West Texas City with oil and gas industry job opportunities
About 80 miles south of Odessa is Fort Stockton, a city with a rich history. The area dates to 1859 when it was called Camp Stockton before being renamed Fort Stockton in 1861. It played a role in protecting travelers during the Civil War along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. The city is named after Robert Field Stockton, a distinguished member of the U.S. Navy. It continued to grow with the railroad's arrival in the late 1800s and is home to over 8,000 people today. That population has stayed steady over the past 15 years due to the area's ties to the oil and gas industry. "Oil and gas are the dominant industries in Fort Stockton," says Yvonne Rosas, a Realtor with eXp Realty. "Agriculture, education and healthcare are also major industries." Beyond the history and employment opportunities, other aspects bring homebuyers to Fort Stockton. "Compared to Midland and Odessa, Fort Stockton is smaller and quieter, with a lower cost of living," Rosas says. "It offers a more relaxed lifestyle but fewer amenities and entertainment options. However, it still has easy access to larger cities via Interstate-10 and U.S. Highway 285."
About 80 miles south of Odessa is Fort Stockton, a city with a rich history.
Agriculture, oil, education and healthcare are also major industries in Fort Stockton.
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Median price lower than Odessa and Midland
The median home price in Fort Stockton is about $190,000, lower than Odessa and Midland. "The market can fluctuate based on economic factors related to energy production," Rosas says. "Rental demand is also steady due to workers coming in for short-term projects." Most homes were built between 1960 and 1990, with few new construction options. Many here renovate their homes.
A stunning brick traditional ranch home common in Fort Stockton.
A quant and iconic two-story home with a wrap around porch found in Fort Stockton.
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Summers at the Comanche Springs Pool
James Rooney Memorial Park is the largest park in Fort Stockton. It offers baseball fields, a walking trail, a disc golf course and playgrounds. The park is also home to the Comanche Springs Pool, which has been cooling residents off in Fort Stockton since 1953. The pool hosts the annual Fort Stockton Water Carnival. The Matthew Quiroz Hero's Memorial Spray Park is another spot to cool off during the West Texas summers. Zero Stone Park is the original site of Camp Stockton and offers a gazebo and memorials. The park hosts the city's summer concert series. Golfers can tee up at the Desert Pines Golf Course, a public 18-hole course.
Locals of Fort Stockton can beat the heat at Comanche Springs Pool at James Rooney Memorial Park.
Locals of Fort Stockton can enjoy a round of disk golf at James Rooney Memorial Park.
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Fort Stockton Independent School District
Students attend schools within the Fort Stockton Independent School District, which earns a C grade from Niche. The district serves over 2,000 students across six schools. Fort Stockton's High School football games unite the community on Fridays in the fall. "High school sports, particularly football, are a big deal in Fort Stockton," Rosas says.
Students in the area can enjoy a great education at Alamo Elementary School.
Panthers take pride in Fort Stockton High School.
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Wine tasting at the Grey Mule Saloon
Local restaurants and boutique shops line Main Street, including the Grey Mule Saloon, which serves wine out of an 1880s watering hole for cowboys. Chain restaurants are along U.S. Highway 285, while stores like Walmart and Ace Hardware are along Dickinson Boulevard. The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, run by the Fort Stockton Historical Society, includes artifacts from the city's rich history. On the corner of Main Street and Dickenson Boulevard is Paisano Pete, an 11-foot-tall roadrunner statue declared a True Texas Icon in 2011 by Texas Highways magazine.
Locals can enjoy a much deserve drink after a long days work at the Grey Mule Saloon.
Live Music and good times at the Grey Mule Saloon in Fort Stockton.
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Long-running Fort Stockton Water Carnival
Every July, the Fort Stockton Water Carnival takes place at the Comanche Springs Pools. The event is the community's longest-running tradition and includes a parade, multiple pageants and a synchronized swimming musical production. During the winter, the city hosts a Christmas Parade, which concludes at Zero Stone Park with music and pictures with Santa.
Interstate 10 to El Paso and San Antonio
Interstate 10 runs through Fort Stockton and leads to El Paso, about 240 miles northwest, and San Antonio, about 310 miles southeast. Odessa is about 80 miles from the city, while Midland is about 105. The Midland International Air & Space Port is about 95 miles away.
Fort Stockton crime and weather
According to the FBI, both violent and property crimes decreased in 2023. Fort Stockton is prone to tornados, wildfires and extreme heat in the summer.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Austin Rowdy Winters
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carol Morrow,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Fort Stockton, TX sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Stockton, TX over the last 12 months is $217,450, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Your cottage awaits! This quant and cozy 3-Bed, 2-Bath home is ready to move in! Awesome detached garage included with a large shop area. Located near the park and all the shopping in town is also nearby.
This 3 Bed 2 Bath home is located on Callaghan St a sleepy well established neighborhood located near parks and other amenities.This home features solar panels to insure low energy bills as well as a Family Room with a fireplace, Formal living room, large open kitchen with custom cabinets & pantry, dining room, bonus room, 2 Car Carport, 1 Car Garage, Storage, Fenced Yard with irrigation system.
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FOR LEASE --- 2.02 Acres off of Interstate 10 - Warnock Rd Interchange Exit 264. Septic tank and electricity available for (2) RV's/Mobile Office Units. Plenty of parking for equipment and large trucks. Call today!!
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