Lubbock’s High Quality of Life

When looking to make your next move, whether that be a career transition or change of scenery, there are a number of key factors that play into this important decision. From familial responsibilities like the quality of schools to a potential new city’s social scene, Lubbock, Texas checks all of the boxes and more. This year, consider exchanging the hustle and bustle of the big city and upgrade your downtown apartment to a spacious home in the “Hub City” for a fraction of the price. Lubbock offers an unmatched quality of life that attracts people from across the country and around the world. 

With a below-average cost of living, short commute times, thriving multi-business industry and an ideal location for young families, it’s no wonder Lubbock has recently ranked among the top cities across the country for best work/life balance, thus resulting as a top 10 city to raise a family in the United States.

We asked locals what they enjoy most about life in Lubbock, and although answers varied ranging from low cost of living, the major role that art plays in our community and the opportunities available to young professionals and entrepreneurs, the most common reply was the precious resource of time. Each second maximized is given back in more ways than one while going about everyday life in West Texas.  

Getting anywhere in the city is a short drive away! It’s time to exit the highly congested traffic during rush hour for an average commute time of 15 minutes from anywhere in the city. Thanks to the creative and innovative infrastructure design with the Marsha Sharp Freeway and Loop 289, your destination is only minutes away! Gone are the days of running late, you are now on West Texas time! 

The creative infrastructure design provides ease of access to an international airport. Between Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport and connection to five major highways, Lubbock is a centrally located city, making it more accessible for travel.

Not only does Lubbock offer a shortened drive to and from work, allowing for more time with loved ones, watching your child’s sporting event or simply perusing the shopping outlets at West End, it also boasts a competitive nightlife. With a world-class arts community and its recent opening of the state-of-the-art performing arts theater, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, and a happening Depot District spotlighting local musicians nightly, along with an up-and-coming craft beer scene and six award-winning wineries across the city, one weekend in the 806 won’t be enough.

Luckily for us, the American dream is undoubtedly attainable in Lubbock. Ranked No.1 in the state and No. 14 in the nation by improvenet.com, just over 15% of millennials in the “Hub City” are homeowners. With a national average of 11% in cities with populations over 150,000 residents, Lubbock’s above-average numbers are just one of the many qualifiers for making our city an ideal destination for the under-35 workforce. 

While millennials are at the tail end of young professionals joining the workforce, educational costs are continuing to follow the older millennials who are more stable in their careers. The high costs of owning a home may seem unattainable when coupled with student loans and other living expenses; however, in Lubbock, the below-average cost of living and diversity of available positions in a plethora of industries makes owning a home more feasible than other places in the state and across the country.

With an ever-growing population, the city has evolved into one of the most diverse economies in the state. From healthcare and technology to agriculture and manufacturing, to education and retail, each avenue continues to place Lubbock, Texas as the hub of the region. By offering a variety of valuable opportunities, the population of the Lubbock metro area has also increased significantly over the past decade. Recently named as one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities for economic growth potential, Lubbock proves to be a top destination to work and live.

An average of 265 days of sunshine per year and an arid climate make for the ideal circumstances to not only grow wine grapes but explore Lubbock’s scenic backyard. The adventure seekers will be pleased to meet the expansive landscape that offers an abundance of outdoor activities. The West Texas flatland has more to offer than one would expect. Explore the adventure found within Ransom Canyon, Buffalo Springs Lake and Historic Dunbar Lake. Each of these options offer a thrilling selection of outdoor adventure from hiking and mountain biking, to stand-up paddleboarding. For something slightly closer to home, Lubbock’s abundance of dog parks, bike lanes and playgrounds throughout the city are the perfect way to spend an evening with the family or get in your daily workout with the pup. 

The Lubbock Metro area offers all of the amenities, excitement and resources of a big city while simultaneously fostering the small-town feel families enjoy. While you are here, check out top-notch shopping and nationally recognized restaurants as well as a wide variety of local favorites. Our evolving culture is creating an environment where citizens want to live, work and play. As you decide to settle into our great city, join the thousands of others moving here yearly to create the prosperous community we enjoy today. Lubbock offers a uniquely larger-than-life lifestyle that continues to draw people in. Come and experience it for yourself!

“Jobs are what it’s all about. It’s about good jobs… It’s why our efforts around workforce development make so much sense… It is about the American dream.”

Dan Pope
Former Mayor of Lubbock