Paradox in the Panhandle
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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 just shoot the myraid of sunsets.
Palo Duro Canyon is 18 miles to the south-the best kept secret of the American West is this one of kind canyon environment in the middle of the flat plains. Cool, really cool.
Flat plains-few trees, views for miles, either you like it or you don't. It's either very "freeing" or incredibly depressing. Some get "island" fever.
Now the bad;
Economy is chocked full of service minimum wage type jobs. A year or so ago a consultant warned the city that in 15-20 years the economy would "worsen" significantly because of an uneducated work force and few opportunities. The only bleaker outlook in the state was the Rio Grande Valley.
Don't believe the population percentages. Potter County (northern Amarillo) is 47% hispanic. This includes a large hispanic culture of Spanish as primary language. The east end of old route 66, Amarillo Blvd, resembles Tijuana with primarily Hispanic signs and businesses.
20% of the population of Potter County is on food stamps. That lends to job market statistics.
Cultural events are limited to local ballet and symphony (hey, they try) and primary chain type eataries (Chili's, Applebee's, Olive Garden, etc, et al).
All of the above are fine if you are not accustomed to other opportunities.
Housing market is overpriced for job opportunities. Houses are higher for similar size found in Dallas/Ft. Worth.
Crime is a problem. Violent crime: murder, rape twice national average.
Property crime: twice the national average.
High percent
joseph | Amarillo, TX