Hi — I’m Andrew Baxter, the realtor behind the Living in Lubbock Texas channel. In this article I’m laying out, honestly and practically, where I would move if I were moving to Lubbock, Texas today. I’ve helped buyers and sellers from their early 20s through retirees, and I want to give you a compass so your move and house purchase fits the life you plan to live.
Table of Contents
- Why This Guide Matters: What to Know Before Moving to Lubbock, TX
- My Story: Where I Live Now & What I’d Do Differently If Moving to Lubbock Again
- Best Lubbock Neighborhoods for Young Families (Late 20s / Early 30s)
- Moving to Lubbock, TX in 2025? Best Areas for Newcomers
- Where to Live in Lubbock, TX in Your Early 20s
- Best Lubbock Neighborhoods for Empty Nesters & Lake Lovers
- Hidden Gems: Uptown West & Tanglewood Neighborhoods in Lubbock, TX
- How I Choose the Best Neighborhoods in Lubbock — My Checklist
- Smart Real Estate Moves: House Hacking & Financing Tips in Lubbock, TX
- Mistakes I Made Moving to Lubbock, TX — And What I’d Do Differently Now
- How I Help People Moving to Lubbock, TX (My Process)
- FAQs About Moving to Lubbock, TX
- Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Neighborhood Fit When Moving to Lubbock, TX
- Ready to Move? Let’s Find Your Ideal Home in Lubbock, TX
Why This Guide Matters: What to Know Before Moving to Lubbock, TX
If you’re thinking about moving to Lubbock, Texas, you’ve probably been scanning neighborhoods, comparing school districts, and trying to balance budget with lifestyle. I’ve sold in almost every part of Lubbock over the years, and I’ve learned that the right neighborhood depends far more on your stage of life than on blanket “best of” lists. That’s why this piece is organized around life stages — where I’d buy as a young professional, as a family starter, and later as an empty nester.
My Story: Where I Live Now & What I’d Do Differently If Moving to Lubbock Again
I live in a quiet, newer Southern neighborhood — Lakewood Estates — south of town in Lubbock-Cooper ISD. When I bought three years ago, I loved the neighborhood feel: trees, fescue grass, newer construction, and long-term appreciation potential. I also got an off-market deal through my broker, which made the purchase very attractive.
That said, if I were moving to Lubbock, Texas today and could do it over, I would have bought something larger. I didn’t fully anticipate starting a family, and with one or two kids on the horizon, I’m already thinking about the need for more space. Ideally I’ll keep this house as a rental and buy a larger primary residence, but that depends on the market and timing.
Key takeaways if you’re buying now: think bigger than you feel you need today, especially if you plan to start a family in the next 3–5 years. Lubbock has great neighborhoods for growth, but selling and buying again is more disruptive (and costly) than buying a slightly larger home up front.
Best Lubbock Neighborhoods for Young Families (Late 20s / Early 30s)
At this life stage I want a neighborhood with a homey feel, parks, and access to restaurants and amenities without being far from town. If I were moving to Lubbock, Texas and planning to start a family soon, these are the three neighborhoods I’d seriously consider:
Kelsey Park (Love at Cooper ISD)
Kelsey Park is my top pick if I want the neighborhood vibe, big park amenities, and a solid, family-friendly community. Houses range from entry-to-upper tiers, so you can find something that fits a growing family. The park itself is huge — great for bikes, scooters, and weekend family activities.
Preston Manor (Frenship ISD)
If I were considering Frenship ISD, Preston Manor is nice — high-quality amenities and a resort-style HOA. The caveat: the HOA fees and lifestyle may not be worth it for someone who doesn’t plan to use the clubhouse or pool regularly. It’s a great long-term move if you want those amenities and can budget for them, but for a mid-30s family who’d rather be active outdoors than lounge by a pool, Kelsey Park probably wins.
Price expectations
Compared to my current home in Lakewood Estates (roughly $250k–$300k when I bought), a home in Kelsey Park or Preston Manor will likely be 1.5–2x the price. You’re paying for neighborhood feel, amenities, and proximity to restaurants and parks that make day-to-day family life simpler and more enjoyable.
Moving to Lubbock, TX in 2025? Best Areas for Newcomers
If I were moving to Lubbock, Texas and had never visited before, I’d pick a neighborhood that gives immediate access to restaurants, shopping, and a clean, walkable feel. Here are the three I recommend for newcomers.
Vintage Township — walkable, manicured, central
Vintage Township is a beautifully manicured neighborhood with an HOA that’s worth it because it keeps the neighborhood looking polished. You’re a short walk to the 114th & Quaker corridor — restaurants, the HB area, and new retail — so it’s a perfect base to get to know the city.
Price range: townhome-style options around $350k and single-family from $300k up. Great if you want a central, polished place to call home while you learn Lubbock’s rhythm.
Fox Ridge — affordable newer homes, close to entertainment
Fox Ridge , down 98th east of University, is newer, more affordable, and in a quieter part of town. Single-family homes typically range $225k–$350k. One interesting element: the nearby duplex neighborhood Stonewood Estates — ideal if you’re open to house hacking (living in one unit, renting the other).
Primrose Pointe — in the happening part of town
Primrose Pointe sits near 82nd and Milwaukee, an area that’s become lively with bars, restaurants, and social spots. Houses are usually 3-bedroom, 2-bath starter to mid-range homes ($250k–$400k). If you want a neighborhood that’s social, newer, and convenient, Primrose Pointe checks those boxes.
Where to Live in Lubbock, TX in Your Early 20s
For buyers in their early 20s — recent grads, new professionals, or parents buying for kids — proximity to campus and social life is key. If I were moving to Lubbock, Texas in my early 20s, these three neighborhoods top my list.
Tech Terrace — the classic college neighborhood
Tech Terrace is the obvious pick for proximity to Texas Tech and the vibrant college scene. It’s a youthful area with parks, social energy, and easy access to campus nightlife. While you’ll encounter rowdiness sometimes, in your early 20s that’s often part of the appeal.
North Point — quieter, newer, still close to campus
North Point is newer than Tech Terrace and tends to attract grad students and med students. Homes are typically 10–25 years old, so you avoid some of the maintenance headaches of older houses. It’s also close to the med school and business college — great if you want stability with campus access.
Pleasant Ridge — a hidden gem
Pleasant Ridge sits by Higinbotham Park and has been quietly transitioning: older, established homes are getting refreshed by younger buyers. You’ll find houses from the low $190k range up through the $300ks, making it one of the more affordable options close to campus.
Parents buying for kids: Tech Terrace and North Point are strong picks. If you prefer a quieter option with value upside, Pleasant Ridge is a solid hidden gem.
Best Lubbock Neighborhoods for Empty Nesters & Lake Lovers
If your kids have moved out and you want to downsize (or up the lifestyle), you’ll likely value privacy, views, and leisure amenities. These are my top neighborhood picks if I were moving to Lubbock, Texas as an empty nester or someone who wants lake access.
Lakeridge Country Club Estates
Lakeridge surrounds the golf course and gives that “Dallas suburb” feel: wide streets, big lots, mature trees, and a maintained country club vibe. It’s peaceful and feels removed from the Lubbock bustle — great for long walks, golf, and a quieter lifestyle.
Ransom Canyon — unique, hilly, and lake access
Ransom Canyon is east of town and perhaps the most unique area connected to Lubbock: hills, bluffs, and a real lake. Properties range from $400k into the millions depending on the lot and lake access. If you want water, boats, and postcard sunrises — this is the spot.
Kelsey Park — again, for the full-life appeal
Kelsey Park deserves another mention here. It’s versatile enough for families, empty nesters, or people who love walkable park life. If I were making a long-term move to Lubbock, Texas and wanted one neighborhood that could grow with me, Kelsey Park would be top of the list.
Hidden Gems: Uptown West & Tanglewood Neighborhoods in Lubbock, TX
There are always neighborhoods popping up that deserve attention. Two I’d add to your short list if you’re moving to Lubbock, Texas:
Uptown West (Frenship ISD)
When a new high school opens nearby, it changes an area’s appeal overnight. Uptown West sits near a new Frenship ISD high school and offers brand-new housing options in the mid-$200k range. If you want a new house, modern finishes, and good school access without a huge price tag — check Uptown West.
Tanglewood — tucked away and upscale
Tanglewood is a quieter, upscale neighborhood with larger homes and secluded streets. You’ll find garden homes and larger single-family estates here — be prepared for higher price tags, but also for privacy and beauty.
How I Choose the Best Neighborhoods in Lubbock — My Checklist
When people ask me where they should live, I run through a mental checklist that balances lifestyle with financial sense. If you’re moving to Lubbock, Texas, use this checklist to narrow down neighborhoods:
- School district: If you have children, school lines matter. Kelsey Park and Preston Manor are strong on this front.
- Commute: How far will you drive daily? Lubbock is a manageable city; most places are 15–25 minutes from each other, but factor in where you’ll work or spend evenings.
- HOA & lifestyle: Do you want a clubhouse and pool you’ll use? If not, avoid higher-fee neighborhoods like Preston Manor unless you really desire them.
- Home size vs. future plans: Buying a too-small house for a family-in-planning is a common regret. If you’re thinking of kids, err on the larger side.
- Maintenance & age: Older homes have character but can mean more repairs. If you don’t want surprises, newer neighborhoods like Fox Ridge and Uptown West are appealing.
- Investment & resale: Vintage Township and central neighborhoods often hold value because of access to amenities.
Smart Real Estate Moves: House Hacking & Financing Tips in Lubbock, TX
If I were moving to Lubbock, Texas and trying to stretch my dollar, house hacking is one of the smartest moves. Buy a duplex, live in one unit, rent the other — and let the rent cover mortgage or give you an income buffer. Stonewood Estates and duplex pockets near Fox Ridge are perfect for that.
Other finance tips when moving to Lubbock, Texas:
- Get pre-approved before you tour seriously — it prevents losing a deal in a competitive moment.
- If you want to preserve your current house as an investment, talk to a lender about portfolio loans or second-home financing options early.
- Factor HOA and property tax into monthly affordability — a house can look affordable until you add HOA, taxes, and insurance.
Mistakes I Made Moving to Lubbock, TX — And What I’d Do Differently Now
My biggest personal regret was not anticipating family growth. If you’re planning kids, buy with that timeline in mind. Another mistake is underestimating maintenance on older homes; I purposely bought newer to avoid that headache, but I would have sized up.
Also: don’t underestimate the value of neighborhood feel. I prioritized a quiet street and newer construction, which I love, but I now crave larger communal parks and walkable restaurant options that I didn’t consider at the time. If I were moving to Lubbock, Texas today, I’d balance quiet with walkability more intentionally.
How I Help People Moving to Lubbock, TX (My Process)
If you’re seriously considering moving to Lubbock, Texas, reach out. My team and I help with relocation from anywhere — out of state or out of the country. We can walk you through neighborhoods that match your budget and life stage, set up virtual tours, and map school zones and commute patterns to make the decision clear.
Contact details (I welcome calls and emails):
- Phone: (806)-464-9380
- Email: andrew.baxter@trustprogressive.com
- Free Relocation Guide : I have a downloadable relocation guide that outlines neighborhoods, schools, and moving tips for anyone moving to Lubbock, Texas.
FAQs About Moving to Lubbock, TX
What neighborhood should I pick if I’m a young couple moving to Lubbock, Texas for work?
If you’re a young couple, look at Vintage Township and Primrose Pointe for central convenience and newer homes. Tech Terrace is also great if you want a younger vibe and proximity to Texas Tech.
I’m moving to Lubbock, Texas with kids — which school district is best?
Both Lubbock-Cooper ISD and Frenship ISD have strong pockets. Kelsey Park (Lubbock-Cooper) and Preston Manor (Friendship) are top choices depending on which district you prefer and the amenities you want.
Can I find affordability near the university if I’m moving to Lubbock, Texas as a first-time buyer?
Yes. Pleasant Ridge and parts of Tech Terrace have affordable options, and Fox Ridge offers newer homes at good prices. Consider duplex/house-hack options in Stonewood Estates if you want to offset costs.
Do I need to worry about HOAs when moving to Lubbock, Texas?
Some neighborhoods — Vintage Township, Preston Manor, parts of Kelsey Park — have HOAs. HOAs can maintain neighborhood appeal but add fees. Decide if the amenities and upkeep are worth the monthly cost.
What’s the commute like if I live in Lakewood, Kelsey Park, or Vintage Township?
Lubbock is fairly compact; most commutes are 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Kelsey Park, Vintage Township, and Lakewood are all within reasonable drive times to central employment areas and shopping.
Is Ransom Canyon worth the distance if I want a lake lifestyle while moving to Lubbock, Texas?
Absolutely, if you prioritize lake access and unique topography. It’s farther east, but the lifestyle is different and many find the tradeoff worth it for views, boating, and a quieter pace.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Neighborhood Fit When Moving to Lubbock, TX
There’s no single “best” neighborhood in Lubbock — the best choice is the one that matches your life right now and where you plan to be in three to five years. If you’re moving to Lubbock, Texas as a newcomer, prioritize neighborhoods that give you access to the life you want: central amenities, good schools, or lake/golf lifestyles.
If you want a tailored recommendation, send me a message. Tell me your budget, whether you have kids (or plan to), how long you want to commute, and what amenities matter to you. I’ll point you to the neighborhoods that will make your move to Lubbock, Texas smooth and rewarding.
Thanks for reading — I hope this gives you a clearer picture of where to live based on the stage of life you’re in. Whether you’re in your early 20s or considering an idyllic lakeside retirement, there’s a neighborhood in Lubbock ready for you.
Ready to Move? Let’s Find Your Ideal Home in Lubbock, TX
Ready to talk? Call or email anytime: (806)-464-9380 — andrew.baxter@trustprogressive.com. If you’re moving to Lubbock, Texas I’ll help you find the right neighborhood and make the transition effortless.
