Texas is the largest state in the continental United States, a massive sprawl of land stretching hundreds of thousands of miles. Texas is roughly the size of France, and naturally, the geography and culture aren’t going to be the same throughout. West Texas is a region known for its dry and arid landscapes, rolling hills, and small mountain ranges.
This area of the state is less densely populated than the east and has significantly less water and forest. However, it is ruggedly beautiful with an affordable cost of living. There are several excellent cities and towns in West Texas that offer a great lifestyle for residents. Let’s look at some of the top places to live in West Texas.
Lubbock
Lubbock is a major city in northwest Texas, home to more than 250,000 residents. It might be best known nationally as the location of Texas Tech University, but there’s much more to this growing urban community.
Lubbock is in the High Plains American Viticultural Area, meaning it is a huge hub for wine lovers. The city also has a food scene can’t be missed, with everything from classic Texas barbecue to authentic Mexican cuisine and high-end Asian flavors. Lubbock has excellent museums as well, including the Buddy Holly Center, which is dedicated to the rock legend who was born and raised in Lubbock.
Midland
Midland is a city in West Texas that plays a hugely important economic role. It plays a significant role in the oil industry, meaning residents have many energy job opportunities. It is a thriving city home to more than 140,000 people, and while it has a dense urban feel, you’ll find a massive number of cattle ranching farms just outside the city.
Midland has a thriving downtown, teeming with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant style. The city also has many appealing museums, including the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Midland has dozens of public parks as well, making it an excellent city to raise a family.
Amarillo
Amarillo is an appealing city in the Texas Panhandle, home to roughly 200,000 residents. It is a picturesque city with a unique architectural style, best seen in the Route 66 Historic District. This is a part of the city with a history stretching back to the dawn of Amarillo, and it is one of the cultural centers of the town. There’s a lot to enjoy with Spanish-influenced buildings, art galleries, collectible stores, and delicious restaurants.
Nature lovers will also appreciate Amarillo, as it is only a short drive from Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This is the second-largest canyon in the United States and an excellent place for hiking and spotting some West Texas wildlife.
El Paso
El Paso is the biggest city in West Texas, situated at the intersection of the Texas border with New Mexico and Mexico. Home to nearly 700,000 residents, it is a bustling city with so much to see. For starters, the food scene in El Paso is incredible, as its proximity to Mexico means it has some of the best Mexican food in the country.
El Paso also has jaw-dropping natural scenery, with mountains, caves, and trails to explore. The Aztec Caves in Franklin Mountain State Park is a beautiful area with incredible historic remnants still visible.
Andrews
Andrews is a small city in the Permian Basin of West Texas, home to less than 15,000 residents. Like many other cities in the Permian Basin, Andrews is heavily involved in the oil industry, making it a big source of wealth for this town; Andrews has one of the highest concentrations of millionaires of any small town in America.
Andrews has excellent schools and local businesses for a small town. Yet, homes in Andrews remain extremely affordable, averaging prices far below the national average. This makes it an excellent place to settle down with a family.
