Oil town in the Texas Panhandle on the cusp of resurgence
Roughly 55 miles east of Amarillo, the small city of Pampa was the childhood home of folk singer Woodie Guthrie, whose father worked in the booming oil industry. However, a lot has changed since the boomtown days. Today, the city of 16,500 is pulling itself out of a population decline, without losing its hometown atmosphere and traditions. New employers — including several in the tech sector — have come to town, paired with several new housing developments and school upgrades in the seat of Gray County. "The element of community is one of the things that brings people to Pampa," says Cortnie Patterson, director of the chamber of commerce. "As we're growing, we still hold on to the small-town community vibes of years and decades past."
The oil industry provides long-term employment for the city's residents.
Pampa has a population of around 17,000, offering a small-town feel with big industry roots.
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Data center brings new job opportunities east of Amarillo
One of the biggest recent developments in Pampa is a new data center for Florida-based Duos Technologies, which includes new job opportunities beyond the region's long-established industries. "We've been traditionally ag and oil, but a lot of the oil has moved out of town, and there's a big demand for technology jobs," says Ryan Bradley, executive director of the Pampa Economic Development Corporation. "But also electricians, plumbers, nurses, emergency responders — all those are in very high demand as well." Amarillo, a hub for shipping and agribusiness jobs in the Panhandle, is the largest city near Pampa. The two cities are connected by U.S. Highway 60, while Interstate 20, a major corridor for freight cargo, sits 25 miles south.
The city has several opportunities for small businesses to flourish.
There are many energy and tech companies in Pampa providing jobs.
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New subdivisions planned amid continuous custom builds
Growth in residential inventory is a recent trend for Pampa. "Our last major housing development, I think, was built in the 1980s, and then you've had a lot of custom homes in between," Bradley says. The median price for a single-family home is $150,000, substantially lower than in Amarillo. The comparably lower prices are a major selling point, and new subdivisions of suburban tract homes are being planned as more buyers set their eyes on Pampa. "We have a new one that just broke ground this year. Those houses are not currently on the market yet but will be within the next year," Patterson says.
Pampa's homes offer a peaceful lifestyle with a close-knit, friendly community.
The ranch-style homes in Pampa offer privacy and tranquil living.
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Church groups and Fourth of July festivities offer free, family-friendly fun
There is a resurgence occurring in Pampa's small business community largely due to the revenue generated by popular downtown events like PampaFest, a music and food festival now in its fourth year. Visitors come from all over the Panhandle to check out Pampa's Fourth of July fireworks and rubber duck race. Earlier in the day, the parade sings with community spirit as dozens of local church groups stream down Somerville Street. "We created the Pampa Hometown Independence Day Celebration a few years ago, and the basis of it is small-town, free fun for families to come out and just spend the day doing the kinds of things that we did as kids," Patterson says. "Amarillo is substantially larger than Pampa, yet people came in last year from Amarillo to our event versus the ones held there."
A close community of businesses
Downtown businesses like cafes, bakeries and comic book stores see a fair bit of activity on weekends, but during the week and in the evening, Pampa slows down. It's really during major events like the Pampa Hometown Independence Day Celebration and PampaFest that downtown traffic noticeably increases. But there's still lots going on beneath the surface – the Pampa Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly luncheons with member business owners, and the M.K. Brown Civic Auditorium hosts occasional concerts and live performances. Throughout the week, residents complete errands all over town at local businesses and chain supermarkets.
Residents of Pampa enjoy supporting small businesses
The Pampa Civic Center hosts events, including concerts, banquets, and community gatherings.
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New CTE campus planned for Pampa ISD
Pampa Independent School District earns a B Niche rating and oversees 3,400 students across 6 schools. In addition to daycare services, the district offers numerous career and technical education programs at all three school levels. Students can choose from various specializations, including agricultural science, cybersecurity, welding and many more. The district is ramping up the program with a major expansion to Pampa High School. "They're in the deconstruction phase, but they're about to build it out, and that will be a focus for performing arts and CTE, with a high focus on CTE," Bradley says.
Pampa has a strong educational system, with schools serving students from K-12.
Pampa High School is known for its excellent academic and extracurricular programs.
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Parks and trails along Red Deer Creek extend across the city
In addition to privately owned waterparks and country clubs, there are 42 public parks throughout Pampa. Red Deer Creek cuts through Pampa, leaving a continuous string of creekside parks from one end of the city to the other. A 3.5-mile hike and bike trail runs along the creek, making a halfway point at Central Park's busy playground. Smaller pocket parks are found throughout the city in residential areas, often busy with birthday parties and barbecues.
Pampa features several parks, perfect for outdoor activities and family fun.
Almeda Park offers walking trails and beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
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Hot summers for Tornado Alley
Along with a moderate tornado risk, Pampa often deals with extreme heat. Areas immediately adjacent to Red Deer Creek are also prone to flash flooding in heavy rainstorms, but most of the city is not in a flood zone. Local crime statistics are not readily available.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce
Video By
Scott Wiggins
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Pampa, TX sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Pampa, TX over the last 12 months is $140,000, down 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming brick home on a quiet street featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a 1 car garage. Great layout with good sized bedrooms, and a covered patio. Perfect for first time buyers, downsizes, or investors. Schedule your private tour today.
This brick home with newer fence is ready for a new family. Living room with wood accent wall opens to large dining area and kitchen. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms make it easy for a larger family to coexist. Master bedroom has a sunroom attached that could easily be a nursery, office or exercise room. A large deck in the back makes outdoor entertaining a breeze. Take a look at it today. New carpet
This inviting brick home offers plenty of space and versatility with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an additonal room perfect for home office or optional 4th bedroom. The large living room provides a comfortable gathering space while the kitchen with adjoining dining area is ideal for everyday meals or entertaining. A convenient utility room adds functionality to the layout. Outside, you'll find a
Welcome to Chaumont Estates, where charm meets luxury living. This brand new 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home offers 2,816 square feet of beautifully designed space, perfect for comfortable family living and effortless entertaining. Step inside to find expansive ceilings, an abundance of natural light, and a cozy fireplace that creates the perfect focal point for the spacious living area. The
A beautiful 30-acre expanse of prime grassland, thoughtfully divided into 5-acre tracts. This property offers an ideal canvas for those seeking a tranquil retreat, hobby farm, or custom home site. The land boasts lush, green pastures, perfect for livestock, agriculture, or simply enjoying the wide-open spaces. Each 5-acre tract provides ample room for building your dream home with plenty of space
Prime 7-acre property just north of town, located inside city limits! This versatile land is ideal for commercial development, a residential subdivision, or countless other opportunities. Plus, an additional 43 acres outside city limits is also available. Don't miss out on this exceptional investment!
Brick corner lot. 1 Very low traffic. Home features three comfortable bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing ample space for daily living. All electric. The single-level design offers convenient accessibility throughout.The property sits in an excellent location close to Pampa High School, making it ideal for families with school-age children. Central Park is nearby, offering recreational
Have you been looking for the just right home, one that has it all plus some? Here it is! Located in a quiet neighborhood we have this brick home that has two living spaces, four bedrooms and two bathrooms! One of those bathrooms is fully handicap accessible. It has a wood burning fireplace, perfect for those cold winter nights! The kitchen is handicap accessible as well, with an eat-in dining
FIXER UPPER! We just listed this handy-man special home that has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is being sold AS IS but has a lot of potential. This property is located in Front Prairie Village Park and has easy access to Hwy. 70. WE MAKE IT EASY TO OWN. This is a great opportunity! Don't wait, call us today to get more information on the owner's easy terms and smooth process that may be able to
Own a piece of Texas in the sweet town of Pampa! This property is 1 vacant lot, totaling almost a quarter of an acre in town! SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Drive by today and check it out!
Four-bedroom home on 3 acres just outside the city limits of Pampa, offering the space and freedom so many buyers are searching for. This property includes 1 full bath and two 3/4 baths, plus a detached 2-car garage. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a country feel while still having city water and sewer. The acreage provides room for horses, animals, gardens, or future projects, making this an
*** REDUCED *** PAMPA, TEXAS. FURNISHED HOME for LEASE3/2/1+ Carport, big storage building in privacy-fenced backyard. Storm shelter underneath a large covered patio with barbecue grill for those fun cookouts. Major and small appliances with cooking and serving ware. W/D. Convenient to shopping, schools and dining. Smoke detectors, CO2 detector and tested 0 on Radon tester.
Property Id: 2181853Make yourself at home in this charming 3BR/2BA Pampa beauty! Recently updated with a brand-new HVAC system and modern finishes, this home offers comfort, convenience, and character. The open-concept living and dining space is perfect for family gatherings, while the spacious fenced backyard gives kids and pets room to play. With a 2-car garage, plenty of storage, and a
Property Id: 2069823Remodeled, 3 bedroom 1 bath, mud entry room, isolated master bedroom, new paint, flooring, Central heat, stove fridge washer and dryer if needed but could be more rent as do pets. Fenced backyard. Pre-treated for insects. Everything checked out and inspected
Property Id: 23571122 bed 1 bath, fresh paint. Looks like he'll outside cause needs a roof but doesn't leak. Very small backyard. Wall heat window air. Rent $575 dep $300.
Discover the charm of this inviting 768 square foot home situated with easy access to the Amarillo Highway. This cozy residence features two spacious bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom, providing ample room for relaxation and comfort. Recent upgrades, including new carpet and ceiling fans, enhance the living experience while maintaining the home's classic appeal. Enjoy the convenience of
Immaculate Brick home in a great neighborhood! 3 full bed 2 full bath, Two living areas plus a sunroom. Large backyard with two storage sheds. Automatic Garage for 2 cars. Very clean and nice!
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