Abilene is a West Texas town established in 1881 and known as the "Home of the Friendly Frontier." Long before the Texas and Pacific Railway arrived, the area was a vast open prairie inhabited by Native American tribes and ranchers. The railroad's arrival transformed Abilene into a central shipping point, where cowboys drove cattle from surrounding ranches, making the town a bustling hub. As Abilene developed into a typical Old West town with saloons, general stores and trading posts, the oil boom of the 1920s further fueled its growth.
The railroad is still an important part of Abilene's identity, anchored in the middle of town while the city has expanded. Today, Abilene is home to around 120,000 residents and has embraced growth, particularly in response to Dyess Air Force Base. "We are very military-minded. Abilene throws a huge barbecue for military families. It's massive and held at our convention center," says Pam Sites, director of visitor services for the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. New housing developments and master-planned communities are emerging in the city's south side. "Although Abilene is a town of 120,000, a lot of the small-town feeling comes from the different clubs and organizations people are a part of," says Robbie Johnson, Realtor and team lead at Texas Lifestyles Group, powered by Epique Realty.
Abilene is home to three Christian universities—Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry — reinforcing its identity as part of the "Buckle of the Bible Belt." The city also serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding areas of the Big Country, a rural region of West Texas. Originally based on livestock and agriculture, Abilene's economy now relies on education, government, healthcare, manufacturing and petroleum. "Abilene sits at the cusp of the Permian Basin, one of the biggest oil reserves in the world," Johnson says. Abilene has preserved many historic buildings and is revitalizing its downtown area, maintaining its heritage through local museums, landmarks and West Texan cultural traditions. Abilene also earned the No.15 spot on Niche's list of the best cities to buy a house in America.
Frontier Texas! museum celebrates the rich history of the Abilene area in the 1800s.
A Union Pacific locomotive proudly displays the American flag as it passes through Abilene.
A World War II tank sits proudly on display at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.
ACU stadium highlights both the cityscape and the excitement on the field.
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Dyess Air Force Base is a major city employer
Abilene's gross domestic output is $7 billion, driven by key industries like healthcare, the military, education and manufacturing. Dyess Air Force Base is a major economic contributor, adding $3.6 billion to Texas' economy. Soon, Dyess will be among the first bases to house the new B-21 Bomber. "Our military is a big part of our community. Along with the B-21 Bomber, there's a training school coming for it, which is driving much of our military growth," Johnson says. Abilene also has three private, faith-based universities: Abilene Christian University (ACU), Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. ACU, the largest, has seen a 10% enrollment increase compared to last year and plays a significant role in developing the city's northside. Other major employers include Hendrick Health and Great Lakes Cheese Co.
Dyess AFB greets visitors with tradition and pride, serving as a cornerstone of the area.
Embrace the culture and art Sears Park has to offer.
The Dyess Air Force Base employs many locals around Elmwood.
The Dyess Air Force Base is just a quick drive west of Park Central.
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Downtown Abilene's museums and cultural landmarks
Downtown Abilene has seen major changes recently. Historic buildings now housing coffee shops, boutiques and new restaurants. The opening of the DoubleTree Hotel next to the Abilene Convention Center reflects the city's growth as a regional hub. The Abilene Regional Growth Alliance Downtown Initiative supports community development. "Our young professionals' program is one of the largest in West Texas, aimed at retaining and engaging young talent," says Cameron Sloan, talent & emerging business specialist for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The SoDA District (South Downtown Abilene) is expanding with new bars and small businesses, while Allen Ridge is a mixed-use development near Abilene Christian University. Big box shopping options include the Mall of Abilene and the Shops at Abilene, with stores like Target, The Home Depot and Walmart along U.S. Highway 83.
Several local museums offer a glimpse into Abilene's Wild West history. "You can take the Abilene downtown walking tour, led by a guide dressed as a cowboy who walks and talks the part," says Ashley Dimauro, senior director of operations for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Frontier Texas tells the story of the Texas frontier and serves as the city's visitor center. The Grace Museum, housed in a former hotel built in 1909, displays Abilene's art and fashion over the years. Local traditions are celebrated at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo, and The Historic Paramount Theater hosts local theater productions and classic film screenings. Abilene is also home to The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature and the city hosts the Children's Art + Literacy Festival annually the second week of June. Downtown Abilene also has art walk every second Thursday, and the Abilene Farmer's Market is on Saturdays.
Lytle’s Monks Coffee Shop offers the perfect setting for a relaxing chat with friends.
Downtown Abilene’s skyline is lovely at sunset, highlighting the charm of the Original Town.
The Abilene Zoo’s giraffes are always a favorite among visitors.
The famous bison skull sculpture sits in view as freight trains rumble through Abilene.
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Abilene's south side is rapidly growing with new construction
Abilene's housing reflects its historical roots in the north and ongoing growth in the south. "We have many rental properties for those on short military orders in Abilene," says Suzanne Fulkerson, owner and team lead of The Fulkerson Group Brokered by Real. Homes in the city typically stay on the market for about 56 days, slightly longer than the national average of 44 days. The average home price is around $267,000, marking a 5% increase over the past year.
Neighborhoods like Sayles Boulevard and Elmwood on the north side feature early 20th-century homes built closely together, creating a community feel. Prices in these areas range from $130,000 to over $300,000, with many homes passed down through generations. "When people move to these neighborhoods, it's for the long haul," says John Hill, Broker and co-owner of Barnett & Hill, who has lived in Abilene since 1998. "The trees here are old and big. People appreciate the historic houses with original floors and traditional designs." Meanwhile, the south side is experiencing new development, with modern homes and master-planned communities, including larger lots where some residents keep livestock. "Many of these neighborhoods have 5, 10, or 20-acre lots. People often have livestock like cattle and horses." Johnson says. These houses range from $500,000 to over $1 million.
Newly built homes line this street, adding a fresh vibe to the character of Original Town South.
Lytle Shores West features beautifully crafted homes, ideal for families in Abilene.
Far Southside Abilene homes feature grand designs and plenty of curb appeal.
The Quail Hollow neighborhood in Park Central offer's military style homes.
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Oscar Rose Park is a summertime hub home to Adventure Cove
The city's 27 public parks have a range of outdoor spaces spread over 1,000 acres, including sports complexes, splash pads, recreational lakes and trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.Known as the Storybook Capital of America, Abilene's Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden has sculptures inspired by children's stories. Redbud Park is the city's largest, with a prairie dog preserve. Oscar Rose Park's Adventure Cove is the city's only waterpark and opens in the summer. The private Abilene Country Club was established in 1921 and includes two 18-hole golf courses and tennis courts. The Abilene Zoo is located near the Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center. Just outside the city, Lake Fort Phantom and Abilene State Park provide spots for kayaking and boating.
Abilene's hot and dry climate makes it prone to droughts. In 2024, temperatures exceeded 113°F, the highest since 1885. Residents can check lake levels and water tables on a city website, which includes information on nearby sources like Lake Fort Phantom Hill and Hubbard Creek Reservoir. According to Risk Factor, the city also faces frequent tornadoes and dust storms, with a significant wildfire risk for the next 30 years. When it does rain, flooding often occurs due to an inadequate storage system, frustrating residents. To address these challenges, Abilene has introduced the Abilene Master Drainage Plan, which identifies 40 flood-prone areas, particularly near Cat Claw Creek and Elm Creek. In 2024, the city approved the Lake Fort Phantom Hill Master Plan to transform the 4,213-acre reservoir into a recreational hub.
The playground at Oscar Rose Park is a favorite for families, with plenty of fun for kids.
Adventure Cove on the south end of Oscar Rose Park in Sayles Blvd keeps the community cool.
Beat that summer heat at the Red Bud Park Splash Pad while in Over Place.
Abilene Sailing Association sets sail with the Jack Bryant Memorial Regatta in Fort Phantom.
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Wylie ISD earns an A rating on Niche
Abilene is served by Wylie Independent School District (WISD) and Abilene Independent School District (AISD). WISD covers the rapidly growing south side with nearly 6,000 students, earning an A rating on Niche. AISD, the larger district, serves around 15,000 students on the north side and has a B-plus rating on Niche. It is home to specialized institutions such as the Academy for Technology, Engineering, Math & Science (ATEMS) and Holland Medical High School, located at Hardin-Simmons University.
Wylie West Elementary School
McMurray University is located just southeast of Elmwood.
Wylie West Junior High School
Wylie High School
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Interstate 20 leads to Dallas in 180 miles
Locals don't experience traffic congestion. "In Abilene, you can get anywhere in 20 minutes. We like to say if you sat through a red light twice, you experienced our rush hour," Sites says. The city is served by Interstate 20, Texas State Highway Loop 322, and US 83, 84 and 277 to the west, with Loop 322 also providing access to the east. Abilene is easy to navigate by car and bus, with Abilene CityLink operating 14 routes six days a week. Abilene is 180 miles west of Dallas, less than a three-hour drive via I-20, which also connects the city to Odessa and Midland to the West. Abilene Regional Airport offers daily connecting flights to Dallas via American Airlines.
Crime and safety
Abilene's Uniform Crime Report indicates that violent crimes decreased almost 7% between 2022 and 2023. Property crimes fell by 13% during the same period. However, Abilene's overall crime rate remains above state and national figures. The Abilene Police Department has launched initiatives to improve community relations, including the "Chief for the Day" program, which allows residents to observe police operations and the Real Time Information Center. Additionally, Abilene Crime Stoppers enables citizens to send anonymous tips for potential rewards.
Melissa Sanches is a full time, full service real estate professional in North Texas, DFW and East Texas. She's an Honors Graduate of The University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a strong working knowledge of the local housing market. She has been blessed with being named a top listing agent for multiple years and invited to be a member of the prestigious rising professionals' network as well as inducted into NAHREP's National Top 250 Realtors. Her daughter, Preciosa Esperanza Lua-Sanches, is her "WHY" for being such a determined and ambitious REALTOR. She enjoys volunteering with her daughter's school, the local PTA, church and fundraising for multiple charities. She feels that her strongest asset is her willingness to listen to her client's needs whether it is in buying, selling, or leasing. Her goal is to have clients who feel confident referring her to friends and family. She specializes in residential listings, first time buyers, new construction, relocation, farm and ranch, commercial, and luxury transactions. So, give her a call and let her be your full-time real estate professional!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
