Living in Midland, TX
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Midland, TX? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Midland, TX

You simply can’t miss the city skyline of Midland, TX, which sticks out against the flat, western prairie that seemingly goes on forever. Though the city was famous for striking oil in the 19th century, Midland has made moves to diversify its economy further into the aerospace, distribution and education sectors. Midland is also home to Midland College and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin Campus. 

What makes living in Midland stand out is that even with all this economic success, it’s still largely an affordable place to live and buy a house. With a median housing value of about $291,451 (the median home price in the U.S. is nearly 1.5 times more), the dream of homeownership doesn’t seem completely unobtainable (especially if you are dreaming of owning a Southwestern ranch-style house, of which there are plenty). 

Ask the 141,939 people who call Midland home, and they’ll tell you living in Midland is anything but mid. Midland is located near several parks and recreational areas where residents can get out and explore. And, if you’re looking for culture, Midland’s got that, too. The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of concerts and shows. Plus, the city has several galleries and museums waiting to be explored. 

Top Reasons to Move to Midland

• Midland is a great place for people looking for a job, especially young professionals seeking high-paying jobs and affordable housing.
• Midland is family-friendly thanks to its safe neighborhoods and highly-rated school options.
• Midland is the Oil Capital of the Permian Basin, and the city’s economy is defined by oil production.
• With the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and the Museum of the Southwest, Midland is a great choice for artists. 

Midland is a bustling city in West Texas, about halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso, right along Interstate 20. The nearest airport, Midland International Air and Space Port, is right in the city, making travel super convenient. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Odessa is just 20 miles west and is known for the Presidential Archives and Leadership Library.
• Abilene is 150 miles east and offers the Grace Museum and the Abilene Zoo.
• Lubbock is about 120 miles north, home to Texas Tech University and the Buddy Holly Center.

Midland is a sunny spot with a desert vibe. Expect hot, dry summers where you’ll definitely want to stay hydrated and winters that are mild and pleasant. You won’t get much rain or snow, but sunshine is abundant year-round, making it perfect for outdoor adventures anytime. 

Located in the nation’s largest oil-producing area, the oil industry understandably dominates Midland’s economy; however, other sectors in the region thrive as well. There are plenty of opportunities in industries such as mining, health care and education, as well as in professional services like business and finance. Some of the largest employers include Chevron, Pioneer Natural Resources and Midland Independent School District.

The cost of living in Midland is below the national average. The median home value in Midland is $319,162, and the average household income is $91,219.

There is no state income tax in Texas. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Midland is 8.25%.

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Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the number of things to do in Midland! The city has several museums, including the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, which showcases the area’s oil industry history, and the Museum of the Southwest, which features art, history and science exhibits, including the Marian Blakemore Planetarium. The George W. Bush Family Home gives a glimpse into the lives of the former president and his family, who grew up in Midland. The Haley Library & History Center offers insights into Texas and Southwestern history.

For entertainment, residents can catch a Midland RockHounds baseball game, enjoy a classic drive-in movie at Big Sky Drive-In Theater or attend a performance at Midland Community Theatre’s Summer Mummers. Midland is a community-minded city, hosting several events throughout the year – like the Celebration of the Arts festival – and unique shopping experiences at the Micro Market. Looking for something kid-approved? Families can enjoy the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum and Cinergy Cinemas, which have tons of arcade games and an escape room to accompany your movie. There are also plenty of pieces of public art around town, and the Midland Downtown Farmers Market provides a delicious experience. 

Go There: Experience Rich History and Unforgettable Memories in Midland, TX

Outdoor activities are abundant in Midland, and residents can enjoy the region’s natural beauty. There are 40 parks around town, spanning 1,364 acres. Families love Centennial Park, which features a splash pad, a playground and open green spaces perfect for picnics and a game of tag. For nature lovers, the Sibley Nature Center in Hogan Park offers 49 acres of trails, wildlife-viewing areas and educational exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the Llano Estacado. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is an 86-acre urban playground where visitors can hike, birdwatch and observe native wildlife. Play a round of disc golf at E.P. Cowden Park and Beal Park, and the Hogan’s Run Off-Leash Dog Park provides plenty of space for both pets and their owners to enjoy the outdoors. 

From craft cocktails and local art at The Blue Door to authentic Mexican flavors from Taco diVino, Midland residents are well-fed, thanks to the city’s growing foodie scene. For something sweet, Susie’s South Forty Confections is a local legend, while Texas Sun Winery offers a selection of wines and a picturesque patio. Eat surrounded by the sounds of waterfalls and lush greenery inside a greenhouse at Cafe at the Gardens, located inside Alldredge Gardens. The Tailgate is one oversized patio that features food trucks to satisfy your cravings, big screens to stream sports and a large stage for live music.

Midland has a growing craft beverage scene, with breweries like Tall City Brewing offering West Texas-inspired brews. (And it’s pet-friendly!) Trendy brunch spots like Fair to Midland and Wall Street’s Sunday Brunch provide a lively atmosphere to accompany your meal. Midland residents are serious about their love of coffee, and there are several cozy spots around town, like Mulberry Cafe. 

Midland residents can take their pick from more than a dozen private schools, a large public school district and schools that focus on different learning styles, including charter schools. Midland Independent School District (MISD) has seen marked improvement over the last several years.