Surrounding Communities  /  No. 03

Lorena

Lorena keeps it small on purpose. A Friday night crowd that knows every name on the roster; open country in every direction; and I-35 right there when you need the city. It is the quiet trade that a lot of Waco families end up making.

1,794

Population · 2024 Census estimate

18–25 min

Drive to downtown Waco

Leopards

Lorena ISD

The Schools

DistrictLorena ISD
High school mascotLeopards
UIL classification3A Division I
High school enrollment539
TEA rating, 2026

A

Score 91 of 100

Where to Eat

  1. 01BIG's Mayberry TavernBar & grill
  2. 02Flavor on 35Breakfast & brunch
  3. 03Boujee BeanCoffee
  4. 04Taqueria Altos de JaliscoTacos
  5. 05Pizza HousePizza

Where to Play

  • 01McBrayer City ParkHike and bike trail, pavilion and a basketball court

The Drive

About 18–25 min to downtown Waco off-peak. Add 10 to 20 minutes during weekday rush hour, and a little more while I-35 construction continues.

Population: U.S. Census Bureau. School rating: Texas Education Agency 2026 A–F accountability (district). Classification and enrollment: UIL 2026–28 realignment. Drive times are approximate. School boundaries change; confirm zoning for any specific address.

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