Boasting excellent job opportunities in a welcoming community, the former oil boomtown of Midland, TX is quickly becoming one of the best places to live. Nicknamed the “Tall City” for its towering downtown buildings nestled in the West Texas plains, Midland offers a little bit of everything in the Lone Star State.
From cost of living to education to things to see and do, discover the benefits of relocating to Midland, TX.
Midland, TX History
Established in 1881 as Midway Station on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Midland is centrally located between Fort Worth and El Paso. With many other Texas towns named “Midway,” the city named was changed in 1884 when it got a post office.
By 1890, Midland became one of the state’s most important cattle shipping centers, and its growth rose from there. The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in 1923, followed by the Yates Oil Field, turned Midland into West Texas’ oil field hub. A second boom would happen after World War II with the discovery of the Spraberry Trend, the country’s third-largest oil field to this day.
While the city’s economy still relies heavily on petroleum, Midland grew to become a regional telecommunications and distribution center. The Permian Basin still accounts for one-fifth of the country’s petroleum and natural gas output, helping the city fuel developments in the downtown area.
Midland Location
Midland is the seat of Midland County in the Permian Basin in West Texas and the principal city of the Midland, Texas metropolitan area. In total, the city covers about 74 square miles. Most Midlanders have cars and drive themselves, though public transportation, rideshare, shuttles, and taxis are available.
Midland, TX Climate
Typical of the region, Midland has long, warm summers with peak temperatures of 96°F and short, mild winters with very little snow or freezing temperatures. The average highs and lows are 96°F and 73°F in summer and 63°F and 37°F in winter.
On average, Midland sees 266 sunny days each year. Though it does rain, most rainfall happens during the summer months.
Cost of Living in Midland
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live, Midland’s overall cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Housing is the most affordable category at 20% cheaper than the national average, though utilities are about 1% higher.
You may pay slightly more for necessities like food and clothing, but healthcare services are about 5% less than the national average.
Fortunately, Texas doesn’t have individual income tax. Instead, it generates revenue from property and corporate income tax, sales tax, and use tax.
Educational Opportunities in Midland
Midland is a great choice for families with school-aged children. There are three public high schools in the Midland Independent School District. If you prefer charter schools, Midland is close to the Richard Milburn Academy, the Midland Academy Charter School, and the Premier High School.
The city has several K-12 private schools as well, including the Hillcrest School, Midland Montessori, Trinity School of Midland, Midland Classical Academy, and St. Ann’s School. For higher education, Midland offers Midland College and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin Campus.
Employment and Business in Midland
Midland has a 2.5% unemployment rate, which is lower than the long-term national average of 4.34%. The largest industries in the state include healthcare, education, and transportation and logistics.
According to Payscale, the average base salary in Midland is $80,000 per year, which is higher than the national average. The largest employers are ConocoPhillips Company, Baker Hughes, Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Whitley Penn, LLP.
Attractions and Events in Midland
Wondering what’s on in Midland? Here are some of the top attractions:
Arts and Culture
Midland, TX, boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene that offers something for everyone. The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is a premier destination for live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, and symphonies. Art enthusiasts can explore the Museum of the Southwest, which houses a diverse collection of art, history exhibits, and a planetarium. Additionally, the historic downtown area provides a cultural experience with local shops, galleries, and the Midland County Historical Museum, offering insights into the region’s rich heritage.
Outdoor Adventure
With its warm climate and plenty of sunshine, Midland is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Washington Park is a favorite of families for its playground, tennis, baseball, and basketball courts, and public pool with slides. There’s also Beal Park, which has an off-leash dog park and a fishing pond, and the I-20 Nature Preserve, which offers plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Sports
Sports are a major part of the Midland community. The city has its own minor league baseball team, the Midland RockHounds, and an American soccer team, the West Texas United Sockers. The West Texas Drillers, an adult tackle football team, also call Midland home.
With such a strong sports culture, it’s no wonder that many professional athletes have come from Midland, including NFL players like Cedric Benson, Hai Dean, and Antwan Goodley Jr. Several NBA players also came from Midland, including KC Jones and Mookie Blaylock, as well as MLB players like Laynce Nix and Max Muncy.
The Vineyard Real Estate in Midland, TX
With its rich history, mild weather, affordable living, and excellent education and employment opportunities, it’s easy to see why Midland is one of the state’s hidden gems. Master-planned communities like The Vineyard offer both custom homes and garden homes from award-winning builders with resort-style amenities, customizable floor plans, and high-end features. Do the wide-open spaces and clear blue skies of Midland call to you? Contact us today to learn more about the Vineyard or to take a tour of the community and see for yourself everything that life in Midland, TX has to offer!