Living in Lubbock, Texas: 18 Things to Know About a Growing City to Plant Your Roots

Is Lubbock, Texas, a good place to live? With a growing economy, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of community, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who says no. Living in Lubbock, Texas,  also presents a variety of job industries to explore — including agriculture, healthcare, and education. With a vibrant music and arts scene, along with various family-friendly activities, there’s always fun to be had in Lubbock.

Lubbock at a Glance

• Located in the northwestern part of the state, Lubbock is situated on the Southern High Plains.
• Lubbock has a land area of around 134.7 square miles.
• Lubbock has a population of almost 273,000.
• The median age in Lubbock is 31.

18 Things To Know About Living in Lubbock, Texas

When the time comes to pick a new city to live in, it’s essential to know your priorities. Lubbock is great for any walk of life, but no place is perfect. You’ll need to consider its overall affordability, job market, and even the best neighborhoods to settle down. What about the downsides, though? Our 18 tips have the lowdown on it all.

1.  The Cost of Living in Lubbock, Texas, Is Pretty Affordable

While the cost of living in Texas is generally considered affordable, Lubbock is even cheaper. Lubbock has a cost of living score of 81.1 — nearly 14 percent below the state average and 19 percent below the national average.

To cover basic expenses, MIT’s Living Wage Calculator can help you get a clear idea. Here’s what you’ll need to cover the basic cost of living in Lubbock, Texas:

• A single person living alone would need an annual income of $39,200 annually before taxes.
• A couple with no children and both adults working would need an annual income of $57,600 before taxes.
• A family of four with two working adults would need an annual income of $92,800 before taxes.

But there’s a large difference between covering basic expenses and living comfortably. So, what salary is needed to live comfortably in Lubbock? SmartAsset recommends that 50 percent of your budget be allocated to cover basic needs, 30 percent to entertainment and fun, and 20 percent to pay down debt, invest, and save. So, by applying that 50/30/20 budget to MIT’s living wage estimate, the same annual salary before taxes for a single person living alone would come out to $78,300, while the amount for a couple with no children would come out to $115,200. A family of four with two working adults would come out to 185,690.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Lubbock, Texas

Major pros of living in Lubbock, Texas:

• Affordable cost of living
• Blend of rural and city amenities
• Adequate job opportunities

Major cons of living in Lubbock, Texas:

• Isolation from other major Texas cities
• High crime rates in certain areas
• Dust storms in spring and winter can cause potential health concerns

3. Lubbock’s Housing Market Is Heating Up

In Lubbock, single-family homes are very popular and can be found in various styles. Homes in master-planned communities are often situated in areas with recreational facilities and parks. While architectural styles such as Victorian are not commonly seen in Lubbock, there are a variety of other styles, including Spanish Colonial, Georgian, and Greek Revival.

Townhouses are also becoming more prevalent in Lubbock. They offer a wide variety of features and are usually situated in a gated community. If you’re looking to buy your home, the average home value in Lubbock is $209,800.

Lubbock summers get hot and steamy, with average temperatures hovering around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and daily highs sometimes hitting triple digits.
(Source: Visit Lubbock via Facebook)

4. Be Prepared for Hot Summers in Lubbock

Lubbock experiences a semi-arid climate with mild winters and hot summers. The city is known for its sunny weather, with around 277 days of sunshine per year. The rainy season runs from spring into summer, but the annual average is just 19 inches.

Lubbock summers get hot and steamy, with average temperatures hovering around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and daily highs sometimes hitting triple digits. Winters are pleasant, with the annual average snowfall reaching just seven inches and average daily highs sitting in the sixties.

The one thing to look out for is dust storms called haboobs that occur most commonly in the spring and fall.

5. There Are Lots of Great Rental Options in Lubbock

While the cost of living and real estate prices are relatively affordable in Lubbock, sometimes renting an apartment is a more suitable option when compared to buying. You’ll find plenty of great apartment complexes in the city, alongside condominiums with pools on-site and great amenities to boot. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,125.

6. You’ll Find Plenty of Neighborhoods Among the Best Places to Live in Lubbock

No matter where you are in life, there’s a place to live and something to enjoy within Lubbock. Take a look at some of the top neighborhoods.

1. Hatton Place

Hatton Place is best for families, located in a newer area of Lubbock featuring homes that are both modern and unique. There are various architectural styles in this area, including French country, traditional, and modern farmhouse.

The children living in this community can easily walk or ride their bicycles to Laura Bush Middle School. And when you're looking for a place to take the family for a fun night out, The Range is a local hotspot to unwind and enjoy a cold beer, grab a bucket of balls and head out to the driving range, or chow down on a wood-fired pizza.

2. Tech Terrace

The Tech Terrace neighborhood is situated near Texas Tech University, making it ideal for students and young professionals. Many of the houses in the area were built in the 1920s, with diverse styles that include traditional, ranch, and cottage homes. The proximity of this area to a university provides residents with a variety of entertainment and shopping options.

3. LakeRidge

The LakeRidge community is one of the best and most peaceful areas for retirees in Lubbock, surrounded by mature trees and a variety of outdoor features — including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course.

Besides the abundant country club amenities, LakeRidge is known for its dining scene with restaurants and bars that cater to different tastes. One of these is Ike's Woodfire Grill, which serves up a variety of delicious dishes prepared in the restaurant’s wood-fired grill.

With a population that’s grown by nearly six percent since the 2020 census, Lubbock is clearly becoming a more popular place to live.
(Source: Visit Lubbock via Facebook)

7. More People Are Calling Lubbock Home as the Population Continues To Grow

How many people live in Lubbock, Texas? It’s estimated that the city has a population of around 272,800. The city has grown by nearly six percent since the 2020 census, at a rate of about 1.1 percent annually. Still, while the population has maintained a steady uptick, it’s nowhere near as crowded as most major cities across the state. Dallas alone has a population of over 1.3 million, while San Antonio’s population sits at over 1.5 million.

8. Getting Around Lubbock Is Easy Thanks to Its Surprisingly Solid Public Transportation

Citibus is the primary provider of public transportation in Lubbock. It provides fixed-route services all across the city and even operates on-demand services with the help of CitiBus On-Demand (make sure you’re in an area that offers it first, though!) \.

On a budget? You can get different pass discount offers depending on your situation. Individuals with disabilities, seniors, and Medicare recipients all receive reduced fares.

9. Kids and Adults Alike Can Chase Their Educational Dreams in Lubbock

The city of Lubbock offers a wide range of educational options for both children and adults. One of the most prominent local universities is Texas Tech University, known for its impressive research and academic opportunities. Other notable institutions include South Plains College and Lubbock Christian University.

Kids still in school? Don’t worry, there are plenty of well-regarded options. The Frenship Independent School District and Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District are in the top three on Niche’s list for “Best School Districts in the Lubbock Area.”

10. Sports Lovers Will Feel Right at Home in This Active West Texas City

The most dominant sports teams in the city of Lubbock, Texas, are the Texas Tech University Red Raiders — a Division I football team that plays in the Big 12 Conference — and the National Premier Soccer League’s Lubbock Matadors.

You can catch all their games at Jones AT&T Stadium and Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park.

Celebrate the Texas wine industry with a taste of wine from around the Lone Star State during this annual festival.
(Source: Visit Lubbock via Facebook)

11. There’s Always Something Fun To Do When You’re Living in Lubbock, Texas

Need more options? Lubbock has plenty to offer.

• Play Street Museum: A fun and educational facility that lets kids explore and create through play. Its staff is composed of experienced and caring individuals who will ensure a memorable and delightful experience for the kids.
• Buffalo Springs Lake: The location and beauty of Buffalo Springs Lake make it a popular choice for people living in Lubbock. It offers a wide range of activities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, and swimming.
• Cactus Theater: The Cactus Theater is a renowned venue for live performances in the city of Lubbock. It’s known for its diverse and historic setting, as well as its capacity to host various events, such as film screenings.
• National Ranching Museum: A living museum that showcases the history of Lubbock’s ranching industry.
• Lubbock Uncorked: Celebrate the Texas wine industry with a taste of wine from around the Lone Star State during this annual festival.

12. Lubbock’s Crime Rate Can Be a Turn-Off

Lubbock’s crime rate is among the highest in the nation, with a crime rating of four, meaning the city is safer than just four percent of other U.S. cities. Overall, your chance of becoming a victim of either property or violent crime is one in 25. Like in any city, though, it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings. This, plus finding safe pockets to live throughout Lubbock, can help you stay safe.

13. Lubbock’s Job Market Offers Big Opportunities for Career Builders

The Lubbock job market has been growing, with a notable increase in employment and a stable unemployment rate trending between 3.8 percent to 4.2 percent from 2023 to 2025. The city's diverse economy is powered by many sectors to provide numerous opportunities for residents.

The city is considered a healthcare hub, thanks in part to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Some other major healthcare employers include Covenant Medical Center and University Medical Center.

14. Despite Lubbock’s Central Location, It Can Feel a Bit Isolated

While it’s known as the “Hub of the Plains,” Lubbock can feel quite isolated. You’re five hours from Dallas, and about six hours from other major cities, including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city is situated at the crossroads of Interstate 27 and four major highways, so you have accessibility, but you’ll have to drive quite a bit to reach other major Texas cities.

15. Lubbock Boasts Low Commute Times and an Easier Rush Hour Than Other Texas Cities

That lower population also means less traffic. Despite being one of Texas's fastest-growing cities, commuting in Lubbock is still considered easy. The city has the lowest average commute time in Texas, along with plenty of access to interstates and low gas prices. If traffic does get backed up, there are several interstates that can be used to reroute the overflow. Interstate 27 is commonly used, but other routes, such as US 62, are also ideal.

16. Your Taste Buds Will Thank You for Exploring Lubbock’s Flavorful Dining Scene

The dining scene in Lubbock is booming, to say the least. Some of the most popular upscale establishments include The West Table and The Nicolett. A few local favorite Mexican spots include Abuelo's and La Sirena, or you can hit up other spots like Tikka Shack and MotoMedi for Indian and Mediterranean options, respectively. 

With seven breweries in the city limits, Lubbock residents can experience a wide variety of craft beers.
(Source: Visit Lubbock via Facebook)

17. Lubbock’s Craft Beer Scene Is Rising Fast

In 2024, Lubbock was named a designated Brew City by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. With seven breweries in the city limits, residents can experience a wide variety of craft beers. Check out the Lubbock Brewery Crawl to learn more about each! Whether you’re a long-time fan of craft beer or you’re just beginning to learn about the art of brewing, you’ll be able to take your taste to a whole new level.

18. The Story of Buddy Holly Still Rocks Lubbock to This Day

Lubbock holds a special place in the hearts of many people, as Buddy Holly grew up in the city and became a prominent figure in the music industry. His early career, which included founding the Crickets, took off in this area. Today, various landmarks, most notably the Buddy Holly Center, are dedicated to his memory.

The museum — also a performance space — is dedicated to the music and life of Buddy Holly. It features various heirlooms from his career and childhood, including his famous glasses.

Allow PODS To Make Your Lubbock Move an Easy One

Once you’ve decided that living in Lubbock, Texas, is the right choice for you, let PODS help make your move a flexible one. Moving to Lubbock with PODS means a container delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to load on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. When you’re ready, have it picked up and delivered right to your new home. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time getting settled.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call (855) 706-4758 for long-distance moving.

(Source for image featured at top: Visit Lubbock via Facebook)