Sign In Register
Thomas C. best-worst

Worst things about Abilene nobody talks about

Alright, I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $62,720 in Abilene. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
34 upvotes

2 Replies

Lucy Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Claire R.
glad someone said it
15 upvotes
← Back to Abilene Community