An agrarian Panhandle city with ongoing plans to revitalize
When the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company left Plainview in the early 1990s, the population of Hale County's government seat began to decline by approximately 3.7% year after year. Named for its vast, treeless expanses of prairie, Plainview has always been a hub for agribusiness roughly halfway between Amarillo and Lubbock. Many of its 19,400 residents still work locally at a variety of agricultural manufacturers like Azteca Milling or the Panhandle Popcorn Company. But other factors have also prompted local citizens and leaders to reimagine their small city's employment patterns, housing stock, schools and downtown area.
Plainview is known for its vast, treeless expanses of prairie.
A large portion of Plainview's population works locally at farms, schools, and other downtown locations.
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Low costs compared with Lubbock, but smaller inventory is prompting solutions
Plainview's median price for single-family homes of $175,000 is considerably lower than nearby cities like Amarillo or Lubbock. But leaders are looking to increase inventory in the city, as a large percentage of the workforce currently commutes from outside of Plainview. "We have hardly any new construction," says Realtor Kim Street of Street Real Estate. "We've got a lot of good, older, well built, larger homes." City council recently approved a housing market study to better understand obstacles for housing development in Plainview. Leaders hope the study's findings will help attract more developers, thus improving the accessibility of buying homes in the city.
Plainview's housing inventory is some of the most affordable in the geographic area.
Plainview is full of well-built, older homes that offer lots of curb appeal.
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New industries and commercial growth widens job opportunities
Plainview's highways move fast compared to those in other Texas cities, like Dallas-Fort Worth – traffic jams only tend to occur on Interstate 27 when there are accidents or ongoing construction. Longstanding agribusinesses and a Wal-Mart Distribution Center have sustained job opportunities for commuters across the city and surrounding county. A new chemical production facility and commercial developments are expected to build even more jobs. "Most of it is ag-based. Our school system, of course, employs a lot. We have a hospital here that employs a lot, and we have Wayland Baptist University," Street says. "We're also getting some new fast-food restaurants, which we're really excited about. We're getting a Chick-fil-A and Whataburger. So that's big news for Plainview."
New chemical plants and commercial production facilities have brought strong job growth to Plainview.
New development in Plainview is on the rise, bringing dining options like Whataburger and Starbucks.
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New welding program for Plainview ISD and public charter alternatives
Plainview Independent School District has a B Niche rating and oversees roughly 4,600 students across six schools. The district runs a career and technical education program that has been awarded numerous grants in the last few years, most recently receiving $10,000 to develop a welding program. Alternatively, some attend Plainview Classical Academy, a public charter school. "Plainview has a really good high school and elementary, but we also are a little unique in that we have a charter school. It was a Christian Academy, and they just turned it into a charter school two years ago, and it is growing by leaps and bounds," Street says. "They don't have to pay any tuition, whereas they did when it was a Christian school. And they almost doubled their enrollment from last year to this year." Wayland Baptist University, a private Christian university in Plainview, has approximately 2,100 students enrolled.
Wayland Baptist University, a private Christian university in Plainview, that offers a faith-centered education.
Plainveiw High School is fostering creativity and igniting curiosity in every student.
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Downtown's new boutiques and farm-to-table grocery stores
Plainview's downtown of wide, red brick streets has been gradually evolving with new businesses and community spaces thanks to its Downtown Main Street Program. Newer murals add a touch of color to the earthtone facades of western art deco buildings housing art galleries, cafes, haberdasheries and Mexican restaurants. "We've got some young women in our downtown area that have revitalized a lot of those buildings and brought in a little boutique for baby clothes, makeup, things like that. And that's been a really neat thing to see," Street says. Most commercial needs can be met along U.S. Highway 70, where chain restaurants, convenience stores, bank branches and animal feed stores continue west from the downtown area. Some locals get groceries from a Wal-Mart Supercenter west of I-27, while others prefer shopping locally at Frontier Market, which sources produce and beef from its 22-acre farm just east of Plainview.
Plainview's downtown of wide, red brick streets has been evolving with new development.
The Rusty Rose Boutique is one of several stores in the downtown Plainview area that are unique and lively.
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Second Saturdays for fourth-quarter fanatics
Plainview Second Saturdays are a monthly street fair put together by local businesses and civic organizations that helps raise funds and awareness for downtown revitalization projects. Other downtown events include an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and parade. Smaller scale activities range from church luncheons to child-friendly programs at the Contemporary Art Museum, to themed story times at the Unger Memorial Library. But one shared interest dominates this Panhandle community and there is no shortage of athletic facilities to accommodate it. "We're in West Texas, so sports are a huge thing," Street says. "There's a lot of really good football, basketball and baseball teams in our area. You know, we're a small town, so that's what you do – you go to sports games."
The Plainview Contemporary Art Museum showcases artistic expression in the heartland of Texas.
The Unger Memorial Library hosts themed story times for children throughout the week.
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Private-public golfing and swimming at Plainview Municipal Country Club
The city maintains 16 parks, spanning a total of 286 developed acres. These include large-scale athletic complexes like Broadway Park, downtown plazas like Millenium Park, an assortment of playgrounds and sports courts in residential areas. The city's municipal country club features an 18-hole golf course and pool complex, and dining memberships are also available. The Plainview YMCA and Hood Park's swimming pool and splashpad offer a place to escape the Texas heat.
The Plainview Country Club has an 18-hole golf course and pool complex that residents can enjoy.
Millennium Park is a colorful downtown plaza that is a beautiful spot for lunchtime in the sunshine.
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Crime rates falling in Tornado Alley
With its location in Tornado Alley, Plainview is subject to an occasional twister, which along with heavy thunderstorms create an additional risk of hailstorms. Most modern structures in the area are built with storm shelters.
According to FBI data, crime is trending downward. Plainview's rate of violent crime generally sits below state and national figures and is trending downward alongside rates of property crime, which are still marginally above state and national figures.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Hester
Video By
Victoria Sharpe
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A RARE find in Plainview Texas! The beautiful 2 bed/2 bath garden home is situated in the most beautiful, tucked away corner of Plainview. This home features oversized living areas, including a basement, a formal dining room, breakfast nook, and eat-in breakfast bar. This home has a few things you won't find in most: a generator for the whole house as well as 2 separate HVAC units, and a walk-up
Formerly known as The Bridal House, this unique historical home built in in 1905 features a main house with 4bedrooms, 2 baths, chef's kitchen, 2 fireplaces, 2 living areas, large dining room and unfinished basement. Covered patio includes hot tub and outdoor entertaining area which includes television. Updates include sewer, hvac, kitchen remodel and upstairs bath remodel. This property would be
Spacious Inside and Out! This Ranch home offers over 2300 sq. ft. of living space located on a large 14,000+ sq. ft. lot. The layout includes 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a family room with a brick fireplace, and a living room that can easily be converted to a 4th bedroom. The kitchen offers abundant cabinet storage, generous counter space, included appliances (oven, cooktop, and dishwasher), and
Discover a rare opportunity to own 7.5 acres within the city limits of Plainview! Located at 2700 SW 3rd Street and directly across from the beautiful Plainview Country Club golf course, this unique property offers space, versatility, and endless potential. The main home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, providing comfortable living space with room to make it your own. Outside, the property is
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring an open-concept design that creates a warm and functional living space. The large backyard offers endless possibilities for outdoor enjoyment, while the metal double carport provides convenient covered parking. With plenty of potential, this property is a great opportunity for its next owner.
Charming house with excellent access to everything in Plainview! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home features a spacious living area and a kitchen with plenty of storage and a dining space. It has attractive vinyl wood flooring along with some original hardwood floors. Additionally, there's a nice 20 x 20 metal workshop that includes concrete floors and an overhead door.
This great 2 bedroom condo is in an excellent location and perfect for your next home or for an investor looking for nice rental property. Both bedrooms are nice size and the master also has a fireplace. A second fireplace is in the spacious living room. With ample cabinet space, the kitchen features a ceramic tile backsplash and double sink. as well as an eating bar. The pretty cabinetry above
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled and meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 2,019 square feet of comfortable living space. Designed with both functionality and style in mind, this home features an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the main living areas—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The updated kitchen showcases modern finishes, ample counter space, and
Welcome home to this beautifully updated and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Plainview! Inside, you'll find a spacious living area perfect for gathering with family and friends, along with a large kitchen featuring abundant storage, generous counter space, and an adjoining dining area ideal for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Step outside to a large backyard
If you're looking for a country home that is still close to town this is the one for you! 1.98 acres, 3 bed/ 2 bath ranch style home with lots of potential. Barns, horse facilities, your own well and septic. The options are limitless! Old Chicago brick, well just redone with new pump. Insulated garage doors, metal roof. Red work shop, 14 x 20, storage shed 10 x 14, well house 7 x 7, Large Barn 26
Very nice, brick, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home with a finished basement. This home has a large living room with a fireplace, built-in bookcase, and a cathedral ceiling. The kitchen has beautiful cabinets and a lot of cabinet space with an adjacent dining area. A large utility has built-in cabinets and a large pantry. The large master bedroom has 2 closets. A more formal dining area is
Super cute 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a nicely finished basement that provides extra living space for a family room, game room, or home office, as well as a brick oven in the kitchen and an over-sized garage for your vehicles. This well-maintained, one-owner home offers a spacious backyard with a covered patio, perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. This home is walking distance to
Current Special!! Half off of your first month's rent with a 12 month lease. Plainview Apartments are located just blocks from local schools and Wayland Baptist University. Shopping and dining are only a short drive away. There is quick access to the interstate for an easy commute to Lubbock or Amarillo.Plainview Apartments is a unique grouping of duplexes, triplexes, and
Pre-Leasing Now For Summer! Plainview Apartments are located just blocks from local schools and Wayland Baptist University. Shopping and dining are only a short drive away. There is quick access to the interstate for an easy commute to Lubbock or Amarillo.Plainview Apartments is a unique grouping of duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes with a variety of floor plans. Also many
Pre-Leasing Now For Summer!Plainview Apartments are located just blocks from local schools and Wayland Baptist University. Shopping and dining are only a short drive away. There is quick access to the interstate for an easy commute to Lubbock or Amarillo.Plainview Apartments is a unique grouping of duplexes, triplexes, and quadruplexes with a variety of floor plans. Also many
This cute 1 bedroom 1 bath is available September in Plainview TX. Stove and Fridge included. Washer/dryer connections. Located in a quiet neighborhood. Perfect property just for you! Apply now at:
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