So, how shocking would an L.A. to Waco move be?

[Alt Dach]

If you are Southern Baptist and ALWAYS vote Republican you will love it.
If you don't keep your mouth shut.Tight.

[SamanthaJane]

Originally Posted by annagrl775

My husband is interviewing at Baylor, and we will be visiting the area mid-September. This is likely the only visit we will make before we have to decide whether to accpet (assuming he's offered the job). We visited Austin last spring for a conference, and I went to Dallas once, but otherwise I'm fairly unfamiliar with TX. So, here's some questions I have:

1) How humid does Waco feel? Is it anything like Dallas? What months are the worst and how long does it last?

The worst months are February (Cold) and August (Hot). October, November, December usually either running the air or heat. March, April - rainy/windy - Most of the time the weather is good.

2) Are there alot of racial problems in Waco? Southern California is certainly no model of racial harmony, but overall, how would you describe racial interactions in Waco? Are there any good, ethnically-diverse, non-denominational churches in the area?

You can find any Church you are looking for - depends on what you want to gain. Some of the better know Churches: Open Door in Bellmead, First Baptist Church in Waco, Columbus Avenue, Victorious Life, Harvest Time Revival, The First United Methodist Church.

3) I know Texas is a big football state, but are there non-sports things to do? We love hiking and our family usually hikes every weekend in our local mountains. Are there any good hiking trails near the Waco area?

The Cameron Park area provides excellent hiking and biking trails. The Baylor area has many walkways, their is Mother Neff State Park and several parks in the area. If your husband will be involved at Baylor - there will be so much offered you may not have time to hike, there is an activity going on ALL the time.

4) This probably sounds really silly, but will our kids have southern accents if they grow up in Waco? Everyone we've talked to in the area are Baylor employees and transplants to Waco, so they don't have noticeable southern accents. Our extended family would find it hilarious if our boys end up with southern accents.

Not sure how to answer you here.

5) Is there a cool historic district in Waco with old homes? If so, is it a high crime area or would it be a good place to raise kids?

There is a lot of new buildings goin on down town, several families are moving into the loft style apartments. Baylor has faculty houses and apartments. Depending on what you are looking for again, there are many nice areas in and around the Waco area to raise kids. If you are looking for a College Prep School: Vanguard is the place to be. Waco Montessori has an excellent rep. Also, the Rapporport Academy is an excellent choice. For areas outside of Waco (remember you can get from one area to the other in less than 20 minutes). Small schools available are Crawford (2A School), Robinson (good musical program/athletics), Lorena, China Spring, and several others.

6) We were really intrigued with the Rapoport charter school, at least from what we could see online. Are there any good neigborhoods nearby?

Rapoport Academy is an excellent choice. The Castle Heights area is an upscale neighborhood. Very nice homes. The homes off of Wooded acres and Lake Shore Drive are very nice. Depends on the cost you are looking for. Realtors to look up: Coldwell Bankers has a good rep. Reid Company, Kelly REaltors.

7) If we move to Waco, we hope our family will eventually follow. Anyone know how much teachers and nurses (RN's) make in the local area? Our sisters are single moms and would need to support themselves on their incomes. They have about ten years experience each.

Waco has several excellent hospitals to choose from. Providence Hospital is an old hospital that recently finished a 48 million dollar expension. Large hospital excellent pay, small family atmoshpere.

Hillcrest is the largest hospital of the two. It is currently building a new building and will open in May 2009. The location now is in the middle of Waco, the new location is South of Waco, I-35/Highway 6

There are also a lot of opportunities for nurses in the home health care. Bluebonnet Home Health Care, Interim Healthcare are both good companies.

Thank you for your time and advice. Any other insight would be greatly welcome!

I love living in Waco, a key element in moving to any city is to figure out exactly what you want to get out of it and how involved you want to be. If education is important - getting involved with your kids and their activities you will meet other parents that you have things in common with, Baylor has excellent resources for their staff. And getting involved in a Church will also offer many opportunities.

Good luck.