Moving to Waco: The Complete Relocation Guide for Students
Whether you just committed to Baylor or accepted a job in Central Texas, moving to Waco Texas is one of those transitions that's easier than you'd expect — if you know what to set up and when. The cost of living sits about 9% below the national average, rent is reasonable, and the city is small enough to learn in a weekend. But there are a handful of logistics that trip people up: utility deposits, driver's license deadlines, and figuring out which neighborhood puts you closest to the things you'll actually use.
This is the relocation checklist you won't find on a generic moving company website. It's built for students and young professionals relocating to Waco TX for the first time.
The Administrative Stuff: Do This Before You Unpack
These are the time-sensitive tasks that have real deadlines. Knock them out in your first few weeks.
Get Your Texas Driver's License (90-Day Deadline)
Texas law requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of moving to the state. You can drive on your out-of-state license during that window, but don't let it lapse — driving without a valid Texas DL after 90 days is a Class C misdemeanor.
Here's what you need:
- Proof of identity: Passport or birth certificate
- Social Security card (or acceptable alternative)
- Two proofs of Texas residency (lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement)
- Current out-of-state driver's license to surrender
Schedule an appointment at the Waco DPS office before going — walk-ins can mean 2-3 hour waits, especially in August and January when new students flood in. The knowledge test is waived if you're 18+ and surrendering a valid license from another state.
Register Your Vehicle
New Texas residents must register their vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) within 30 days. You'll need:
- A Texas vehicle inspection (find a certified station near campus)
- Proof of Texas auto insurance
- Your new Texas driver's license (or application receipt)
Budget about $75-90 for the inspection and registration fees combined. Texas requires liability insurance minimums of 30/60/25 — check that your policy meets state requirements before your move.
Update Your Voter Registration
If you want to vote in McLennan County elections, register at least 30 days before an election. You can register online at votetexas.gov or at the county elections office. Baylor students who establish Texas residency can register at their Waco address.
Setting Up Utilities: The Complete Rundown
Unlike some states where everything is bundled, Waco splits utilities across multiple providers. Here's exactly who to call and what it costs.
Water, Sewer, and Trash
The City of Waco handles water, sewage, and garbage collection as one bundled service. Set up service by calling 254-299-2489 or visiting the Water Office at 425 Franklin Avenue.
What you'll need:
- Texas driver's license number
- Social Security number
- Security deposit: $75-$300 (depends on credit history)
Pro tip: Start this process at least a week before move-in. The city processes new accounts quickly, but you don't want to spend your first night without running water.
Electricity (You Get to Choose Your Provider)
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means you pick your own provider instead of being assigned one. Oncor handles the actual power grid in Waco — your provider just handles billing and rates.
There are 100+ electricity plans available in the Waco area. Rates typically range from $0.10-$0.15 per kWh depending on contract length and usage tiers. For a student apartment, expect a monthly electric bill of $80-$150 depending on the season (summer A/C is the big one).
Compare plans at PowerToChoose.org, the state's official comparison tool. Look for:
- Fixed-rate plans (predictable monthly bills)
- No cancellation fees (important if you're on a 9-month lease)
- Plans with free nights or weekends if you're mostly home in the evenings
Natural Gas
Atmos Energy is the sole natural gas provider in Waco — no choice here. Set up service at atmosenergy.com or call 888-286-6700. A technician must visit to inspect gas lines and turn on pilot lights, so schedule well before move-in day.
Expect a $60 startup fee plus a possible $90 deposit depending on your credit. Monthly gas bills in Waco run about $30-$60 (higher in winter for heating).
Internet
Check out our full guide to Waco internet providers for a detailed comparison of Spectrum, AT&T, Astound, and T-Mobile plans. The short version: budget $30-$70/month depending on speed, or look for apartments that include internet in the rent (more on that below).
Getting Around Waco
Waco isn't a big public transit city, but you have more options than you might think — especially near Baylor.
Driving
Most students and residents rely on cars. Waco's layout is spread out, and grocery stores, medical offices, and many restaurants aren't within walking distance of campus. The good news: traffic is minimal compared to Dallas, Austin, or Houston. A 15-minute drive gets you almost anywhere in the city.
Gas averages about $3.00/gallon in Waco, well below the state average. Parking near campus can be tricky — Baylor parking permits are required and spots fill fast during class hours.
Baylor University Shuttle (BUS)
Baylor runs its own shuttle system with five routes connecting campus to off-campus apartments and nearby neighborhoods. The shuttle operates on class days from 7:25 AM to 5:25 PM. It's free for students and a solid option if your apartment is on a shuttle route.
Waco Transit
The city's fixed-route bus system covers major corridors, with routes connecting to Baylor, downtown, and shopping areas. A single ride costs $1.50, and monthly passes are available. Bus lines 3, 5, and 9 all stop near Baylor's campus.
Biking
Waco has been investing in bike infrastructure, and the area around Baylor is relatively flat and bikeable. Campus bike registration is required. The Brazos River trail system connects several parks and neighborhoods, making recreational riding easy.
Where to Get Groceries and Essentials
Grocery stores aren't within walking distance of Baylor — plan on driving or catching a ride. Here are your main options:
- H-E-B (Valley Mills Drive): Texas's beloved grocery chain. Great prices, solid deli, and curbside pickup. This is where most Waco residents shop.
- Walmart Supercenter (Franklin Ave): About 1.5 miles from campus. Open 24 hours — useful for late-night study snack runs.
- Target (Valley Mills Drive): For groceries plus dorm/apartment essentials in one trip.
- ALDI (multiple locations): Budget-friendly option for basics.
If you don't have a car, Baylor's Baptist Student Ministry runs a weekly shuttle to H-E-B every Friday at 3:30 PM from the 5th Street Circle. Both H-E-B and Walmart also offer delivery and curbside pickup through their apps.
Healthcare: Know This Before You Need It
Don't wait until you're sick to figure out where to go.
- Baylor Health Center (McLane Student Life Center, 2nd floor): Urgent care appointments Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. Call 254-710-1010 or book through the Health Portal. This should be your first call for non-emergency issues.
- Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care (Hewitt Dr): For after-hours or weekend urgent care needs.
- NextCare Urgent Care (N. Loop 340): Walk-in clinic accepting most major insurance.
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: The main hospital for serious emergencies.
If you're on your parents' insurance, confirm the plan has in-network providers in Waco before you move. Baylor also offers a student health insurance plan for those who need coverage.
What to Know About Waco's Cost of Living
The numbers work in your favor. According to RentCafe and BestPlaces, Waco's cost of living breaks down like this:
- Overall: 9% below the national average
- Housing: 22% cheaper than the U.S. average
- Groceries: Roughly on par with national averages
- Utilities: About 4% higher than the national average (Texas summers push electric bills up)
- Median rent: Around $1,165/month across all unit types
For a deeper dive into budgeting, check out our Baylor Student Budget Guide which breaks down the real monthly costs of living off campus.
Where Centre Fits Into Your Move
If you're still looking for housing, one way to simplify your entire move is choosing a place that eliminates half the setup tasks on this list.
At Centre Apartments, high-speed internet and parking are included in every unit — two fewer providers to set up and two fewer monthly bills to track. Every unit comes with an in-unit washer/dryer, so you can skip the laundromat research. And at walking distance to Baylor, you may not need a parking permit at all.
Centre is a gated community with 2-bedroom, 2-bedroom townhouse, and 3-bedroom floor plans — all renovated with wood-inspired flooring and spacious bedrooms. For students relocating to Waco TX from out of state, having fewer logistics on move-in day makes a real difference.
Your First-Week Checklist
Here's the quick-reference version. Print this or screenshot it:
- Before move-in: Set up City of Waco water (254-299-2489), choose electricity provider (PowerToChoose.org), schedule Atmos Energy gas hookup (888-286-6700)
- Week 1: Unpack essentials, get Texas vehicle inspection, set up internet (if not included)
- Within 30 days: Register vehicle at TxDMV, update address on driver's license, update voter registration
- Within 90 days: Get your Texas driver's license at DPS office
- Ongoing: Locate your nearest H-E-B, find an in-network doctor, learn the Baylor shuttle routes
Moving to a new city always has a learning curve, but Waco is one of the easier places to land. The city is affordable, the Baylor community is welcoming, and most of the admin work is front-loaded into your first month. Explore Centre's neighborhood page to see what's nearby, or schedule a tour to check one thing off your housing search before you even arrive.