Waco: I-35 corridor growth between DFW and Austin. McAllen: Cheapest warm winters in America.
Dimension
Waco
McAllen
Median home price
$259K
$195K
Effective property tax
1.68%
1.68%
Tax friendliness
9/10
9/10
Winter mildness
8/10
10/10
Summer comfort
4/10
1/10
Walkability
4/10
4/10
Outdoor access
4/10
4/10
Culture & food
5/10
5/10
Healthcare
5/10
9/10
Airport connectivity
3/10
6/10
Schools
5/10
5/10
Safety
5/10
5/10
Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk)
9/10
8/10
Growth trajectory
8/10
8/10
Pick Waco if your priorities lean: Summer comfort, Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk). Pick McAllen if they lean: Median home price, Winter mildness, Healthcare, Airport connectivity. There is no universal winner — only a winner for your weights.