Lorena

Lorena is an incorporated city along I-35 south of Waco in McLennan County. Originally a railroad town, it has grown into a residential community that combines small-town identity with direct highway access, making it a practical base for commuters to Waco, Temple, and the I-35 corridor.

Housing in Lorena ranges from established homes near the old downtown core to newer subdivisions built as Waco's population pushes south. Prices are generally attainable, and lot sizes tend to be larger than in central Waco. The city is served by Lorena ISD, a public district covering elementary through high school that draws families seeking smaller class sizes and a tight-knit school community.

Lorena has a walkable old downtown with a handful of local businesses, and residents access most retail and dining along the I-35 frontage or in Waco, about 10 minutes north. The city hosts community events throughout the year, including seasonal markets and holiday celebrations.

For newcomers, Lorena's appeal is small-town living with highway convenience — a quiet residential base with a 10-minute commute to Waco and direct access to I-35 for travel north or south.