the differences of Amarillo and Lubbock (Houston, Dallas: job market, construction, universities)

[desert sun]

Which city do yall prefer more-Amarillo or Lubbock.
I used to live an hour and a half from both in Eastern New Mexico and would go to both often,I havent been to either one in about 7 or 8 years.How have they changed and how are they different.

In my opinion from what I remember Amarillo is cleaner and Lubbock is more of the typical small west Texan town with more of the industrial look,am I right? it has been a while and I like both cities and would really like to move to West Texas so all would be good.

How is the job market in either city?

[shoe01]

As far as I know, Lubbock is bigger than Amarillo. Both are growing, and have a lot to offer. Lubbock has the big university and thus has more sports, clubs, bars, entertainment, etc.

Lubbock has taken steps toward revitalizing its downtown area and the university looks quite different from when you last visited. There's a new freeway under construction running from the SW side to downtown.

[case44]

I like both places, but am partial to Lubbock because it is larger and has a little more to offer. I think Lubbock does have a little bit of an edge in the job market thanks a few significant new developments, most notably the Lubbock Business Park on the city's north side. Amarillo has a transcontinental interstate (I-40) running through town east to west.

Some other differences:

Lubbock: three universities (you already know one of them), music reputation, rock-and-roll roots, more centrally located, steady population increase, strong convention city, business and financial hub in West Texas, improving freeway network and infrastructure, three wineries, cotton farming, airport recently renamed for former Texas governor, prairie dogs, abundant sunshine, water supply comes from nearby aquifer, lots of revitalization downtown and near Tech, conversion of old Reese AFB into a technology center, minor league hockey, windmills, horizontal traffic signals, and dust storms. But they don't have a zoo.

Amarillo: strong livestock and ranching business, Palo Duro Canyon, loop is not at freeway grade (with a couple of exceptions), moderate population gains, most snow in Texas in the winter, historic Route 66, vertical traffic signals (although that's slowly changing with the rest of the state), a certain 72-ounce steak, immediate transcontinental interstate connections, minor league baseball, airport recently renamed for a native son who perished in the 2003 Challenger explosion, good tourist city. They do have a zoo.

Economically and culturally, I'll give the edge to Lubbock.

[Tumble-weed]

Whenever anyone tells me that Amarillo is ugly, my response is, "Then you've never been to Lubbock."

[blueskies49]

Case, what do you mean about the vertical traffic signals changing with the rest of the state?

[GayleTX]

I've lived in both cities and I much preferred Lubbock. Seems more citified and civilized to me.......maybe because of the strong Texas Tech influence. I-40 almost dominates Amarillo...along with all the trucks and truck stops.

As for the 'zoo' in Amarillo.......not what most people would call a real zoo. More of refuge for a few wild animals (unless they've built something since I left 2 years ago). The museum in Lubbock (on campus) is very good, and there are lots of activities (concerts, etc) on campus that are open to the public for very reasonable prices.

[JamesAbilene]

I have always preferred Amarillo, but that is probably because I grew up near it. I agree it seems cleaner, downtown looks more like a city. Lubbock seems more industrial. I hesitate to say this, but I have always thought of Amarillo as a small Dallas and Lubbock as a small Houston. (I am not talking about weather; I am talking about the feeling I have when I am in each city and the attitudes of the natives. I am sure I will be beaten up over this statement, but it is my opinion and my feeling.)