Get the Scoop on Where to Live in Abilene, TX
Find varying home prices and great amenities within this West Texas city.
Its small-town charm and quaint feel make Abilene, Texas, a great place to raise a family or settle into a quieter life. But that’s not all you’ll find here — this easy-to-navigate city is clean, overflowing with outdoor recreation options and home to a bustling downtown that’s full of standout restaurants and shops. But… the question remains, “Where should you live?”
The answer is slightly ambiguous — mainly because there isn’t much of a delineation of neighborhoods in Abilene, and even so, they tend to offer similar amenities. To make things a bit clearer, we sat down with local realtor Lydia Bundy to find out what you can expect as you prepare to move to Abilene.
If you’re considering moving to Abilene, you don’t need to focus on the zip code; it’s more on the property and lifestyle the area offers, says Bundy, who is with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
“I always advise clients to be open, depending on their price range, and not to be too picky about neighborhoods,” she says. “This is because the neighborhoods aren’t much different, and unlike other cities, our parks aren’t separated by our communities. In most parts of Abilene, you’re a small drive away from a park or amenity.”
Speaking specifically to active and retired military members, Bundy says, “Some say they want to be close to (Dyess Air Force Base), but all of Abilene is close. So instead, I advise them to focus more on the property and price when considering where they want to live.”
Infill Developments
The City of Abilene has been focused on infill developments to restore dilapidated properties and empty lots, Bundy says. These infill developments are good options for those interested in a newer home at a more affordable price.
“The city offers incentives for developers to rehabilitate these spaces or fill empty lots within developments,” Bundy says. “These options are often more affordable for military and those on a fixed budget.”
Ken Hogan, association executive for Abilene Association of REALTORS, says the infill developments are a great way to add new life to already established neighborhoods. One example of an infill development is on the west side of Abilene near Taylor County Courthouse. “There have been about eight new homes built in that neighborhood,” Hogan says.
“The infill developments (like those on the west side of Abilene) offer newer options at affordable rates in existing neighborhoods, but also add value to the other homes in proximity,” Bundy says.
Although the infill developments haven’t been as appealing to her military clients, Bundy says they are being bought by locals, which is creating new opportunities for homes on the outskirts of town where her military clientele tend to gravitate.
Abilene Independent School District
Families interested in academic rigor tend to consider living within the Abilene Independent School District because it is top-rated for educational programming.
“Many clients read official ratings and programs offered at the Abilene Independent School District and quickly realize they have great programs, and teachers are well compensated,” Bundy says. “They offer great STEAM programming, an amazing trade program, orchestra and an arts program.”
Homes within the Abilene Independent School District are often referred to as the “loop,” and may not be brand-new developments. However, Bundy says there are plenty of options.
“Many of the homes within this area are new and will pass the Veterans Assistance lending appraisal,” Bundy says. “The homes are slightly older (the late 2000s), but plenty of options exist.”
Living within the Abilene loop offers much of the same amenities as other areas.
“If you’re looking for a place to walk a dog, it will be a small drive for most people. Nothing in Abilene is far from anything else. Most places are about 17 minutes from the farthest thing.”
Lydia Bundy, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Wylie Independent School District
Also known as the south side of Abilene, many people opt to live here because of the Wylie Independent School District. Wylie Independent School District is a top-rated public school district with about 17,500 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
“Many of my clients are interested in living within the Wylie Independent School District because of the perception — the buildings are newer, the sports teams tend to perform better and there is a lot of innovative stuff happening,” Bundy says.
Since this school district is on the south side of Abilene, the homes tend to be newer, as this is where many of the more recent developments have occurred. For example, the Elm Creek at Wylie subdivision is located on Antilley Road, a half-mile from Wylie High School. Elm Creek at Wylie is a master-planned community nestled along Elm Creek. It offers residents an ideal location and ample amenities, including a community pool, a dog park and hiking and biking trails.
Those who live in the Elm Creek subdivision don’t have to venture far for shopping, dining and other leisure activities — it’s only minutes away from established shopping centers, medical care, golf courses and other entertainment.
“The Elm Creek subdivision is one of the few with a walking trail,” Bundy says. “It’s beautiful, but the homes tend to be on the higher end … Older professionals and higher-ranking military officials tend to be interested in Elm Creek.”
Bundy also notes that the Elm Creek area has been an excellent option for those looking to size up or those moving from a more expensive city.
“We saw some migration from Dallas to Abilene during and shortly after the pandemic,” Bundy says. “These people were working from home or retiring, and wanted to buy a bigger property compared to what they spent in Dallas. And since Abilene isn’t too far away, it’s easy to see relatives or access amenities in Dallas, but it’s a whole lot quieter and demands a lot less from your environment.”
This article was sponsored by the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The Abilene Chamber is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization that advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow our economy.