The former cattle town of Colorado City is moving into the future
In the late 19th century, Colorado City had the makings of a classic Western movie: a busy rail hub and a rowdy cattle town where cowboys frequented the nearly 30 saloons. Today, agriculture, oil and gas help to drive the local economy, and the town is working toward growth on the heels of decades of population decline. Schools, a revitalizing downtown and outdoor activities are the pride of this small West Texas town. "Any direction you go — north, south, east or west — in about 75 miles you're going to run into a bigger city, and at some point I believe Colorado City is going to take off," says City Manager Donna Madrid.
Ranch-style homes on spacious lots
With a median home price of about $150,000, Colorado City is considered more affordable than surrounding cities. "Especially in Midland and Odessa, people who can't afford to live in those areas come out to these smaller communities like ours," Madrid says. "It's a rural community where people can live a little cheaper." Many homes are ranch-style properties dating from the mid to late 20th century. City lots range around a quarter acre, and outlying farms may include large parcels. Properties often include storm cellars to protect against tornadoes.
Early college learning in the Colorado Independent School District
The Colorado Independent School District, graded B-plus by Niche, is well-regarded for its athletic and academic programs. The district includes the B-rated Colorado Elementary and Middle School and the A-minus-rated Colorado High School, all on the city's northeast side. High schoolers can get a head start on college with dual credit classes. "They're always bringing in new programs for the kids where they can get more college experience," says Madrid, whose own kids attended Colorado ISD schools.
Shopping and dining on revitalizing Second Street
Boutiques, restaurants, cafes and offices are increasingly filling the 19th-century buildings on Second Street. "They have that old brick façade aesthetic from that era, so people are cleaning them up and bringing back that historic look," Madrid says. Bigg's Pizza and Grill is a local favorite with a varied menu featuring specialty pies, pastas, burgers and subs. Pumpjack Saloon, a bar, grill and music venue with three stages, is scheduled to open in 2025. Events are also taking shape downtown, like Main Street Market, where local artists sell their wares at the Civic Center. For groceries, residents can head to Lowe's Market.
Outdoor activities at Lake Colorado City State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy about 500 acres of open space at Lake Colorado City State Park. Easy and moderate hiking trails offer views of the lake, desert-like terrain and wildlife, including a possible 300 species of birds. Extending about 1,600 acres, the namesake lake is a venue for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish. The city maintains Fisher Park, which has a 1,100-plus-acre fishing lake. Ruddick Park and Paredes Park feature play equipment, picnic tables and open space. Ruddick hosts horseshoe competitions, free swimming at the pool, and a fireworks show for the Fourth of July.
Interstate 20 access to nearby cities
Colorado City has two connecting exits to Interstate 20, leading about 80 miles west to Midland and Odessa and about 70 miles east to Abilene. The route continues east to the Metroplex, about 220 miles away. Texas Highway 208, a north-south route, also cuts through town. Abilene Regional Airport offers nonstop service to Dallas, and Midland International Air and Space Port serves eight nonstop destinations in Texas, as well as Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver. Mitchell County Hospital provides emergency care and other services in town. Spartan Public Transportation provides
on-demand rides within a large 17-county service area.
