Located northwest of Dallas and south of Amarillo, Lubbock is the largest city in the South Plains area of Texas. Often called the "Hub City" because it is surrounded by five major highways, it's easy to get to many other places from Lubbock – but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see and do in the city itself. Lubbock is a diverse, thriving city with a rich heritage, and a growing and vibrant LGBTQ community. Offering plenty to see and do for everyone, Lubbock is a wonderful place to call home.
A Little Lubbock History
Lubbock was initially founded as a part of the westward movement of ranchers and farmers across the plains of Texas in the 1800s. It was officially formed in 1980 when two settlements, Old Lubbock and Monterey, merged to form Lubbock, which was so named for Thomas Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger and brother of Francis Lubbock, who was the governor of Texas during the Civil War. The town eventually grew to be an important marketing center for the South Plains area, and its growth took off when the Santa Fe Railroad came through the area. Its growth continued, and continues to this day, as Lubbock is now an important center for agriculture and numerous industries in the area.
A Few Fun Facts About Lubbock
Read more fun facts about Lubbock here.
Lubbock’s LGBTQ Community
Lubbock’s LGBTQ community is somewhat smaller than those in some larger cities, but it is an active and growing community supported by resources which include:
OUTWest Lubbock is a virtual community center for the LGBTQ community in the Lubbock area. It prides itself on being a place for people to speak out, take notice, and become active to promote diversity, acceptance and inclusion in the greater Lubbock area. The community center provides information about events, fundraisers, networking opportunities, and other resources for the Lubbock LGBTQ community.
PFLAG Lubbock is the Lubbock chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States, and for many years, it has played an essential role in providing education, advocacy, support, networking opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. Monthly meetings and other community-building events and resources are regularly offered.
A Look at Lubbock’s Weather
Those who live in Lubbock can expect to experience all four distinct seasons. Temperatures typically range from 29°F to 93°F on average throughout the year. Summers are usually long, hot, and fairly clear, and winters are often short, cold, and dry. Fall and spring are typically the mildest and most pleasant seasons in Lubbock, with spring promising beautiful blooms and fall offering crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves.
The Best Events in Lubbock
Lubbock PRIDE is Lubbock’s largest annual LGBTQ pride festival each year. It is a wonderful celebration of all that the LGBTQ community adds to Lubbock and it is one event you won't want to miss. Parties, parades, family-friendly activities and other events make this a truly special celebration to look forward to every year.
National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration
Every September, Lubbock celebrates the spirit of West Texas with the National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration. Cowboy culture and Western heritage are honored through storytelling, arts and crafts, book fairs, music, roping and other demonstrations, as well as a chuckwagon cook-off and youth activities for visitors to enjoy.
Where to Live in Lubbock
Unlike some larger cities, Lubbock doesn’t have one specifically “gay” neighborhood. This doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of wonderful neighborhoods and housing options in town, though. Whether you prefer a newer more modern condo, townhouse, or single-family home, or whether you like something with a more historical character, there’s something in Lubbock for you. Living in Lubbock is generally very affordable with the median home price hovering around $150,000. There are a wide variety of housing styles and options available in all price ranges and, home appreciation over the last 10 years has generally been around 3 1/2%.
Arts and Entertainment
The Cactus Theatre is often called Lubbock’s hidden gem for music and entertainment, and with good reason. The theater, which is an art deco style building built in the early 1930s, hosts a variety of performances including concerts, movies, stand-up comedy, dramatic performances, and more throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, Joyland Amusement Park is a great option in Lubbock. This family-owned traditional amusement park usually operates from March through September of each year. Offering a variety of rides, shows, and family-friendly activities, it is a great place to spend the day having fun with those you love.
Parks and Recreation
The Buddy Holly Center is a performance and visual arts center located in Lubbock celebrating the life and legacy of one of Lubbock’s favorite sons. Buddy Holly, known by many as one of the founders of rock ‘n’ roll was born and raised in Lubbock. A visit to the center not only gives visitors an interesting overview of Holly’s life, but also a chance to learn about rock ‘n’ roll and its unique place in Lubbock history as well.
McKenzie Park is one of the most popular parks in the Lubbock area. It is known for being a great place to play a round of golf, enjoy throwing a frisbee, hiking or biking on one of the many trails, visiting the sculpture garden located in the park, or simply having a picnic outside on a beautiful Lubbock day.
Lubbock Nightlife
Club Luxor is a popular LGBTQ nightclub in Lubbock featuring dancing, music & drinks, as well as frequent live entertainment. It’s a great place to dance the night away with friends and have some fun.
Kong’s is a popular LGBTQ dance club and nightspot in Lubbock offering a lively dance floor, friendly crowds, strong drinks, and great music. It’s a great spot to stop and enjoy drinks and dancing with friends on a night out in Lubbock.
Contact a Lubbock Gay Realtor Today
If you think you would love living in Lubbock and you’re ready to find the perfect home, your first step should be finding a realtor who loves the city and knows its neighborhoods well. It’s an essential step to a smooth and successful home-buying process. If you’re ready to do that, we’re ready to help. Contact a Lubbock gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
