Is Lubbock, Texas that bad?

[Westerner92]

Originally Posted by Shinedown

I lived in Lubbock for 19 years. Growing up, I loathed it.
I've lived in Austin, Albuquerque and now Omaha since then (it's been around 7 years), so I'm not the angsty teenager I once was.

Wittgenstein's Ghost isn't incorrect. The South Plains, or Llano Estacado is one of the ugliest places in terms of natural beauty. Flat, yellow, and lifeless. However, Lubbock isn't too far from the Caprock break. Depending on where you live, you can get to Justiceburg/Post and Lake Alan Henry in 30-45 minutes. It's a nice area. Copper Breaks and Caprock Canyons aren't far off either if you're up for a longer drive so if you're seeking something outdoors you're not as far off as you think.

Entertainment is somewhat lacking. Texas Tech is by no means a bad school and it's also pretty diverse, so you'll meet plenty of people from all walks of life there. But it's not going to offer what a place like Austin/San Marcos, Dallas/Arlington, or Houston can. If you're not much of a partier/socializer it's not a big deal. There's plenty of places in Lubbock to meet people. Lubbock is starting to get some more popular restaurants like BJ's and they have an Alamo Drafthouse now, so it's trying at least.

Transportation in Lubbock is great. Easy city to get around in. Virtually no traffic. But there are idiot drivers and Lubbock has a high rate of auto accidents so watch the road.

Crime hasn't been much of a problem until recently. I never noticed it much growing up, but it's definitely there. It was ranked the 6th most dangerous city in the country by Forbes but I would honestly question the validity of that. My family has been in the Lubbock area since literally the early 1900's and none of us have ever been threatened or been victims of a crime. I would still advise you to be cautious in the north side of town at night (it's fine during the day) and don't go east of the University for any purpose unless absolutely necessary because its reputation precedes itself. There are a lot of "tough guy" Latinos in the city but just ignore them and they won't bother you. The west and south parts of town are pretty nice and safe. It's not a place like Albuquerque where you should probably be indoors at a certain time, but definitely be vigilant.

Cost of living in Lubbock is hardly beatable. It's a good business city and groceries and fuel are pretty cheap and affordable. Some organic grocery stores are starting to pop up like Sprouts.

My biggest issue with Lubbock growing up was the culture. I'm not sure about your beliefs/values but as a whole Lubbock is very conservative and there are churches everywhere. Most of the populace will assume you're a Christian and if you aren't they'll act with shock. Sunday mornings are prime time grocery shopping for atheists like me, but church is a great way to connect with people of you follow those persuasions.

Overall, it's not the best place, but not the worst. People either tend to love it or hate it. Personally I don't hate it or love it. Don't hate visiting but glad I don't live there anymore.

My sentiments almost exactly. One thing I will add is that Lubbock really does have a few very good schools that prepared me and my classmates for the real world way better than most.

[happypants 3235]

>> I'm not sure about your beliefs/values but as a whole Lubbock is very conservative and there are churches everywhere. Most of the populace will assume you're a Christian and if you aren't they'll act with shock. Sunday mornings are prime time grocery shopping for atheists like me, but church is a great way to connect with people of you follow those persuasions.

I would second that. In initial talks with various women, I was looking for a housekeeper and mentioned some health issues. This woman started in about how God, etc. As I explained that that was fine if it made her feel better but I was an atheist, she went into shock. I couldn't breath without God, wouldn't even exist..

My response--though I try to avoid these kinds of conversations--is that you don't have the right to force your beliefs on me. Patriotism trumps religious bigotry.

[Farmer4ever]

I moved to Lubbock at age 31, having grown up in DFW area. I love the ease of travel within the city. The time that is saved by not having to sit in traffic greatly increases the quality of my life.

[Shinedown]

Originally Posted by Westerner92

My sentiments almost exactly. One thing I will add is that Lubbock really does have a few very good schools that prepared me and my classmates for the real world way better than most.

Sorry to bump this thread but this is definitely an important point that I missed.

If you have kids, Lubbock ISD is great and has some of the top high schools (Lubbock High, Coronado, Lubbock Cooper) that are recognized nationally. If school systems are a priority, you'll be just fine in Lubbock. I myself am a Lubbock Cooper alumnus.

As I mentioned before, you also won't find a better city to get around in than Lubbock. I've been all over the country and in my short life there are fewer places that I've found that are so logically planned out. You can get anywhere in 10 minutes with the loop and freeway. But yeah, as I mentioned watch out for west Texas drivers. I attribute this mostly to college students and having lived in bigger cities, but Lubbock drivers can be scary at times.

The integration of religion and culture (and having nothing outdoor related to do in the immediate vicinity) is honestly the only reason we haven't moved back. I have no issues with the culture of Lubbock as a whole, but it's just not for me. There's all kinds of people in the city but it's predominantly country/Christian and that's just not me. I didn't fit in and I left. Doesn't mean it's a bad place at all. I'm an atheist who likes hockey and can't stand country music. People of certain beliefs/lifestyles/interests tend to group together and Lubbock just happens to have a unique culture that's just not for everyone.

My advice for atheists in the city of Lubbock or planning to move to the city of Lubbock is to be honest but respectful. In my experiences, people will automatically assume you're a Christian and will assume that you attend a nearby church. Just politely rebuff them like happypants and generally they'll feel uncomfortable but will leave it at that.

I do have to say though (I'm married now) but when I lived in Lubbock a few years ago while transitioning careers, it's definitely tough for a young single guy to keep a woman's attention if you're not a Christian or a country boy. I went on a few dates with a girl during this period and she was mortified to discover that I didn't believe in God, had a gay roommate that I *gasp* shared a bathroom with and didn't play football in high school (baseball apparently wasn't good enough). There's all kinds of women in Lubbock though and they're certainly not all like that, but it's an example that I find fairly common among likeminded friends in Lubbock.

[rr2005]

Originally Posted by Shinedown

Sorry to bump this thread but this is definitely an important point that I missed.

If you have kids, Lubbock ISD is great and has some of the top high schools (Lubbock High, Coronado, Lubbock Cooper) that are recognized nationally. If school systems are a priority, you'll be just fine in Lubbock. I myself am a Lubbock Cooper alumnus.

As I mentioned before, you also won't find a better city to get around in than Lubbock. I've been all over the country and in my short life there are fewer places that I've found that are so logically planned out. You can get anywhere in 10 minutes with the loop and freeway. But yeah, as I mentioned watch out for west Texas drivers. I attribute this mostly to college students and having lived in bigger cities, but Lubbock drivers can be scary at times.

The integration of religion and culture (and having nothing outdoor related to do in the immediate vicinity) is honestly the only reason we haven't moved back. I have no issues with the culture of Lubbock as a whole, but it's just not for me. There's all kinds of people in the city but it's predominantly country/Christian and that's just not me. I didn't fit in and I left. Doesn't mean it's a bad place at all. I'm an atheist who likes hockey and can't stand country music. People of certain beliefs/lifestyles/interests tend to group together and Lubbock just happens to have a unique culture that's just not for everyone.

My advice for atheists in the city of Lubbock or planning to move to the city of Lubbock is to be honest but respectful. In my experiences, people will automatically assume you're a Christian and will assume that you attend a nearby church. Just politely rebuff them like happypants and generally they'll feel uncomfortable but will leave it at that.

I do have to say though (I'm married now) but when I lived in Lubbock a few years ago while transitioning careers, it's definitely tough for a young single guy to keep a woman's attention if you're not a Christian or a country boy. I went on a few dates with a girl during this period and she was mortified to discover that I didn't believe in God, had a gay roommate that I *gasp* shared a bathroom with and didn't play football in high school (baseball apparently wasn't good enough). There's all kinds of women in Lubbock though and they're certainly not all like that, but it's an example that I find fairly common among likeminded friends in Lubbock.

As a Cooper alumnus, any idea which Cooper elementary is considered the best? We are considering moving to Lubbock and have elementary-age children. Any info you can provide would be appreciated!

[Shinedown]

Originally Posted by rr2005

As a Cooper alumnus, any idea which Cooper elementary is considered the best? We are considering moving to Lubbock and have elementary-age children. Any info you can provide would be appreciated!

They're all really good and have recognized faculty by the state. For an elementary school, that's a pretty big deal. I actually went to Shallowater Elementary and Shallowater Middle School north of the city of Lubbock so I can't say anything from firsthand experience, but my niece and nephew go to Lubbock Cooper Central and my sister in law is always raving about it. Really, you should just pick the one you'll be closest to. They're all great schools for kids.

[rr2005]

Originally Posted by Shinedown

They're all really good and have recognized faculty by the state. For an elementary school, that's a pretty big deal. I actually went to Shallowater Elementary and Shallowater Middle School north of the city of Lubbock so I can't say anything from firsthand experience, but my niece and nephew go to Lubbock Cooper Central and my sister in law is always raving about it. Really, you should just pick the one you'll be closest to. They're all great schools for kids.

Thanks for the response. The area we are looking in would be in the Cooper West or South areas. Just wondering if there's much, if any, difference.

[Shinedown]

I couldn't tell you from personal experience except they're both in safe areas and considered good schools. I'll ask around some of my old friends if they know anything. I actually live in Omaha now.