Local Expert's Inside Scoop: The Most Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Lubbock

Just south of the Texas Panhandle is the lesser-mentioned South Plains region of the Lone Star State. And that's where you'll find the humble little city of Lubbock. When non-Texans think of our state, Lubbock may not be the first city that jumps to mind. It's not larger-than-life like Dallas, quirky like Austin, and it doesn't even try to match Houston's Gulf Coast swagger.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Lubbock

But Lubbock captures the spirit of Texas in a distinctly Texas way: Big sunsets, bigger skies, super-short commutes to work and school, a low cost of living, and the friendliest faces you'll find anywhere in this sprawling state. I'm Tiff, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert on Lubbock and several other Texas cities.

Because of my work, I've spent weeks and months in all areas of this vast state. And when I was in West Texas? Lubbock was my home base. But my adventures in Lubbock didn't end there. I get back to Hub City (what the locals call Lubbock) every chance I get. In this guide, I'm going to help you explore some of the most affordable areas to live if you're looking for a place to call home in Lubbock.

West End

In the West End, there are twice as many renters as homeowners. There are about equal numbers of apartments and houses. When houses come up for sale in the West End, they're usually on the market for just a little over a month before someone snatches them up.

Most of the area's homes were built between the 1970s and 1990s. The styles range from midcentury modern styles with angular sloping roofs to one-story ranch houses with mature trees and front lawns. There are also several newer townhouses that have been built in the last 10 years.

In terms of demographics, about 25% of the area's residents are under the age of 18, so there are a lot of families in West End. Only 9% of the population is over 65 (the national average is 19%). Locals describe the area as low-key and safe.

Current Pricing for Apartments in the West End Neighborhood Area

Major Points of Interest

Ready to go shopping? This neighborhood is home to West End Center, Lubbock's largest shopping complex. There's a Nike outlet store where you can grab your sneakers for a steal. And my favorite? World Market! I love that store, and the one in Lubbock is the first one I ever visited. Costco is here, too, so get your weekly grocery and essentials shopping done.

If you're looking for fun with a friend group (or a family), it can be hard to find a place where there's something to please everyone in the group. Well, south of West End, you've got exactly what you need. At Main Event, you can go bowling, play laser tag, shoot billiards, find your way out of an escape room (my favorite!), and even play some rounds of miniature golf.

Want access to some of the wonderful Downtown activities? No problem! West End is just eight miles from Downtown Lubbock.

Transportation

West End is about half an hour from Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. There's a bus stop at Wayland Plaza (Iola Avenue and 19th Street).

• Walk score: 46 / 100
• Transit score: 20 / 100
• Bike score: 38 / 100

Downtown Lubbock

In Downtown Lubbock, there are still plenty of red-brick streets and historic architecture, but in the last 10-15 years, the vibe has been much more modern and up-and-coming. In 1970, a tornado destroyed a huge portion of the business district, so buildings have been rebuilt and rehabbed since then.

Houses and apartments make up the smallest portion of downtown square footage. Most of the area is offices, hospitality, and retail. But Downtown has slightly more renters than homeowners, with the median age being about 37.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Downtown Lubbock

Major Points of Interest

In Downtown Lubbock, you'll find proximity to most of the things you've come to expect with the downtown area of any city. Museums, for example. Lubbock doesn't have as many museums as you might find in larger cities, but near Downtown, you can explore the Caviel Museum of African American History and the American Windmill Museum. The windmill museum would have never been on my radar except for the fact that it has a whopping 650+ five-star reviews on Google. And it was worth every bit of the hype. One of the most unusual museums I've ever been to.

Also in Downtown, arts and culture meet the spirit of West Texas in the Lubbock Cultural District. This district is home to the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, the Wells Fargo Amphitheater, and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts. All of these have more activities than I've ever been able to enjoy in a week.

One thing you don't want to miss is the Lubbock Downtown Farmer's Market. The market is open every Saturday from May 31st all the way through October. It's not just about veggies and fruits. You'll find vendors of all types. I've been to farmers' markets all over Texas, and this is one of my favorites because it has everything I need, but isn't so huge I have to walk five miles from where I park to get a homegrown tomato (looking at you, Dallas!).

Want a fun activity that gets your blood pumping? Near Downtown, you can play disc golf with your friends and/or family members at two different locations: MacKenzie Disc Golf (located in Mackenzie Main City Park) and Mae Simmons Disc Golf Course.

Right in the heart of Downtown, area residents are just steps away from The Brewery LBK. I'm not talking just any old beer. The Brewery has been reviewed by the lines of Thrillist, Forbes, and USA Today. My favorite is Unemployed Astronaut Hard Lemonade, made with pure cane sugar, pineapple, orange, and mango. It's like a tropical vacation in a beer glass. Other recommendations: Doc Watermelon, Champurrado Porter (cinnamon and cacao!), and LBK's signature IPA.

And don't bother leaving The Brewery LBK to seek some eats elsewhere. Get your fill of appetizers like goat cheese croquettes and blistered shishito peppers. They also have a full menu with everything from chicken pad Thai to salads and burgers.

Transportation

While Lubbock doesn't have a particularly robust transit system, you'll find no shortage of bus stops in the Downtown area. The airport is just 20 minutes away.

• Walk score: 69 / 100
• Transit score: 38 / 100
• Bike score: 46 / 100

South Overton

As the oldest neighborhood in Lubbock, the area is beloved for its interesting 20th-century architectural styles. The streets are lined with mature trees, and you'll find Tudor-style revival homes sitting alongside craftsman bungalows and colonial revival homes.

South Overton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a designation identical to that as Colonial Williamsburg. So it goes without saying, this neighborhood is important to Lubbock. And this could be one of the reasons that South Overton has a reputation for being one of the safest neighborhoods in the Downtown area.

This neighborhood is almost 75% residential, with just slightly more apartments than houses and townhomes. There is some retail, but very few office and hospitality businesses. Families love South Overton, and it has a nice mix of apartments, single-family homes, and student housing options.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in South Overton

Major Points of Interest

The best-kept secret about Lubbock? It's the heart of Texas wine country. In fact, 85% of Texas wine grapes are grown in Lubbock. I'm not even a huge drinker, but visiting wineries is just such a whole experience. If you're moving to Lubbock, whether permanently or just to go to school for a few years, it's a good time to cultivate a taste for fine wines.

Wine connoisseurs in South Overton and Downtown Lubbock will be happy to know that they're minutes away from one of West Texas's most beloved wineries. More than 40 years ago, McPherson Cellars yielded the first true Texas wines. La Diosa Cellars is also nearby.

West Texas is hot in the summertime, and there's no better way to cool off than leisurely browsing a museum. Fortunately, South Overton is close to Texas Tech University. On the campus, there's the National Ranching Heritage Center and the Museum of Texas Tech University, which houses millions of objects of science, art, geology, nature, and culture. But the crown jewel of the Tech museums is the Moody Planetarium, where you can enjoy an immersive experience with music and laser shows.

Beer more your thing? No worries. Two Docs Brewing Co. is five minutes away. Enjoy everything from their signature Raiderland Red to their in-house dark lager, Two Docs Bock. They're also famous for their wheat and rye offerings. And all of this comes with a rotating calendar of live music, karaoke, trivia nights, and other events. You can eat while you're there because they bring in the most popular area food trucks, hand-selected.

Want something artsy of your own to do? Consider a class at Glass Alley, where you'll learn to make exquisite glass mosaics in a warehouse on the south end of South Overton. Or take in an evening at the Symphony in Downtown, just minutes away.

Our sharp-dressed readers who are men won't want to miss HG Thrash for bespoke men's suits and custom dress shirts. Looking for eclectic and fresh fashion? You're really close to T.C. Elli's. They're a Lubbock mainstay that's been around for more than two decades.

Transportation

There are three bus stops in South Overton, and the airport is about 25 minutes away.

• Walk score: 75 / 100
• Transit score: 42 / 100
• Bike score: 67 / 100

West Carlisle

If you crave a little more of a country living or suburban vibe, West Carlisle might make you feel right at home. Located nine miles west of the city, homes in West Carlisle are older, and it feels like a rural area. This neighborhood is north of the more modern Carlisle, which was built around Lubbock's largest shopping center, Upland Crossing Park. There's a diverse mix of apartment complexes and single-family homes.

West Carlisle is attractive to families, and people who live there say it's a friendly and safe neighborhood. It's slightly more isolated than the more trendy Carlisle, making it a great option for people who want a rural vibe where they live.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in West Carlisle

Major Points of Interest

And here I come with more wine. The crazy thing is I'm not a huge wine drinker. But it's something I do when I'm in Lubbock. One of the perks of living in West Carlisle is that you're just six minutes away from two world-class wineries: FireSky Vineyards and The Vineyards at Escondido.

If you're itching to hit the gold course, you're in luck. Living out in West Carlisle, you'll be near some of Lubbock's best golfing: Shadow Hills Golf Course and Reese Golf Center.

Another thing I love about Lubbock? The shopping. Yes, Lubbock seems to some folks to be out in the middle of nowhere, but it's loaded with tons of chic and quirky little boutiques. When my daughter and I did a college visit at Texas Tech 12 years ago, we stayed an extra two days just to check out all the boutiques. Upland Crossing Park is just south in Carlisle, but the key is to drive further south.

Having a party? We've got the best news for you. West Carlisle is less than 10 minutes away from Party Animal, a shop where you'll find everything you need for any type of shindig. Their specialty is stunning balloon decor. But it's not just about parties. You can also stock up on gifts for literally everyone. Greeting cards. Stationery. Honestly, it's almost worth a drive from where I live near Dallas.

While you're down that way, stop in at Barque Gifts. Some of the most fun and unusual gifts you'll find anywhere (not just in Texas!). On your way home, swing by Wolfforth Farmer's Market. They're open year-round, every Saturday.

Transportation

Unfortunately, public transportation is nonexistent in West Carlisle. In terms of walkability, things are spread out, so it's difficult to get around on foot.

• Walk score: 2 / 100
• Transit score: 0 /100
• Bike score: 25 / 100

Guadalupe

In the 1980s and 1990s, Guadalupe went through a major renewal, and the majority of the homes are single-story ranch houses with attached garages and brick exteriors. It's rare to see a house for sale in this neighborhood. Homes tend to stay in the family. Many of the people who live there have been in the neighborhood since the city's founding. In spite of that, Guadalupe has more renters than homeowners.

A large area of Guadalupe was destroyed by a tornado, and it has since been revitalized. After being a distressed community for some years, it's now a very nice area, with most of the residents being middle-income. The median age of the neighborhood is 37.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments Guadalupe

Major Points of Interest

Hands down, the main point of interest in the Guadalupe neighborhood is Mackenzie Main City Park. In fact, it's so close to many areas of the neighborhood that you can walk there. A historic state recreation area, the park sits on a gorgeous 542 acres. It's a beautiful park, for sure. But there are also a myriad of annual activities for people of all ages. Moonlight Musicals in the summer and Santa Land in December.

At the park, there's a golf course and swimming pool, plus the Canyon Run Dog Park and the facilities you need for picnicking and camping. When you go, be sure to go see the prairie dog town. And don't forget your fishing pole! The lake is waiting for you.

Thanks to being near downtown, people who live in Guadalupe have easy access to all of the attractions their inner-city neighbors have. This includes the museums at Texas Tech University, breweries, wineries, and more.

Transportation

You can get to the airport in about 20 minutes from Guadalupe. Plus, there are six bus stops.

• Walk score: 41 / 100
• Transit score: 26 / 100
• Bike score: 40 / 100

Coronado

Although one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, the homes have been well cared for. Because of the combination of being in a central location and affordability, Coronado is attractive to first-time homeowners and college students. Roughly 42% of the people who live in Coronado work in professional, management, and executive occupations. Coronado has more people over 65 than any other neighborhood in Lubbock.

Real estate professionals in Lubbock describe Coronado as a family-friendly neighborhood where kids can walk to school. It has a reputation for being one of the city's quietest and safest areas. The area is mostly residential, with some retail. There are twice as many houses as apartments, but there are more renters than homeowners.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Coronado

Major Points of Interest

In the middle of Coronado, Adventure Park has something for everyone. Test out your climbing skills on the Adventure Course, the only climbing park you'll find in West Texas. And the climbing doesn't end there. Adventures Towers will also push your limits, and everyone can find a difficulty level that works for them. Oh, and there's also a rock wall, if the other activities aren't enough climbing for you.

Other favorites at Adventure Park are Ninja Zone (obstacle training), pedal boats, bumper boats, a speedway, miniature golf, adventure mazes, and much more. Plus 14 acres of outdoor grassy plains and trees for hiking and birdwatching.

The Coronado neighborhood is just minutes away from some of Lubbock's best shopping experiences. Everything from gift shops and quirky boutiques, to high-end fashion and one-of-a-kind home decor items.

Just south through the Stubbs-Stewart neighborhood, Mountain Hideaway has all the gear, clothing, and essentials you need if you live an active outdoor lifestyle. Think camping, fly-fishing, hiking, all other adventures. While you're in the area, stop by the instantly-iconic Wild Honey Hats to find cowboy hats in every color imaginable (they have other types of hats, too).

Going south again, young hip professionals and students will find Chrome, a one-stop shop for stylish clothing and trendy home decor. Fun fact: Chrome has earned a spot on more than one list of "best places to shop in Texas."

Transportation

Coronado is located four miles west of Texas Tech, and five miles from Downtown Lubbock. The airport is a half-hour drive away, and the neighborhood has five bus stops.

• Walk score: 66 / 100
• Transit score: 21 / 100
• Bike score: 53 / 100