Lamesa offers an affordable, laid-back lifestyle in West Texas within an hour's drive of oil and gas industries in Midland Odessa and the Permian Basin. Over 8,000 people live here in the heart of Dawson County, but the population is decreasing by around 1% annually. Jim Archer, broker and owner of Steadfast Realty, says the decline is because most families are generational, and the population is shifting toward renters. "Because of oil and gas, you have an inordinate number of people that rent because their job could change, or their pay could change dramatically." Still, he describes the community as bonded, very involved in their churches and full of "school spirit." Local industries surround criminal justice work, social work, healthcare and the school district.
Large, brick homes for less money in Texas
The city's median home price is $170,000, far lower than the state's median. "There are a couple of areas in Lamesa that are very nice with huge estate-style homes. Some of those being older, some of those being [built] within the last 20 years," Archer says. "A home like that would be double or triple that in Midland Odessa," referring to estate neighborhoods in North Park and Park Terrace. Most homes here are large, brick ranch-styles with lot sizes ranging from less than 10,000 square feet to over 4 acres. New construction is rare, but there are plenty of lots for sale to build on.
Large brick-style homes abound in La Mesa.
The city's median home price is far lower than most other cities in the state.
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Highways, and no traffic, in Lamesa
Highways 180, 87, 137 and 349 flow through Lamesa, connecting it to the rest of West Texas. “There’s virtually no traffic whatsoever. Most of the commuting would be people driving to Midland Odessa to work.” Medical Arts Hospital opened here in 2009 and services over 80,000 residents within the city and county. Lubbock International Airport is around 70 miles north, while Midland International Airport is roughly the same distance south.
Small class sizes through Lamesa Independent School District
Lamesa Independent School District enrolls just over 2,000 students in and around Dawson County. The district is tiny, with only two elementary schools, one middle and one high school. “Because [it's a] small town, your kids have a lot more options,” Archer says. “Everyone gets a chance to play on the team. They need you.”
North Elementary is a great option for local residents of La Mesa to send their children.
La Mesa's High School offers all students more opportunities for sports.
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Rocky's Burgers is a favorite stop
Red brick roads from the early 1920s still circle downtown's old courthouse. The downtown area has its share of abandoned businesses but also houses insurance agencies, churches, a community theater and gift shops. Local eateries and fast-food spots line main roads and highways. "Everyone in the community eats at Rocky's Burgers at some point, maybe several times a week," Archer says. "They have a very affordable cheeseburger and a super dog." He adds that the city even has some food truck options now.
Rocky's Burger is one of La Mesa's favorites.
Most La Mesa residents mention Rocky's Burger as a local staple.
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The rumor is chicken-fried steak was invented in Lamesa
There’s a rumor going around in Lamesa. “This is like the Billy the Kid rumor, that he’s from everywhere in New Mexico, but supposedly the chicken-fried steak was invented in Lamesa, so [the city has] a chicken-fried steak festival every year,” Archer says.
Lamesa also hosts a small rodeo at its rodeo grounds annually. And for live theater, the volunteer-led Lamesa Community Players has spring, summer and fall shows downtown. Past shows include “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and “Cocktails with Mimi.”
Movieland theater has many live showings throughout the year.
You can find many older shops while taking a stroll through Downtown La Mesa.
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Duck hunting is a big pastime in Lamesa
Lamesa has 100 acres of parks available for public recreation. Forrest Park is the largest, comprising 50 acres, with a playground, sports courts and fields, a community building and campgrounds. Archer says duck hunting is a big pastime for this area. “Normally, friends and family will have somewhere you can hunt out in the county near Lamesa, on the outskirts of town.” Lamesa also has a municipal golf course and a public pool.
Forest Park in La Mesa is a go to spot for some disc golf.
The La Mesa Municipal Golf Course is in the outskirts of town.
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Lamesa's sandstorms and beautiful sunsets
The hot season lasts nearly four months here, and the cold season for almost three. "You can have the most beautiful West Texas sunset that you'll ever find," Archer says. "But when the wind blows, it can be a full-on sandstorm." In West Texas, it's not at all unusual for it to be 100 to 110 for a couple of months, Archer adds. He says Lamesa experiences frequent droughts, but it affects crops more than households.
Crime in Dawson County was up by 26% from 2023 to 2024.
La Mesa boasts with beautiful western skies.
You can find many fields of crops in the outskirts of La Mesa
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Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Yana Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
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