Texas Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Lorena, Texas

Population: 1,433

Located in McLennan County

Lorena is thirteen miles southwest of Waco in southern McLennan County. Settlers began arriving in the area in the 1850s. The townsite was laid out in 1881, when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas line was being built between Hillsboro and Taylor.

In 1884 the community had a general store, two grocery stores, and 150 residents; area farmers shipped cotton, corn, and livestock. By 1890 Lorena had grown to include a hotel, a school, a steam cotton gin and gristmill, two churches, three general stores, and 250 residents. Population estimates rose to 375 in 1892 and to 500 in 1896, and a wide assortment of businesses prospered there.

Lorena might have stayed a small community and disappeared into obscurity, except for the fact that I35 was built nearby. Families looking for a smaller town, and a slower pace of life moved from Waco to Lorena, and today many people commute from one to the other.

Today, Lorena is a flourishing community offering its residents a variety of businesses, eighty-two to be exact, and the population has risen to over 1,200 people. Education is also foremost in the minds of Lorena residents and the school system is a highly rated one, especially in this section of south-central Texas. With Waco nearby, as well as plenty of small off-the-beaten-track towns there is always something to do in the area, from the caverns, to the safari parks; to the coast only a couple of hours away.

Waco has plenty to offer too. Nightlife abounds in this city, along with a great university, and plenty of recreational activities that go on year round. With an ideal climate, hot, long summers, mild, short winters you can do any activity your heart desires.

Homes here range from the stately to the comfortable, from a Mexican influence to Victorian mansions. Ranches are also popular here, with some homesteads ranging in size from 100 acres and up. And the price is always right here in the Central Texas state, with the average home selling for around $80,000. As more people relocate to Texas, Lorena is becoming a more popular place to settle because of everything it offers, great climate, good location and exceptional schools. Come check out Lorena and enjoy Central Texas!