Big Spring Texas

Your guide to the best places to eat, play, and stay in Big Spring. Let’s explore!
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Discover the best restaurants in Big Spring. Find your next favorite place to eat nearby. From classic American favorites to Southern specialties – there’s something for everyone.
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Embrace the celebrations of Big Spring annual events. Join in the festivities, experience local culture, and create lasting memories. Be part of the excitement!
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Learn about the fascinating history of Big Spring from its early days to its development into a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage.

Big Spring Texas Relocation Guide

Thinking about relocating to Big Spring, Texas? Located in the heart of West Texas, Big Spring offers a unique blend of affordability, wide-open landscapes, strong community values, and economic opportunity tied to energy, healthcare, and transportation industries. Known for its rich ranching history and connection to the Permian Basin economy, Big Spring has become an appealing option for people seeking a quieter lifestyle with lower living costs and access to outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, family, or a fresh start, this complete Big Spring Texas Relocation Guide will help you understand what life is really like in this historic West Texas community.

1. Where Is Big Spring, Texas?

Big Spring is located in Howard County in West Texas, approximately:

  • 40 miles east of Midland
  • 110 miles southeast of Lubbock
  • Along Interstate 20

Its location along I-20 makes it an important transportation and regional service hub for West Texas.

Nearby Communities

  • Midland
  • Odessa
  • Snyder
  • Colorado City

Big Spring sits near the western edge of the rolling plains and serves as a gateway into the oil-producing Permian Basin region.


2. Why People Are Moving to Big Spring

People relocate to Big Spring for several reasons:

  • Affordable housing
  • Lower cost of living
  • Energy industry jobs
  • Smaller-town atmosphere
  • Wide open spaces and slower pace of life
  • Access to West Texas outdoor recreation

Unlike larger Texas metro areas, Big Spring offers:

  • Less traffic
  • More affordable real estate
  • Strong community identity
  • Short commute times

For many residents, the simpler lifestyle is one of the biggest attractions.


3. History of Big Spring

Big Spring gets its name from a large natural spring that once served as a critical water source for Native American tribes, buffalo hunters, settlers, and travelers crossing West Texas.

The city grew rapidly after:

  • The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s
  • Oil discoveries in West Texas
  • Expansion of agriculture and ranching

Big Spring later became heavily connected to:

  • Oil production
  • Military activity
  • Transportation and rail commerce

Today, the city maintains strong ties to its ranching and energy heritage.


4. Cost of Living in Big Spring

One of Big Spring’s biggest advantages is affordability.

What You Can Expect

  • Lower home prices than most Texas cities
  • Affordable utilities and groceries
  • Lower rental costs
  • Reasonable property taxes compared to major metros

Residents often enjoy:

  • Larger homes
  • More land
  • Lower monthly expenses

…than they would in Dallas, Austin, or Houston.

This affordability makes Big Spring attractive for:

  • Families
  • Oilfield workers
  • Retirees
  • First-time homebuyers

5. Housing & Real Estate in Big Spring

Big Spring offers a wide variety of housing options.

Types of Homes Available

  • Ranch-style homes
  • Traditional brick homes
  • Country properties with acreage
  • Newer suburban developments
  • Historic homes in older neighborhoods

What Buyers Like

Many homes feature:

  • Large lots
  • Mature trees
  • Spacious backyards
  • Affordable pricing

Compared to many Texas cities, buyers can often purchase significantly more square footage for their budget.


6. Best Areas to Live in Big Spring

Highland South

One of the more desirable residential areas:

  • Larger homes
  • Quiet streets
  • Family-friendly atmosphere

Kentwood Area

Popular for:

  • Established neighborhoods
  • Convenient access to schools and shopping

Rural Outskirts

Perfect for:

  • Acreage properties
  • Ranch-style living
  • More privacy and open space

These areas are popular among buyers seeking a true West Texas lifestyle.


7. Job Market & Economy

Big Spring’s economy is heavily influenced by the energy industry and regional services.

Major Industries

  • Oil & gas
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Agriculture and ranching
  • Government and corrections

Major Employers

  • Scenic Mountain Medical Center
  • Howard College
  • Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities
  • Oilfield service companies

The nearby Permian Basin continues creating employment opportunities in:

  • Energy production
  • Skilled trades
  • Transportation
  • Equipment operations

8. Education & Schools

Big Spring is primarily served by:

  • Big Spring Independent School District (BSISD)

Education Features

  • Athletics and extracurricular programs
  • Career and technical education
  • Community-focused schools

Higher Education

  • Howard College, located in Big Spring, provides:
    • Associate degrees
    • Workforce training
    • Continuing education

Howard College plays an important role in regional workforce development.


9. Healthcare in Big Spring

Healthcare access is an important regional advantage.

Major Medical Facilities

  • Scenic Mountain Medical Center
  • Local clinics and healthcare providers

Residents also have access to specialty care in:

  • Midland
  • Odessa
  • Lubbock

Healthcare employment is one of the city’s major economic drivers.


10. Climate & Weather

Big Spring has a classic West Texas semi-arid climate.

What to Expect

  • Hot summers
  • Mild winters
  • Low humidity compared to East Texas
  • Windy conditions at times
  • Plenty of sunshine year-round

Snow & Severe Weather

Light snowfall occasionally occurs during winter, but major snow events are uncommon.

Many residents enjoy the dry climate compared to more humid regions of Texas.


11. Outdoor Recreation & Nature

Outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Big Spring.

Popular Activities

  • Hunting
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Off-roading
  • Golf

Big Spring State Park

One of the area’s top attractions:

  • Scenic overlooks
  • Hiking trails
  • Panoramic West Texas views
  • Wildlife observation

The elevated views from the park provide some of the best sunsets in West Texas.


Comanche Trail Park

A local favorite offering:

  • Walking trails
  • Playground areas
  • Duck ponds
  • Sports fields

12. Dining & Food Scene

Big Spring’s food scene reflects classic West Texas culture.

Popular Cuisine

  • Texas BBQ
  • Tex-Mex
  • Steakhouses
  • Southern comfort food

Residents enjoy:

  • Family-owned diners
  • Local taco shops
  • Traditional Texas cafes

Like many smaller Texas cities, local restaurants are heavily community-oriented.


13. Transportation & Accessibility

Transportation in Big Spring is very manageable compared to larger cities.

Major Roads

  • Interstate 20
  • U.S. Highway 87

Advantages

  • Minimal traffic congestion
  • Short commute times
  • Easy regional travel

Nearby Airports

  • Midland International Air & Space Port (approximately 45 minutes away)

Most daily errands can be completed quickly and efficiently.


14. Community & Lifestyle

Big Spring offers a strong sense of community and traditional West Texas culture.

Residents often describe the city as:

  • Friendly
  • Hardworking
  • Relaxed
  • Patriotic
  • Family-oriented

Community events, high school sports, rodeos, and local festivals remain important parts of daily life.


15. Pros and Cons of Living in Big Spring

Pros

✔ Affordable housing
✔ Low cost of living
✔ Strong energy industry opportunities
✔ Short commute times
✔ Outdoor recreation access
✔ Dry West Texas climate

Cons

❌ Hot summers
❌ Limited nightlife and entertainment
❌ Smaller shopping selection
❌ Economy can fluctuate with oil prices


16. Is Big Spring a Good Place to Retire?

For retirees, Big Spring offers:

  • Affordable living
  • Mild winters
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Access to healthcare
  • Slower pace of life

Retirement dollars often stretch much further here compared to larger Texas cities.


17. Future Growth & Development

Big Spring continues benefiting from:

  • Permian Basin energy activity
  • Transportation infrastructure
  • Healthcare expansion
  • Workforce development programs

As West Texas energy production evolves, Big Spring remains strategically positioned to support regional growth.


Conclusion: Is Big Spring, Texas Right for You?

Relocating to Big Spring, Texas offers the opportunity to enjoy a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle rooted in West Texas culture, energy industry opportunity, and strong community values.

While it may not offer the nightlife or luxury amenities of larger Texas metros, Big Spring provides something many people truly want:

  • Space
  • Affordability
  • Simplicity
  • Community
  • Access to outdoor living

For families, retirees, oilfield professionals, and anyone seeking a quieter and more affordable place to live, Big Spring can be an excellent relocation choice.

If you value:

  • Lower living costs
  • Friendly neighborhoods
  • West Texas landscapes
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Slower pace of life

…then Big Spring, Texas may be the perfect place to call home.