Moving to Amarillo

Prepare to be enamored as we venture into the intriguing world of Amarillo, Texas. Picture an urban hub kissed by endless skies, where the smell of sizzling barbecue intertwines with the vibrant spirit of the west - welcome to your possible future home. If you're considering a move, whether it's for a slower pace of life, appealing cost of living, or allure of cowboy culture, our comprehensive Amarillo relocation guide is the perfect place to start. Pack your mental suitcase and let's saddle up for a deep dive into all things Amarillo.

Moving to Amarillo, TX landscape image

What to Know Before Moving to Amarillo

1. Affordable Living is an Amarillo Specialty

Amarillo is popular for many reasons, one of the biggest being the value for your dollar. If you're feeling the crunch of high cost of living elsewhere, Amarillo might just be your perfect solution. The housing market here is notably affordable compared to the national average. Plus, the cost of everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all below the national average. That means more barbeque and square dancing for your hard-earned money!

2. Art is Everywhere

Think Texas is all cowboys and country music? Think again! Amarillo boasts a surprising, vibrant arts scene. With a symphony orchestra, ballet, and opera company, the city offers plenty of high-brow artistic entertainment. Gallery hopping is a delight in Amarillo, as the city is dotted with places showcasing brilliant local artists and national touring exhibits. Get ready to let your inner Picasso shine!

3. History Isn't Just in the Textbooks

When moving to Amarillo, you're settling down in a city rich with history. This city was instrumental in the growth of the railroads during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much of this fascinating history has been preserved and can be seen at the local museums, including the Amarillo Railroad Museum and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum!

4. An Insider's Secret: The Second Amendment Cowboy

Here's a little-known secret! You'll find a larger-than-life cowboy statue named the Second Amendment Cowboy standing tall at the RV Museum. This statue is an Amarillo icon, representing the city's wild west charm and spirit. Locals love him, and you'll have to snap a selfie with him to truly become an Amarillo resident!

5. Local Cuisine is a Delight

Put on those stretchy pants, because Amarillo knows a thing or two about good food! Steak lovers will feel right at home with legendary steakhouses and the infamous 72-ounce steak challenge at The Big Texan Steak Ranch. But it's not just about meat here. Amarillo also offers an array of international cuisine, food trucks, and some of the best Mexican food in Texas. Yum!

6. The Mysterious Floating Mesa

Okay, this one is not exactly within Amarillo city limits. But it's such a cool formation in the nearby landscape, it definitely merits a mention. Known as the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, this table-top mesa seems to float above the ground, due to an optical illusion. It's not only a jaw-dropping vision to behold, it's also a significant archeological site with remnants of prehistoric Native American culture. The more you know!

So, if you're hankering for a taste of Texas, but with a unique twist, Amarillo just might be the place for your next move. With affordable living, a vibrant arts scene, and a dash of mysterious floating mesas, it's not hard to see how Amarillo could quickly become your new home sweet home.

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Pros and Cons of Living in Amarillo

Pros of Living in Amarillo

Affordable Cost of Living

One of the biggest advantages of living in Amarillo is the reasonable cost of living. You get more bang for your buck when it comes to housing, groceries, transportation, and other necessities compared to national averages and many other urban areas in the state.

Outdoor Recreation

Being surrounded by natural beauty, Amarillo offers a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking and biking at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The city's multiple parks and open spaces create opportunities to enjoy picnics, leisure walks, and family fun time outdoors.

Rich Cultural and Historical Aspects

Amarillo has a rich history and culture, reflected in several museums, art galleries, and performing art venues. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, the Amarillo Museum of Art, and the historic Route 66 offer unique cultural and historical experiences.

Friendly Community

Residents often describe Amarillo as a big city with a small-town feel. The friendly, welcoming community is one of its major draws, with people generally inclined towards Southern charm and hospitality.

Local Cuisine

Amarillo is renowned for its Texas-style barbecue and other local cuisines. The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants and food joints that offer diverse dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Cons of Living in Amarillo

Extreme Weather

Amarillo is subject to extreme weather, including heavy snowfall in winter and sweltering heat in summer. It's also a part of "Tornado Alley", which means the city can occasionally experience severe storms and tornadoes.

Limited Public Transportation

The city lacks an extensive public transportation system, meaning most residents rely on personal vehicles. If you're accustomed to relying on subways, commuter trains, or buses, this might be a significant downside.

Higher Crime Rate

Compared to some other cities in Texas, Amarillo has a higher crime rate. While efforts are in place to enhance safety, it's a factor worth considering, especially when selecting neighborhoods.

Limited Nightlife and Entertainment

While Amarillo has its fair share of movie theaters, restaurants, and local events, it's not renowned for its nightlife or entertainment opportunities. If you're someone who thrives on a bustling city nightlife, you might find Amarillo slightly slower-paced.

Economic Diversity

While Amarillo has a stable economy, it's less diverse than larger metropolitan areas. The local economy predominantly relies on certain industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and transportation, which may limit job opportunities in other sectors.

Modern day picture of Amarillo, TX highlighting pros and cons of living in Amarillo, TX

Is Amarillo a Good Place to Live?

Amarillo, TX is a great place to live because of its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and friendly community vibes. It's a city with a delightful blend of both old-fashioned and contemporary flavors, begging to be explored with fascinating museums, vibrant arts districts, and numerous outdoor recreational activities. Plus, the food scene won't disappoint, with its Texas-sized stakes and mouthwatering barbeques!


What Is Amarillo Famous For?

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

If you've got a hearty appetite, the Big Texan Steak Ranch is a must-visit in Amarillo! This famous steakhouse challenges its customers to eat a whopping 72-ounce steak (along with a shrimp cocktail, a baked potato, salad, and a roll) in an hour or less. If you manage to complete this gargantuan task, your meal is free!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas', the Palo Duro Canyon is a natural gem nestled in Amarillo. It stretches about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide with depths reaching up to 800 feet, and offers a great opportunity to indulge in hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, and camping.

Cadillac Ranch

An eccentric art installation, the Cadillac Ranch is synonymous with Amarillo! It displays ten Cadillac cars half-buried nose-first in the ground, all coated in bright, graffitied paint. It speaks to the evolution of the car industry as the Cadillacs are from different production years between 1949 and 1963. Check out this article to know more about the history and unique facts about the Cadillac Ranch.

Amarillo Opera

Amarillo isn't just about steaks and canyons, it also has a rich cultural scene! Particularly, a highlight is the Amarillo Opera, a professional regional company that puts on an impressively diverse range of performances - from traditional operatic pieces to bold, modern productions.

Capital building of Amarillo, TX in artistic rendering

Overview of Tax Rates

Property Tax

The average property tax rate for residents of Amarillo, TX in 2023 is around 2.20% of the property's assessed fair market value, which is relatively high compared to the national average rate of approximately 1.08%.

Sales Tax

Amarillo's sales tax rate in 2023 stands at 8.25%, inclusive of the Texas state sales tax of 6.25% and Amarillo's city tax of 2%. This is roughly comparable with the average US sales tax rate, which hovers around 7.12%.

Income Tax

Texas is one of the seven states in the U.S. with no personal income tax. Therefore, Amarillo residents do not pay state income tax in 2023, compared to the national average of approximately 4.6% for state income tax.


Housing Market

The Amarillo, TX housing market exhibits affordability compared to larger metropolitan areas in the United States, which draws both buyers and renters alike. The median home price in Amarillo is at $128,300, significantly lower than the national average. Renters, on the other hand, find value in the average rent of $745 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Amarillo also experiences a lower housing market volatility, making it a potentially stable investment for property buyers. Although its annual appreciation rate of 3.6% is lower than the US average, its overall affordability makes it an attractive option in the American housing market.


Cost of Living

The cost of living in Amarillo, TX is relatively low compared to other major cities in the United States. Housing is significantly affordable, with utility costs and transportation expenses also falling below the national average. Groceries may sit close to the national average, but overall, Amarillo presents a budget-friendly option for individuals and families. As such, Amarillo offers the charm of a mid-sized city without the typically associated high living costs.


Weather & Natural Disasters

Amarillo, Texas, enjoys a semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool to moderately cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 91 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter months average around 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is relatively low, with an annual average precipitation of approximately 20 inches. Despite the scarcity of rainfall, Amarillo is susceptible to extreme weather events like thunderstorms, which can occasionally evolve into tornadoes, particularly during the spring. Moreover, blizzards can occur in winter. Hail storms and flash floods are also occasional natural disasters, while dust storms, linked to the region's topography and dry weather, can notably affect visibility. Understanding Amarillo's climate and potential for natural disasters becomes vital for those planning to live, work or visit this dynamic and intriguing Panhandle city.

Typical weather in Amarillo, TX

Economy & Job Market

* Healthcare and Social Assistance

* Retail Trade

* Accommodation and Food Services

* Manufacturing

* Public Administration

Amarillo, TX, has a vibrant and dynamic economy rooted in a robust mix of industries. Historically, Amarillo's economy was heavily reliant on the farming and ranching trades, but over time, it has diversified quite a bit! Now, the city boasts significant employment in the healthcare and social assistance sector, followed by retail trade. The accommodation and food services industry also plays a significant role, conveniently placed right beside the vibrant cowboy culture and Route 66 heritage known to draw tourists. Manufacturing industries and public administration sectors also contribute substantially to the local economy, keeping Amarillo's colorful economic wheel spinning!

If you're planning a move to Amarillo, you should know that the city has a competitive job market with a lower than national unemployment rate. At the same time, Amarillo has an affordable cost of living and a healthy economy, making it an ideal destination for job seekers. Extra brownie points to those with a background in healthcare, industry-specific retail trade, or food and accommodation services since these are currently the hottest fields. And who knows? Maybe you might stumble across an opportunity to eventually don your cowboy hat and boots in one of Amarillo's traditional cowboy-related jobs. Now, isn't that a fun place to work and live?


Traffic and Transportation

Saddle up folks to a whirlwind tour of transport in the radiant city of Amarillo, TX! The average commute time here is a breezy 15.8 minutes, a good few hoof beats below the national average! That's right, my cowboy compadres, we're well ahead -- or should I say, a-horse, ahem, being a city slicker, you'd appreciate this especially if you're not the 'horseback to work' kind. For the rig and wagon buddies here, MOVE Transit is the public transport provider. With bus services covering several routes around the city, your stallion won't catch dust! For high fliers, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport serves heartbeat-thumping, breathtaking aerial journies for us Texans. Whether you're waiting on a stagecoach, saddling up, or soaring through the sky, Amarillo's transportation options got you covered!

What is the traffic like in Amarillo, TX?

Best Neighborhoods in Amarillo

1. Puckett West

If the blend of peace and liveliness makes your heart skip a beat, Puckett West is the idle neighborhood for you. Known for its lush, mature trees, and immaculately maintained yards, this neighborhood screams suburbia in all the right ways. Its close proximity to Westgate Mall and stores like Target and Walmart make it a heaven for shopaholics. Plus, the local restaurants will keep your taste buds tantalized. Puckett West also boasts highly-rated schools making it a great choice for families.

2. Sleepy Hollow

Like a page from a storybook, Sleepy Hollow is a very pretty neighborhood that draws families and retirees alike. It is perfect for those who seek tranquility along with well-organised amenities. Its well-kept houses along winding streets, vast parks like John Stiff Memorial Dog Park and South Western Park and the closeness to Amarillo's medical district make Sleepy Hollow a superb choice.

3. Plemons-Eakle

Step back in time with the historic neighborhood of Plemons-Eakle. This neighborhood is replete with grand 1920s houses telling tales of Amarillo's past. With an eclectic blend of different architectural styles, it offers a visual treat for historical and architectural enthusiasts. Plemons-Eakle is also within walking distance to downtown Amarillo which offers an array of entertainment, shopping, and dining options.

4. Belmar

Easy accessibility, convenient facilities, and amicable vibes makes Belmar an excellent neighborhood to consider. Belmar is home to a diverse community and located in the heart of Amarillo, making your commute to any part of town easy as pie. The neighborhood is also close to multiple schools, grocery stores, and Amarillo's largest park - The Medical Center Park.

5. Wolflin

Wolflin is a classic American neighborhood that offers charm, tradition, and character. The vintage appeal of homes constructed in the early 20th century creates a unique atmosphere. The neighborhood boasts tree-filled lawns, brick-lined streets, and a buzzing community vibe. The close-knit community frequently holds events adding to the social life quotient. Wolflin also contains the scenic Wolflin Square filled with boutiques, salons, and plenty of dining options.

Whether you're in the hunt for a suburban paradise, historically rich living or a vibrant community vibe, you'll be sure to find it in one of Amarillo's top five neighborhoods. Each one has a unique character that will leave you enamored. So, start packing those boxes and prepare yourself for an exciting new chapter in lovely Amarillo, Texas!

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Things to Do

If you're planning on packing your bags and moving to the 'Yellow Rose of Texas', Amarillo TX, get ready for an adventure! Known for its vibrant cowboy culture, thrilling spectacles, and breathtaking panorastics of the sweeping Canyons, Amarillo holds a thrilling escape at every corner. Here are seven top things to do in Amarillo that will make settling into your new city a whole lot fun.

1. Explore the Mesmerizing Palo Duro Canyon

Often referred to as the Grand Canton of Texas, the Palo Duro Canyon extends 120 miles in length and 20 miles in width. Revel in the beautifully rugged landscapes, hike along scenic trails, or take a biking tour. Attend the popular "Texas" outdoor musical during summers for a slice of vibrant Texan history.

2. Visit the Quirky Cadillacs Ranch

Snap some Instagram-worthy photos at the Cadillac Ranch, a unique art installation featuring ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs buried nose-first in a wheat field. Grab a can of spray paint and add your personal touch to this piece of Americana.

3. Savor a Steak at the Big Texan Steakhouse

A move to Texas isn't complete until you've relished on the state's most prized dish - steak. Head down to the Big Texan Steakhouse and challenge your appetite with the 72 oz steak meal. Finish it within an hour, and your meal is on the house!

4. A Night Walk at Center City Mayhem

For an experience the average tourist misses, join the Center City Mayhem, a costumed midnight tour that showcases the reportedly haunted buildings of downtown Amarillo. Besides a generous sprinkling of goosebumps, you're guaranteed to learn fascinating history too!

5. Wander through Wildcat Bluff Nature Center

Marvel at the natural beauty of Amarillo at the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Bask in the simplicity of the vast land with its miles of trails, native flora, and fauna. It's a well-kept secret amongst locals and is a peaceful getaway from the bustle of the city.

6. Collectibles at the Route 66 Historic District

A stroll along the Route 66 Historic District is a must. This one-mile stretch is a haven of eclectic boutiques, antique and specialty shops offering unique collectibles. Refuel at one of many quirky restaurants and soak up the retro atmosphere.

7. Enjoy Local Brews at Long Wooden Spoon Brewing

If you're a craft beer enthusiast, the Long Wooden Spoon Brewing is the place to be. Their extensive range of flavors caters to all palates, and knowledgeable staff can even give you a tour of the brewing process.

Landing in Amarillo lets you relish a unique blend of rugged Wild West charms, eccentric art pieces, unexplored wilderness spots, and inviting local flavors that keep your life pulsating with action and thrill. Enjoy the ride!

Things to do in Amarillo, TX?

Find Movers for Your Amarillo Relocation

Having explored the delights and opportunities Amarillo has to offer, let's take the final step towards your exciting new chapter. Great Guys Moving could become your trusted partner in this relocation. Leaning on years of experience, a network of top-quality, insured movers stand ready to offer you a hassle-free transition, with competitive pricing to boot. Start smoothly by submitting your details and be connected to the right movers ready to service your Amarillo relocation. We invite you to tap into this efficient service. Why wait? Request your free moving quote from Great Guys Moving now.

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