Lubbock, Texas

What is it like to live in Lubbock, TX?

I was raised in Lubbock Texas. I am grateful I grew up in Lubbock. We were protected from most of the outside world. When I went to Texas Tech in the 60’s and 70’s, there didn’t seem to be drug problems. Not to say there wasn’t plenty of alcohol beverages around. There was a small march or two against the Vietnam War. Few attended. When there was a protest on campus I told the organizers I had to go to class. That was the atmosphere, we were in our own cocoon.

The weather was always a mystery. It might blow sand, rain and then become the perfect day. At that time, we had no humidity but now, there are slightly humid weather occasionally. What I remember is fun playing outside with friends, dry but bearable heat, windy, tumbleweeds, four seasons, tornado warnings, walking across campus in snow and ice to find my Biology class cancelled due to the weather, Reese Air Force Base (now closed). I remember my Mother and Daddy, young, healthy and strong and Aunts, Uncles and cousins all there for support. I only have one cousin and his family still living in Lubbock. I am homesick for Lubbock and my young life. If I moved back there now, everything would be different but it still crosses my mind. Lubbock is still a good place to raise a family. It’s not dry anymore, you don’t have to drive to the strip to buy booze. The strip was outside of town in the next county. It was fun going out there though!! I felt safe growing up. Things are different now, but still a good place to be. It’s about the good people, not about the weather.

What is it like to live in Lubbock, TX?

Lubbock is a really good place to live. The cost of living is low, you can get anywhere (from one side of town to the other) in about 15–20 minutes, we have lots of opportunities for entertainment & dining, good medical facilities, a very safe environment, good schools.

But the very best thing about Lubbock is the people. People here are pretty nice, if you have a flat tire or your car dies, strangers will stop to help you, and probably more than one. If there is a funeral driving down the street, everyone will pull over and men will remove their hats. This is that kind of place. Strangers will talk to you and make conversations in elevators, lobbies, wherever you happen to be.

Our traffic can be slower at rush hour, but NEVER just STOPS (like we have seen in bigger cities….just sitting in a bunch of cars, not moving).

The weather here can be challenging, seriously challenging. It may be hot, cold, windy and wet all in the same day. It takes some getting used to, but the drama is interesting. You will want to get the app “my radar” if you live here so you can see what is coming

What should I know before moving to Lubbock, TX?

You should know that Lubbock is exactly like every other city in the world. It is what you make it to be and want it to be. If you decide you can be happy and like a place then it will be so. If you dislike it then it will be disliked.

Other than that:

Lubbock has the most friendly people, as a whole, you are likely to ever meet.

They also tend to be very helpful if you need help. e.g. Someone will stop and help with a flat tire, open the door, etc

The land around Lubbock is almost as flat a the top of a table.

It has very few trees except where someone planted them, usually around where a home was built.

Texas Tech University students account for about 10% of the population.

It, like almost every where else in Texas, is growing at a fairly rapid clip.

Agriculture is far and away the single largest contributor to the economy.

Annual rainfall is somewhere between 18″ & 19″.

Hot in the winter 90 to 105F and cool in the winter Lows normally will not dip below 10F but mostly stay in the 30’s at night and 50’s during the day.

It is one of the windiest places in the US.

We have sandstorms now and then due to the wind and agricultural practices, although they are not nearly as bad as they were two decades ago.

Is living in Lubbock as bad as people say it is?

I love living here. To me Lubbock is the best place to live. The weather is good most of the year. It does get a little cold in the winter but aside from some spring storms the rest of the year is nice and sunny. You can get anywhere in town within 15 minutes and we have almost everything you could want. We have a lot of good food as well. I don't know what you consider "main Texas" but you can drive to DFW in 5 hours, Amarillo is 2 hours away, Houston is 8-9 hours, and Midland is about 2 hours away.

Pros and Cons of Living in Lubbock TX