If you had to live in one of these West Texas cities. (El Paso: university, restaurants)

[Cowboybootnut]

I think it would be between Midland and Abilene. Both are good towns. I thnk I would have less problems for a job in Midland. However, Midland has a housing crunch. I think I would have more problems finding a job in Abilene, but there are houses available.

All of the twns noted are good towns. However, I am reluctant to vote for El Paso, due to border problems, and Amarillo/Lubbock, due to weather.

[duster1979]

Personally, I thought happiness was Lubbock, Texas in my rearview mirror. You can reach Amarillo by morning; but I should point out that out in the West Texas town of El Paso, I fell in love with a Mexican girl.

Oh, and Abiliene? Abilene, prettiest town I've ever seen. Women there won't reat you mean in Abilene.

[TXsurburbanmom]

Gotta jump in too:

I have some fond memories of San Angelo, and I've seen some beauty queens in El Paso. But the best lookin women that I've ever seen have all been in Texas and all wearing jeans...

Used that as the opening song for my 10 year reunion slide show at San Angelo Central

[Rathagos]

I'm partial because although I'm originally from California, and after visiting nearly 30 countries and living in 5 separate states during my 21 years in the service, I decided to retire in San Angelo.

As others have said - you have most amenities you want/need, and still have friendly people with the small town feel. Lubbock and Amarillo are too close to the panhandle and bad weather. El Paso is too crime ridden and over-populated. Midland/Odessa is just a bigger (and in my opinion dirtier) town to live in. Abilene is getting too big to be considered small town (which is what I prefer).

Based on those factors, and considering all the other cities I've lived in or visited, San Angelo was an easy decision for me.

[ggabq]

Originally Posted by Rathagos

El Paso is too crime ridden....

You do realize that El Paso is one of the safest cities in the United States, right?

[Rathagos]

Originally Posted by ggabq

You do realize that El Paso is one of the safest cities in the United States, right?

It wasn't on Forbes 2011 top 10 list of safest cities. (I'd post the link, but I'm not sure that's allowed).

It wasn't on Neighborhood Scout's top 100 safest cities list.

It wasn't on Business Insider's top 13 list of safest cities (using FBI statistics).

It wasn't even on City Data's Citytoplists for 100 safest cities.

Where did you get your statistics? I tried to google the FBI crime statistics, but couldn't find the data itself.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by duster1979

I was in Van Horn playing music last weekend. At around 90 degrees with sub-10% humidity and a stiff breeze blowing all day I thought it was downright pleasant, but the locals thought it was too hot so they moved a dance that had been scheduled outdoors in to an air conditioned venue. I'll take 90+ with no humidity over 80-90 with 95% humidity any day. Plus there's the additional discomfort caused by mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and other pests that thrive in humid areas.

I'll take the dry/no humidity, but I do like it to stay below 85, TYVM. I would have been grateful for the move to AC, LOL!!

[XXVII]

Stay away from Midland and Odessa.

Once you're here, you're here forever.

Seriously, it's a freaking black hole.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by XXVII

Stay away from Midland and Odessa.

Once you're here, you're here forever.

Seriously, it's a freaking black hole.

What a silly post. There is nothing wrong with either place, but if you don't like it, you are not "here forever." You can always move to where you'll be happy, and life is waaay too short otherwise.

[First24]

I've travelled to Abilene, San Angelo and Lubbock while my Dad was still in the military.

My choice would be between Abilene and San Angelo.

I like the vibe of San Angelo better. There's more of a college town and youthful atmosphere. I prefer the surrounding scenery over Abilene's. Both have military bases, which are pluses for me. The only drawback to San Angelo is that it's very isolated. Abilene being only 2.5 hours from Fort Worth.

If I had competing job offers, all being equal; I'd probably flip a coin, slightly hoping for San Angelo. I'd be content either way.

Edit.. Edit..Edit: El Paso would win by default though. Due to it's by far the biggest city of the group and would offer the amenties I'm accustomed to (air service, more diversified cultural offerings etc..). Plus, Ruidoso is nearby.