Numerous celebrities of the time, at least one future president, and possibly even Bonnie and Clyde spent a night at the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells between 1930 and the 1950s. Those were the glory years for the 14-story 450-room hotel that still dominates the city skyline, even though it's been closed for years. Its Olympic-size pool was filled with local mineral waters and its opulent ballrooms and public spaces attracted moneyed tourists.
A Dallas-area investor plans to restore the Baker Hotel to its former status. The hope is that 100 or so refurbished rooms and its romantic past will pave the way for a new century of tourism in this Texas town known for the restorative powers of its natural springs.
So You Want to Move Here?
This is a small town with friendly people and you might be able to negotiate a lease agreement on your terms. However, be prepared to present employment and salary documentation, agree to a credit check and have funds for a deposit as well as a month's rent in advance.
Tour of Neighborhoods
Mineral Wells is a typical West Texas town with a central square and neighborhoods radiating out from there. Each has a distinct character and people gravitate toward what "feels right."
City Center: Offers a mix of small to medium-sized houses and apartments; there's also a mix of owners and renters. This is where you can find a small-town version of urban lifestyle. Furnished apartments? Maybe, if you keep your eyes open.
Sturdivant-Salesville: Predominantly has 2-3 bedroom homes that are mostly owner-occupied. It is a relatively rural area, with houses on large lots or acreage, known for its peace and quiet. Vacancies are not uncommon, but if this is your chosen location, you will have to keep watch for home rentals.
Garner-Authon: This area boasts medium size houses on large lots; most have 3-4 bedrooms, and houses in this area are usually owner-occupied and built since 1970. Deemed a rural population area, there are less than 33 people per square mile. This is not the easiest spot to find a house to rent in Mineral Wells.
Garrett Morris Pky / NE 10th St: Almost 60% of the homes in this area were built between 1940-69. Considered a walkable "hip" area, you'll be able to find compatible neighbors, no matter what your interests. There are a good variety of single family homes, small apartment buildings, high-rise apartments and townhouses. This may be your best chance to negotiate that lease on a 2 bedroom apartment for rent.
Garrett Morris Pky / U.S. Route 180: An established area of smallish, almost totally single-family homes built between 1940 and 1969. People in this neighborhood are more inclined than most to carpool. You won't find many rental houses here.
About S. Oak Ave / SW 1st St: Small homes in a walkable, hip and trendy established neighborhood characterize this area. With a few small buildings throughout the neighborhood, head to this area if you're looking for studio apartments for rent.
N Oak Ave / NW 23rd St: Almost all of the homes in this older neighborhood were built before 1969, with 20% dating from earlier than 1940. You'll find townhouses and studios in this trendy neighborhood. A majority of the housing here is 2-bedroom or less.
What to Do?
This West Texas Town is close enough to Fort Worth (about an hour's drive directly east) to be comfortable, yet far enough away to be peaceful. Mineral Wells may not be where the West begins, but the cowboy life is alive and well here, with wide open spaces to roam, bright stars at night and a whole lot of ways to fish, boat, swim, camp and explore at Lake Mineral Wells State Park and a handful of other parks near town.
When you want to eat out, you'll find great Tex-Mex at Pulido's, more traditional fare at El Paseo and great sandwiches or pizza at Brazos Market and Bistro.
