Amarillo, TX, known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas," is famous for its western heritage and vibrant arts scene. Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is approximately 120 miles north of Lubbock and 260 miles west of Oklahoma City. This medium-sized city offers a blend of urban amenities and western charm, making it a great place to live.
Amarillo's climate features hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters, providing a variety of seasonal activities. The city boasts numerous parks and outdoor spaces, including the scenic Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the expansive Amarillo Botanical Gardens, which offer trails, gardens, and recreational opportunities year-round.
Amarillo is renowned for its cultural attractions, with institutions such as the Amarillo Museum of Art, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. The city hosts numerous events and festivals, including the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo and the Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show, which celebrate the city's western heritage and cultural achievements.
Education is a key focus in Amarillo, with several higher education institutions, including West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College, contributing to the city's vibrant academic environment. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making it an attractive place for families. The strong emphasis on education supports a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Living in Amarillo combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, a thriving job market, and diverse dining and shopping options. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Amarillo offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Amarillo, Texas is a big city with a population of 205,514 people. The majority of Amarillo residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Amarillo are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 18% of the population also speak Spanish. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Amarillo. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Amarillo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Amarillo and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Amarillo, TX receives 66 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #596 in Texas and #11,263 in the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Amarillo has higher than average rankings for the following: housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Amarillo. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F) and education (D).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Amarillo, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Amarillo excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Amarillo real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Amarillo. Median real estate prices in Amarillo come in at $243,732, which is 5.1% lower than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Amarillo, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 3.1% lower than the Texas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Amarillo | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.8% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.8% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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