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Best Life Says Waco Offers Worst Life For Families Save Email Print
39 comments
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(May 21, 2008)— An article in Best Life magazine that’s bound to set teeth on edge locally ranks Waco among the worst cities in the U.S. in which to raise a family.

News organizations across the country have picked up the list, which ranks Waco behind only Clarksville, Tenn., Beaumont, Fayetteville, N.C. and Philadelphia as the worst place to raise a family.

Columbia, S.C., Flint, Mich., Corpus Christi, Dayton, Ohio and Springfield, Mo. bring up the rest of the magazine’s worst list.

The magazine used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, the FBI, the American Association of Museums, the National Center for Health Statistics and the American Bar Association to evaluate a total of 257 U.S. cities.

On the magazine’s list of the 100 best places to raise families, Honolulu, Hawaii was ranked No. 1, followed by Virginia Beach, Va., Billings, Mont., Columbus, Ga., San Diego, Calif., Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minn., Madison, Wis., Colorado Springs, Colo. and Santa Rosa, Calif.

Austin ranked No. 14 on the best list, Plano is 65th, El Paso 69th, Fort Worth 86th, McKinney 91st, Midland 94th and Arlington 97th.

Men’sHealth publishes Best Life magazine.

Click Here For The Article

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Posted by: Brian on May 23, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I think Temple would have been on the list too if it had a larger population. Both cities lack a community spirit that hard to put your finger on but is definitely noticeable. I haven't lived in too many cities, but Georgetown is a good example of a good place to raise a family.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Salado on May 23, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I just happened to notice that most of you people talking about Waco can't spell. What does that say about Waco school's?
Posted by: Don Location: Austin, Texas on May 23, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I lived in Waco for 13 years and I believe it is a nice place if your retired or dead. With that being said, I think it is a laid back place. I won't lie to you though...the 13 years I lived in Waco, was the worse-in part my fault but since it was in Waco, it gives me a bad impression on the town unfortunately. I had a very hard time getting anything accomplished there. I tried MCC, which is a good school but just couldnt get anything accomplished. Then there is Baylor, the university makes a lot of residence feel less than. The town itself doesnt offer much. But I dont think it is a bad place to live though. I do believe that they miss out on opportunities such as the Toyota plant and other opportunities to help bring jobs into the community. You really can not live off of $6hr and $7hr jobs in Waco. That is what I remember Waco for is very low wage jobs and it is almost laughable if it were not such a serious issue.
Posted by: Supergirl Location: Robinson on May 23, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Anon, you have the right idea about people needing to work together to make the city better - but I am with James on this one. I moved here from the Austin area and the people's lack of respect for the city and their neighbors is appalling!! There is NOTHING for families to do in Waco. How many times can you go to the zoo or the Dr. Pepper Museum? I'm thinkin once is enough. My kids don't go to Waco schools, but I am counting down the days until graduation so we can get the heck out of here!
Posted by: Michael Location: West on May 22, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Ha! We left Waco and all its people to squander in their ghetto city. Get off welfare and get jobs, put the blunts and pipes down. All you wanna-be crips and bloods get a life. Ya'll are just playtoys next to the real thing. Waco, Huh, Waco aint nothin, never will be nothin.
Posted by: Anita Location: Temple on May 22, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Well, I love where I live. But I enjoy shopping in Waco, the Zoo and visiting family living on the Brazos. To say Waco is worse than Los Angeles or NY City, to me is absurd.
Posted by: waco resident Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 02:53 PM
To mb: didnt a midway student just get in trouble for assulting someone at the YMCA? You might want to be scared of all the plastic noses in the hewitt area!
Posted by: Mary Location: Cove on May 22, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I don't know what to think about all of this. I just know that I have been around, to include some of the best and the worst places on that list, and all I can say is, that list and I just don't see eye to eye. As for Waco not having any family fun...huh? We often go to Waco for family fun. The zoo, Dr Pepper museum, Texas Ranger museum, Sports hall of fame, etc. I guess it depends on what your family likes to do.
Posted by: wacoan Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 02:00 PM
just about everybody in hewitt or woodway are stuck up rich people and cant handle the real life that is in waco
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 12:44 PM
The actual article does not mention exactly what was measured. Only a few items are listed on a few cities. Plus they only measured 275 cities. Waco has had a very high per-capita crime rate for many years. We ranked highest in the nation (per capita) for murder a decade ago. I think it is important to know exactly what was measured. Then look into what can be improved. This article is like telling your children they are BAD, but not telling them what they are doing or how to improve. The article is not informative at all. Plus many of the listed comments don't improve our image or solve any of our problems. It would be more helpful to inqiure what was measured and when and why the top 100 were listed. I did see several comments on what was spent per pupil by the schools. Much of that is determined by the population and whether or not they vote YES on bond elections. Should we rant, or work together making Waco a better place for every resident, including children?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM
the comment about the toothless people--- Most of those people that your see on the streets in Waco, are homeless disabled veterans. They get little to none of mental health or dental health. the poor and working class have no health insurance and dental health is suffering. Your local health department. Use to give reduced rates for the dental dept ,but now it cost your cash up front, over a hundred dollars to get a tooth pulled. One of the biggest Veterans Hospital is here in Waco. They worked hard to keep it here. Surprised you didn't know the plight of the people that fought to keep us free. and yes, they are wondering our streets and sleeping under the bridges. it is sad. stay safe in Hewitt.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM
It all starts with the leaders of this community,and the people in the dist atty office they have the power to start getting rid of the scum in Waco. When the scum see that you don"t hand out the death penalty then no one is afraid the commit violent crimes in Waco,there for makes it an unsafe place to live and raise a family...so chew on that for a while and try to swallow
Posted by: mb Location: hewitt on May 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Yes, the rating is for Waco not Hewitt or Robinson. Waco Schools are awful, I myself would be scared to even walk onto one of the campuses. I sure wouldn’t let my kid go to school their. Waco is a high crime, very low wage place. People in Waco scare me. Almost everyone has a mullet and almost nobody has all their teeth.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM
WE Ain't Comin Out............. Ha Ha Ha Ha
Posted by: James Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I have lived in several cities within the state of Texas. Have been in Waco about 4 years. It took me about six months to understand what this report is talking about. I have NEVER seen a city of people, such as Wacoans, who hold such a lack of respect for their town or the supervision of their children. Sure- you have people who care, but I would have to say, in my opinion, that the majority is made up of people who either expect things to be given to them or refuse to take measures to better themselves or their surroundings. Lack of available jobs is always an issue and used as an excuse for crime and other things. BUT...Mcdonalds is always hiring and you can always JUST SAY NO to the drugs and crime within your household. You either want a better life for you and your children, or you are just someone who looks to blame others for not accepting responsibility for yourself.
Posted by: local citizen Location: centex on May 22, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Just by reading the headline of waco tribune says it all," City leaders dismiss dismal ranking of Waco by magazine ". They just don't get it. You have a city government that doesn't care. You have a police dept thats scared to patrol some neighborhoods. The wages are below national average. What do the people of waco expect?
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Waco would have been better off if Baylor had stayed in Independence or moved somewhere else. This city may be bigger than Baylor, but it has never really grew up after 1886. Those 13,000 students don't spend much money in Waco either. It all goes to Dallas and Austin on the weekends or stays within the "bubble". As far as raising a family, I was raised here but it is worse than it used to be. I could ride my bike all over town when I was young without worrying about being shot or my bike stolen. That isn't true anymore. Kids nowadays play in the middle of the street and dare you to hit them if you are driving by. Too bad.
Posted by: Happy to be here Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Having grown up in Waco and lived elsewhere as an adult, I can honestly say Waco is a great place to raise a family. I agree with the statement that the city is what the people make it. If the kids are out of control, it is the parents that let it happen. As far as not being able to make a good living here, that's completely not true. Those who apply themselves and are ambitious enough to seek out opportunity in Waco can make a very comfortable living. I think fom the attitudes and grammar from some those who have posted, you are the reason Waco is not looked upon in a positive light.
Posted by: Yvon Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Compared to even Temple Waco is not as progressive, I moved back for lower cost of living, but that is eroding. Waco' job market is not that good and drug dealing and prostitution or just out inthe open in East Waco.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 22, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I am not from Waco so I can't comment on that, but I can't believe that San Diego, Calif. was on the list of the 100 best places to raise families! Surely you jest!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM
hello Robinson and surrounding area. We're talking about Waco. Everybody in Waco knows that as soon as you get a decent pay check or an education " You get the Hell out of Dodge" in this case Waco" A lot of you have blinders on. A nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. take a closer look the next time you visit. how many bullet holes are in the street signs, graffiti on fences and buildings,abandoned and dead animals on the streets, beer bottles, needles and used condoms on church parking lots and parks? How many children do you really see in parks or safe places for them? According to our news there are predators on every corner. Yeah, its hard to live in Waco. There are some good and concerned people in Waco that do live here and work on the problems. Take your Blinders off and roll up your sleeves.
Posted by: Patriot Location: Tx on May 22, 2008 at 10:14 AM
El Paso rates better than Waco? Not sure how they figure that. El Paso and it's like neighbor Juarez are both criminal rat holes.
Posted by: ellen Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 10:09 AM
the problem with this city is that it has no family core...in order to do something with your family you have to go out of town, you can hardly even access the lake around here anymore, they keep it all blocked off...what we need are more family oreinted activities
Posted by: Mac Location: TX on May 22, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Yes, thats correct, Waco is a good town to dump on. After all, thats what they want. Police to chicken to go after real problems, but will spend all the time they can to give good hard working people a ticket and pretend to be top notch and helpful and caring,while some citizen is getting ripped off or raped.
Posted by: Meant4Humor Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 10:06 AM
The Truth Hurts 15. Waco became "green" long before the term was popular. Green water makes for a unique taste. 14. Mullet hairstyles are still a thing a beauty, even with women. 13. The only difference between traffic in Waco and the big cities? The rude Wacoan drivers have no place to go. 12. Waco is one big happy family. Everyone enjoys multiple marriages. 11. Speak like an idiot hillbilly and it's cute. 10. Plumbers are celebrated as accomplished celebrities. 9. Only in Waco do river boats flood. 8. Infidelity is not only accepted, it is recommended. 7. Teenage pregnancy is fun. 6. The economy is great when your great grandfather is a millionaire. 5. The downtown revival is on a short two-hundred year plan. 4. Hope you like Mexican food. 3. Join a church so you may lie, cheat, curse, drink, abuse prescription pills and still claim righteousness. 2. Your best friend will eventually hate you. 1. Your thirty-year old letter jacket is cool to wear in Aug
Posted by: notU Location: UaintNevaThere on May 22, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I have been to 8 of the bottom 10 (Flint, Springfield) and I agree. I would not want to live in any of those places, much less raise children there.
Posted by: citizen Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 09:14 AM
towns that allow crack dealing to go on out in the open usually do get a low rating.
Posted by: caroline Location: waco tx on May 22, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I totally agree with that statement. I raised 3 boys here. They are in there thirties and forties now. they say that,This town is a different world now. It is awful. Too much crime,drugs, no decent paying jobs, slum lords charging too much for awful housing. schools and kids are not good. I was a substitute teacher in the 1990's .it was so bad that I never wanted to go into the schools again. and these were the same schools that my children attended. There are too many self serving people in this town and You got the rich getting richer off the backs of the poor. too many hand outs to the wrong people, People that need help can't even get it. My kids all had to leave this town to make something of themselves.I'm glad my grandchildren don't have to grow up on these streets or neighborhoods.It has become intercity at its finest.I really want to leave too. I am glad someone finally spoke up.
Posted by: not surprised Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I am a native born Texan. I've lived in Waco since I was 3 years old. it isn't surprising Waco doens't have a very good reputation. The kids don't have enough to do to keep them busy. They also want to stuff their mouths full of jusnk, talk nasty, wear baggy tacky clothes and don't care about going tos chool. Parents put their kids in day care as soon as possible and don't take the time to spend time with their kids later, if it doens' suit Baylor nothing comes into Waco that is fit to take part in. I knew better than to talk back, went to school and made a decent person of myself as well as the rest of my family and their kids.Waco isn't all bad, jsut parts of it.
Posted by: Good Place Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 07:54 AM
A simple look at the top 100 list should tell you how "off" this article is. I wouldn't raise a kid in most of those cities with their gang infestations, high cost of living, and awful school systems. Waco is a wonderful place to raise a family. No city is perfect, but this is a great place overall.
Posted by: richard Location: waco on May 22, 2008 at 07:45 AM
in waco everybodys in the police eyes are 5 years old no respect for the people,waco city inspectors pick on the upper middle class on there yards.they got on me and being disabled they force me to put up a private fence that cost 2000 dollars.the schools dont have any heart i see them make little kids walk like they have bubbles in their mouths and i have heard on many times that a teacher shout and tell the little kids too shut their mouths.we i have time im out of here so long nasty teachers and hello private school were a kid can get a real schooling.
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on May 22, 2008 at 07:39 AM
A city is what people make of it. As I see it, the City is not the problem, it is the people inside the city that are the problem.
Posted by: anonymous Location: dfw on May 22, 2008 at 04:05 AM
my dog liked waco okay, petsmart and not many dog catchers...
Posted by: Dick on May 22, 2008 at 03:29 AM
I would not put a lot of weight on this, but unfortunately a lot of people will. Best Life is an offshoot of Men's Health. If you have ever seen the owner and publisher of Men's Health, it is obvious he does not follow his own magazine's articles that he publishes for men to stay in shape. He look like a skeleton. Many Texas cities fell victim to "white flight" to the suburbs when desegregation started in the late 60's and early 70's. In my opinion, Waco is #1 on that list, and it still holds true today. With dismay I watched it happen. Anonymous is dead on regarding the religious thing. But I do let my dogs live in Waco. One way to help lower the crime rate is to stop letting criminals out of jail on cheap bail so they can commit more crimes.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Waco, Abilene, a church on every corner......kind of says something, huh!!! one would think living in the bible belt would be a great place. but religious intolerance and pure hatred among others that do not go to church with you does something to the love that god commands.....huh
Posted by: mike Location: Waco on May 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Honestly Waco could use a little lower crime rate and a whole lot more in the way of museums and places for families to go. but i never thought it would rate that high on the list of worst places
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on May 21, 2008 at 09:06 PM
This has to be the dumbest thing I have read in a long time. I think the Waco metro area is a great place to raise a child and have a fanily. Fairly conservative family values abound. Good schools, affordable housing, close to major highways to go to Dallas or Austin and Houston to name a few. Baylor, MCC, TSTC, Central Texas College, etc. Good hospitals close by. These people are idiots in the extreme. Some things "data" just doesn't tell you.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM
waco i would not let my dog live there.
Posted by: Dave Location: Waco on May 21, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Obviously Pompeii (A.D. 78) would have rated high on the list.
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