Although Downtown Lubbock still features historic architecture and red-brick streets, it has changed considerably over the last 10 to 15 years. "This is not the same downtown that I remember," says Director of Libraries for the City of Lubbock Hannah Stewart, who has lived in Lubbock for over two decades. "The vibe is definitely up and coming. It's definitely getting more exciting. There's more to do and there's more to see." Following a 1970 tornado that destroyed much of Lubbock's core business district, many buildings were leveled. Those that remained have gradually been rehabbed, and Downtown Lubbock has seen a steady influx of trendy businesses and hotels, increasing job opportunities and constant cultural activities. To take advantage of this newfound energy, developers have converted older towers into apartments. "It certainly is mostly commercial and government," says Jorge Quirino, Director of Downtown & Special Projects for the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, of Downtown Lubbock. "But I think it's safe to assume there's more people living downtown than there ever have been."
Live music at Two Docs Brewing Co. and other entertainment
Downtown Lubbock has emerged as a destination for dining. Upscale modern eateries showcase the rising tide of trendy businesses, like The West Table Kitchen and Bar, a sleek, New American restaurant on the ground floor of the red-brick former Pioneer Hotel, now a condo complex. Breweries inhabiting former industrial spaces have also become a staple of Downtown, such as Two Docs Brewing Co., which has an outdoor patio with frequent live music. Some businesses have been bringing people back into Downtown Lubbock for over a decade, such as Cast Iron Grill, a popular breakfast and lunch spot known for its extensive menu of homemade pies. "What we're missing most down here is little bodegas and grocery stores," Quirino says, although there is a Walmart Supercenter just west of Downtown for weekly essentials.
Pedestrian improvements are creating better walkability
Lubbock is a largely car-dependent city and this is also true for its downtown area. Although there are sidewalks and crosswalks in the city center, train tracks, busy streets and the adjacent interstate limit walkability to nearby neighborhoods. Recent developments like colored crosswalks and pedestrian islands on Avenue Q signal incoming improvements to the area's walkability. "We are trying to figure out how do we get that imaginary wall between Downtown and Overton to disappear so that we see that constant flow of activity," Quirino says. "Another challenge we have downtown is that it's one square mile, which is huge for pedestrians." For public transportation, Citibus routes largely run around the downtown perimeter and converge at a transfer station on Broadway Street.
Dog parks and disc golf at Mackenzie Park
Downtown Lubbock does not have many parks, although there is plenty of parkland immediately surrounding it, most easily accessed by car. A trip east across the train tracks can lead to a string of public parks that extend from Mackenzie Park to Dunbar Lake. Mackenzie Park is the city's largest park and is among the most popular for its hiking trails, disc golf course, dog park and public golf club. Within Downtown Lubbock, there are plenty of indoor activities that are popular with locals. Plays, concerts and standup comedian acts are all frequently happening at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. Across the street, art exhibitions, classes and programs are frequently changing at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.
First Friday Art Walk and other frequent happenings
The First Friday Art Trail takes place monthly at the north end of Downtown Lubbock in the Arts District, drawing thousands of locals to the area's art galleries, breweries and cultural centers. New exhibitions, free experiences and live music keep things fresh, while food trucks and other pop-up activities add to the festivities. Other downtown events include Patio Nights at McPherson Cellars Winery, set in a 1930s-era Coca-Cola bottling plant, for small bites, live music and wine tastings al fresco. On the last weekend of the month, Friends of the Lubbock Library hosts their monthly book sale, where brand new hardcovers often go for just $1. "Their monthly sale will bring in thousands of visitors," Stewart says. "The children's book section down there is phenomenal."
Housing options still limited, but growing
Downtown Lubbock's residential development is still burgeoning. Over the past few years, some of the larger buildings that previously were unused or occupied by government offices have become rental apartments, such as the Metro Tower Lofts and Pioneer Condos. A tiny stretch of blocks with single-family homes in a Craftsman style sits in the southwestern corner of downtown, "but they're very limited," Quirino says. "It's just a few blocks of houses that are a bit scattered, and some are in better shape than others. It'll be interesting to see how that little area plays out." While the homes that have been maintained do not sell often, a few have already sold as investment properties for between $25,000 and $50,000.
New digs at Anita Carmona-Harrison Elementary
Young students in Downtown Lubbock begin school at Anita Carmona-Harrison Elementary, a school that opened in 2021. The school does not yet have a Niche score but does offer class sizes below the national average of 17 students per teacher. For grades 6-8, students attend Cavazos Middle School, which has a C-plus Niche score. Lubbock High School has an A-minus Niche score and offers numerous advanced academic programs, including AP classes, an international baccalaureate program and a bilingual diploma option.
Storms and shade
The southeast of Downtown Lubbock is a 100-year flood zone, meaning there is some risk of damage from high water levels. However, the most routine factors of everyday life in downtown are noise and a high average heat index, which can be particularly bad on streets with little to no shade. Although a major tornado has not hit the Lubbock area in over 50 years, the city is in Tornado Alley, elevating the risk of high-power storms.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,486
Median Age
37
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,304
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,906
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
74.8%
College Graduates
8.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
29.7%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
46/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
