Generational families and industrial roots define Sunray
Sunray is a small, rural town in the Texas Panhandle with a strong sense of community pride. "There are generational families in Sunray, so it feels like you've always been there. My grandfather drew the first deep water well in the county. But everyone's family goes back that far," says Janet Lea Walker, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Team W Real Estate. Surrounding the community are swaths of fields with large circular patterns that are common in irrigated farming. "We are on the plains, and our main lifeblood has been ranching and agriculture," Walker says. "And we have one of the oldest oil refineries. It's been there since the 1920s to the 1930s. It's now [the McKee Refinery] owned by Valero." Sunray is also a community that comes together after a crisis. "At one point, we had one of the largest country grain elevators, but in spring [of 2025] there was an explosion at one of the elevators," Walker says. Local organizations and the city held fundraisers to support families impacted by the tragedy.
Family-run shops and restaurants anchor Sunray’s small retail scene
Sunray has shops and restaurants run by long-time residents. Walker says the area has less retail than in previous decades, but there are a handful of feed stores and other businesses. "Everyone in the county goes to Thai Country Cafe. There's also La Casita, a family-owned burrito store. They make the best burritos from breakfast until lunch," Walker says. She adds that Mi Cafe is one of the more recent additions to Sunray. TTT Meats offers produce and other grocery items; patrons can bring animal products to the butcher for processing. "Glitzy Lou has clothing, décor and some children's things. [The owner] has gone from selling out of the back of her car to opening up her third shop," Walker says. Zoe's Antiques is another popular stop on Main Street. However, locals often travel to Dumas, the seat of Moore County, for more shopping. The larger city has Lowe's Market and Walmart Supercenter, which are about 20 miles south.
Sunray’s housing is affordable but comes with weather-related risks
Sunray contains mostly single-story dwellings like ranch-style residences and manufactured homes from the 20th century. Houses are rarely sold in the community, but the most recent listings range in price from $110,000 to $225,000. There was also a fixer-upper on the market for $75,000. The area has a median sale price of around $135,000, which is significantly lower than the national figure.
Sunray is at risk of environmental factors that may impact properties. The county has a history of wildfires and severe storms, and the region is also inside Tornado Alley.
Schools in Sunray are rated B or higher by Niche
Children attend schools inside the community. Sunray Elementary has a B-plus rating from Niche. Sunray Middle receives a B. Sunray High has an A-minus. "For Sunray, it's always been about community and family. But the high school is the center of town," Walker says. Bobcat Stadium, next to the school, buzzes with locals and alums on Friday nights during football season.
Locals enjoy basketball, swimming and lakeside camping
Painters Park contains a playground, basketball courts and baseball fields for community leagues. Treasure Island Water Park has a pool and kid-friendly water features. Greg Smith Memorial Park, next door, includes a paved walking path. Moore County residents also travel about 35 miles to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area for boating and camping.
Annual rodeo and a holiday parade bring the town together
Dumas has several annual gatherings, such as the Smoke and Sounds Fest and a celebration on the Fourth of July. However, residents also enjoy events closer to home. "Sunray has a rodeo every year. In 2025, we raised money for the explosion victims," Walker says. "And then they also have a Christmas lights parade in December. In August, they have an all-school reunion called Sunray Sunday, where the Lions Club cooks pit barbeque and the whole town comes out."
Country roads connect Sunray to highways and nearby cities
Sunray is a car-dependent community, and locals travel along lengthy country lanes. Farm Road 281 leads to U.S. 287 in about 8 miles. Locals seeking medical care visit the Moore County Hospital District in Dumas, roughly 20 miles from town. Amarillo is about 60 miles away.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
