Laid-back living and highly rated schools near Lubbock in Shallowater
Shallowater is a small suburb in the High Plains region of Texas, about 10 miles from Lubbock. Like many Texas cities, it has roots in the agricultural and railroad industries, but today, it serves as a bedroom community for about 3,000 residents. “Lubbock is a hub city, and Shallowater is one of the smaller communities that surround it,” says Wendy Jones, a Realtor on the Wendy Jones Team of Keller Williams Realty. “Shopping, eating, activities, events, major medical stuff — all that is centered on the Lubbock area.” Commuters seeking a laid-back lifestyle and access to highly rated schools should take a closer look at Shallowater.
Small lots in central areas and multiacre properties on the outskirts
Many properties in Shallowater’s central residential areas measure about a quarter to one-third of an acre, with paved driveways and attached garages. Most construction here took place in the 1940s and ’50s. Streets are wide with level terrain, and some feature shaded sidewalks ideal for strolling. On the outskirts, recently built homes on multiacre lots help accommodate growing housing demand. “When I moved there in 2005, there was very low inventory, but people wanted to go there because of the school district,” says Jones, who lived in Shallowater for 10 years. Small ranch-style houses sell for $85,000 to $200,000, and New Traditional and larger single-story homes cost $225,000 to $500,000. Large custom builds on multiacre lots fetch prices from $500,000 to $1 million.
Homes with garages and basements can help protect vehicles and offer shelter from hail, ice storms and tornadoes, which are relatively common in this area. Flood risk is also high in some areas south of U.S. Route 84. Shallowater has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Highly rated schools in the top-performing Shallowater ISD
Shallowater Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten to Grade 1 and receives a Niche grade of B-plus. For grades 2 through 4, kids move to Shallowater Intermediate, which receives an A. Shallowater Middle is also rated A, and Shallowater High is rated B-plus. The Shallowater Independent School District was recognized as a top performer on the 2024 Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll.
Local parks and sports fields play major roles in Shallowater
Student sports, especially football, baseball and volleyball, play a major-league role in Shallowater’s recreational scene. The high school football stadium, Todd Field, seats over 3,000 spectators. Young City Park’s playground, splash pad and veterans memorial are tucked between an open field and an ample parking lot. Aside from the picnic shelter and tall umbrellas on the playground, the park doesn’t offer much shade. Shallowater Dog Park is nearby and includes separate areas for large and small dogs, but some locals have reported poor upkeep.
Route 84 paves the way for the 10-mile drive to Lubbock amenities
Route 84 leads 10 miles south to Lubbock and its amenities, including University Medical Center, which is affiliated with nearby Texas Tech University. Residents can fill prescriptions at Thornhill’s Pharmacy in Shallowater. Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, about 12 miles away, offers flights to hub cities like Dallas and Houston.
Most locals head to Lubbock for restaurants and shopping
Commerce in Shallowater is scarce, so for the most part, residents head to Lubbock to shop and dine out. However, Fred’s Garage coffee shop serves lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner on Saturday evenings. The dining room is in a revamped garage with brick walls and a concrete floor, and the menu includes a selection of craft sodas, specialty pizzas and sandwiches. The city’s supermarket closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a new replacement called The Grocery Store is slated to open in August 2025. In the meantime, a Dollar General and a Yesway convenience store give locals a couple of options, and the nearest United Supermarkets in Lubbock is about 10 miles away.
Harvest Festival arrives in Shallowater every October
The Shallowater Lions Club hosts a Harvest Festival every October. Following a run of strong sports seasons, the 2024 theme was “Home of the Champions,” with student athletes featured in the parade. Other activities include bingo, raffle drawings, an auction and a community lunch. “It’s not an event that draws outside communities, but it is one where you see all the locals,” Jones says.
Shallowater churches serve the Christian community
The majority of Texas residents identify as Christian, and several Shallowater churches serve the Christian community. New Hope Community Church, Shallowater United Methodist, St. Philip Catholic Church and others host events and activities like ice cream socials, potlucks, youth programs and food bank outreach.
