Beginning in 1992, downtown renovations sparked a revitalization of area businesses. Texans living in the further flung and more residential areas of Abilene now have a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping options right downtown.
As downtown Abilene develops, apartment and housing options for Abilene residents do as well
"Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town I've ever seen..." Okay, so maybe musician and songwriter Bob Gibson had never been to Abilene when he penned the 1964 folk homage to the city, but he wasn't too far off. An historic and recently redeveloped downtown, a number of public parks and three fairly decent lakes all make Abilene one of the most pleasant towns in north central Texas. So welcome to the community, partner! Let's start your apartment search.
What to Expect
Beginning in 1992, downtown renovations sparked a revitalization of area businesses. Texans living in the further flung and more residential areas of Abilene now have a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping options right downtown.
Neighborhoods
As downtown Abilene develops, apartment and housing options for Abilene residents do as well. Most of the development is concentrated in south and southwest Abilene, near both Dyess Air Force Base and the recently-constructed Mall of Abilene. Large, well-maintained complexes just outside of the loop draw in many area residents. Complexes located on Cedar Run Road, Ridgemont Drive and Rolling Green Drive offer some of the most desirable rentals in the city. As one moves towards the southern suburb of Buffalo Gap, rentals tend to become more loaded with amenities.
The northeastern portion of Abilene also offers a variety of desirable housing options.
The south, southwest and northeast areas of Abilene all have similar rents, with prices ranging from $700 to 900 for a two bedroom.
Types of Rentals
The Abilene rental market, particularly rentals in the desirable southwestern portion of the city, is dominated by newly constructed condo and apartment complexes. These buildings offer apartments with varying amenities--many with onsite laundry, swimming pools and fitness and community centers.
Abilene's newer developments are rented predominately through real estate agents and management companies. Realtors can provide new residents with a larger variety of newer apartment options than going directly through management agencies.
Single family homes and privately owned rentals are most often listed through online apartment search databases or in the community's papers.
To secure a rental in new developments, private homes or apartment buildings, be prepared to cough up fees for background and credit checks varying from $30 to $50. Deposits on apartments in the area range from $200 to one month's rent based on the location and type of rental.
Transportation
Downtown Abilene is ringed by Winters and Jake Roberts Freeways, which provide easy access to and from the major commercial district. Traffic and commuting times are generally low throughout the city.
Metropolitan Abilene is serviced by the CityLink bus system which has 19 routes operating throughout the city, from early morning into the late evening. Most bus routes intersect at the Downtown Transfer Station, allowing easy access from residential Abilene to downtown.
So welcome home to Abilene!