Abilene (Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth: transplants, apartments, to rent)

[ReporterKristen]

I'm relocating from Connecticut to Abilene next week. Can anyone provide helpful details on the city?

[TT Dave]

It would be helpful if you could provide a little more information about what you're wanting to know. For example, do you need advice on where are the best places to rent an apartment or do you just want to know what it's like to live here/what things there are to do here, etc. I've lived here in Abilene for a long time and can give you some very specific feedback or more general information about the city, depending on what you want to know.

[SVTRay]

Originally Posted by ReporterKristen

I'm relocating from Connecticut to Abilene next week. Can anyone provide helpful details on the city?

Bring plenty of Anti-depressants.

West Texas for the most part is flat and dusty...unlike Connecticut. I would try for Austin or Dallas. Anyhow, I've passed through Abilene. Million times but can't say much other than the people are generally nice out in West Texas. Abilene is a Military /College town with roughly 100k ~people.

[ChristieP]

Do a search here. There have been a bunch of past posts discussing various aspects of Abilene.

And yes, you are in for major culture shock...

[Willsson]

ReporterKristen, wow... yeah, get ready for some culture shock. Abilene has had its good days and bad times, you wouldn't really be able to tell which was which. Time flies but I was last there in '06. Seems much of the inner city has moved to either the northeast - near Abilene Christian University, or to the southwest towards Buffalo Gap... a small town to the southwest, naturally. There is a mall and usual big box stores, liquor is available. When I was in public schools the place was dry... so some thought.

Just a heads up... the dirt is red. Mix it with water and you get clay. There's a lake north of town, don't wear white if you intend to get wet, you'll come out wearing a clayish red. Don't expect much rain.

.You'll be able to find newer apartments in that NE or SW area, or other suitable accommodations in between.
.You can probably buy a house for a reasonable price, much cheaper than Connecticut.
.You probably won't need to worry about crime but don't be showy.
.Football is king, cheerleaders are Queen.
.Social clubs meet on Sunday mornings. Dress appropriately.
.Fort Worth is 147 miles on I-20, Dallas is another 30 miles. You'll learn the way. There's a big mall in Hulen, southwest Fort Worth.

Is the Reporter in your name your job? Will you be working for the Reporter-News? I don't really need to know, just connecting dots.

Please include any specific questions you might have. Living in Abilene will be what you make it. Many transplants have never liked it, some settle in and do okay.

[thenewtexan]

Watch an episode of Friday Night Lights. I hope your job is very secure. Abilene works for a lot of people but it is very, very isolated compared to what you are used to.

[The Continental]

I've lived both places and prefer Abilene. Unless you love NYC or winter sports you should be fine.

[CptnRn]

This is a good start: https://www.city-data.com/city/Abilene-Texas.html

[stanwood]

How'd the move go?

[Bilbono]

You can have my spot. We're moving to the east coast once we sell our bed and breakfast here in Abilene.