Fans of the original ape man will recognize native Hereford resident Ron Ely, who played Tarzan in the NBC television show from the '60s.
Plunked atop Texas near the borders of Oklahoma and New Mexico and southwest of Amarillo is Hereford, the only incorporated city with such a name, but there's a lot more that's singular to this cow town than its moniker
Fans of the original ape man will recognize native Hereford resident Ron Ely, who played Tarzan in the NBC television show from the '60s.
Plunked atop Texas near the borders of Oklahoma and New Mexico and southwest of Amarillo is Hereford, the only incorporated city with such a name, but there's a lot more that's singular to this cow town than its moniker. It's also the self-titled "Beef Capital of the World," a sizable claim for any place in Texas. If you love beef, Mexican food, and blistering hot summers (sans humidity, thankfully), you'll appreciate the culture here. It's got a great combo of small town charm and distinctively Texas bravado, along with a delightful sprinkling of intellectual pleasures, including a few museums and historic sites of more than passing interest. Of course, this is the West as settled by rugged individualists, so count on plenty to do out in that unbroken sunshine, from swimming at the local aquatic center to hiking the trails in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Stick a piece of straw between your teeth and saddle up; it's time to hunker down in Hereford.
There are always a few things to keep in mind when moving somewhere, and Hereford is no different. Owners outstrip renters by a small margin, so there's no difficulty finding places to rent in Hereford, but you may want to spend a month seeking out the best option for your situation. While apartments for rental make sense for some, the allure of a big backyard and barbecue parties may sway you to look into a detached home or condo for rent. The news continues to improve: nearly a quarter of rentals offer included utilities, so it's worth digging around to find one of these precious gems.
There aren't any typical neighborhoods in Hereford since the population hovers around 15,000 people. That doesn't mean one area won't suit you better than another. Check out these recommendations for your perfect future residence.
Above Hwy. 211: This is a mostly residential area, with plenty of home rentals and apartment buildings available, as well as a few townhouses. The shops are clustered around Highway 395, which splits this section in half, so stick close to that if you want the option to walk to a bar or eatery.
Below Hwy. 211: Dameron Park, Deaf Smith County Museum and other recreational options are in the southern half of Hereford. There are still oodles of prime real estate picks, from one-bedroom apartments to single-family homes, but there is just a lot more access to commercial businesses, which makes it busier.
Hereford is a real Texas town, with big personalities, friendly neighbors, lowing cattle and football fanatics. The beef is top-notch and so is the rough and rugged spirit. If you crave a true modern Western experience, you can't beat a place like Hereford for it.
Whether you want to catch a local Spanish-language concert or enjoy a trail ride on horseback, there's plenty to do in Hereford. While the past is accessible, both from the museums and historic sites boasting Hereford's participation in major events, such as the powerful remains of a WWII internment camp for Italian POWs or the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech, the present offers food for thought as well. Most folks like their simple pleasures too, like riding, walking or chitchatting with friends, or hanging around the downtown area catching up on the latest Hollywood blockbuster or shooting some pool.
Weekends are a different story during the sporting season. Football is big business in these parts, and most folks make it out to the high school games whether they're involved in the school system or not. The 4-H Club is also popular, for hopefully obvious reasons. For those into the domestic arts, an annual broom and mop sale seems to get a fair amount of attention from locals.
Getting Around in Style
This is the 21st century, and people generally aren't heading anywhere on horseback, though you probably could if you really wanted to do so. You'll get around faster (and with less side eye) if you opt for a traditional combustion-engine vehicle instead. Most people here like trucks; they're great for hauling people, gear and lumber, and just about any make or model will do. This isn't a place to rely on public transit, and some people will opt for a bicycle for a joyride. On the plus side, Hereford is somewhat walkable, with a WalkScore of approximately 65. You can run down to the local coffee shop and grab a latte to go, or pick up some dry cleaning by foot, but for the most part, you're getting from one spot to another via car.
