Andrews was named after Richard Andrews, who became the first soldier to die in the Texas Revolution. Although Andrews died in 1835, the town named after him wasn't founded until 1908.
Located in West Texas 35 miles north of Odessa and 45 miles northwest of Midland on US Highway 385, Andrews is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas
Andrews was named after Richard Andrews, who became the first soldier to die in the Texas Revolution. Although Andrews died in 1835, the town named after him wasn't founded until 1908.
Located in West Texas 35 miles north of Odessa and 45 miles northwest of Midland on US Highway 385, Andrews is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. The current oil boom has been a boon to this town of 11,088, which has seen its population grow over a fifth since the year 2000. Along with profiting from the oil boom (which has helped West Texas thrive economically in recent years), Andrews is also the home of the only Kirby Company vacuum cleaner factory outside of Ohio. Clean living has been part of the Andrews experience since it was founded in the early 20th century, as Andrews was a dry city (read: no adult beverages) until very, very recently.
You certainly aren't alone in wanting to move to Andrews, as Andrews was the fastest growing micropolitan area in the state of Texas in both 2008 and 2009. Population growth hasn't exactly slowed down since then, as more and more people are riding the wave into Andrews (well, as much of a wave as one can ride in a desert area). Houses, new rental property in Andrews (including the odd apartment to rent) and industrial parks are being built to house and employ the new residents, who are profiting from one of the biggest oil booms the region has seen.
Jumping into the 21st Century
Andrews is going out of its way to modernize itself and move beyond its dusty West Texas roots, as it is making improvements across the board to cater to the upcoming wave of residents. Besides legalizing the purchase of alcohol (who doesn't like a good beer after a day in the oil fields?), Andrews has also built a new fire station and is in the process of building a brand-new hospital. It's also built two modern industrial parks, renovated its airport and built a loop around town to allow residents easier access without having to navigate the increasingly busy Main Street (US 385).
In Demand
New housing is being built on a daily basis in Andrews, as the city has seen no fewer than 40 new housing permits issued every year since 2006, including a whopping 154 in 2007. Even with that, there can be issues when you look to find apartment units to rent in Andrews, as supply is desperately trying to catch up to demand. This demand has made properties a bit more expensive than they were 10 years ago, though still extremely affordable for the state of Texas and the United States. It's also made it harder to find month-to-month rental deals and deals with all utilities paid. Renting houses might prove to be easier to new residents, as most of the nearly 800 house rentals come from older, less expensive stock. Renters will need to have proof of employment, first and last months' rent and a credit and background check before moving into their new apartment/condo.
Andrews doesn't have delineated neighborhoods, as much of its population lives west of U.S. 385, the road that joins Andrews with Lubbock and Odessa. New houses are popping up all over town, but newcomers looking for rental apartments should concentrate on a few communities.
Top Apartment Communities
Greenmark Apartments: The town's newest complex -- Greenmark Apartments, built in 2011 -- is located on 385 and offers luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. There's a Sonic just across the street for when you need your milkshake fix.
Andrew Manor: The other major complex, Andrews Manor, is located in the northeast part of town just north of Andrews Country Club and a short distance from Andrews County Airport.
If you love football and golf, Andrews is the place for you. Football is always bustling on fall Friday nights. Andrews Country Club hosts one of the top golf courses in West Texas and is the home course of PGA Tour golfer Chad Campbell.
Non-jocks can also have fun in Andrews. The Andrews Bird Viewing Trail in the southeastern part of town features a .2-mile walking trail and a viewing area where 30 species of bird, plus the occasional deer and bobcat, can be observed. The town also has several parks, including Lakeside Park, which is two blocks north of the Andrews County Veterans Memorial.
The Memorial Day "Ride to Remember" Motorcycle Rally is a must-see, as is the Labor Day Bluegrass Festival and Ranch Rig Ride Bicycle Tour. Be sure to head to Buddy's Drive In on Broadway Street and pick up some tasty homemade (albeit greasy) steak fingers and chicken fried steak. For those looking to leave town for a day/weekend trip, Odessa, Midland and Lubbock are all easy drives.
