Woodside
Aiken, South Carolina
Canyon, Texas
What It Is Like to Retire in Canyon
Canyon is a vibrant small town and the county seat of Randall County, Texas. The population was 14,432 during the 2014 census, and because it is home to West Texas A&M University, the median age is just 25 years. The town is known as the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, one of the state's most popular tourist attractions. The Park offers hiking, camping, biking and birdwatching, all with beautiful views, and is the setting for the world-famous outdoor musical drama TEXAS. Canyon is listed on Livability's Top Ten Small Towns list. For a few years it was home to artist Georgia O'Keeffe, who was inspired by its natural beauty. Photo of The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain), photo of Downtown Canyon, Texas, courtesy of Wikipedia and Renelibrary, photo of Randall County Courthouse in Canyon, Texas, courtesy of Wikipedia and Willjay, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Canyon and Home Prices
Zillow reports the Median Home Value of a home in Canyon to be $275,040 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Canyon
Canyon is a small town with a well-respected University that offers several programs, theatrical productions, and sporting events residents can attend. The town has several historical sites and is home to the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, the largest historical museum in Texas. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park consists of 26,275 acres, making it the second largest canyon in the country, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Canyon also has a library, golf course, and 300 acres of neighborhood and public parks.
What Is Not Special about Canyon
Canyon is far from any large city- Oklahoma City is the nearest at 275 miles, Dallas is close to 400 miles away. Winter temperatures are cool, and it does get a little snow. There are a lot of college students here so you need to enjoy the mix.
Who Will Like Retirement in Canyon
Retirees who are looking for a college town with a walkable downtown, low crime rate and low cost of living may enjoy retiring in Canyon. The vibrant town has a historic town square, and many restaurants and shops. It is also home to museums, parks, a library, health clinic and farmers market. The University offers continuing education courses and volunteer opportunities.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Retail and Education drive the economy. Canyon Independent School District and West Texas A&M University are the largest employers.
Climate and Physical Environment
The average January temperature is 39 degrees, with July's average 79 degrees. Canyon is located in the Texas panhandle so it does get snow, but averages only about 9" annually.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Because it's a college town, there are several restaurants and cofee shops from which to choose. West Texas A&M University adds a lot to the community with sporting events, and hosts a number of theatrical, musical and arts programs throughout the year. Canyon has over twenty historical sites, and the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in the state of Texas with exhibits dedicated to art, paleontology, petroleum, transportation and western heritage. The historic downtown square hosts many community events including summer concert series and Christmas on the Square.
Crime
The crime rate in Canyon is very low.
Medical facilities
There is a medical clinic in Canyon and a hospital in nearby Amarillo, about 20 miles away.
Transportation
The closest airport is in Amarilo, about 25 miles away.
Comments on "Canyon"
Cheryl Mitchell says:
Currently living in Colorado but wanting to move to Canyon near my daughter and grandson. Looking for a two bedroom apartment. Very flexible on move in date. Looking to spend $600-$1200 on CANYON, not Amarillo. Please let me know what you may have available. I am 70 yrs old.