5 Reasons to Move to Lubbock

Whether it be a career move or relocating to a new city, there is no better time to head west to Lubbock, Texas. Known as the “Hub City” for being the core of education, healthcare, agriculture, technology and manufacturing in the West Texas region, current and prospective residents are met with endless opportunities in rising industries such as tech and the varying trade avenues. Not only is Lubbock well-equipped with a healthy economy and big-city resources, but it is also the fastest-growing, mid-sized metro in Texas. Find out the top five reasons why you should consider the “Hub City” as your next move! 

Affordability

One of the most attractive attributes of a city is the cost of living, and Lubbock comes out on top. Being a smaller-sized city with a population of over 250,000, while also covering a metro of nearly 300,000, provides citizens and neighboring communities with the resources of larger-sized metros for a fraction of the price. Start-up costs are more affordable for businesses, housing prices are competitive and the cost of living rivals less-populated cities. Lubbock’s below-average cost of living opens multiple doors of opportunity for those looking to create a life in Lubbock. New residents will be pleased to find what makes Lubbock an attractive competitor is a sustainable lifestyle that is conducive to all. 

Industry 

Most notably known as the region’s hub for a diverse selection of sectors including healthcare, education and agriculture, the “Hub City” is an evergrowing metro area rich in opportunity. With a robust technology sector on the rise, software developers from across the country, namely the Silicon Valley, are discovering Lubbock as an attractive market thanks to the many resources inside the city including the Lubbock Coding Academy, Texas Tech University, the Innovation Hub at Research Park and South Plains College. 

Lubbock also boasts a healthy manufacturing industry as it is centrally located in the United States, in close proximity to the BNSF railway, has access to an international airport and is strategically situated between five major highways. Big-name distributors have moved their business to the 806, specifically in Lubbock’s Business Park and Rail Port, both just one mile from the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. These distributing locations make it easy to transport goods anywhere in the country. 

Speaking of transporting goods, the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance and Workforce Solutions South Plains recently invested in the South Plains College Truck Driving Training Program by donating new, state-of-the-art trucking simulators for students to obtain real-world training in conditions they may not be familiar with in West Texas. This is one example of the community’s investment into trade programs offered at South Plains College. 

Growing Workforce

With each passing year, Generation Z and millennials are well prepared and well-equipped with the skills required to enter into their sector of choice. Career and technology education programs beginning in middle school provide a non-traditional, yet highly respected route for students who may not be interested in attending a college or university. Higher education institutions like Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University and South Plains College offer four-year degrees and certificates to students. Upon graduation, entry-level positions are made available. In fact, more than two-thirds of jobs added in the past five years have been high paying positions. 

Lubbock’s workforce is growing significantly each year. In 2019, SmartAsset ranked Lubbock in the Top 20 cities where millennials are moving to as a result of the city’s economic growth potential, expanding job the market and notable work/life balance. Millennials are also approaching the age where homeownership is their next move. Due to Lubbock’s affordable housing market paired with the low cost of living, more young professionals are drawn to West Texas.   

Recession-proof City

Just as the recent concerns of the 2020 recession began to rise, Lubbock was named as a Top 10 recession-proof city by SmartAsset for its low unemployment rate, housing rate and low percentage of the population reliant on social assistance. Since the recent public health crisis, Lubbock’s numbers have increased slightly but the resiliency of the community has put the city back on track to the pre-COVID numbers. 

Programs like the City of Lubbock Public Health Emergency Microgrant Program and other financial assistance opportunities offered local business owners and sole proprietors a way to offset any financial burdens they may have experienced due to the effects of the pandemic. Although it didn’t cover the losses in their entirety, the assistance of these programs helped our community rebound from these hard economic times. The microgrant program was the first of its kind in the state of Texas and played a key role in the creation of similar programs offered by other cities. Lubbock takes pride in its citizens and believes that a healthy community leads to a flourishing future. 

Quality of Life

It would be remiss to not mention the emerging culture, thriving social scene and exceptional work/life balance. As Lubbock’s median age remains at 29 years old, the city’s progressive future reflects the priorities of the millennial generation. More bike lanes have been added as well as dog parks created. Known as the leading producer of wine grapes and home to seven award-winning wineries, Lubbock is no stranger to a good time. While we may have mastered the art of wine, the craft beer scene is on the rise and worthy of mentioning. 

Lubbock is also home to the first designated cultural arts district in the state as well as a booming music industry. While the city’s roots pay tribute to Lubbock’s own Buddy Holly, we are no stranger to up-and-coming talent featured on stages throughout the city any night of the week. The nightlife in the “Hub City” is comparable to that of a larger city, while maintaining an intimate feel. 

Aside from being an ideal place to play, Lubbock has built a city where people want to live and work, and that isn’t because of the guaranteed commute of no more than 20 minutes on a heavy traffic day. As you consider where to make your next move, consider the “Hub City!” 

“With the relationship we have with TTU, it’s easy to do business here, you can get around, you don’t have to sit in traffic.”

Dan Pope
Former Mayor of Lubbock