Amarillo, TXBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Amarillo captures the essence of the Lone Star State, from its rugged beauty to its warm Southern hospitality. With stunning sunsets and a thriving business district, the city uniquely blends Texas heritage and modern amenities.
Amarillo, TX, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
You can breathe easy in Amarillo, TX, where the altitude, combined with a consistent breeze, gives way to some of the cleanest air in the country. Located in the Texas Panhandle and full of sunshiney days and endless amenities, it’s no surprise that Amarillo is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Outdoor-loving locals have access to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which has the second-largest canyon in the United States, and arts and culture enthusiasts have plenty of museums to explore, including the admission-free Amarillo Museum of Art, which has a cool pop art exhibit, outdoor sculpture garden and more. And you betcha — there’s reason to brush off your cowboy boots (or buy a pair): The Amarillo Civic Center hosts the World Championship Ranch Rodeo.
Amarillo’s low cost of living and diversified economy also appeal to potential residents. Amarillo is an agricultural powerhouse with 14 million acres of farm and cropland. But industries like aerospace, biosciences and tech are also growing.
Finally, the friendly community in Amarillo will make you feel right at home. The city embraces a strong sense of community spirit, provides support for local businesses and hosts a variety of community-focused events.
Amarillo, TX Quality of Life LivScore
Amarillo, TX Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Environment
Transportation
Amarillo ranks highest for housing, environment and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Amarillo, TX
Summers are hot, and winters are cold, but the Texas Panhandle is windy. In case you were wondering, it does snow in Amarillo, and often in the spring. The average highs and lows are 90°F and 63°F (summer) and 52°F and 24°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Amarillo is 18 inches. Though it seems unexpected that a Texas city would receive that much, Amarillo’s snowiest months are December through February.
The average annual rainfall in Amarillo is 20 inches.
Amarillo averages 260 sunny days a year.
Go camping or glamping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, considered the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” It has 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and outdoor musicals in the summertime.
Amarillo Weather
260 days
Average Annual Sun
20 inches
Average Annual Rain
18 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Amarillo, TX
In 1893, Amarillo’s population was listed as “between 500 and 600 humans and 50,000 head of cattle.” Today, Amarillo is home to more than 200,000 humans.
Cadillac Ranch, one of the most famous roadside attractions along Route 66, is in Amarillo. Seeing the row of 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs positioned nose-down in a field is free.
Take classes focused on ladybugs, butterflies and more at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens or go roller skating at Skate Plex.
Movie nights are even better outdoors. Enjoy a double feature at Tascosa Drive-In Theater.
The Local and State Economy in Amarillo, TX
Agriculture and livestock, energy and natural resources, and transportation and logistics are among the largest industries in Amarillo. The largest employers in the city are Amarillo Independent School District, Tyson Foods, Inc. and CNS Pantex.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Amarillo is 8.25%.
No, Texas does not have a state income tax.
Some top hospitals in Amarillo include the Physicians Surgical Hospital-Quail Creek, Northwest Texas Health Care System-Amarillo and BSA Hospital. Northwest Texas health care System, BSA Health System and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center also serve Amarillo residents.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Amarillo, there are several higher education institutions within driving distance.
Quick Facts About Amarillo, TX
- Median Household Income
- $57,664
- Median Home Value
- $166,592
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,520
- Total Population
- 201,017
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $729
- Average Commute
- 16.57 minutes
Amarillo is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its robust local economy and diverse amenities. Read more about Amarillo and also check out a list of 8 reasons to move to Texas. Another good moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.