Reviews & Comments
Amarillo, TX
So glad I got out of here! -
3/17/2013I unfortunately spent my first 18 years in this city. On a positive note, growing up here taught me not to take more lively, active cities for granted. Had I grown up on the coast, in the mountains, or in a sprawling metropolis, I probably wouldn't appreciate it as much. That being said, everything else about Amarillo is quite depressing. It's extremely segregated, wildly lacking in diversity, and a culturally-poor city. In terms of economy, this place leaves much to be desired. The majority of jobs here are low-paying, service occupations, and if this trend continues, I can see the area having major financial problems in the future. The scarcity of water is another thing to monitor. Not many people want to live here, and that's why the major high-tech and creative industries are not blowing up here. Salaries are low, education levels are low, and crime is fairly high for a city it's size in this part of the country. Recreational opportunities are practically non-existent, and attractions are few and far between. The Texas Panhandle is really just a flat, dead, dry, desolate wasteland. Only a few months of the year really offer attractive weather. The summers are scorching hot and the winters are freezing cold. If you're looking for a music scene or an emphasis on the arts/entertainment, you will be sorely disappointed. The low cost of living and lack of traffic are both positive aspects. You can get anywhere in about 10 minutes..not that there's many places you would really want to go.