Located in West Central Texas, the city of Abilene boasts low living costs, classic country recreation, and a blossoming economy. This city has evolved into the commercial, retail, and medical center of the 19-county area known as "The Big Country," or "Texas Midwest".
If you are planning or considering a move to Abilene, read on for more information to make your relocation a smooth and easy one.
Abilene Climate
Abilene lies at the edge of a humid subtropical climate, with areas to the west being semi-arid. The region experiences precipitation about 70 days out of the year, with temperatures ranging from the 30s in the winter to the 90s in the summer.
Snowfall is very rare in the city, occurring on average a mere three days a year.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in Texas, you will have to update your registration within 30 days to avoid being charged a penalty. You will first need to have your vehicle inspected, at any certified Texas Department of Public Safety inspection station. Be sure to bring proof of Texas auto insurance. You are required to have coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage in the state. To get your plates and registration, you will need proof you own the vehicle (such as a title or previous registration), your proof of insurance, and inspection papers. Non-resident college students attending school in the state and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their vehicles in Texas.
The Texas DMV does not issue driver's licenses. You will have to transfer your license at the Department of Public Safety, no more than 90 days after you move to the state.
Abilene Schools
Public education in the city is served by two different districts-- the Abilene Independent School District and the Wylie Independent School District. The former operates 43 schools, including two high schools and two magnet schools. The district's total enrollment was about 17,000 students as of the 2009-10 school year. The latter servers students living in the southern portion of the city, and consists of just five schools--one high school, one junior high, one intermediate, one elementary, and one pre-school.
In 2006, Abilene was ranked by Business Outlook Magazine as the 17th city in the nation for their public education system and the highest ranked city in the state of Texas.
For options in higher education, three private religious-affiliated universities are located in the city--Abilene Christian University, Harden-Simmons University, and McMurry University. Other institutions include Cisco Community College for two-year associate's programs, the Abilene campus of Texas State technical College, and American Commercial College.
Abilene Employment
The economy in the city is largely fueled by the education, healthcare, government and manufacturing sectors.
No matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Workforce Solutions website for job-hunting assistance and resources for West Central Texas region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Abilene Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Abilene Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Abilene in no time. Top employers in the city include the Dyess Air Force base, Hendrick Health System, Abilene ISD, Abilene State Supported Living Center, City of Abilene, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Claims Center, Abilene Christian University, Abilene Regional Medical Center, and Teleperformance USA.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Abilene is quite low, at 13 percent below the national rate. Housing is one of the most affordable necessities, falling a whopping 28 percent below the average American city. If you are planning to rent in the city, a one-bedroom apartment will be about $500 depending on the neighborhood and available amenities. A two-bedroom ranges $600 to $900. The median home price in the city is listed at about $135,000.
Other typical costs in the city are reasonable as well. Grocery costs are about ten percent less than the rest of the nation, and healthcare is seven percent cheaper in Abilene. Transportation costs are low as well, falling about five percent below the national average.
However, utility costs are a mere four percent higher than the national norm.
Abilene Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Abilene that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Abilene Transportation
Public transit in Abilene is provided by CityLink. The system provides three services to residents--fixed bus route service, paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, and demand-response evening service for reservation-based ride-sharing.
The buses and paratransit run in the city from 6:15 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. on Saturday. The demand-response service is available from 6:15 p.m. until 12 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Residents enjoy classic Southern fun at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, held for ten days every September and featuring exhibits celebrating the city's early days as well as a number of other attractions. The Western Heritage Classic, held every May, celebrates regional culture with a campfire cook-off, ranch rodeo, sheepdog trials, a Western-themed art show and performances by the Cowboy Poet Society.
On the second Thursday of every month, Abilene hosts an Artwalk--turning the streets of downtown into a cultural haven. Artists and craftsmen set up booths, local musicians perform live on the sidewalks, and all museums in the area open their doors to the public for free.
Other places of interest include the Abilene Zoo, the Abilene Gin and Knife Show, and an extensive park system.
Abilene Relocation Tips
- The city has a low cost of living, but those hot summers are sure to hike up your utility bills.
- Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
- Make sure you ask any potential movers these important questions before choosing them for hire to avoid falling victim to a moving scam. Remember--the cheapest movers are not always the best movers!