Firstly why Amarillo, Texas?

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

• City: Amarillo
• State: Texas
• Population: 199,826 people
• Amarillo’s quick summary would be Known for the iconic Cadillac Ranch and its role in Route 66 history.

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: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordability and access to open spaces attracting families

Perk #1: Amarillo Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $42,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Amarillo is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive 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 & Amarillo’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,746
• Property Tax %: 1.46%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $900
• Rent for an average house: $1,450
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: The Hills
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Amarillo, Canyon, Hereford, Borger, and probably could include Dumas
• Avg. Age of Homes in Amarillo: 66 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.2%

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 & Amarillo’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Amarillo are  Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education
• Amarillo Job Scene: moderate job market focused on agriculture and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech landscape focused mainly on agriculture and local industries , ,
• Amarillo Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Amarillo: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

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 Amarillo

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-27 runs through Amarillo connecting it north and south
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on I-27
• Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Amarillo: 60,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Amarillo: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Rick Husband Amarillo International

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: Amarillo’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Amarillo is best described as features hot summers and cool winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Amarillo i’d describe as cool with some snow
• Spring Weather in Amarillo can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Amarillo are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Amarillo is usually mild and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 102 days in summer
• Days in a row in Amarillo below Freezing: 14
• Average Annual Rainfall: 18 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with low industrial pollution
• Amarillo Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution issues

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: Amarillo Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Amarillo 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Amarillos’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Amarillo 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 & Amarillo Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Amarillo only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Amarillo only Police Officers is about 150
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

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

• Amarillo’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Amarillo’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Amarillo’s Water Quality Score: 66

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 Amarillo

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a cowboy culture and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy concerts at the Amarillo Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Amarillo  offers local pubs and entertainment hubs creating a friendly atmosphere for casual 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 Amarillo

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a rich barbecue scene and local dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Amarillo
• The Popular Sports Team is Amarillo Sod Poodles
• Top Level Political Climate in Amarillo can be described as conservative city with a focus on local agriculture and community
• Amarillo’s Longer standing religious establishment is Amarillo First Baptist 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: Amarillo Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Amarillo has 20 Parks?
• Cadillac Ranch is Amarillo’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Amarillo Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and park activities

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: Amarillo Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Amarillo can be described as moderate pace with a blend of Texas culture and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Amarillo exploring nature local sports activities picnicking in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Amarillo are Addison 11 miles away Dallas 14 miles away Garland 6 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 Amarillo 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: heavy traffic on I-27. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Amarillo’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If The Hills is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Amarillo are Addison 11 miles away Dallas 14 miles away Garland 6 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Amarillo has 14 days in a row below freezing and 102 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 Amarillo people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Amarillo. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative city with a focus on local agriculture and community 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 Amarillo.

Retiree & Senior Life in Amarillo

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may access local property tax incentives enhancing their situation
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Regency
• Amarillo Senior Center provides wellness activities recreational programs and meal services 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 Amarillo, Texas?

If Amarillo, 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 Amarillo, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!