The city of Wichita Falls boasts highly affordable living, a low unemployment rate, and beautiful parks to enjoy during the region's long, hot summers.
If you are planning or considering a move to this Texas city, read on for more information to make your transition a smooth and easy one.
Wichita Falls Climate
Be prepared for the heat! Wichita Falls has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, sticky summers and moderate winters. The region experiences some of the highest summer temperatures in the country aside from Desert Southwest, with highs reaching 100 degrees about 30 days annually, and 90 degrees over 100 days annually.
The city experiences precipitation about 74 days a year, accumulating to around 30 inches. Snowfall is sporadic, and rain occurs most often during the summer months.
Wichita Falls Neighborhoods
There are a variety of unique districts in the city--before choosing one to call home, it's imperative to conduct thorough research and ensure that it is safe, convenient, and within your price range.
Some of the more affluent areas are Granada Drive, Haiti Drive, Taft Boulevard, the Midwestern University area, Kell Boulevard, and McNiel Avenue. Some of the safest regions to call home include Armstrong Drive, McKinley Road, Old Iowa Park Road, Huntington Lane, and Petrolia/Byers. If you are looking for access to premium education, the areas near the best schools include Burkburnett Road, Puckett Road, Petrolia/Byers, Old Iowa Park Road, and Huntington Lane.
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.
Wichita Falls Schools
Public education in the city is served by the Wichita Falls Independent School District, the City View Independent School District, and the Bright ideas Charter School. Two schools in the Wichita Falls Independent School District offer International Baccalaureate programs--Hirschi High School offers the IB Diploma Program, and G.H. Kirby Junior High School for the Middle Years Program. The other public high schools in the city are Wichita Falls High School, S. H. Rider High School and City View High School. Religious-based education is available at several parochial schools in the municipality, including Notre Dame Catholic School and Christian Academy.
For higher education, Midwestern State University is a liberal arts college that offers bachelor's and master's degrees. Vernon College also has a campus in the city for two-year degrees and certificate programs.
Wichita Falls Employment
Wichita Falls may not be a bad place to find a job--as of April 2013, the unemployment rate in the city was 5.6 percent, which is two points lower than the national average. Major sectors of employment in the city include healthcare, education, military, manufacturing, aerospace, government and the oil industry.
However, 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 North Texas region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Wichita Falls Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Wichita Falls in no time. Top employers in the city include the Wichita Falls Independent School District, Sheppard Air Force base, North Texas State Hospital, United Regional Healthcare System, City of Wichita Falls, Midwestern University, James V. Alfred Unit, Cryovac, Work Services Corporation, and Howmet Castings.
Living Costs in the City
If money is a concern for you, don't fret--the cost of living in Wichita Falls quite low. Average living expenses fall about nearly 15 percent below the national rate. Housing costs are 14 percent less than the average American city, with the median home price in the region listed at about $119,000. If you are opting to rent instead of buy, expect to pay around $540 to $700 monthly depending on the size of the unit and available amenities.
Other typical costs in the city are reasonable as well. Utility and transportations costs are 17 percent below the average rate, and a trip to the grocery store will cost you about ten percent less than most other cities. Healthcare costs are also low--six percent less than the national average.
Wichita Falls Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Wichita Falls 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:
Wichita Falls Transportation
The public bus service in the city is operated by Falls Ride. The system provides rides to passengers along fixed routes throughout Wichita Falls, from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There is also a curbside service available for elderly and disabled residents, as well as a grocery cart program that provides rides to the supermarket for seniors and handicapped individuals.
Greyhound Lines provides bus service for intercity travel from its terminal at the Jolly truck stop, and Shuttle Van Service provides rides to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at periodic intervals through the day.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city is a haven for any outdoors lover, with an extensive number of parks and nature-related attractions. Lucy Park is a 170-acre park featuring a log cabin, duck pond, swimming pool, playground, golf course, picnic areas, and paved walkways for running, biking, or roller-skating. It is also home to the majestic waterfalls that were re-created after the original falls the city is named for were destroyed in a flood.
Nearby Lake Wichita you'll find the 236-acre Lake Wichita Park., with a 2.6 mile hiking and bicycling trail, lighted baseball and two-lighted softball fields, three lighted football fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course, and an off-leash dog park to exercise your furry friend.
Another place to visit is the River Bend Nature Center, where you can learn and experience the beauties of wildlife firsthand. There are over 30 live exhibits featuring turtles, frogs and insects; beautiful gardens filled with blossoming flowers; and a breath-raking butterfly conservatory. The 20 acre facility is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day enjoying the wonders of nature with your family.
Wichita Falls Relocation Tips
-
Wichita Falls has a subtropical climate, with very high temperatures and high humidity in the summer months. Luckily, the city's utility costs are below the national average to help keep your energy bills manageable.
-
Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
-
Before making your trek to a new city, remember to downsize your belongings to lighten your load and pay less in moving costs! It's 90 degrees in Wichita Falls about 100 days a year, so you can probably toss out some of those heavy winter coats and snow boots.