Located in the panhandle of Texas, Amarillo is a city known for its “urban cowboy” lifestyle. Amarillo is Spanish for the word, “yellow,” and is often called the “Yellow Rose of Texas”. It offers plenty of rodeos and state fairs each year to celebrate its unique cowboy cattle-raising heritage, but it also has a thriving arts and culture scene and growing LGBT community. For those who want a city with a vibrant history but an eye toward the future, a warm and welcoming community, and plenty to see and do all amid beautiful natural surroundings, Amarillo just might be for you.
A Little Amarillo History
The area that is now Amarillo was initially discovered in the mid-1500s by Spanish conquistador Francisco Coronado, who is widely considered the first European to reach the area. During that time, many Native American tribes lived in the area and continued to do so throughout the 1800s. As the settlement of the United States expanded, in the mid to late 1800s, many settlers and pioneers began to arrive in the area and establish a thriving cattle industry. In the late 1800s, Amarillo officially became a county seat and the area continued to grow. By 1910 West Texas A&M University was founded in the area and continues to have a large presence in the city today. During the 1900s, many natural resources including oil and natural gas were discovered in Amarillo, which further contributed to its growth. Today, Amarillo is a thriving town with a unique heritage and a growing LGBTQ community. It offers plenty to see and do for all, and would truly be a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Amarillo
Read more fun facts about Amarillo here.
The LGBTQ Community in Amarillo
Amarillo’s LGBTQ community is smaller than those in some other cities, but it is an active and growing community supported by resources that include:
Panhandle Pride is an LGBTQ Amarillo-based group with the mission of connecting LGBTQ individuals to community-based resources and groups that may be of interest to them, and which are gay-owned, and/or gay friendly. There are several organizations included – from churches to businesses to bars, restaurants, counseling and health-based services, networking opportunities, and more. It's a great way to find out more about getting connected with the LGBTQ community in Amarillo.
A Look at Amarillo’s Weather
When many people think of Texas, they think of warm and sunny weather, and Amarillo does get plenty of that. However, because of its location in the panhandle, it also gets plenty of cooler weather too each year – and an average of 15 inches of snow each year too. Typically, in the summers the highs in July can reach around 91°, while during the coldest part of the winter in January low temperatures can drop to around 22°F on average. As a result, those who live in Amarillo can expect to experience all four seasons, with fall and spring typically being the most pleasant. Amarillo receives about 21 inches of rain per year and an average of 259 sunny days.
Can’t-Miss Amarillo Events
Each year, Amarillo hosts the world’s largest annual “calf fry”. For those who don’t know what calf fries are - they are actually bull testicles! It may sound odd, but they are considered a popular snack food in parts of Texas, and going to this annual event is a unique Amarillo experience that you’ll want to put on your must-try list!
Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo
Every year for the last 70 years, rodeo fans have gathered in Amarillo for the annual Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo. It’s a great way for those who want to truly experience Amarillo’s rich cattle rancher cowboy heritage in a very entertaining way!
Amarillo’s Best Neighborhoods
Unlike some larger cities, Amarillo doesn’t have one specifically “gay” neighborhood. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of places to live in the city, though. The Downtown area is particularly popular with the LGBTQ community, and it is known for having many of the city’s LGBTQ-friendly restaurants bars and businesses. There are also several historic homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which give the area a unique character. Those interested in purchasing a home can find more historic older homes dating back to the turn of the 20th century or can opt for something more modern like a condo or townhome. There are a wide variety of options and it will largely depend on personal preference. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the downtown Amarillo area is approximately $195,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
The Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts located in the Amarillo Civic Center is the primary place to see shows and performances of all kinds in Amarillo. Whether you like off-Broadway shows, concerts, musicals, drama, stand-up comedy, or more you can find it here.
The Amarillo Opera was founded in April of 1988, and since that time it has been providing live community-based opera to the entire Texas Panhandle. The mission of the opera is to encourage and nurture local talent and to help build community - and it does both very well. With an excellent selection of performances offered each year, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Parks and Recreation
The Cadillac Ranch is iconic Amarillo – and it’s a must-see stop for anyone visiting the city. Located along Route 66, Cadillac Ranch was invented and created by a group of artists funded by Amarillo billionaire Stanley Marsh. Marsh wanted a unique piece of public art and the artists decided upon a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin. Ten Cadillacs were driven into a field and half-buried, nose-down, in the dirt, supposedly at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. They faced west in a line, and eventually became a spot where visitors from around the country contributed their own “art” by writing, drawing, and painting on the Cadillacs as well. It’s truly a unique sight to see!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the largest canyon system in Texas – up to 120 miles long, in fact. It is a stunning display of the natural beauty in the panhandle of Texas and includes unique features including a hoodoo that looks like a lighthouse and a quarry that was once home to prehistoric peoples. It's an excellent place to explore on a beautiful Amarillo day.
Amarillo Nightlife
The 212 Club is widely considered to be one of the premier LGBTQ nightclubs in Amarillo. It is known for its lively dance floor, strong drinks, excellent drag shows, and friendly crowds. It’s always a great stop for a good time on any night out in Amarillo!
The 806 is a popular LGBTQ coffee lounge and bar that offers live music, warm and welcoming crowds, friendly bartenders and baristas, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends. It’s also known for having the longest-running open mic night in Amarillo.
Contact an Amarillo Gay Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make the move to Amarillo, your first step should be finding a realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can help you find the perfect home and neighborhood to fit your needs. If you’re ready to do that, we’re here to help. Contact an Amarillo gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
