Firstly why Abilene, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Abilene
• State: Texas
• Population: 5,872 people
• Abilene’s quick summary would be In North Abilene, Dyess Air Force Base flyovers are routine, and the dry West Texas climate is just part of life.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 5,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 4,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a family-friendly atmosphere and rural charm attracting families

Perk #1: Abilene Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 54%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $53,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Abilene is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-5000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Abilene’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,666
• Property Tax %: 1.9%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $900
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: North Abilen
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Abilene, Tye, Dyess-AFB, Potosi, and probably could include Merkel
• Avg. Age of Homes in Abilene: 31 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Abilene’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Abilene are  Retail, Agriculture, and Services
• Abilene Job Scene: limited job market predominantly in agriculture and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech focus primarily engaged in local businesses and services , ,
• Abilene Resident’s pay $300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Abilene: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 20 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Abilene

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-20 runs through Abilene providing east-west access
• Commute Time: 21 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Highway 83
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Abilene: 35,000
• Cars registered per Person: 6
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Abilene: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Abilene Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Abilene’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Abilene is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with very little annual rainfall
• Winter Weather in Abilene i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Abilene can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Abilene are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Abilene is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 34 days in summer
• Days in a row in Abilene below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 29 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained primarily through local policies
• Abilene Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Abilene Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Abilene 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Abilenes’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Abilene Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Abilene Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Abilene only Doctors is about 15
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Abilene only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Abilene’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Abilene’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Abilene’s Water Quality Score: 69

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Abilene

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small town with a strong sense of community and agricultural ties
• You might enjoy concerts at the Abilene Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Abilene  features a small-town charm with local bars and dining spots perfect for cozy evening social gatherings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Abilene

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family-style dining and a variety of local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Abilene
• The Popular Sports Team is Abilene Christian Wildcats
• Top Level Political Climate in Abilene can be described as conservative area focused on local business and family values
• Abilene’s Longer standing religious establishment is Abilene Christian University Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Abilene Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Abilene has 40 Parks?
• Abilene State Park is Abilene’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Abilene Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Abilene Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Abilene can be described as moderate pace with a focus on community and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Abilene hiking local trails community picnics sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Abilene are Richardson 7 miles away Allen 15 miles away Frisco 9 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Abilene or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Highway 83. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Abilene’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If North Abilen is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Abilene are Richardson 7 miles away Allen 15 miles away Frisco 9 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Abilene has 0 days in a row below freezing and 34 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Abilene people have an average (positive or negative) $-5000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Abilene. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative area focused on local business and family values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Abilene.

Retiree & Senior Life in Abilene

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax credits aimed at lowering overall taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waterford
• Abilene Senior Center features recreational activities wellness programs and community resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Abilene, Texas?

If Abilene, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Abilene, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!