Monahans blends convenience with a slower pace of life
The city of Monahans sits in the center of the Permian Basin, amid the busy West Texas oil industry, halfway between tiny Barstow and growing Odessa. This community’s accessible, middle-of-the-road status is the main draw for many of its 7,900 residents. Those who work in Barstow often choose Monahans for its larger number of amenities, while those who do business in bustling Odessa will often opt for this community's slower pace. “Monahans still has that homey feel,” says Kelly Clark, a Realtor with eXp Realty who sells throughout the Permian Basin. “If you want a small town [lifestyle], it is a great small town.”
Ranch-style and New Traditional homes are most common
Two- and three-bedroom ranch-style and New Traditional homes are most common. They sit close together on petite lots dotted with mature trees. Residential streets are wide and typically lined with sidewalks. Prices range from $140,000 to about $450,000. Land is also available, for those looking to build new homes, with prices ranging from around $30,000 for a quarter-acre to $70,000 for 2 acres.
Kids attend B- and C-rated schools, Friday night football is big
The Monahans-Wickett-Pyote Independent School District (ISD) serves the city and rates a B-minus on Niche. As of the 2025-2026 school year, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD started enforcing Texas House Bill 1481, which prohibits students from having cell phones or any other personal communication devices on campus during the school day.
Kids attend either B-rated Tatom Elementary or C-plus-rated Parkway Elementary, then move on to C-plus-rated Walker Junior High and B-rated Monahans High. The Loboes, Monahans High’s football team, plays at Estes Memorial Stadium and whose games draw big crowds. “This is West Texas, so Friday night football and cheering on the Loboes is a big thing in town,” Clark says.
Outdoor fun includes parks, sports and a unique sand dune park
Green spaces like Hill Park and Rudy Park offer playgrounds and room to run. Allen Park and Pearson Park have open fields dotted with trees and benches. Ward County Sports and Rec offer sports leagues to join for residents of all ages. The Monahans Kids Zone (MKZ) Playground on the city’s east side features a splashpad, basketball court and shaded play equipment. Golfers tee off at the semi-private Ward County Golf Course which offers an 18-hole layout. Monahans Sandhills State Park, acres of sand dunes that is also known as “the largest beach without an ocean,” where visitors hike, ride their horses and “sled” down the high peaks on sand discs.
Residents shop and dine local and head to Odessa for more
This area is home to a Lowe’s Market and a Super Chihuahua. Additional shopping can be found at Dollar General, Family Dollar, Beals, Ace Hardware and Dollar Tree. Dining out options include Bar H Steakhouse, a local spot serving steak, seafood and burgers; and Howard’s Drive-In, a Monahan’s mainstay since 1964 that offers a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches. “It’s iconic,” Clark says. “They have the best green chili patty melts you will ever put in your mouth. Whenever I’m in town, I will go there for lunch.”
Ward Memorial Hospital is on the city’s east side. More shopping, dining and health centers are in nearby Odessa.
Residents gather for regular Chamber-sponsored events
The Monahans Chamber of Commerce hosts regular community events, like a scarecrow decorating contest in the fall, a Christmas parade in early December, and the Spring Street Jam, which takes place in March and features live music, food and craft vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Seasonal events bring neighbors together throughout the year
Monahan lacks a fixed bus route, so residents mostly get around by car. Interstate 20 runs through the city’s south side and connects to Odessa and other cities. Rory Hurd Memorial is a municipal airport on the west side and is used primarily for private aircraft and small corporate jets.
Monahans sees regular hail and few tornadoes
Monahan is near Tornado Alley but doesn’t experience many tornadoes. However, it does experience regular hailstorms that can cause damage to homes and vehicles.
