Moving to San Angelo, TX: Everything You Need to Know

San Angelo, TX is a West Texas oasis, with a focus on art and culture. It’s a good place to raise a family and a great place to live!

If you’re thinking of moving to San Angelo, TX, keep reading to find out everything you should know before making the move.

Before moving to San Angelo, you should look at the economy, cost of living, schools, weather, and crime. Before committing to a move, do basic research about entertainment, history, and more. Finally, getting approved for a home loan and finding a realtor can make your move that much smoother.

Read on to find everything you need to know about San Angelo, TX, and whether it’s the perfect place for you.

What is San Angelo Like?

You never really know what a place is like until you live there. However, we can shed some light on what San Angelo is like, based on the location, history, and more.

Location

San Angelo, Texas is a West Texas town right on the Concho River.

You can reach San Angelo by taking Highway 71 out of Austin to the northwest, by turning southwest from Abilene on I-20, or driving east from Midland. It’s the county seat of Tom Green County.

San Angelo is just over 200 miles from Austin and San Antonio, 260 miles from Dallas, and 180 miles southeast of Lubbock.

It’s a centralized location, the perfect stage for a frontier town in the 1800s – and that’s exactly how San Angelo got its start.

History of San Angelo

The city of San Angelo started as a frontier village called Santa Angela. In 1867, the city of San Angelo as we know it today was founded.

This is the formally recognized founding of the city because this was when Fort Concho was built. Fort Concho was an outpost for cavalry and infantry, meant to protect the frontier.

The village outside the Fort was renamed San Angelo in 1883 by the Postal Service. It was a trade hub for the area, but it had a darker side as well. Brothels and gambling were prevalent in the newly minted village of San Angelo.

Not long after, San Angelo also became home to the railroad. Between the 1880s and early 1900s, San Angelo was a transportation and trade hub for the smaller communities in the surrounding area.

During this time, Fort concho was abandoned. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark. At the onset of World War II, Goodfellow Air Force Base was constructed in San Angelo.

Since the 1880s, the town has continued to grow. It’s become home to universities, large communities, and institutions. San Angelo’s central location still draws people to move there and experience the unique blend of the small town and big city.

Read Next: Top Mortgage Lenders in San Angelo, TX

Atmosphere of San Angelo

San Angelo, Texas has a population of 118,000 people as of the last census in 2019. The city itself is large, feeding mostly from the Air Force Base. That means that a large portion of the residents are military families.

However, San Angelo has a unique charm about it. Because of the deep Texan history here, it still feels very much like a small town. People are friendly, and though there are some places with higher crime rates, it’s overall a great place to live.

The community seems to be very culturally and artistically driven. Certain installations in town, including art museums, public gardens, and open performance spaces lend an air of creativity.

There are a lot of public parks here, as well as ample camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreation options. Active residents are spoiled for choice.

Artists, too, are welcomed here.
Overall, San Angelo boasts a lot of modern conveniences.

You’ll find fine dining, coffee shops, and retail outlets throughout the city. The undercurrent of creative energy creates a nice touch, and the residents are a close-knit community that is always willing to welcome newcomers.

Read Next: 10 Reasons San Angelo, TX is a Great Place to Raise a Family

Living in San Angelo, TX

So what’s it like to live in San Angelo, TX?

Here are some of the things you might want to know before deciding to move to the area.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Angelo is lower than the national average. Most sectors are lower than the state average as well, with some exceptions in Health Care, Transportation, and Utilities.

The following table shows the average cost of several indexes in San Angelo, TX, and compares them to the national average.

Index	San Angelo Average	National Average
Home Price	$112,800.00	$184,700.00
Mortgage Payment	$845.02	$1,197.42
Apartment Rent	$803.00	$949.00
Electricity Bill	$189.81	$167.67
Doctor’s Visit	$121.60	$116.17
Gasoline	$1.95	$2.22
Movie Tickets	$9.32	$10.68
Milk Prices	$1.77	$2.05

Note that these figures are constantly changing, and the values reflected here may not be the same when you choose to move to San Angelo. These numbers are provided to aid in your decision-making process and are examples at best.

What we do know is that housing in San Angelo is much less expensive than in other places in the nation. While some areas are more expensive (such as utilities), the overall cost of living is expected to be less in San Angelo than in other places around the U.S.

San Angelo Economy

An area’s economy can tell you a lot about how you might thrive there. To measure this, we’ll be looking at employment rates, unemployment rates, and the changes to those figures over the past few years.

Date	Employed Residents	Unemployment Rate
Jan 2019	53,400	3.4%
Jun 2019	53,500	3.3%
Jan 2020	53,745	3.1%
Jun 2020	49,912	8.7%
Jan 2021	50,931	6.4%
Jun 2021	51,420	5.8%

As you can see, the unemployment rate was consistent before June of 2020. Since unemployment rates around the country were plummeting during this time, it’s not indicative of any problem with San Angelo specifically.

Since that dip, unemployment rates are beginning to stabilize. This means that over time, these numbers are likely to improve.

Entrepreneurship

San Angelo, TX is a great place to start a business – and many experts agree.

Due to the lower cost of living and increased growth associated with the city, it’s been ranked as one of the best towns for startups and small businesses (according to the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce).

There’s even help for you. San Angelo is home to the Small Business Development Center ASU, which helps potential owners in the area find a way to navigate complicated business decisions.

Essentially, if you’re looking for some of the best business opportunities in Texas, you’ll find them in San Angelo.

San Angelo Schools

While most of the news about San Angelo is good news, their area schools might present a problem for some potential new residents.

San Angelo’s schools aren’t performing terribly, especially compared to the national average. Just a few of the area’s 111 total schools are ranked at above a 5/10, according to GreatSchools.org.

These are the best-rated schools in San Angelo.

Elementary Schools

Santa Rita Elementary School serves 375 students in K-5th grade. Students here have above-average test scores and progress compared to other students in Texas. This school is rated 8/10 by user reviews.

Glenmore Elementary School serves 477 students in PK-5th grade. Students have above-average test scores and equity compared to other students in Texas. This school is rated 7/10 by user reviews.

Middle Schools

Grape Creek Middle School serves 269 students in 6-8th grade. Students at this school have above-average progress than other students in Texas. This school is rated 5/10 by user reviews.

Glenn Middle School serves 1,328 students in 6-8th grade. Students at this school have average test scores and student progress. This school is rated 5/10 by user reviews.

High Schools

Grape Creek High School serves 308 students in 9-12th grade. Students here have above-average college readiness, as well as average test scores and student progress. This school is rated 5/10 by user reviews.

TLC Academy serves 1,301 students in K-12th grade. This is a private school. Students here have above-average college readiness, average test scores, and average student progress. This school is rated 5/10 by user reviews.

Central High School

San Angelo Traffic

Traffic conditions in San Angelo, TX seem about normal for a town its size. During peak travel hours (on the morning work commute or around the 5 pm rush hour), some roads may see more congestion than usual.

This includes state highway 67, which cuts through the center of town. Heavier traffic flow can be present on side streets at times as well.

Overall, traffic isn’t a large concern for San Angelo, TX. The city takes good care of its traffic lights and installations, so delays due to equipment failure are rare.

Weather

San Angelo, TX is in a notoriously hot state, but how hot does it get on average? How much precipitation can you expect?

When it comes to temperature, the averages are mild throughout the year. It rarely gets above 100F during the summer, and it rarely drops below the 30s during the coldest winter months. Average temperatures in January (San Angelo’s coldest month) are around 46F.

In July, San Angelo’s hottest month, average temperatures are around 84F. Though high and low temperatures vary, they aren’t extreme.

It’s also a dry environment. Though there is frequent cloud cover in the area, the wettest month (March) only has 2.5” of rainfall on average. January is the driest month, with an average of 0.7” precipitation.

September of 2020 was the last time that San Angelo received more than 3” of precipitation at once.

This climate is great for those who don’t like colder temperatures and don’t like rain or snow. However, those who appreciate a colder climate might want to move somewhere further north.

The Locals of San Angelo

The locals of San Angelo are friendly, though their community is a tight-knit one. They are generally welcoming to most newcomers.

Getting involved with a church group is one of the best ways to become part of the community, as the church is an important part of life in San Angelo.

A large majority of the workforce in the area comes from the Goodfellow Air Force Base. Artists make up another important part of the population, as there is a strong focus on culture and the arts in San Angelo.

There seems to be a niche for just about anyone here.

Crime

If there is one area where San Angelo is lacking, it’s crime. While the area does seem to have a high crime rate at first glance, some areas are safer than Texas as a whole.

When it comes to property crime rates, San Angelo gets a surprisingly good grade. However, violent crime rates are a little higher than Texas’s average and surrounding areas.

Some neighborhoods near the center of the city are much more dangerous than those near the city limits.

Location is everything when it comes to the safest areas of San Angelo, and the statistics change often.

Crime Grade lists the latest crime data. You can find information about crime in San Angelo here.

Best & Safest Neighborhoods of San Angelo, TX

Despite the crime numbers, there are a few neighborhoods in San Angelo that are safer than others. Neighborhoods like The Bluffs and Bonham are safer from violent crime, whereas property crime is uncommon in areas like Bentwood and Lakeview.

The Bluffs

The Bluffs is a community in the western part of San Angelo. Some homes here are less expensive than others, and this usually depends on proximity to the city.

This is the area where many city officials live. The average home price, according to Realtor.com, is $245,000.

Keep in mind that this includes both the more inexpensive homes near the city and the more expensive homes on the outskirts. Violent crime is at a low here, though property crime is about the same.

Bonham

Bonham is a more spread-out upscale community to the south of San Angelo. While it’s not a rural area, it’s a bit of a drive to reach most of San Angelo from this neighborhood.

Average home prices are around $269,000 according to Realtor.com. Bonham has lower property crime rates and violent crime rates than the rest of the city.

Bentwood

Bentwood is an upscale neighborhood, and it’s mostly rural. Homes in the area are more expensive here.

According to Realtor.com, the average home price in the Bentwood area is $485,000. There are regularly homes for sale that are closer to $750,000.

Crime rates for every type of crime are lower here than in other places in San Angelo.

Lakeview

Lakeview is a less expensive community north of San Angelo. It’s a smaller community, but the homes aren’t as expensive as the other safe neighborhoods on this list.

The average home price, according to Realtor.com, is $190,000. Parts of Lakeview have higher violent crime rates, but property crime rates are still low.

Related: The 3 Best Neighborhoods in San Angelo, TX

Things to Do in San Angelo, TX

San Angelo, TX has a ton of popular attractions and fun things to do.

Outdoor Recreation

There is a huge focus on outdoor recreation in San Angelo. There are a ton of parks in the area, including San Angelo State Park. Here, you can camp, fish, and bike.

There’s a small entrance fee for a park pass, but then the park is yours to explore. Hiking is popular here as well. If you have a chance, visit the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd.

The San Angelo Riverwalk is another popular outdoor attraction. It’s an urban environment, but it offers downtown shopping as you walk along the beautiful Concho River.

Most of the area is free, including the outdoor stage, sculpture gallery, and more.

Restaurants and Bars

San Angelo has no shortage of restaurants and bars. For example, you can spend some time at The Deadhorse, a rock venue with Texan charm.

There’s always a show or event happening here, coupled with live music and great drinks.
If food is more your style, grab a plate at the Angry Cactus Restaurant.

Here, you can sample local brews and craft beers as you wait for your steaks and burgers. It manages to be ‘fine dining’ without requiring you to dress up, and it excels at American cuisine.

There’s even a kid’s menu for the smallest members of your family.

Related:

• 10 Best Coffee Shops in San Angelo, TX
• 10 Best BBQ Restaurants in San Angelo, TX
• Best Breakfast Burritos in San Angelo, TX

Arts and Culture

San Angelo is made for culture and the arts, and one of the best places to find it is in the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

Here, you can find an acclaimed museum full of ceramics, sculptures, and paintings from artists across Texas. It’s stocked with unique pieces and great art education.

If you’d rather see some natural wonders, you can check out the International Waterlily Collection.

As it turns out, San Angelo, TX has a large, exclusive collection of waterlilies from around the world. It’s located at the Civic League Park, and entry is free. Go between April and October to see the water lilies in full bloom.

Family Friendly Things to do in San Angelo

What if you want to take your kids out for some fun? San Angelo has you covered there as well. Kids of all ages will appreciate visiting Fort Concho.

This old military fort put the town on the map, and now it’s a National Heritage site. Many of the older parts of the Fort have been renovated, and some are decorated to look exactly as they did when the Fort was functional in the 1800s.

Explore at your own pace, as tours are self-guided.
If your kids would rather play outside, consider stopping by Kid’s Kingdom.

This is a free park and playground that has walking trails, fishing areas, and a scenic river drive. It’s also easy to find, as it’s located right across the street from the visitor’s center.

Relax for a while and let your kids burn off some energy in the playground! Plus, it’s maintained by San Angelo’s city park service. They take great pride in their parks and recreational areas.

Things to do in San Angelo, TX For Couples

Couples can still find ways to have fun in San Angelo, TX. Most popular attractions and activities might interest couples.

One of them, Think! In a Box, is an escape room. Here, you can test your wits and work together to ‘escape’ a puzzle room. It’s a unique experience, but it makes for a great date night.

The available rooms cycle, but they usually have 7 different rooms available at any time. Rooms are private and you can book up to four guests.

Call in advance for a reservation.

If an escape room doesn’t sound like your style, you can go to Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum instead. It’s unique even among San Angelo’s museums.

Between 1902 and 1952, the building was used as a brothel. It catered to all manner of local clientele, as well as travelers.

Many of the pieces inside the museum are original to the property. It’s a great idea for couples, as the subject matter can get a little risqué at times.

Read Next: 25 Fun Things to do in San Angelo, TX

Before You Move to San Angelo

Are you sold on moving to San Angelo yet? If you are, consider taking the following steps before you begin the relocation process. They’ll make your move easier and help you get situated right away.

Get Prequalified for a Home Loan

Before shopping for a home, it’s critical to get an idea of how much a lender will give you to purchase a home.

Many people think they can afford a $250,000 home, but after getting prequalified, they learn they can only afford a $150,000 home based on factors such as:

• Debt
• Income
• Employment
• Etc.

Also, many realtors won’t work with people who aren’t pre-qualified for a home loan.

If someone is ready to start the home buying process, the first step they need to take is getting pre-qualified for a home loan before placing an offer.

In addition, getting pre-approved will tell you how much you’ll be able to afford. You can start looking for homes in your price range and plan finances around these numbers.
Call around to the local banks and lending institutions in San Angelo.

They’ll be able to advise you on how to get the process started. Ask around before deciding on a lending institution you’d like to go with, and then fill out all the required paperwork.

The great part about prequalifying for a home loan is that you don’t have to sell your current home first.

You can do all of this before you leave your current residence. Finishing this process can make your move much smoother.

Read Next: Mortgage Loans in San Angelo, TX: What to Know

Find a Realtor

No matter where you are in the home buying process, finding a realtor your trust is incredibly important.

Why not start the search before you move?

After getting pre-approved for a home loan, call around to different realtors and establish a connection. Tell them what you’re looking for when you’re planning to move and ask what they have available.

On the other hand, you can also browse home listings online through websites like Zillow. If you find a house you’d like to see through these websites, contact the realty company that is handling that listing. Find out if they’re a company you’d like to work with.

Save Money

As with all moves, having extra funds is essential. You’ll need to keep up with expenses, pay for movers, get utilities turned on, and more.

Most experts agree that you should save at least six months of income before taking on a move.

This allows you plenty of extra for unforeseen moving expenses, costs associated with buying a house, renting a car, or paying movers.

Plus, saving this much can give you a nice little nest egg to get started in a new place. If all else fails, you can always use any extra to buy furniture or decorations for your new home!

Conclusion

San Angelo, TX is a great place to live. It’s a good place to raise a family, enjoy entertainment and art, and put down roots for the long haul.

With the way that the city is growing every year, it’s no wonder that people are considering moving to San Angelo.

We’ve given you resources and information to better inform your move, hopefully making your decision as simple as possible!