Lubbock, Texas, often referred to as the “Hub City,” offers a unique mix of small-town charm and larger city amenities. While the quality of life in any city is largely subjective and dependent on individual preferences, let’s discuss some of the factors that could make Lubbock a good place to live:
Cost of Living: Compared to many other cities in Texas and the United States, Lubbock has a relatively low cost of living. Housing costs, in particular, tend to be significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Lubbock has a lower cost of living than the national average, especially when it comes to housing, utilities, and transportation. The median home price in Lubbock is $200,600, which is below the national median of $295,300. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lubbock is $713, which is lower than the national average of $1,098. Lubbock also has lower taxes than many other cities in Texas and the U.S.
Affordability. Lubbock has a very low cost of living, especially for housing. Rent and home prices are well below national averages. Utilities and healthcare are also more affordable than most cities. This can appeal to students, young professionals and families on a budget.
Economy: Lubbock has a strong and diverse economy that is based on agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Lubbock is the hub of the South Plains region, which produces 80% of the cotton grown in Texas. Lubbock is also home to Texas Tech University, which is one of the largest public universities in the state and a major employer and research center. Other major employers in Lubbock include Covenant Health System, University Medical Center, United Supermarkets, and X-FAB Texas. Lubbock has a low unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is below the national average of 6.0%.
Lubbock has a growing economy based on industries like healthcare, education, technology and retail. Major employers include Texas Tech University, Covenant Health System, and United Supermarkets. Unemployment is low, and job opportunities are increasing.
Education: As home to Texas Tech University, Lubbock has the opportunities and youthful culture of a college city. Texas Tech University, a major educational institution, providing opportunities for higher education and contributing to the city’s vibrant college town feel. The university also offers a range of cultural and sporting events that residents can enjoy. You’ll find Big 12 athletics, campus events, concerts, festivals, and arts influenced by the student population.
College town: Lubbock is a college town that has a youthful and vibrant vibe. Texas Tech University has more than 40,000 students and offers more than 150 degree programs. The university also has a renowned athletic program that competes in the Big 12 Conference. The university hosts many events and activities for students and residents alike, such as concerts, festivals, lectures, and sports games. The university also contributes to the cultural and artistic scene of Lubbock with its museums, galleries, theaters, and libraries.
Healthcare: Lubbock serves as a healthcare hub for the South Plains area, with several hospitals and specialized medical facilities. Covenant Health and University Medical Center are among the notable healthcare providers in the city.
Cultural and Recreational Activities: Lubbock boasts a thriving music scene, particularly known for its live country and rock music. It’s also home to the Buddy Holly Center, a tribute to the famous rock and roll pioneer who was born in Lubbock. The city has multiple wineries, a range of restaurants, and a number of parks and recreational facilities.
Outdoor recreation. While in the arid High Plains, Lubbock offers access to outdoor activities like visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Mackenzie Park, Clapp Golf Course, or the Canyon Lake system. Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatching hotspot.
Climate: Lubbock has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. If you enjoy plenty of sunshine, Lubbock may suit you—it boasts about 263 sunny days per year.
Lubbock has a sunny and dry climate that is ideal for outdoor recreation. Lubbock gets about 263 sunny days per year, which is higher than the national average of 205 days. Lubbock also has mild winters and warm summers, with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Lubbock has many parks, trails, lakes, and golf courses where you can enjoy the sunshine and nature.
Safety. Lubbock has a high crime rate that is above the national average for both violent and property crimes. On the other hand Lubbock has one of the lowest crime rates of any city in Texas. It ranks high in safety for families with a relatively low frequency of violent crimes or property crimes. Most residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and community.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Isolation: Lubbock is somewhat isolated compared to other major Texas cities—it’s about a five-hour drive to Dallas and a six-hour drive to Austin. This could be a downside if you frequently travel to these cities or crave the big-city feel.
Diversity: Lubbock is not very diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, or religion. The majority of the population in Lubbock is white (69%), followed by Hispanic (25%), black (8%), and Asian (3%). Lubbock also has a large conservative and Christian population that may not be very tolerant or welcoming of different beliefs or lifestyles. Lubbock ranks low on LGBTQ+ friendliness and racial equity.
Entertainment: Lubbock is not very exciting or fun in terms of entertainment or things to do. Lubbock has a few festivals and events that celebrate its heritage and community, such as the First Friday Art Trail, the 4th on Broadway Festival, and the Panhandle South Plains Fair. However, Lubbock does not have many options for amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, casinos, or other attractions that offer thrill or novelty. Lubbock also does not have many professional sports teams or venues that attract fans or visitors.
Wind and Dust: Lubbock is known for its high wind speeds and, consequently, occasional dust storms. This is something you might need to adjust to if you’re from a region that doesn’t typically experience these conditions.
Limited Public Transportation: While Lubbock does have a public bus system, the city is spread out, making it a place where a car is generally necessary for getting around.
Remote location. Lubbock is rather isolated, over 2 hours from any major cities. The closest cities are Abilene, Amarillo, Clovis, and Midland—all around 100 miles away. It may feel too remote for some.
Culture: Lubbock is not very rich or varied in terms of culture or entertainment. Lubbock has a few museums and galleries that showcase local art and history, such as the Buddy Holly Center, the National Ranching Heritage Center, and the Museum of Texas Tech University⁵. However, Lubbock does not have many options for fine dining, nightlife, shopping, or performing arts. Lubbock also does not have many attractions or events that appeal to younger or more adventurous people.
Lack of natural scenery. Aside from Palo Duro Canyon, Lubbock is situated on the rather flat and barren Llano Estacado plateau. There are not many opportunities to enjoy greenery, rivers or mountains in the immediate area.
Conservative culture. Lubbock has a predominantly conservative population, as is common in West Texas. Some may find the culture and values to be too traditional or close-minded. The nightlife and music scenes are limited for a city of its size.
Safety: Lubbock also faces frequent threats from severe weather such as tornadoes, hailstorms, dust storms
Pros & Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Lubbock:
Pros
- Low cost of living
- Low crime rate
- Good schools
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
- Home to Texas Tech University
Cons
- Hot summers
- Lack of diversity
- Not much to do in the city
- Can be a bit isolated
So, overall, Lubbock’s affordability, educational opportunities, and cultural activities make it a good place to live for many. However, the isolated location, harsh climate, lack of scenery and conservative leanings will not suit everyone’s tastes or lifestyle. Like any city, it has its downsides, but if the benefits align with your lifestyle and preferences, you could find it to be an enjoyable and comfortable place to live.