“Texoma is a great area in which to live and raise a family! The people here are so friendly! You get so much house for the money!”
These are the many comments we so often hear when assisting people as they tour the area for relocation purposes. Yes, Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, North Texas (Texoma) is a wonderful place to raise a family, make a living, and then retire.
It is interesting to see on a rare occasion some people are a little hesitant about moving to the area. Upon arriving and touring the city, looking at schools, visiting with residents and looking for housing, they quickly change their minds. Very often these are the people who become the most involved in their community, serve as great cheerleaders for the wonderful quality of life that is offered here, and end up not wanting to leave the area.
What are a few of the top reasons clients give their Realtors that influence them the most to move to Texoma?
The great price of housing! It is a real bargain and Texas does not have a state income tax. Texas in general, and Wichita Falls specifically, were named great places to live and buy homes by the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center. We have a market that has not had the tremendous negative impact we have seen in other parts of the country. Already bargain housing prices have continued to stay level. Many people searching find the value of homes in this area to be surprisingly affordable. A person can purchase a home in the country and drive to work in only 12 minutes, or can live in the city and arrive at his office in five minutes with little or no traffic at all.
Educational opportunities galore! Midwestern State University has four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs in many fields. The Dillage College of Business Administration (DCOBA) recently received the AACSB accreditation. DCOBA was one of only four colleges in the United States to receive accreditation this year. The Mccoy College of Engineering continues to excel with an increasing number of students. The West College of Education, Prothro-Yeager College of Liberal Arts, Fain College of Fine Arts, and the Wilson College of Nursing, all continue to show affordable excellence in education.
Vernon College offers two-year associate degrees and continues to grow, expecially with many needed technology courses. Several campuses in Wichita Falls and Vernon provide easy access. These two systems of higher education lend excellent advantages for area residents.
The public and private school opportunities for students for kindergartern through the 12th grade are exceptional. Many public schools have received exemplary status. Not only are the academics outstanding for public and private, the price tag for private is exceptionally low compared with other cities.
Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB), with their 82nd Training Wing, is one of the largest training bases in the Air Force. It is also the home of the 80th Flying Training Wing, EURO-NATO Joint JEt Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. With an economic impact of over $1 billion in 2009, Sheppard is greatly valued. Residents of Texoma generously open their doors to our military. The Sponsor program and the Squadron Adoption program are the envy of many military cities. The Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC) continues to support our military and is always working to bring new missions to the base. It also is continually seen through the support of SAFB personnel within the community’s ongoing volunteer endeavors. Participation in local events with the support of the military is extensive. This area has such a positve interation with the students and the permanent party that many stay and retire or come back when it is time for their retirement. Spouses and children become true community assets as they enjoy involvement with churches, schools, and community activities.
A medical hub for this area brings familites from Oklahoma and various towns within a 150-mile radius to receive the finest medical care. A great state of the art “Health Institute” is well utilized at United Regional Health Care System. The Bridwell Tower, which houses pre-eminent surgery, pediatric and labor and delivery services was opened in late 2009. Members of the medical profession often choose this area due to the lower malpractice insurance brought about by the tort reform in Texas.
The people are the ones who make the city such a wonderful place to live!