Is there anyone that has an opinion of Abilene? (Dallas: job market, theatre)

[Chihuahua2]

I am moving there because I got a Section 8 housing voucher. I don't like it there but I have to live in the area for one year. I choose to live in the country vs the "city" because everything is old, most all the apartments are except for Newport Village and The Reserve. They are falling apart, rotted patio enclosure, Windsor had black metal doors with dings in them. Just crappy, look for a house, you can get Section 8 fast if you apply.

[onefastsailor]

So far, I like it here. I was surprised to see green grass. In most pictures, the grass is brown or yellow. Some crazy driver almost ran me over in the parking lot at HEB. She was driving between the parked cars to save time I guess. Dumb move.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by onefastsailor

So far, I like it here. I was surprised to see green grass. In most pictures, the grass is brown or yellow. Some crazy driver almost ran me over in the parking lot at HEB. She was driving between the parked cars to save time I guess. Dumb move.

You were surprised to see green grass in the SUMMER?

Most grass (bermuda, St. Augstine/other) starts going dormant in the late fall, and you'll see brown grass until the following spring.

Some have fescue/bluegrass/other that stays green year-around--like most people want to mow in the winter...?!? NOT.

[onefastsailor]

Where I am from, the ground is brown in the summer, and green in the winter. I figured it would already be brown.

[Solana]

As someone who lived in the area for years I can say I never want to go back.
The climate leaves a lot to be desired.
It is either hot or cold with very few moderate and comfortable in-between periods.
It is too humid to effectively use cheap evaporative cooling in the summer heat so prepare for high electric bills if you don't want to spend a lot of time sweating.
Yet it is also too arid in the hot summer months to grow a decent garden without constantly irrigating it to keep it from burning up.
Weatherwise it is the worst of both worlds -- not wet enough to be green and not dry enough to be comfortable.
When the rains do come in the spring or fall they are often full of hail, violent winds, and tornadoes.

The scenery in the region is the ugliest, most unimpressive I have ever seen in my life.
I have never been in any place with such a complete lack of natural beauty as this part of Texas.

And there are fire ants everywhere you don't put out poison to kill them.

If you are a devout protestant of any one of the majority flavors it may be the ideal place for you as there are churches everywhere and the "separation of church and state" principles described in the U. S constitution are only paid lip service in these parts.

I did get to know some very good people there.
But I've done that wherever I've been long enough to get to know folks so it is not unique to this area.


I liked this part of the world the best when I was viewing it in my rear view mirror as I left it behind.

However, I am sure it could be the ideal spot for someone who values things I do not and considers things I do value to be unimportant.

[Franko]

I never lived in Abilene, TX but I did live in a similar TX city. I have driven through Abilene and did spend a few nights there. Let me say this: It is what it is; a mid sized north to west Texas city that is considerably more conservative than average. It would be wrong to expect it as otherwise. Don't go there thinking you are in San Francisco, The Village in New York, or even the University area of Austin. Considering the Air Base, close proximity to I 20, and the Christian University Abilene has likely had more than a few wild parties. (I know something about faith based universities and campus religious organizations; they can be case studies in sin followed by repentance.) In general if you are planning something wild and out of the mainstream your are advised to plan to take it someplace out of town.

A town like Abilene can have its plus sides. It could be a good place to raise children, though they would likely feel trapped there when they grow older. Abilene seems to be a hard place to find a good job. Abilene could be a good place to retire in that it has a low cost of living. It is small enough to have a strong sense of community belonging that's getting harder to find in America today.

[Georgia 2013]

Is there a public rec center with an indoor swimming pool. Is there a dog park in Abaline?

[TT Dave]

Originally Posted by Georgia 2013

Is there a public rec center with an indoor swimming pool. Is there a dog park in Abaline?

Yes, there is a YMCA at Redbud Park on the south side of town that has an indoor pool (3125 South 32nd Street). There's a new dog park that has been approved for Nelson Park over in eastern part of the city (E. South 11th Street, near the Abilene Zoo) I'm not sure if it's completed yet. Just call the City of Abilene, Parks Department, for more information on that.

[Diamond Dee]

I really like Abilene visited several times when I lived in Texas and if I ever get back to Texas it would be on the top of my list to move their. Been to the western heritage museum really enjoyed it.eating places BullBoxer31 Tortilla factory and Cantina yum!I have no negatives about that city but that's my take on it.

[Westerntraveler]

I have been to Abilene many times mostly just passing through on 20 though.Although, I have been there quite a few times to actually go there mainly because our friends live there.I think Abilene is a great town but I prefer San Angelo.