Amarillo, TX Reviews

Paradox in the Panhandle - 7/1/2007
This is my second tour in Amarillo, the first was 1979-1984. Like everywhere else, Amarillo changed while I was away. It is truly a paradox; some great things, some horrible things and the normal day to day stuff you find anywhere.
First the good; Healthcare is a main employer in the area with continued expansion of facilities, physicians and good care. Baptist/St Anthony's rated as a top hospital. Several local physicians are on the Texas Monthly annual "Top Docs" list.
I relocated from central New Jersey this last time; Don't believe what Amarillans tell you about the traffic. There is none to speak of. I can get from the airport (far east) to the mall far west in 10-15 minutes any day, any time. No rush hour to speak of, minor delays for road construction and the like.
Summer nights are the best in the world-Cool temps (high 60s-70s) low humindity and often a nice breeze.
Sunsets are legendary. If you are a photographer spend one season here and Read More

constant visitor - 4/23/2007
I lived in a town about the size of Amarillo when I was a teenager. Couldn't wait to get out of there because there was nothing to do. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder. I travel to Palo Duro Canyon, close to Amarillo one or two times a week to mountain bike. I've lived in the area for 20 years and was introduced to the canyon by my son. It's a beautiful place with the plants changing in color almost weekly during the spring. My grand daughter and I discovered 11 different creatures in about an hour and a half including the first dung beetle we'd ever seen other than in a book. Of course the outdoors is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like that kind of thing it's the best in the Read More

Big truck stop - 3/7/2007
have lived here for almost 4 years now and I can't wait to leave. There isn't any entertainment unless you eat out at restaurants or go to the movies. (I have gained weight and seen almost every movie that has come out in the theaters.) The next biggest "town" for entertainment is Lubbock which is a 2 hour drive. Albuquerque is 4 hours away (gambling) OKC is 4 hours the other direction. The pay here is pathetic. Having a bachelor's degree means nothing when you get paid a quarter more an hour that someone doing the same job with a high school diploma. Houses are more expensive here than in DFW metroplex and gas here is notoriously the highest in the state. If you have young kids, it would be a great place to raise a family as there are activities for young children (Discovery Center, Wonderland, a zoo..) There are 4 seasons, which is good. The wind is a constant companion as are the rolling tumbleweeds in the Read More

Big truck stop - 3/2/2007
I have lived here for almost 4 years now and I can't wait to leave. There isn't any entertainment unless you eat out at restaurants or go to the movies. (I have gained weight and seen almost every movie that has come out in the theaters.) The next biggest "town" for entertainment is Lubbock which is a 2 hour drive. Albuquerque is 4 hours away (gambling) OKC is 4 hours the other direction. The pay here is pathetic. Having a bachelor's degree means nothing when you get paid a quarter more an hour that someone doing the same job with a high school diploma. Houses are more expensive here than in DFW metroplex and gas here is notoriously the highest in the state. If you have young kids, it would be a great place to raise a family as there are activities for young children (Discovery Center, Wonderland, a zoo..) There are 4 seasons, which is good. The wind is a constant companion as are the rolling tumbleweeds in the Read More

Nice Weather - 12/16/2006
four Read More

Amarillo or Lubbock? - 11/5/2006
I am considering moving to either Amarillo or Lubbock. I have family in New Mexico, and want to be closer to them. I want to pick the best place for a single female regarding decent job market, housing, good weather, social activities, low crime rate, friendly people etc. I would really appreciate any information anyone can provide.Read More

Great place to live - 9/24/2006
I've lived in Amarillo twice for a total of 35 years, but now live in Dallas due to a job change. I would move back to Amarillo if I were able. You get 4 seasons for the most part. It usually snows several times in the winter, sometimes as early as early Nov and as late as April. Most of the time it is only a few inches but every few years you'll get a foot or more. But usually melts off quickly due to the abundance of sunshine. The northers that bring snow blow in quick and leave quick. Fall and spring are beautiful. The least desiraeable part of the weather is the wind. Winds can be very annoying in spring and sometimes in fall. Summers are pleasant with highs in 90's but evenings and mornings cooling into the 70's and sometimes 60's due to the high elevation and low humidity. Amarillo is flat, farm and ranch country. Oil, gas, and cattle play a big part in the economy. Bell Helicopter is a large employer in Amarillo as this where they assemble the Osprey for the military. Read More

Get me outta here!!!! - 9/9/2006
Out of all the places that I've lived in the U.S., this is the worst. This city is stuck out in the middle of nowhere on extremely flat land. The natives here will readily admit that there is nothing to do and nowhere to go except church. Crime is high for such a small town; auto accident deaths are a daily occurence. Housing is expensive considering there is nothing to do here. The summers are dry and extremely hot; the winters are cold, icy, & very windy. Everyone here is sure to tell you that the people are nice and it's a great place to raise a family. Neither of these statements are true. These are probably the most close-minded, Bible thumping, people that I have ever met. If you follow the local newspaper's online blog, you will see that they have no tolerance for others opinions. They put emphasis on sports than academics, in the schools. We plan on leaving in a year when my husband retires. P.S. Jobs are few and salaries are Read More

Amarillo Gold - 7/13/2006
I have a love/hate relationship with this town.Most people "pass through" but never spend any time off I-40 and don't get a good feel of what this area has to offer.
I moved here in the late 80's while in nursing school. I continously plotted how to "escape" this arid, treeless, windy, boot scootin' menatlity infested town. As a travel nurse, I have left here NUMEROUS times for what seemed the greener pastures. And each time I have returned to the quieter, easier life style that Amarillo affords.
I have lived in many cities in many states. I have found many things in all of the places I have lived, for an extended period of time, that I loved and miss. I miss Houston's music,food and variety of things to do.But I don't miss the humidity and the traffic. I miss the Old New Orleans,but don't miss the humidity or high crime. I never felt safe moving about by myself. Its true that some cultural activities are in short supply, but our unique blend of culture is here as we Read More

Best than you think - 5/30/2006
The area getts a bad wrap for its weather but the truth is we have four great seasons and lots of Read More