Thinking About Moving to West Texas?
Moving to West Texas offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, rich history, and warm community spirit. Whether you’re seeking a small town nestled amidst the mountains or a suburban haven with convenient access to urban amenities, the region boasts a diverse array of cities to suit every lifestyle. From well-known large cities like El Paso to the historic small-town charm of Marfa, West Texas beckons with opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 cities to consider for your next move in West Texas, each offering its own distinct allure and reasons to call it home.
1. El Paso, TX
Starting off our list is El Paso, the largest city in West Texas. Located right on the border with Mexico and New Mexico, El Paso boasts a unique Tex-Mex flair. Being the lone major Texas city in the Mountain Time Zone, El Paso epitomizes the essence of West Texas. Its low crime rate contributes to its reputation as a secure city with a strong sense of community. Despite its relative isolation from larger urban area, with Las Cruces, New Mexico being the nearest bigger city, El Paso is adorned with breathtaking western American landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts, particularly along the Franklin Mountains. Despite its remoteness, El Paso offers a wide range of activities, including concerts, thriving small businesses, and a culinary scene all enriched by the surrounding desert beauty. This blend of offerings makes El Paso an appealing city for both young folks and families alike.
2. Midland & Odessa, TX
Midland and Odessa, two neighboring towns in West Texas known for their oil fields, offer more than just opportunities for those in the oil industry. Despite their industrial roots, they exude a small-town atmosphere brimming with a strong sense of community. Unlike some other West Texas small towns, Midland and Odessa are less isolated, lying just 2.5 hours from Abilene, 3.5 hours from Amarillo, and 4.5 hours from Fort Worth. Their nightlife scene and abundance of bars provide ample entertainment, while traffic remains manageable compared to larger Texas cities like Dallas or Houston. Visitors can explore historical and natural landmarks such as the Odessa Meteor Crater. Despite their industrial atmosphere, music, art, and culture thrive in both towns. Affordable housing options further enhance the appeal of relocating to Midland and Odessa for those considering a move to West Texas.
3. Marfa, TX
Marfa, Texas, a tiny and secluded town nestled in Southwest Texas, is home to a mere 1,750 residents. For those seeking an authentic Texas desert experience coupled with a small-town ambiance, Marfa presents an ideal destination. Situated just 1.5 hours from Big Bend National Park, Marfa serves as a popular town for tourists en route to the park, garnering attention from publications like Vogue as a quintessential West Texas stop. Embracing its tourist appeal, Marfa features several charming coffee shops and boutique stores, exuding a Western atmosphere that resonates with young visitors. About 30 minutes outside of town sits a Prada store—an art installation rather than a functional retail outlet—serving as a popular spot for photographs and social media posts. Additionally, Marfa boasts the mysterious Marfa Lights, strange and unexplained phenomena that illuminate the night sky. These distinctive elements collectively contribute to Marfa’s allure, offering a unique living experience for those seeking solace away from big cities, yearning for the life of a desert town while remaining close to nature.
4. Abilene, TX
Abilene, another prominent town in the western region of Texas, offers an attractive living option for those seeking a blend of urban amenities and the allure of West Texas. Home to Abilene Christian University, the city boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Conveniently located just two hours from Fort Worth, Abilene appeals to individuals desiring the comforts of a mid-sized Texas town, complete with both major chain stores and charming boutique shops. Affordable housing and abundant job opportunities further enhance Abilene’s appeal as the gateway to West Texas, without the sense of isolation often associated with remote towns. The city’s vibrant scene includes breweries, museums, small businesses, concerts, rodeos, and more, catering to diverse interests and tastes. Outdoor enthusiasts can also indulge in hiking and exploration at Abilene State Park, which offers numerous trails to traverse. With its wealth of offerings and affordability, Abilene emerges as an enticing destination for those considering a move to western Texas.
5. Big Spring, TX
Nestled between Abilene and Midland along Interstate 20, you’ll find Big Spring, Texas. Boasting attractions like Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park, this area offers several opportunities for hiking and immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. Big Spring has served as the backdrop for various film productions, including Midnight Cowboy, Voight, Hangar 18, and From Dusk Till Dawn. Renowned for its picturesque western landscapes and the iconic Signal Mountain, Big Spring maintains a population of around 27,000, making it larger than some of the smaller towns in the region, yet notably smaller than cities such as El Paso or Lubbock. This unique size places it as an appealing option for those seeking the charm of a West Texas small town while still desiring proximity to larger urban cities.
6. Andrews, TX
Located just 30 minutes from the Texas-New Mexico border, Andrews, Texas has a suburban charm amidst the vastness of West Texas. The town features delightful attractions such as Buddy’s Drive-In, a retro-themed diner, adding to its nostalgic small-town ambiance. Activities like Ace Arena and the Andrews Roller Rink offer enjoyable experiences for families, ensuring weekends are filled with excitement and entertainment. Andrews is far from desolate, with proximity to larger cities like Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Midland and Odessa, Texas. Andrews maintains a cozy suburban vibe, offering a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Unlike some of the other small towns on our list, Andrews sees fewer tourists due to its distance from major interstates, fostering a tight-knit community atmosphere. If you’re seeking a suburban haven in West Texas to call home, Andrews is an excellent choice.
7. Alpine, TX
If you’re looking for a mountainous
small town nestled deep in the terrain of West Texas, Alpine could be an
excellent fit for you. Surrounded by the majestic Davis Mountains and Glass
Mountains, Alpine offers abundant opportunities for hiking and mountain
climbing amidst stunning natural landscapes. Home to Sul Ross State University
and the Museum of Big Bend, Alpine appeals particularly to young adults seeking
a small yet well-regarded college. The town exudes charm with its array of
local bookstores, antique shops, record stores, and cozy coffee shops,
embodying the essence of a classic small-town atmosphere. Additionally, Alpine
boasts its own minor league baseball team, the Big Bend Cowboys. Situated just
an hour away from Big Bend National Park, Alpine is an ideal choice for those who
desire to live close to the national park. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic
surroundings or its authentic Texan ambiance, Alpine offers a quintessential
West Texas experience for anyone seeking to establish roots in a charming
community.
8. San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, home to numerous military families stationed at the Goodfellow Air Force Base, offers more than just a military presence. As a steadily growing small town, it attracts residents beyond those associated with the base. With San Angelo State Park just outside of town, the park boasts an extensive network of trails stretching over 50 miles, ideal for hiking, biking, and even hunting. The Concho River flows through the heart of the town, providing opportunities for fishing and quality time along the scenic Concho River Walk. Despite lacking the iconic Western Texas landscape, San Angelo exudes charm with its small-town ambiance, situated close to the heart of the Lone Star State. The city’s cultural scene is vibrant, featuring concerts, local distilleries, and thriving small businesses, all contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly destination in the western region of Texas, without the sense of isolation often associated with other remote towns.
9. Fort Stockton, TX
Located right off Interstate 10, Fort Stockton embraces its rich western heritage. As a historic military and railroad town, Fort Stockton is an ideal destination for those who revel in immersing themselves in history at every turn. Located an hour from Odessa,
Fort Stockton provides a charming retreat from city life while still offering the convenience of chain stores like Walmart. The town’s endearing mascot, Paisano Pete, stands tall as a testament to its quirky small-town charm. With a close-knit community ethos, Fort Stockton boasts affordable living options compared to other parts of Texas, alongside a plethora of delightful local
eateries and boutique shops. Situated not far from attractions such as Big Bend, Monahans Sandhills State Park, and the Davis Mountains, residents also enjoy easy access to the natural wonders of West Texas.
10. Lubbock, TX
Lubbock is known for being the home to Texas Tech University. Despite this, Lubbock is far more than just a “college town.” Steeped in history and the birthplace of Buddy Holly, the city exudes cultural richness at every turn. Renowned for its numerous barbecue joints and vibrant country music clubs, Lubbock embodies a rustic cowboy ambiance complemented by its scenic western landscapes. Boasting ample employment opportunities, Lubbock stands out as one of the livelier and more substantial cities in West Texas. The city’s cultural tapestry is further enriched by its array of museums and niche specialty shops, including antique and record stores. Lubbock appeals to those seeking a dynamic urban environment teeming with opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and a myriad of activities, all within the captivating backdrop of Western Texas.
The cities of West Texas each carry a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community warmth. As you embark on your journey to find the perfect place to call home in West Texas, consider the diverse array of cities highlighted in this list, each offering its own distinct character and opportunities for a fulfilling life in the Lone Star State’s western frontier. If you are looking for professional moving help to assist you on your moving journey to West Texas, feel free to reach out to Condor Moving Systems for a free moving quote. We would be more than happy to help kickstart your move to West Texas, no matter where you are moving from. We hope to help you embrace the welcoming communities that make West Texas a truly special place to live.