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Why Move to Abilene TX

Why Move to Abilene TX

Abilene doesn't get the same attention as Dallas or Austin, but that's part of what makes it worth a closer look. The Abilene TX population has grown to about 128,000, making it the hub of the "Big Country" region, with the amenities of a larger city and genuine small-town warmth. In 2025, Abilene ranked #15 for cost of living and #13 for home buying nationally, and the city is only continuing to grow. Here at the Reserve at Abilene Apartments we love to explain why Abilene, TX is one of the best cities to call home and what makes moving to Abilene TX worth considering. 



1. Affordable Cost of Living 

Abilene's cost of living sits well below the national average, and that applies across the board. Housing, groceries, and transportation are all more around 12% less expensive than both the U.S. and Texas averages. If you've been priced out of Dallas, Austin, or Houston, Abilene offers real breathing room without asking you to give anything up. You still get solid shopping at the Mall of Abilene, a growing restaurant scene in the downtown SoDA District with spots like Vagabond Pizza and Cypress Street Station, and plenty of entertainment year-round. You get to keep more of your paycheck here without feeling like you've moved to the middle of nowhere. 

The Texas flag is waving in the wind.

2. Strong Job Market and Major Employers 

If you're looking for jobs in Abilene TX, you'll find a genuinely diverse economy that doesn't rise and fall with a single industry. Dyess Air Force Base is the city's largest employer and a major economic anchor for the region. Beyond defense, the job market spans healthcare, education, insurance, manufacturing, and a growing tech sector. A few major employers worth knowing about: 

  • Hendrick Health System, one of the largest healthcare providers in West Texas 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a significant local presence 
  • Great Lakes Cheese, Tige Boats, and AbiMar Foods on the manufacturing side 

The regional workforce tops 140,000 and generates nearly $7 billion in GDP, with trade, transportation, and utilities alone employing around 15,600 people. There's also growing aerospace buzz in the area, due to Abilene receiving funding from the Texas Space Commission for potential space infrastructure development. 

  


3. High Quality Education   

One of Abilene's strengths are its excellent education options at every level. For K-12, the two main public districts are Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD, both with strong programs.  

Abilene is also a true college town with three private universities (Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University), plus Texas State Technical College, one of the top community colleges in the state, and a Texas Tech Health Sciences Center campus. That's five institutions of higher learning in a single mid-size city, which says a lot about the community's investment in education. With over 25,000 students in the region, there's a new energy that keeps the city's culture, dining, and events scene alive year-round. 

A red tassel hangs from a black graduation cap.

4. Outdoor Recreation and Things to Do 

Abilene has more going on than most people expect from a West Texas city, especially when it comes to getting outside. 

  • Abilene State Park: 530 acres of hiking, kayaking, camping, and horseback riding just outside the city 
  • Abilene Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals across 16 acres, with a major expansion currently underway. Abilene Zoo is one of the go-to spots for spending a fun afternoon.  
  • Frontier Texas!: An interactive western heritage center that brings the region's history to life 

The Downtown Cultural District is walkable and full of character, with live music venues, local restaurants, craft breweries, and the historic Paramount Theatre. The Grace Museum is also downtown, with rotating art exhibits and a hands-on history gallery that covers the region's roots. Abilene calls itself the "Storybook Capital of America," with storybook character sculptures scattered across the city for residents and guests to explore. Seasonal events like the West Texas Fair & Rodeo draw big crowds, and there's usually something happening downtown on any given weekend. 

Four women walking on a path in a wooded area.

5. Friendly, Community-Oriented City 

People move to Abilene for the affordability or the jobs, but the tight-knit, neighborly culture is what keeps them. Residents consistently describe it as welcoming and refreshingly low-key, with a slower pace of life. The city's park system is a highlight, with free splash pads spread across town, providing a great way to cool off. Festivals and community events run throughout the year, from holiday celebrations to outdoor movie nights, and without the traffic and crowds you'd deal with in a bigger metro, you can actually enjoy them. 


 

Start your Next Chapter at Reserve at Abilene 

If Abilene sounds like the right fit, Reserve at Abilene Apartment Homes is a great place to start your next chapter. Choose from 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans with granite countertops, in-home washer and dryer, and energy-efficient appliances. Outside, you'll find a resort-style pool with a rock waterfall, fitness center, dog park, mini golf course, and volleyball court.  

Reserve at Abilene is pet-friendly and located just minutes from I-20, US-83, Dyess Air Force Base, and downtown. Schedule a tour today and see the space for yourself.