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Abilene, TX

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Abilene, TX

Abilene is a city in Taylor and Jones County, Texas, United States. Its population was 125,182 at the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area, which had a population of 165,252 as of 2020. Abilene is home to three Christian universities: Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, and Hardin–Simmons University. It is the county seat of Taylor County. Dyess Air Force Base is located on the west side of the city. 

Abilene is located on Interstate 20. I-20 forms a rounded bypass loop along the northern side of the city, between exits 279 on its western edge and 292 on the east. The city is located 150 miles (240 km) west of Fort Worth. Multiple freeways form a loop surrounding the city's core: I-20 on the north, US 83/84/277 on the west, and Loop 322 to the east. The former Texas and Pacific Railway, now part of the Union Pacific mainline, divides the city into well-established north and south zones. The historic downtown area is on the north side of the railroad, while the growing South Of Downtown Abilene "SODA" district is located on the south side of the tracks.

Abilene is located in northeastern Taylor County. The city limits extend north into Jones County. Interstate 20 leads east 149 miles (240 km) to Fort Worth and west 148 miles (238 km) to Midland. Three U.S. highways pass through the city. US 83 runs west of the city center, leading north 24 miles (39 km) to Anson and south 55 miles (89 km) to Ballinger. US 84 runs with US 83 through the southwestern part of the city but leads southeast 52 miles (84 km) to Coleman and west with I-20 40 miles (64 km) to Sweetwater. US 277 follows US 83 around the northwestern side of the city and north to Anson, but heads southwest from Abilene 89 miles (143 km) to San Angelo. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Abilene has a total area of 112.2 sq mi (290.6 km²), of which 106.8 sq mi (276.6 km²) are land and 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) are covered by water (4.82%). The water area is mainly from three reservoirs in the city: Lytle Lake, southeast of downtown on the western edge of Abilene Regional Airport, Kirby Lake on the southeastern corner of the US 83/84 and Loop 322 interchange, and Lake Fort Phantom Hill in Jones County in northern Abilene. Clear Creek runs through the city just east of downtown, flowing north to Elm Creek and ultimately part of the Brazos River watershed.

The fastest-growing sections of the city are in the southwest, along Southwest Drive, the Winters Freeway, and the Buffalo Gap Road corridor; the southeast, along Loop 322, Oldham Lane, Industrial Drive, and Maple Street; and in the northeast near the intersection of SH 351 and I-20. Many developments have begun in these three areas within the last few years with a citywide focus on the reinvigoration of downtown Abilene.

Abilene prioritizes the well-being of its residents, evident in its commitment to health and wellness. The cornerstone of the city's healthcare infrastructure, Hedrick Health, provides comprehensive medical services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Abilene Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Elevate Performance and Fitness, and YMCA of Abilene. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Abilene, such as the Red Bud Park Loop and the Nelson Park Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Abilene, TX are the Grace Museum, Frontier Texas!, and Abilene Zoo.

Population: 125,070 (2021). Elevation: 524 m. ZIP code: 79605. Area Code: 325. Area: 112.09 sq mi (290.32 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Abilene, TX?

Founded in 1881 as the new railhead (built by the Texas and Pacific Railway) for the overland Texas cattle drives, it took not only the business of the previous railhead, Abilene, Kansas but also its biblical name, which in Hebrew means “grassy plain.” The city’s economy, originally based solely on livestock and agriculture, has expanded to include industry. Petroleum and natural gas are produced in a multicounty area, of which Abilene is the center.

Is Abilene, TX a nice place to live?

Abilene is in Taylor County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Abilene offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Abilene, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Abilene and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Abilene, TX expensive?

The cost of living in Abilene, TX is 1% lower than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Abilene, TX housing is 17% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 3% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 7% less in Abilene, TX than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 7% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Abilene

Hedrick Health

Abilene Recreation and Community Services Department

Anytime Fitness

Elevate Performance and Fitness 

YMCA of Abilene

Red Bud Park Loop 

Nelson Park Trail

Grace Museum

Frontier Texas!

Abilene Zoo

Britannica

Niche

Rentcafe

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