The secret is out. Lubbock is the best small-town big-city place to live in the Texas panhandle. Dubbed the “Diamond in the West,” Lubbock is also known as the “Hub City” thanks to being the center of West Texas healthcare, education, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors. 

There are job opportunities aplenty, plus affordable housing, wide open spaces, and happening nightlife and cultural scenes. Plus, Lubbockites are renowned as some of the friendliest people in the state of Texas. 

Sounds good? Well, before you make your move, we’ll give you a taster of what to expect. Our moving guide to Lubbock, Texas, is jam-packed with information.  

There’s also a section covering Lubbock’s impending energy deregulation. After all, we’re energy savers by nature, so we want you to know how to get the best electricity deal for your new home. 

Moving Guide to Lubbock, Texas: Why Should I Move?

Lubbock brings that big-city feeling with the bank-friendly small-town cost of living. Movers and shakers no longer fixate on Austin, Houston, and Dallas now that the city of Lubbock is well and truly on the map. 

Do you want job opportunities? Lubbock is set for 39.8% job growth in the next decade. 

Was that affordable cost of living you’re after? Lubbock’s overall cost of living is about 15% cheaper than the Texas average and 20% less than the national average. Buying a new home is within reach in Lubbock, too. 

Enough drum-rolling. Dive into this moving guide to Lubbock, Texas, so you know what to expect when making Lubbock your new home. 

Are People Moving to Lubbock, Texas?

Lubbock’s draw is bringing more and more people under its wing. As of July 2022, the city of Lubbock was home to 263,000+ people, with over 317,000 residents in Lubbock County. 

That makes it the 10th largest of Texas cities, with a million fewer people than both Dallas and San Antonio, and two million fewer than the gigantic Houston. 

Is It Expensive to Live in Lubbock, Texas?

People looking to move to Lubbock need to look at a few financial indicators to understand why the city is attractive. 

First, you will find wages on par with the rest of the nation; Lubbock’s median household income is around the national average of $66,646. However, the lower cost of living means you’ll likely have more dollars to spend on things you want. 

For example, Lubbock is perfect for potential homebuyers, with real estate in the affordable bracket. In May 2023, the average home price was around $250,000 compared to over $430,000 nationally. 

Using the same date range, renters will love hearing that the median rent in Lubbock was around $1,400 a month. Nationally, that figure is $2,178, making Lubbock some 38% cheaper than the country average. 

Is Lubbock a Multicultural Place to Live?

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Lubbock has a lovely mix of cultures, helping create a diverse atmosphere. Its location makes it a meeting point for art, culture, employment, and opportunity. 

The largest ethnic groups in Lubbock are White (50.1%), Hispanic (37.1%), and Black (8.1%). There are also Asian (2.7%) and American Indian (0.7%) populations and almost 10% of people identify with two ethnicities. 

Does Lubbock Have a Homeless Problem?

Every town and city has social issues, and Lubbock is no different. 

Fortunately, Lubbock’s homeless population has fallen by around 20% in the last five years. Homelessness is more apparent in bigger Texas cities like Dallas and Houston where thousands (rather than hundreds) of people don’t have shelter. 

Lubbock’s unemployment rate is generally on par with the 3.4% national average — it fluctuates from month to month. Almost one in five Lubbockites doesn’t have healthcare compared to 11% nationwide. 

Does Lubbock Offer a Good Quality of Life?

There are many rankings and polls that indicate Lubbock offers a good quality of life. Lubbock has been voted: 

• One of the top 10 cities in the U.S. (8th) for work-life balance 
• The sixth-best mid-size city for its pro-business climate 
• Among the top 10 U.S. cities for raising a family 
• A top city that appeals to millennials 

What’s Lubbock Weather All About?

Officially speaking, Lubbock’s climate is semi-arid, with mild winters and hot summers. The sun shines most days, and rainfall is scarce at around half the national average. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing. For these reasons, Lubbock scores highly on the weather comfort index. It’s a very outdoorsy place year-round. 

On the ground, things may appear a little different to new residents. Locals like to say you’ll experience four seasons in one day in Lubbock. In summer, the average high temperature is 93 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also keep an eye out for haboobs, which are dust storms that crop up occasionally. 

Does Lubbock Have Good Quality Healthcare?

The cost of healthcare in Lubbock is 10% lower than the national average. 

Lubbock’s University Medical Center (UMC) is a Level 1 trauma facility where doctors provide surgical care for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It’s the only Level 1 facility within 300 miles of Lubbock, so it’s worth noting, especially if you or someone in your household needs care or is elderly. 

Does Lubbock Have Good Public Transportation?

The Hub City is, unsurprisingly, well-connected. The nearby Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport has regular flights with airlines like American, Southwest, and United Airlines. 

The city’s public transportation comes from Citibus. Several routes cross the city with shuttles to Texas Tech University. Be aware that the buses don’t run 24 hours a day but there are alternatives. Some options are West Texas Cab Company, Yellow Cab of Lubbock, Uber, and other ride-hailing services. 

What’s Education Like in Lubbock, Texas?

Lubbock is a city of educated people and children. The average teacher-to-pupil ratio is 13:1 across its 32 preschools and elementary schools apiece, 14 middle schools, and seven high schools. 

Texas Tech University has more than 40,000 students enrolled. There’s also the private Lubbock Christian University, which has 2,000 students. 

That young-person energy flows through the city’s veins. Lubbock has more adults with bachelor’s degrees or higher (38%) than the national average (31%). Furthermore, 92% of students graduate in Lubbock. That’s 3% higher than the national rate. 

What Are the Best Things to See and Do in Lubbock, Texas?

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Lubbockites and visitors won’t get bored. The city offers live music, golf courses, stunning sunsets, wineries, and outdoor activities, to name a few. 

The city’s most famous entertainer is rock ‘n’ roll singer Buddy Holly. Appropriately, Lubbock’s Buddy Holly Center is one of its popular tourist attractions. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of Lubbock’s city life. 

Here are some top attractions throughout the Lubbock area: 

• The Museum of Texas Tech University offers numerous art and cultural exhibitions 
• Silent Wings Museum where you can learn about glider planes in World War II 
• Adventure Park is an amusement park for kids and adults alike 
• The Prairie Dog Town in Mackenzie Park is where you can watch adorable prairie dogs 
• The Cactus Theatre is great for concerts, movies, and more 
• Enjoy classical music from Lubbock Symphony Orchestra 
• Go old-school and watch drive-in movies at The Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater 
• Attend county shows for that authentic cowboy and livestock experience 
• Check out the 27-acre National Ranching Heritage Center 
• Explore Lubbock’s many parks with plenty of outdoor activities 
• Watch a game with the Texas Tech Raiders football team  
• Hike the surrounding hills and trails 
• Eat at some of the best local restaurants 
• Enjoy craft beer and a lively nightlife 
• Visit a winery 

Remember to try the local cocktail called Chilton, mixed with vodka, lemon, lime, and soda water. 

Switching Utilities: Moving Guide to Lubbock, Texas

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In the fall of 2023, Lubbock residents will be one of the Lone Star State’s areas of energy deregulation after more than a century of electricity supply from Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L). 

From August 2023 onwards, anyone living in or moving to Lubbock needs to choose an electric company. Those who don’t will get assigned a provider of last resort and could end up paying more for their energy bills. Even though the cost of living is lower in Lubbock, you should still learn how to stop your electricity bill from increasing. 

What Does Energy Deregulation Mean for Lubbock?

Texas has more than 140 retail electricity providers (REPs) to choose from. The Lone Star State enjoys lower average electricity prices than the rest of the country but the average household bill is still higher because Texans generally use more energy. 

Avoid higher bills by researching your energy usage and knowing how much your new home uses. Ask your realtor for an approximate usage amount, or work out what you should be paying. 

Don’t forget: Autumn 2023 is when you’ll have the option to compare and choose among electricity providers, so be sure to prep wisely and pay attention to what’s on offer. 

Glossary of Terms: What You Should Know Before Switching Suppliers

Take five minutes to examine your current and old bills to understand how charges are calculated. The more you know, the more you might save. 

• Kilowatt-hours (kWh): Kilowatt-hours are how electric companies advertise their rates and calculate energy bills. In 2021, the average Texas household used 1,094 kWh each month. As such, electricity providers use 1,000 kWh as the average. Make sure you know the kWh amount when reviewing your bills and potential energy supplier. 

• Fixed-rate plans: As the name suggests, a fixed-rate means you’ll pay the same kWh price throughout the term of your contract with an electricity provider. These fixed-rate offers usually feature deposits, credit checks, and other conditions like early termination fees. (Always read the fine print!) 
• Early termination or cancelation fees: These fees are what you’ll pay if you cancel your contract early. Be careful — the fees could end up being as high as $250 or more depending on the contract. 
• Variable-rate plans: Unlike fixed-rates, this type of plan has changing kWh prices that can go up and down. These are flexible deals, often without deposits, credit checks, or early termination fees but you could end up paying more if market prices go up. (Learn the pros and cons of fixed-rates vs. variable rates.) 
• Time-of-use: Also displayed as TOU, these types of plans may include free electricity on weeknights or weekends. Check the details because you may need to use a specific amount of electricity at other times to qualify for free energy. 
• Minimum usage plans: These offer low kWh rates if you agree to use at least a set minimum amount every month. You must use the agreed minimum to avoid paying a much higher kWh price for the electricity you’ve used. 

• Renewable energy options: Climate change is real, so why not be part of the solution? Renewable energy includes natural resources like wind or solar power that don’t pollute the environment like fossil fuels. You can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions with renewable energy options. 
• Electricity Facts Labels (EFL): Always read the EFL label, which should accompany every deal and contain all terms and conditions. In other words, it’s all the fine print you don’t want to ignore. No EFL? No deal. 

How Can I Find the Best Electricity Companies in Lubbock?

We recommend starting with the Power to Choose website created by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). It’s an independent information source that allows you to compare prices for your ZIP code, energy usage, and many other factors. 

Pro tip: Read our guide on using the Power to Choose website so you can breeze through the process. 

Of course, you could look at and compare the 140+ retail electricity companies for yourself or use a Texas electricity price comparison website. Just keep in mind that some price comparison websites promote their own preferred suppliers or don’t display every possible deal. 

For current Lubbock residents, remember to select a company; otherwise, you’ll be assigned a potentially expensive provider of last resort. 

For people moving to Lubbock, you need to choose an electric company before arriving. We recommend you start your research about a month before. Failure to sign up for a deal means you won’t have power on arrival. Some providers do have same-day connections, but you limit your options this way. 

It’s Now in Your Hands: Your Moving Guide to Lubbock, Texas

Hopefully, this moving guide to Lubbock, Texas, has answered a lot of your questions about the Hub City. From excellent job opportunities and an accessible real estate market to plenty of educational services and a small-town-yet-lively feel, there’s a lot to like about Lubbock. 

There’s also another opportunity once the town joins the state’s deregulated energy market in the fall of 2023 — lower electric bills. Anyone living in or relocating to Lubbock will need to choose their electric company and find one to suit their needs. 

Once selected, why not reduce your energy bill further by adopting energy-efficiency measures? It’s a good time for change in Lubbock and your new home. 

Brought to you by energysavings.com

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