What you northerners never appreciate is that Texas is so big that you can live your life within its limits and never give a damn about what anyone in Boston or San Francisco thinks. –James Michener
Amarillo is a 200k population city, growing fast, and has a good economy, but you can still buy a 3 bedroom 2 bath home for under $150k. If you’ve never been to Texas, or haven’t been in a long time you’ll be shocked to see the growth, but unlike Cali, the state where lots of people are coming from it’s still within reach of most Americans, and plenty of immigrants, to buy a home.
Also, it has the highest volume of helium in the world. That's kind of weird and cool.
As a transplant to Amarillo notes:
I moved here about 2 years ago. I moved for the same reason you may move, a job opportunity. Worst case you tough it out being slightly bored for a few years getting experience (or saving up money quick enjoying the relatively low cost of living) and move somewhere with more stuff to do down the road.
For more reviews of what living in Amarillo is like from locals check out: The Buzz
Amarillo is hot, no shock there – over 100 degrees through many days in the summer. What does surprise though is the wind. Amarillo is windier than Chicago and in fact has the highest average wind speed of any city in the U.S. That wind combined with the dust, and a flat topography means you’re going to feel the pain of the conditions here.
A local talks about the impact of the conditions of Amarillo:
Depends on how incredible the work opportunity is I suppose. Don't get me wrong… there is nothing especially bad about living in Amarillo, but for me personally it is way too dry and dusty.
Amarillo, like many Texas cities, has great food, including the obvious Mexican/Tex-Mex options but also new highly rated other fare. It also has tons of breweries to wash down those eats. It has a groovy shopping district on 6th street and a great performing arts center. What most people rave about though is hiking through Palo Duro Canyon. Given the flat terrain, a cool hilly climb is the right way to get a break on the weekends.
Check out the city calendar of events to get a sense of local activities: https://www.visitamarillo.com/events
Two of the big industries of Texas include Energy and Food Processing. While oil is still big business in Texas it should be no shock that with that insane wind, Amarillo is also home to massive manufacturing and installation of wind turbines. Amarillo operates one of the largest meat-packing areas in the United States (lots of cattle in Texas). Growth is coming from those two industries but also has some interesting manufacturing with Osprey Helicopters built here and Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, a major employer. All of these areas are seeing growth so if the mix of jobs and low costs make it a desirable location.
If you’re raising a family and looking to buy a home at a price you can afford, then Amarillo is a great choice. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another city with an economy doing as well as Amarillo with prices as low.
As with most small to mid-sized cities Downtown is where the young professionals and some retirees live. Restaurants, microbreweries, music clubs, jazz bars and dance clubs are pretty plentiful here and so if your thing is going out and living a walk from the scene then the apartments and condos downtown will work for you. There are also several outdoor parks and plazas in the area, providing a place for the youngsters (or retirees) to throw a frisbee or just enjoy the outdoors.
One of the most interesting and perhaps bizarre landmarks in downtown Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring a row of vintage Cadillacs partially buried nose-first in the ground. Other cultural options in the area include the Amarillo Museum of Art, the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, and the Amarillo Civic Center, all of which play host to live music, art shows and theater productions throughout the year.
If you’re single or a couple but looking to get a breather from downtown then take a peek at historic Wolflin Village. Filled with 1920’s homes along tree-lined streets, the whole neighborhood is going through a restoration. The walk score here is excellent with boutique shopping and restaurants all within range. It also has a strong community vibe with plenty of block parties and events throughout the year, making it feel like its own little town.
La Paloma Estates is a first choice for those who want to live the high life. The homes are huge with big lawns and the local public schools are excellent. It also has the Tascosa Golf Club, with golf, tennis, swimming pool, walking trails and a restaurant. Many of the families in La Paloma use the club as a community center.
If you’re craving a more city-centric neighborhood with lower prices then check out W 34th Ave/S Washington St. Decidedly middle-class but also with nice homes and low crime, this established, older neighborhood is near the center of the city for those craving something closer to the action.
