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 mid-sized city with a population of 199,225 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (80% White). Given that fact, Amarillo could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Amarillo is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Amarillo can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Texas, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Amarillo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.
Amarillo has a livability score of 65/100 and is ranked #585 in Texas and #10,736 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Amarillo ranks well for housing (A). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Amarillo. The following was graded with a discouraging 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 2.48%, 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 healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Amarillo has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Amarillo is actually affordable. The median home price for Amarillo homes is $138,900, which is 2.7% lower than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Amarillo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 0% lower than the Texas average.
| 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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