Rapid growth from the dairy industry in a northern Panhandle hub
Unlike many other Panhandle cities, Dalhart's population has been consistently growing for decades. It especially jumped in 2006, when California-based Hilmar Cheese Company opened its second plant in town. "Overnight our economy and our housing market doubled, just from that announcement. Pre-Hilmar, we were just an average Panhandle town. We had an average market, and we were nothing really special, per se," says Alfonso Venegas, Realtor for Top of Texas Real Estate and secretary for the Dalhart Economic Development Corporation. "It's pretty safe to say that we are one of the only Panhandle towns that can compete with prices in Amarillo." Home to 8,300 people and counting, the seat of Dallam County is poised to keep growing with dairies, new schools and park developments as long as housing developers can keep up.
Dalhart, a city in Dallam and Hartley counties, is in the U.S. state of Texas.
Hilmar Cheese Company’s new production plant in Dalhart will offer many jobs to locals.
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Free barbecue for all at the XIT Rodeo and Reunion
Dalhart's heritage is rooted deeply in the ranching history. "The sale of this land actually funded 100% of the Texas State Capitol Building," Venegas says. "The guy who bought it called it XIT Ranch, and it's kind of just been our heritage since." That lives on today through fixtures like the XIT Museum and Dalhart's main annual event, the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. The event is free to attend and features a lineup of cattle roping events, not to mention live music, a parade and the world's largest free barbecue, where brisket is served to anyone who wants it, no cash needed and no questions asked.
Visitors enjoy the free XIT Museum in Dalhart for its local history and various exhibits.
The XIT Rodeo in Dalhart hosts cattle roping, live music, a parade.
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Long commutes from outside the city to Hilmar Cheese Co. and dairies
Dalhart's ranching heritage is also shown in its healthy supply of dairy industry employers. But due to a housing shortage, many residents are forced to commute from up to an hour and a half away, which can create some slowdowns at busy intersections and train crossings on the U.S. Highways intersecting Dalhart. "There is a plan to connect Dumas and Dalhart with a full four lane highway," Venegas says. Major employers also include the Dalhart Independent School District and Dalhart's multiple medical facilities.
Hilmar Cheese Company, a major employer in Dalhart, may involve long commutes for some locals.
Dalhart’s ranching heritage is represented by a robust presence of dairy industry employers.
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A highly competitive rental market and single-family pricepoint
There isn't much new construction happening in Dalhart. Most listings are for established ranch-style homes, cottages and snout houses from across the 20th century. "Dalhart has never really been super big on developing huge, new neighborhoods. We have had some, but not at a big scale at all," Venegas says. But the real challenge is for renters. "We cannot keep a rental open for more than, like, a week, really, just because of the need we have," Venegas says. Despite this, Dalhart offers competitive prices for the region. The median price of a single-family home is around $225,000 while Amarillo sees a median of $247,000. Pricing data for rentals is not currently available.
Well-maintained ranch-style homes are widely available for locals in Dalhart.
Larger modern brick traditional homes are common throughout Dalhart city.
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New intermediate school planned for Dalhart ISD
Students are zoned for Dalhart ISD, which has a Niche score of B-minus. The district oversees roughly 1,700 students. Students are split between four school levels, and the town's intermediate school is also its oldest, prompting the construction of a replacement intermediate school, given the recent growth. "Shortly after Hilmar, a new high school was built," Venegas says.
Dalhart Children's Elementary School is a quality school located in Dalhart area.
The Dalhart High School offers the Dalhart neighborhood a dynamic learning environment.
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Upgraded playgrounds and walking trails at Rita Blanca Lake
All play structures in Dalhart's seven city parks have received upgrades within the last two years, partly the result of town fundraiser events. Of all the city's parks and recreational facilities, the walking trails, campgrounds and splashpad surrounding Rita Blanca Lake are among the most visited. "It's just a nice little nature escape that you wouldn't expect for a town in the Panhandle," Venegas says. Twisted Elms Golf Club, a public 18-hole course, is also popular with golfers and gamers who visit the clubhouse bar's billiards room.
Rita Blanca Lake Park in Dalhart has a well maintained play set for kids to enjoy anytime.
The public 18-hole Twisted Elms Golf Club is a popular spot for golfers in Dalhart.
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Downtown business development and chain options
City leaders and organizations like the Dalhart EDC have helped the local business economy with numerous business grant programs and opportunities like monthly networking events. Most commercial activity takes place either in Dalhart's red brick main street downtown, or along major thoroughfares like U.S. 54. The downtown area is home to numerous antique stores and other shops, churches, theater houses and cafes. Major thoroughfares tend to be more for chain stores and restaurants, as well as supermarkets.
In Dalhart’s downtown, locals can find unique gifts at B Whimsy.
Dollar General Market in Dalhart offers daily groceries for locals to shop.
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Low environmental risks and declining crime
Dalhart is split between Dallam and Hartley counties, but locals don't find this affects much in the day-to-day. According to the FEMA Risk Index, both counties have relatively low risk of environmental hazards, with some exceptions being droughts and cold waves. There is also a mild-to-moderate risk of wildfires.
FBI data shows Dalhart has rates of property and violent crime that are generally above state and national figures. But most forms of both property and violent crime have been falling since 2016, although there was an uptick in motor vehicle thefts over the last 2 years.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Chon Kit Leong
Video By
Matt Ferguson
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SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY in Dalhart PRICED TO SELL! Dalhart needs rentals and this property will provide a great return on the work needed to be put into it, as it has a house, a shop, 2 efficiencies, and 20+ rental units! Less than 5 minutes from grocery stores, post office, downtown, etc! Just under an acre so lots of opportunity with this one!
This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features new flooring throughout the living room, hallway, and all three bedrooms, creating a clean, cohesive look with no carpet. The primary bedroom has been remodeled, providing a refreshed space. The backyard includes a storage shed, offering additional storage and a newly installed fence along the alley side for added privacy.
Situated in one of Dalhart's most desirable neighborhoods, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers space, comfort, and versatility. An office and finished basement provide room for work, play, or family gatherings, while open living areas flow seamlessly for everyday life or entertaining. The primary suite features patio access, a bright shower, and a double vanity, while additional bedrooms are
Great opportunity for investors or those looking for a great deal and a large shop. This property features a home that need TLC due to fire damage, offering a blank canvas to make it your own. The large shop on the property is full of potential, complete with a bedroom and a bathroom. Bring your vision and turn this property into something special. Selling as- is.
Great opportunity to own acreage just outside Dalhart with endless potential! This property features a shared water well and wide-open space, offering the perfect setting for country living. No electricity is currently in place, allowing you to customize utilities to fit your needs. Ideal for residential or commercial use, this tract would be a great location for a shop, barndominium, or
Great opportunity to build in a desirable, established neighborhood. spacious lot with plenty of room for your dream home, conveniently located in on a quiet street.
Great opportunity to own acreage just outside Dalhart with endless potential! This property features a shared water well and wide-open space, offering the perfect setting for country living. No electricity is currently in place, allowing you to customize utilities to fit your needs. Ideal for residential or commercial use, this tract would be a great location for a shop, barndominium, or
Built in 2021 and completely move-in ready, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is the kind of place that just works. From the moment you walk in, the layout feels open and easy, with a natural flow that makes everyday living – and entertaining – feel effortless. The main living space connects seamlessly to the kitchen and dining area, giving you plenty of room for hosting friends, casual dinners, or
Gracefully set on an expansive corner lot in the heart of Dalhart, this fully reimagined 1958 Texas ranch blends timeless character with refined modern updates. Generous living spaces flow effortlessly, featuring an additional family room and a split floor plan that offers both openness and privacy. Designed for entertaining and everyday living, the main areas connect seamlessly to a large deck
Great opportunity to 5 Acres just outside Dalhart with endless potential! This property features a shared water well and wide-open space, offering the perfect setting for country living. Ideal for residential or commercial use, this tract would be a great location for a shop, barndominium, or homesite. Enjoy the privacy of rural living while still being conveniently located near town. Don't miss
Great opportunity to own acreage just outside Dalhart with endless potential! This property features a shared water well and wide-open space, offering the perfect setting for country living. No electricity is currently in place, allowing you to customize utilities to fit your needs. Ideal for residential or commercial use, this tract would be a great location for a shop, barndominium, or
If you've been searching for an affordable 4-bedroom home with room to truly spread out, this one might be exactly what you've been waiting for. From the moment you walk in, the oversized living room stands out - there's space here for everything from quiet evenings to full gatherings without ever feeling cramped. Just beyond, an additional family room gives you that extra flexibility buyers are
Stoneleaf at Dalhart is an affordable luxury community created with a vision of lifestyle, convenience and neighborhood character. We know you will be proud to be apart of StoneLeaf at Dalhart Apartment community. StoneLeaf community feature are: Fully appointed Clubhouse with game tables. Sitting area with T.V. Playground with picnic tables & BBQ grills, Fitness Center. Business Center, On-site
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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.
