You’ve probably seen the signs for McGregor while cruising down Highway 84 between Waco and Temple. Honestly, most folks just keep their foot on the gas. They see a small Texas town, a few grain elevators, and maybe a quiet Main Street.
But then the ground starts to shake.
It’s not an earthquake. It’s SpaceX. This little town of roughly 5,700 people is basically the heart of the private space race. While everyone looks at Cape Canaveral or Boca Chica for the glamour, McGregor is where the "noisy, dirty work" happens. Every single Merlin and Raptor engine—the literal fire-breathing lungs of the rockets—has to pass through here before it ever sees a launch pad.
The McGregor TX Identity Crisis
Most people think of McGregor as just a bedroom community for Waco. That’s a mistake. While it’s only about 20 minutes from the Silos and the Magnolia crowd, this place has its own weird, high-tech gravity.
It’s a town of contrasts. You’ve got multigenerational cattle ranchers sharing barstools with aerospace engineers. One minute you're looking at a historic 19th-century train depot, and the next, you're hearing the roar of a Raptor engine test that sounds like the sky is tearing in half.
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The history here isn't just dusty records; it’s industrial. During World War II, the Bluebonnet Ordnance Plant took over 18,000 acres to churn out munitions. That massive footprint is exactly why SpaceX moved in back in 2003. They needed the space and the "blast-friendly" heritage.
What Living Here Actually Looks Like in 2026
If you’re thinking about moving to McGregor TX, you aren't alone. The growth is real. Population estimates for 2026 show the area creeping toward 6,000 residents, and the housing market has shifted from "sleepy" to "competitive."
The numbers tell a story of a town trying to keep its soul while the economy explodes.
- Median Home Values: You’re looking at around $235,000 to $250,000 for a solid house.
- The Vibe: It’s quiet. Real quiet. Except for the rocket tests, which locals usually just ignore like a passing thunderstorm.
- Growth: New developments like Swan Lake and Oak Creek are popping up to house the influx of tech workers.
One thing people get wrong? They think it’s just a desert. It’s actually pretty lush. You’ve got Amsler Park with its aquatic center and a disc golf course that’s surprisingly popular on Saturday mornings.
Where to Eat (And What to Skip)
If you’re visiting, don't expect 5-star Michelin dining. That’s not what this is. You want the real McGregor experience? Go to The Coffee Shop Cafe. Don't let the name fool you. It’s not a Starbucks clone. It’s a full-blown diner with a massive salad bar and burgers that require two hands.
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Then there’s Coach’s Bar-B-Que. This is your classic Texas hole-in-the-wall. Their brisket is tender, but the ribs are the secret winner. They even have a "secret menu" with a brisket burrito that’ll put you in a food coma for three hours.
For something faster, Papi Taco is the local go-to. It’s cheap, authentic, and basically fuels half the SpaceX workforce during lunch breaks.
The "McConaughey Connection" and Local Fame
Yes, Matthew McConaughey has roots here. His family ties are a point of pride, but don't expect a Hollywood sign. The locals are way too chill for that. If you want "fame" in McGregor, you look at the Texas Theatre on West 3rd Street. Built in 1912, it’s one of the oldest remaining cinemas in the state. It’s currently being restored by the Texas Museum of Theatre and Broadcast.
Another weirdly cool spot is the McGinley Memorial Public Library. It’s housed in an old Art Deco theater (the Ritz). Walking in to check out a book feels like walking into a 1930s movie set.
The Reality of "Space Town" Noises
Let's talk about the noise. People moving to McGregor TX often ask if the rocket testing is annoying.
The answer? Sorta.
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SpaceX has noise abatement protocols, and they try to stick to daytime hours, but you will feel it. It’s a low-frequency rumble that rattles the windows. To the people who live here, it’s the sound of money and jobs. If you’re looking for absolute silence 24/7, you might want to look closer to Crawford or Moody.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually going to spend a day in McGregor, here is how to do it right:
- Check the SpaceX Schedule (Unofficially): You can’t exactly walk into the test facility, but locals often post on social media when they hear a big test is coming. Find a safe spot on the public roads nearby to watch the steam clouds rise.
- Visit the Amtrak Station: It’s an active stop for the Texas Eagle (Chicago to LA). It still has the original 19th-century pew seating. It's a vibe.
- Explore Downtown: Most of the "action" is on Main Street. Hit up The Sweet Shoppe for a dessert that tastes like something your grandma made.
- Drive the Backroads: The 16-mile stretch to Waco is scenic, but the roads heading west toward Oglesby give you a better feel for the "real" Central Texas landscape.
The truth is, McGregor isn't trying to be Austin. It isn't even trying to be Waco. It’s a town that builds things—whether that's cattle, crops, or the engines that are going to put people on Mars. It’s gritty, friendly, and surprisingly high-tech if you know where to look.
To get the most out of your trip, aim for a weekday lunch. That’s when the town is buzzing, the diners are full, and you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of the aerospace industry in action. If you’re looking to buy property, focus on the north side of town near the newer developments, but be prepared to act fast; inventory stays low because nobody really wants to leave.