Lorena Real Estate
Lorena, TX: A Growing Community with Small-Town Roots South of Waco
For buyers who want a growing community with easy interstate access, Lorena is worth a close look. This McLennan County city sits right on Interstate Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 81, thirteen miles southwest of Waco, making it a convenient home base for anyone commuting to Waco or points beyond.
Lorena's history began in the 1850s, when settlers first arrived in the area. The townsite itself was laid out in 1881, as the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway was being built between Hillsboro and Taylor, and the community was named in honor of Lorena Westbrook, the daughter of a prominent local family. By 1884, the young town had grown to include a general store, two grocery stores, and about 150 residents, with local farmers shipping cotton, corn, and livestock.
Lorena's biggest growth spurt came decades later. When Interstate 35 was built along U.S. 81 in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the local economy got a real boost. The town officially incorporated in 1959, and many families began moving from Waco to enjoy small-town living while commuting into the city for work—a pattern that continues to draw new residents today.
That growth has been steady ever since. From under 500 residents in the 1960s, Lorena has grown into a thriving community of nearly 1,800 residents, with strong local schools including Lorena High, Middle, Elementary, and Primary schools, all part of the Lorena Independent School District.
For buyers who want a friendly, growing town with an easy commute to Waco and beyond, Lorena offers a great balance of small-town character and everyday convenience.
For buyers who want a growing community with easy interstate access, Lorena is worth a close look. This McLennan County city sits right on Interstate Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 81, thirteen miles southwest of Waco, making it a convenient home base for anyone commuting to Waco or points beyond.
Lorena's history began in the 1850s, when settlers first arrived in the area. The townsite itself was laid out in 1881, as the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway was being built between Hillsboro and Taylor, and the community was named in honor of Lorena Westbrook, the daughter of a prominent local family. By 1884, the young town had grown to include a general store, two grocery stores, and about 150 residents, with local farmers shipping cotton, corn, and livestock.
Lorena's biggest growth spurt came decades later. When Interstate 35 was built along U.S. 81 in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the local economy got a real boost. The town officially incorporated in 1959, and many families began moving from Waco to enjoy small-town living while commuting into the city for work—a pattern that continues to draw new residents today.
That growth has been steady ever since. From under 500 residents in the 1960s, Lorena has grown into a thriving community of nearly 1,800 residents, with strong local schools including Lorena High, Middle, Elementary, and Primary schools, all part of the Lorena Independent School District.
For buyers who want a friendly, growing town with an easy commute to Waco and beyond, Lorena offers a great balance of small-town character and everyday convenience.
Most Popular
102 County Road 424A
$749,900
Most Expensive
2313 Country Spring Road
$7,950,000
Least Expensive
203 W Nolan Street
$179900
Lorena Listings Summary
Lorena - Town vs. County Stats
Avg Price in Lorena: $608,900 / County Avg $422,400
144%
Avg Taxes in Lorena: $6,900 / County Avg $6,100
114%
Avg Sq. Ft. in Lorena: 2,610 / County Avg 2,034
128%
Avg Price per/sqft in Lorena:$233 / County Avg $208
112%
Avg Year Built in Lorena: 2008 / County Avg 1984
101%
Avg Days on Website in Lorena: 354 / County Avg 330
107%
Lorena Real Estate Market Health
New Listings
Reductions
Foreclosures
Short Sales
MLS® Disclaimer
© 2026 North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor Bentwood Realty shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. The database information herein is provided from and copyrighted by the North Texas Real Estate
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Data last updated: September 21, 2026 6:07 AM UTC
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This data is provided by the Waco Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service Inc Internet Data Exchange; is for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The listing broker is listed on each listing; the information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed accurate. Copyrighted © 2026 Waco Association of REALTORS®
Central Texas MLS | Four Rivers Association of REALTORS® All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties
consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Bentwood Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
Last Updated: September 21, 2026 6:54 AM UTC
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