Moving to Waco from Out of State? A Baylor Student's Relocation Guide

So you got into Baylor — congratulations. Now comes the part nobody warns you about: actually moving to Waco from out of state. Whether you're coming from California, the Midwest, or the East Coast, relocating to a Central Texas city you've maybe visited once (or never) is a different kind of challenge. The good news? Waco's cost of living is 14% below the national average, housing is nearly 30% cheaper than the rest of the country, and with the right plan, your move doesn't have to be stressful. Here's everything you need to know about moving to Waco as an out-of-state Baylor student.

Start Your Housing Search Early — Like, Now

The biggest mistake out-of-state students make is waiting until summer to look for housing. By then, the best apartments near Baylor are already leased. The Waco rental market near campus is tight, and affordable units within walking distance fill up fast.

Ideal timeline:

• October–November: Start researching apartments and comparing options
• December–January: Schedule virtual tours, narrow your top picks
• February–March: Sign your lease (this is where you are now — don't wait)
• April–May: Set up utilities, plan your move logistics
• June–August: Move in and get settled before classes start

If you're reading this in March, you're right on time. Check out our detailed apartment hunting timeline for a month-by-month breakdown.

How to Evaluate Apartments When You Can't Visit in Person

This is the hardest part of moving to Waco from out of state. You're making a major financial commitment — often 12 months — for a place you haven't physically walked through. Here's how to make a confident decision remotely.

Schedule a Virtual Tour

Most apartment communities near Baylor offer video tours. At 19Eleven, you can schedule a tour and request a live video walkthrough via FaceTime or Zoom. A property manager will walk you through the actual unit you'd be leasing — not just a model.

What to look for during a virtual tour:

• Actual unit condition, not just staged photos
• Natural light at different times of day
• Closet and storage space
• Kitchen layout and appliance condition
• View from windows and balconies
• Hallway noise levels and general building condition

Use Google Maps Street View

Before committing, drop a pin on the apartment's address and explore the surrounding area on Street View. Check the walk to campus, nearby grocery stores (H-E-B on Valley Mills is the closest major one), and the general feel of the neighborhood.

19Eleven is at 1911 S 8th Street, half a mile from Baylor's campus. You can verify the walk to the Foster Campus, McLane Student Life Center, and South Campus dining spots using Maps. Our neighborhood page also shows distances to key locations.

Request the Exact Floor Plan Layout

Generic floor plan images don't tell you everything. Ask for the specific unit number you'd be leasing and whether the layout matches what's shown online. At 19Eleven, every floor plan — from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom — is documented with square footage and layout details so you know exactly what you're getting.

Read the Lease Before You Sign

Have a parent or guardian review the lease with you. Key things to verify:

• Lease term — 12-month? Month-to-month? Summer subletting allowed?
• Total monthly cost — rent + fees + estimated utilities. No surprises.
• Security deposit — how much, and what are the conditions for getting it back?
• Pet policy — if you have a pet, confirm breed/weight restrictions and fees
• Early termination — what happens if plans change?

At 19Eleven, the fee structure is transparent: rent + $135/month flat fee (trash $30, pest $5, internet $65, facilities $35). That's the complete list — check the FAQ for details.

What to Know About Waco Before You Arrive

Cost of Living Is Significantly Lower

If you're coming from a coastal city, your money goes much further in Waco:

• Overall cost of living: 14% below the national average
• Housing: 30% cheaper than the national average
• Groceries: 7% lower than average
• Transportation: 10% below national average

A single person's monthly expenses in Waco average about $2,125, including housing. For comparison, that same lifestyle in Austin runs $2,800+, and in many California cities it's well over $3,500.

Getting Around Waco

Waco isn't a big city, but it's not very walkable outside the campus core. Here's what that means for you:

• If you're at 19Eleven: You're 0.5 miles from campus — walkable or a quick bike ride. No car needed for classes.
• For groceries and errands: A car helps, but H-E-B, Target, and Walmart are all within a 10-minute drive. Many students without cars use grocery delivery or rideshare.
• Public transit: Waco Transit System exists but runs limited routes and hours. Don't count on it as your primary transportation.
• Parking: If you bring a car, 19Eleven's gated community includes parking. Baylor campus parking requires a separate permit.

Weather Prep

Texas weather is no joke, especially for students from northern states:

• Summers (May–September): Hot. We're talking 95–105°F regularly. AC is essential, not optional.
• Winters: Mild by northern standards (40–60°F most days), but occasional ice storms can shut the city down for days.
• Spring: Severe thunderstorms and tornado watches. Download a weather alert app.

Setting Up Utilities Before You Arrive

Don't wait until move-in day. Set up your utilities at least a week before you arrive so everything is running when you walk in.

Electricity

Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means you choose your provider. This is different from most states where you're assigned one. Compare rates at sites like ChooseTexasPower.org or PowerWizard.com.

• Oncor handles delivery (this is automatic — you don't set this up separately)
• Average rate: 14.82¢/kWh in Waco
• Connection time: 24–48 hours through most providers
• Popular options: TXU Energy, Reliant, Green Mountain Energy

Water and Trash

Water, sewage, and garbage collection are bundled through the City of Waco:

• Phone: 254-299-CITY (2489)
• Deposit: $75–$300 depending on credit history
• Setup fee: $50 + $12.50 solid waste admin fee on your first bill
• Allow one business day for activation

At 19Eleven, trash pickup and internet are already covered in your $135/month fee — two fewer things to set up.

Internet

If your apartment doesn't include internet (19Eleven does — 65Mbps included in fees), you'll need to set up a plan through Spectrum or AT&T, the main providers in Waco. Expect $50–$70/month for a decent plan.

What to Bring vs. Buy Locally

Shipping furniture across state lines is expensive — often $500–$1,500+ for a full apartment setup through a moving company. Here's a smarter approach:

Bring from home:

• Clothes and personal items (obviously)
• Laptop, electronics, and chargers
• Important documents (ID, insurance cards, lease copy)
• Sentimental items that can't be replaced
• Bedding and towels (pack in vacuum bags)

Buy in Waco:

• Furniture — Facebook Marketplace, IKEA (Austin, 90 min drive), Target, Walmart, or the Waco Habitat ReStore for budget finds
• Kitchen essentials — H-E-B has affordable cookware sets
• Cleaning supplies — buy on arrival, not worth shipping
• Area rugs — essential for loft apartments with polished concrete floors (check our decorating guide)

Pro tip: Coordinate with your roommates before buying anything. If you're in a 2-bedroom or larger, split the cost of shared items like a couch, TV, and kitchen supplies. No need for four can openers.

First-Week Survival Checklist

Your first week in Waco is about getting settled, not exploring. Knock these out before classes start:

1. Verify all utilities are active — electricity, water, internet
2. Get your Baylor ID — you'll need it for campus buildings, library, and SLC gym
3. Set up your bank — if your bank doesn't have Waco branches, consider opening a local account (UFCU and Extraco are popular)
4. Grocery run — H-E-B on Valley Mills or S New Road. Stock basics and easy meals.
5. Walk your route to campus — know the path and timing so day one isn't a scramble
6. Explore the neighborhood — find your go-to coffee shop (Common Grounds is a Baylor staple), closest laundromat if needed, and nearest pharmacy
7. Meet your neighbors — especially if you're in a community like 19Eleven where the coffee bar and common areas make this easy

The Bottom Line

Moving to Waco from out of state doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start your housing search early, use virtual tours to evaluate apartments remotely, and take advantage of Waco's low cost of living to stretch your budget. Set up utilities before you arrive, ship less and buy locally, and give yourself a week to settle in before the semester rush.

At 19Eleven, we make the remote leasing process as smooth as possible — transparent pricing, virtual tour options, and a walkable location half a mile from campus. Browse our floor plans, check the gallery to see the loft-style units, or schedule a tour to see your future apartment over video. When you're ready, apply online from anywhere.