Abilene Apartments and Rentals

Located below the eastern tip of the Texas panhandle, the city of Abilene is representative of all that the state has to offer. The center of a 22-county area referred to as the Big Country, the metropolis has a diverse population of 119,688, according to the 2010 Census.

Once described as "the Future Great City of West Texas," the area has grown significantly since its founding and provides its residents with numerous entertainment and employment opportunities. People looking for Abilene apartments for rent will become part of a city that is steeped in history, but also one that keeps an eye toward expansion in the coming years.

The city was founded as a result of the efforts of a group of ranchers and land speculators expanding West toward the Pacific. By the 1870s, Native Americans in the area were transplanted elsewhere and cattlemen began to graze their herds in the region. The expansion of the Texas and Pacific Railway - it arrived in modern-day Abilene in 1881 - helped to bring trade and business to the county and the resulting settlement served as a foundation for future growth.

Though the city maintained its agricultural roots, the 20th century brought with it new industries like oil, light manufacturing and commerce. These sectors helped to fuel growth and the population exploded during this period. World War II supported an industrial expansion in Abilene, and several local military bases spawned from this conflict.

People looking for Abilene apartments will be able to enjoy the fruits of past labor, as the modern metropolis represents a stark contrast to its humble beginnings. The downtown area has a vibrant culture, but Western culture can still be seen against the backdrop of modernity.

The top employers in Abilene are scattered around several industries, as the medical, telecommunications, education and public sectors all have organizations that provide jobs for more than 1,000 people.

The Dyess Air Force is the largest employer in the region, as its payroll is a shade under 6,000.

Though other, smaller centers of higher education are located in the area, the academic landscape in the city is dominated by Abilene Christian University. This center of learning has more than 4,600 students who regularly interact with the local population due to the school's proximity to the city.

Finding an apartment in Abilene can be more difficult during times when students are seeking housing, but options are plentiful in the city for most of the year. The median gross rent in the metropolis is $712, as of the 2010 Census, but this number can vary based on factors ranging from size to location.

The downtown area has a number of family-friendly attractions, ranging from historical military museums to modern art centers. The outskirts of the city have plentiful places to visit, including the Abilene Zoo, Buffalo Gap Historic Village, the massive Dyess Air Force Base, Play Faire Park and the PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center.

The city has 26 spacious parks to enjoy on hot summer days, and numerous swimming holes and public pools offer residents a reprise from the famous Texas heat. Abilene is also home to four public golf courses, six softball fields and an active and diverse tennis community, providing more active individuals with a chance to pursue athletic activities at their leisure.

The transportation network in the city allows for easy travel around the city, and the small transit system in Abilene has been called one of the best in the country.

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