $370,356 (31 August 2026) and Redfin’s Woodway median sale price of $357,214 (three months ending August 2026). The index is built from conforming loans and excludes jumbo lending and all-cash purchases. The 2026 FHA one-unit national floor is $541,287 (HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23); confirm McLennan County’s 2026 limit in HUD’s lookup. The 2026 conforming limit is $832,750. Equity figures assume a 30-year fixed mortgage at that year’s Freddie Mac annual average rate (2025 approximately 6.60 percent), held to today, with no refinancing, no extra principal and no additional borrowing. They exclude closing costs, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, improvements and selling costs. The 2026 combined rate of about $1.82 per $100 uses Midway ISD 0.908900 (adopted), McLennan County 0.374800 (adopted), McLennan Community College 0.140772 (adopted; subject to a 3 November 2026 election) and the City of Woodway’s proposed 0.391668, whose final adoption was not confirmed. Parts of Woodway are in Waco ISD, which carries a different school rate. The homestead appraisal cap limits increases in a homestead’s taxable appraised value to 10 percent a year and ends on sale. The state school homestead exemption is $140,000, with an additional $60,000 for owners aged 65 or older or disabled; McLennan County and McLennan Community College each grant 20 percent (minimum $5,000); the City of Woodway grants no general homestead exemption but grants $20,000 for owners 65 or older. Exemption amounts are from the 2025 county rate chart. Confirm exemptions, rates and protest deadlines with the McLennan Central Appraisal District (254-752-9864). This is an illustration for general reference, not an appraisal, a comparative market analysis, a valuation or investment advice. Past appreciation does not predict future appreciation. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Woodway, Texas

A Lakeside City on Waco’s West Edge, with Its Own Wells, Parks and Public Safety

Woodway is a city of about 9,750 people tucked between US 84, SH 6 and Lake Waco. It runs its own water wells, public safety department and four city parks, while Baylor, the Silos and two hospitals are a short drive into Waco.

Estimated Off-Peak Drive Time from Woodway City Hall

40minTemple
60minKilleen & Fort Cavazos
65minWaxahachie
90minDowntown Fort Worth
95minDowntown Dallas
105minAustin

Around Town and Beyond

7Ascension Providence
8BSW Hillcrest
15Downtown Waco
15Baylor University
17Magnolia Silos
18Waco Regional Airport
110DFW Airport

Estimated minutes off-peak from City Hall on Estates Drive. I-35 work zones through Waco can add time through 2029, so check a live map before relying on any of them.

Waco next door

Ascension Providence and Baylor Scott & White–Hillcrest are each under 10 minutes away, and downtown Waco, Baylor and the Silos are about 15.

SH 6 and Loop 340 connect to I-35, which runs north to Dallas–Fort Worth and south to Temple and Austin.

A city built around parks

Woodway has four city parks, including Lakeside Park with more than 6 miles of trails along Lake Waco and an 18-hole disc golf course.

The 16-acre Carleen Bright Arboretum is free and open daily, and residents pay no gym fee at the Family Center, which opened in 2024.

City services under one roof

The Public Safety Department cross-trains its sworn officers as both police officers and firefighters.

City water comes from six deep wells, supplemented by treated water from Waco and Bluebonnet WSC. Trash is picked up twice a week.

Roads to watch

TxDOT plans to widen US 84 through Woodway and add flyovers at SH 6. It’s in design, with construction listed as 2029 or later and no construction funding committed yet.

I-35 through south Waco is due in early 2029, and the city has proposed a $2.2 million Old McGregor Road rehab for the coming year.

The trade-offs, said plainly

On October 1, 2026, water rises 3 percent, sewer 10 percent and trash 2 percent. The city has also proposed a higher tax rate, and it offers no general homestead exemption.

The Highway 84 landfill closed in February 2026, ending free landfill entry, and the school district varies by address.

Investors, read the rules

Since 2023, short-term rentals are banned in residentially zoned areas. They’re allowed only in commercial zones with a permit, which costs $500 and $300 to renew.

Confirm the zoning before you buy anything for Airbnb income.

Drive times are estimates from Woodway City Hall, 922 Estates Drive, along typical routes; they were not drawn from a mapping or live traffic source and should be checked against a live map before you rely on them. US 84 widening and SH 6 flyover details are from TxDOT’s April 2023 public meeting and the Waco MPO FY2025–2028 Transportation Improvement Program (May 2024), which lists construction of about $214 million as “anticipated in 2029 or later” with no current funding commitment; a 2023 report of a 2027 start has been superseded, and later plans were not reviewed. The I-35 My35 Waco South timeline is from TxDOT. City services, utility changes, parks, capital projects and short-term rental rules are from the City of Woodway’s website, FY2027 proposed budget and March 2026 master fee schedule, and Discover Woodway. The FY2027 city tax rate of $0.391668 was proposed; its final adoption was not confirmed. The landfill closure is from KXXV and the City of Woodway. Population is the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 2025 estimate of 9,753; the 2020 census count was 9,383. Hospital locations were not independently verified. No crime, fire rating or flood zone claims are made; flood risk is parcel-specific. This information is provided for general reference and is not a representation about any specific property, commute or future development outcome. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Woodway FAQ

Woodway Frequently Asked Questions

Answered with verified specifics, from city limits, school districts and the proposed tax rate to utility changes, landfill trips and Lake Waco boat ramps.

01Is a 76712 address inside Woodway city limits?

Not necessarily. The 76712 ZIP code also covers parts of Waco and unincorporated McLennan County, so the mailing address alone won’t tell you. Woodway itself is roughly bounded by US 84, SH 6 and Lake Waco.

To confirm, look up the parcel on the McLennan Central Appraisal District site and check whether the City of Woodway is listed as a taxing unit. You can also call City Hall at 254-772-4480.

It matters for more than taxes. Being inside the city decides your water and sewer provider, trash pickup, building permits and short-term rental rules, so settle it before you write an offer.

02Is Woodway in Midway ISD or Waco ISD?

Both. Most of Woodway is in Midway ISD, whose district office is on Woodway Drive, and a smaller part of the city is in Waco ISD.

The only reliable way to know is to check the property’s tax record, which lists the school district that taxes it, and then confirm the attendance zone with the district. Midway ISD also notes that living in the district doesn’t guarantee a specific campus.

In the 2026 state ratings, Midway ISD earned an A (90) and Waco ISD a D (66). The two districts also carry different school tax rates, which changes the total tax bill on otherwise similar homes.

03What is Woodway’s city tax rate for 2026?

The city has proposed $0.391668 per $100 of taxable value for the 2026 tax year, up from $0.363836. The no-new-revenue rate was $0.361104. Final adoption was not confirmed when this was written.

Under the proposal, city tax on the average homestead goes from about $1,474 to $1,598 a year. The rate includes a small share for Family Center debt and one cent set aside for future street work.

Add McLennan County, McLennan Community College and your school district, and the combined rate runs roughly $1.81 to $1.82 per $100 in Midway ISD and about $1.94 to $1.96 in Waco ISD. Confirm the adopted rates before you budget.

04Does Woodway offer a homestead exemption?

Not a general one. The City of Woodway doesn’t exempt a percentage of a homestead’s value, so the full appraised value is taxed at the city rate. It does offer a $20,000 exemption for owners 65 or older, raised from $10,000 in 2022, and a disability exemption.

The other taxing units add their own: the state $140,000 school homestead exemption (plus $60,000 more for owners 65 or older or disabled), and 20 percent exemptions from McLennan County and McLennan Community College.

File free with the McLennan Central Appraisal District, 254-752-9864, in your first year. The 10 percent annual cap on a homestead’s taxable value only starts once the exemption is in place.

05How do I start water, sewer and trash service in Woodway?

Apply online or in person at City Hall, 922 Estates Drive, 254-772-4480, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water, sewer and trash are all billed by the city on one account.

Owners pay a $120 deposit: a $20 service fee plus $100 that comes back as a credit after a year of on-time payments. Renters pay $220: the $20 fee plus $200 that’s applied to the final bill.

Set it up a few days before closing so service is in your name on move-in day. Electricity and gas are separate: Oncor delivers the power, and Atmos Energy provides natural gas.

06What do Woodway utilities cost, and what changes on October 1, 2026?

Under the current fee schedule, water is $33.60 for the first 2,000 gallons, then $3.99 per 1,000 gallons, with higher tiers above that. Sewer is $30.14 plus $3.62 per 1,000 gallons, and residential trash is $24.90 a month.

Sewer is based on your December–January water average, so summer lawn watering doesn’t inflate it all year. New accounts get a starting average until one is set.

On October 1, 2026, water rises 3 percent, sewer 10 percent and residential trash 2 percent under the city’s five-year plan. The trash increase passes along higher hauling costs after the Highway 84 landfill closed.

07Where does Woodway’s water come from?

The city pumps from six deep wells and supplements that with treated water bought from the City of Waco and Bluebonnet Water Supply Corporation. The area’s first well was drilled in 1950.

Wastewater runs through city-maintained lines to the regional WMARSS treatment plant, which the City of Waco operates. For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, call 254-772-4470.

The proposed FY2027 budget includes $1.1 million for water line replacement, $750,000 to clean and paint a water tank and $600,000 for the first phase of meter replacement. Ask the city for the latest water quality report.

08Who provides electricity and natural gas in Woodway?

Oncor owns the power lines in Woodway, which means homes on Oncor lines can choose a retail electricity provider at powertochoose.org. Oncor handles outages and meter issues no matter who bills you.

Atmos Energy provides natural gas. Both companies pay the city franchise fees, which is how the budget confirms they serve Woodway.

Whether any co-op serves the city’s edges wasn’t confirmed, so check the utility for the exact address. For internet, Spectrum holds the city’s cable franchise; check the FCC broadband map for other options at a specific address.

09How do trash, brush and bulk pickup work in Woodway?

Frontier Waste Solutions picks up trash twice a week, either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday depending on your street. Carts must be at the curb by 7 a.m.

Brush goes out on your second trash day. Cut it to 4 feet or shorter, stack it no higher than 3 feet, keep bundles under 50 pounds and set out no more than three to five bundles.

Recycling is every other Wednesday, with a free 96-gallon cart (a second is $3 a month); glass and plastic bags aren’t accepted. The fall large-item days are October 22 or 23, 2026. An extra bulk pickup costs about $85 to $90, and TVs and tires aren’t collected.

10Where do I take extra trash now that the Highway 84 landfill has closed?

The City of Waco’s Hannah Hill landfill on Highway 84 stopped accepting waste on February 28, 2026, after nearly 40 years. The new landfill at 4730 TK Parkway in Axtell and a transfer station at 6171 S. University Parks Drive opened March 2.

One change hits Woodway residents directly: your water bill or a landfill permit no longer gets you in free. Expect to pay at the gate.

For paint, chemicals and similar items, watch for Household Hazardous Waste Day each spring at 501 Schroeder Drive. For big items, the city’s twice-yearly large-item days are often the cheaper option.

11What do building and pool permits cost in Woodway?

Under the March 2026 master fee schedule, new construction runs $0.21 per square foot, with a $75 minimum. A pool or spa permit is $100.

An accessory building costs $40 under 200 square feet and $75 above that, and a reroof permit is $40. Work started without a permit costs double the fee.

Before you plan a pool, addition or outbuilding, check setbacks and easements with the city and review any HOA or deed restrictions, which can be stricter than city rules. Ask the seller whether past additions were permitted.

12Can I run an Airbnb in Woodway?

Not in residentially zoned areas. A 2023 ordinance bans short-term rentals in residential zoning, and operating one there is a misdemeanor.

Short-term rentals are allowed only in commercial zones with a city permit, which costs $500 up front and $300 to renew under the current fee schedule. HOA and deed restrictions may add their own limits.

If rental income is part of your plan, confirm the zoning of the exact parcel with the city before you buy. A long-term lease is a different matter, so ask about the rules for that separately.

13Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Woodway?

Yes. A garage sale permit costs $10 and an estate sale permit $50, from Community Services at 924 Estates Drive.

Each address gets two permits a year, and each is good for up to three consecutive days during daylight hours. Items must stay in the garage, carport or back yard.

You’re allowed one on-site sign of 4 square feet or less, and no signs in the street right-of-way. Plan ahead if you’re clearing out before a move, since the two-per-year limit applies. Call Community Services before the sale to confirm your dates.

14How is Woodway’s Public Safety Department different?

Since 1975, Woodway has combined police and fire into one Public Safety Department. Its sworn officers are cross-trained as both police officers and firefighters, backed by volunteer firefighters and civilian staff.

The department is at 920 Estates Drive, and its non-emergency line is 254-772-4470. It also runs a Citizens Police Academy alumni group and youth programs, and hosts Woodway Night Out each fall.

For homeowners insurance, ask your agent about the property’s fire protection details. The city’s ISO rating wasn’t published in the sources reviewed. The department has operated from Estates Drive since 1993, right next door to City Hall.

15Is the Carleen Bright Arboretum free, and can I rent it?

The grounds are free and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 9001 Bosque Boulevard. The 16 acres include gardens, a koi pond, a rose garden, a Monarch Waystation and a nature trail.

The Pavilion rents for $3,700 to $4,700 for a full day, depending on the day of the week, and the smaller Whitehall Center for $1,450 to $2,450. Woodway residents get 10 percent off.

It’s also where much of the city’s calendar happens, from summer concerts and the farmers market to the December holiday night. Call 254-399-9204 about rentals.

16What does the Woodway Family Center cost?

Woodway residents pay no gym fee. Non-residents pay $3 a day, $7 a week or $25 a month.

Youth league registration is $100 per sport per season for residents and $120 for non-residents, and the party room rents for $50 an hour for residents, with a three-hour minimum. Gyms and fields can also be rented.

The $6.5 million center opened in April 2024, replacing a 1973 building, and offers youth sports, STEAM programs and senior and adult activities. The center is at 1100 Estates Drive, and the city is still repaying the certificates that built it.

17Where can I launch a boat on Lake Waco near Woodway?

The Corps of Engineers runs the ramps. Closest to Woodway are Midway Park, with a two-lane ramp, and Speegleville Park, with a four-lane ramp. Both charge $5 a day, and an annual pass is available.

The Lacy Point, Koehne Park and Flat Rock ramps are free. Payment is cashless, so bring a card.

Speegleville Park is open March through October with 30 water and electric campsites. For questions, call the Corps’ Lake Waco office at 254-756-5359.

Inside Woodway, Lakeside Park at 2025 Estates Drive has more than 6 miles of shoreline trails and an 18-hole disc golf course, and the lake parks are open 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

18When will the US 84 widening through Woodway happen?

Not soon. TxDOT plans to widen US 84 from Estates Drive/Hewitt Drive to Lake Air Drive to three lanes each way, with rebuilt frontage roads and two flyovers at SH 6.

The Waco MPO’s 2024 plan lists construction of about $214 million as 2029 or later, with design underway and no construction funding committed. A 2023 report of a 2027 start is out of date.

If you’re buying near US 84 or SH 6, expect years of planning before any work starts, then detours once it does. Watch TxDOT’s project tracker for updates.

19How long will I-35 construction affect trips from Woodway?

TxDOT’s My35 Waco South project, about 3 miles from South Loop 340 to 12th Street, began in February 2025 and is due in early 2029. It’s the last phase of a nearly 14-mile rebuild of I-35 through Waco.

When finished, it will have eight lanes, new frontage roads and bridges and a new interchange at Valley Mills Drive.

From Woodway, trips to Temple, Austin and DFW use SH 6 and Loop 340 to reach I-35, so allow extra time through the work zone until 2029. Check a live map before you commit to a daily commute.

20Where do I pay property taxes and protest my appraisal in Woodway?

The McLennan County Tax Assessor-Collector collects Woodway’s city taxes along with county, college and school taxes, at 254-757-5130. Bills go out in the fall and are due by January 31.

Values and protests go through the McLennan Central Appraisal District, 254-752-9864. The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.

Woodway’s 2026 certified value rose about 1 percent citywide, but your own notice can move differently. Compare it with recent nearby sales, and file online if you disagree. When you buy, file your own homestead exemption, since the seller’s doesn’t carry over to you.

Answers were verified as of September 2026 from the City of Woodway (its website, FY2027 proposed budget, 2026 tax rate notice and March 2026 master fee schedule), Discover Woodway, McLennan County, the McLennan Central Appraisal District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TxDOT, the Waco MPO, Midway ISD, KWTX, KXXV and the Waco Tribune-Herald. Rates, fees, providers and rules change; verify anything you intend to rely on. The City of Woodway’s 2026 rate of $0.391668 was proposed; its final adoption was not confirmed. Combined rates are approximate because sources differ. The extra bulk pickup price differs between the city’s trash page ($85.05) and fee schedule ($90.15). The disability exemption amount was not confirmed. The US 84 schedule is from the Waco MPO’s May 2024 plan; later plans were not reviewed. The protest deadline follows state law and should be confirmed on your appraisal notice. The January 31 tax due date is the standard Texas deadline. Lake Waco ramp fees are from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. School district assignment is determined by address. This is general information, not legal, tax, lending, insurance, environmental or engineering advice. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Woodway Resources

Every Number You Need in Woodway

Woodway keeps almost everything on one block of Estates Drive: City Hall, Public Safety, Community Services and the court. The city bills water, sewer and trash together, taxes and deeds run through McLennan County in Waco, and electricity is your choice of provider. Start with the green first-week cards; county offices are in blue, and anything outside town is in purple.

Do this first

City of Woodway City Hall

The city bills water, sewer, trash and recycling on one account. Start service online or at City Hall: owners pay a $120 deposit, renters $220. Pay online, by phone at 1-888-804-7560 or at the drop box between City Hall and Community Services. Card payments carry no processing fee.

254-772-4480 (option 2 for billing) 922 Estates Dr · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Do this first

Woodway Utility Rates

Water starts at $33.60 for the first 2,000 gallons. On October 1, 2026, water rises 3 percent, sewer 10 percent and trash 2 percent. Your sewer charge is reset each April from your December–January water use, so summer watering doesn’t raise it.

Two billing cycles: due the 15th or month-end
Do this first

Oncor Electric Delivery

Woodway is in Oncor’s territory, so you choose your retail electric provider at powertochoose.org, and Oncor handles outages. Shop plans before move-in so the power is on the day you get the keys.

Outages 888-313-4747 Poles and wires across Woodway
Before you buy

The Woodway Routine

One, city limits, because 76712 also covers Waco. Two, the school district, Midway or Waco ISD. Three, the FEMA flood map near Lake Waco and the Bosque. Four, zoning if rental income matters. Five, the permit history on roofs, additions and HVAC.

About twenty minutes
Do this first

McLennan Central Appraisal District & Tax Office

The appraisal district handles values, homestead exemptions and protests. Filing a homestead exemption is free. The tax office collects Woodway’s property taxes and handles vehicle registration (254-757-5151), with branches in McGregor and West.

CAD 254-752-9864 · Tax office 254-757-5130 CAD: 315 S 26th St · Tax office: 215 N 5th St, Ste 118
Trash & Recycling

Frontier Waste Solutions

Trash goes out twice a week, Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday. Carts at the curb by 7 a.m. Brush goes out on your second trash day. Recycling is every other Wednesday. Frontier is now part of GFL Environmental, so branding may change.

888-854-2905 City contractor · billed through the city
Landfill & Hazardous Waste

City of Waco Landfill & Transfer Station

The Highway 84 landfill closed on February 28, 2026, and Woodway water bills no longer get you in free. Expect to pay at the gate. Household Hazardous Waste Day is held each spring at 501 Schroeder Dr.

Landfill: 4730 TK Pkwy, Axtell · Transfer: 6171 S University Parks Dr
Permits & Development

Community Services & Development

Permits are required for roofing, concrete, fences, patio covers, pools, sprinklers, HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Work without one costs double. The same office handles zoning, streets, water and wastewater and drainage concerns. Garage sale permits ($10) are at City Hall.

254-772-4050 · [email protected] 924 Estates Dr
Public Safety

Woodway Public Safety Department

Police and fire in one department, with officers cross-trained as police officers and firefighters. For emergencies, call 911. Going away? Submit the Security Check Form on the city’s Forms page for a vacation house watch. After-hours water or sewer emergencies go to the same non-emergency line.

Non-emergency 254-772-4470 920 Estates Dr
Code & Animals

Code Enforcement & Animal Control

Report stray animals, high weeds, brush and illegal signs. Grass and weeds must stay under 12 inches. The Woodway 311 app takes non-emergency reports and sends city weather and project alerts.

254-772-4470 Through Public Safety, 920 Estates Dr
Municipal Court

Woodway Municipal Court of Record

You have 20 business days to respond to a citation. Pay online, in person, by mail or by phone. Payment plans need a judge’s approval; the judge sits Wednesdays 8 to 10 a.m., no appointment needed.

254-772-4489 · [email protected] 920 Estates Dr · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
City Council & Alerts

City Council & Emergency Alerts

Council meets the second and fourth Mondays at 5:30 p.m., with agendas posted online at least 72 hours ahead. Sign up for McLennan County’s Everbridge emergency alerts on the county website, and turn on notifications in the Woodway 311 app.

254-772-4480 Council Chambers, City Hall, 922 Estates Dr
Parks & Recreation

Carleen Bright Arboretum & Woodway Family Center

The arboretum grounds are free and open daily, with a seasonal splash pad and rentable Pavilion. Residents pay no gym fee at the Family Center, which runs youth sports, STEAM and senior programs.

Arboretum 254-399-9204 · Family Center 254-772-7491 Arboretum: 9001 Bosque Blvd · Family Center: 1100 Estates Dr, Bldg A
Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Rules

Since 2023, short-term rentals are banned in residentially zoned areas. They’re allowed only in commercial zones with a $500 permit, $300 to renew. Confirm the zoning before you buy for rental income.

254-772-4480 Commercial zones only · City Hall
Natural Gas & Internet

Atmos Energy & Broadband

Atmos Energy provides natural gas. If you ever smell gas, leave first, then call 911. Spectrum holds the city’s cable franchise. Check other options on the FCC broadband map for the exact address, and call 811 before you dig.

Atmos gas leaks 866-322-8667 Varies by street
Hospitals

Waco Hospitals & Poison Control

Ascension Providence and Baylor Scott & White–Hillcrest are both full hospitals in the 76712 ZIP code, minutes from Woodway. Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222, around the clock.

Providence 254-751-4000 · Hillcrest 254-202-2000 Providence: 6901 Medical Pkwy · Hillcrest: 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd
Deeds & Voting

McLennan County Clerk & Elections

Deeds and assumed name (DBA) filings go through the County Clerk. Update your voter registration with McLennan County Elections after you move.

Clerk 254-757-5078 · Elections 254-757-5043 Clerk: 215 N 5th St, Room 223 · Elections: 214 N 4th St, Ste 300
Library & Lake

West Waco Library & Lake Waco

Library cards are free for McLennan County residents with a photo ID and proof of address. The West Waco branch has been closed for new flooring, so check before you go. The Corps of Engineers runs Lake Waco’s parks and ramps, and payment is cashless.

Library 254-745-6018 · Corps 254-756-5359 Library: 5301 Bosque Blvd
Schools

Midway ISD & Waco ISD

Midway ISD serves most of Woodway, and a smaller part of the city is in Waco ISD. Confirm the district and campus for the exact address before you write an offer.

Midway ISD 254-761-5600 Midway ISD: 13885 Woodway Dr

Verified September 2026 against the City of Woodway website (utility billing, permits, Public Safety, code enforcement, municipal court, city council and forms pages), the March 2026 master fee schedule, the FY2027 proposed budget, Discover Woodway, McLennan County, the McLennan Central Appraisal District, the Waco-McLennan County Library, Atmos Energy, KXXV and the Waco Tribune-Herald. Phone numbers, addresses, hours, fees and providers change; confirm anything you intend to rely on. The Oncor outage line, Poison Control number and Family Center phone are from directory listings and city newsletters and were not confirmed on an official page. Hospital addresses and phone numbers are from third-party health directories. Internet providers other than Spectrum, urgent care clinics, the city’s ISO rating and Waco Transit service to Woodway were not confirmed. Frontier Waste Solutions is now part of GFL Environmental; its phone number may change. The West Waco Library’s reopening date was not confirmed. Waco ISD contact details are not listed because they were not confirmed. Listings are for general local reference and are not endorsements; I receive no compensation from any organization named. Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®, TREC #0805459, Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team.

North Texas Market Insider™ · Your Local Expert

Your Woodway Real Estate Expert

Woodway is a lakeside city on Waco’s west edge, about an hour south of my Waxahachie office, with established streets, newer custom builds and homes near Lake Waco. Buying here is about the city limits, the school district, the tax stack and the rules on rentals. I sort out the details that matter here, and the awkward parts are named.

Bobby Franklin, REALTOR® TREC #0805459 Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team NTREIS MLS Access
01

Read the Tax Bill Before the Price

Woodway has no general city homestead exemption, so the city taxes the full value. With the proposed 2026 city rate, a Midway ISD home carries about $1.82 per $100, or roughly $5,150 a year on a $375,000 homestead. I run the real number before you fall for a house.

02

Priced Right Sells; Overpriced Sits

Woodway’s median sale price was about $357,000 for the three months ending August 2026, with homes selling in about 46 days at 98 percent of list and a quarter going over. Price per square foot was nearly flat. I price from closed sales, not from what’s sitting.

03

No Airbnb in Residential Zones

Since 2023, short-term rentals are banned in residentially zoned areas; they’re allowed only in commercial zones with a permit. I confirm the zoning before anyone promises you rental income.

04

Check the Ground and the Paperwork

Central Texas clay can move foundations, and older homes may have aging sewer lines. I push for a foundation look and a sewer camera scope, and I check the city permit history on roofs, additions and HVAC.

05

Budget for October and Plan for US 84

On October 1, 2026, water rises 3 percent, sewer 10 percent and trash 2 percent. TxDOT’s US 84 widening and SH 6 flyovers are still in design, with construction listed as 2029 or later. I map each home against the corridor.

06

I Will Tell You Not to Buy It

Woodway rewards honesty. Utility rates are rising, the city has proposed a higher tax rate, the school district changes by address, and a lake view doesn’t mean lake rights, because the shoreline is Corps land. If any of that is a dealbreaker, you will hear it from me first.

Five things worth knowing before you start looking here

Confirm the address is inside city limits, since 76712 also covers Waco. Second, confirm Midway or Waco ISD. Third, pull the flood map near Lake Waco and the Bosque. Fourth, check zoning if rental income matters. And fifth, file your homestead exemption in the first year.

Financing — four lenders I trust
Andrew Bryan, mortgage loan officer with Miramar Mortgage
Andrew Bryan Miramar Mortgage andrewthelender.com
Jennifer Nelson, mortgage loan officer with Eustis Mortgage
Jennifer Nelson Eustis Mortgage eustismortgage.com
Rachael Carter, mortgage loan officer with My TX Mortgage Team
Rachael Carter My TX Mortgage Team mytxmortgageteam.com
Taylor Fruge, mortgage loan officer with Lower Mortgage
Taylor Fruge Lower Mortgage lower.com

Woodway-specific things to raise with all four. McLennan County’s 2026 FHA limit appears to be the national floor, $541,287, and the conforming limit is $832,750. Woodway is likely not USDA-eligible, so ask about state programs like My First Texas Home and TSAHC. And budget for no city homestead exemption and the October 2026 utility increases. I recommend these lenders based on their expertise and service. I do not receive compensation for referrals.

Ready to talk, or just have a question?

Either is fine. I answer my own phone, and you will never be routed to a call center or handed to a junior agent. Send me an address and I will tell you whether it’s inside city limits, which school district serves it, whether it’s near a flood zone, and what the tax bill looks like.

Bobby Franklin, REALTOR® · Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team · 214-228-0003 · northtexasmarketinsider.com

Information on this page is provided for general reference and is not legal, tax, insurance, environmental or lending advice. Tax figures combine the City of Woodway’s proposed 2026 rate of 0.391668 (final adoption not confirmed), Midway ISD’s reported 2026–27 rate of 0.9089, McLennan County’s 2026 rate of 0.3748 and McLennan Community College’s 0.140772 (subject to a 3 November 2026 election); the worked example applies the $140,000 school exemption and the 20 percent county and college homestead exemptions and is an illustration, not a quote. Market figures are Redfin’s City of Woodway data for the three months ending August 2026; other sources and periods differ. Short-term rental rules are from the City of Woodway and the Waco Tribune-Herald; utility changes are from the city’s FY2027 proposed budget. Inspection notes are general regional guidance, not Woodway-specific findings. The US 84 schedule is from the Waco MPO’s May 2024 plan. The FHA figure is HUD’s 2026 national floor; confirm McLennan County’s limit in HUD’s lookup. USDA eligibility is determined by address and household income. Lake Waco’s shoreline is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; confirm access and shoreline rules for any property. Flood risk is parcel-specific; order a floodplain determination. School information is not a recommendation regarding any school, district, neighborhood or property. All real estate services are provided through Legacy Realty Group. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Bobby Franklin Realtor®

Bobby Franklin

Realtor®

Serving DFW | Ellis County
16 Northgate Dr. Ste 100

Waxahachie, TX 75165

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