Abilene, Texas

Abilene, Texas, with its diverse and thriving economy, offers advantages over cities of similar or lesser size in the surrounding 12-county region known as the Big Country. One of the strengths is that Abilene is home to no fewer than six institutions of higher education: Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, Cisco College, Texas State Technical College, and a Texas Tech Abilene campus housing TTU’s School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, and School of Public Health.

Abilene earned its nickname of the Key City because Abilene is the geographic key to the success of the Big Country. Abilene pulls workforce and consumers from those 12 surrounding counties. Dyess Air Force Base remains the number one employer in the region. Health care, higher education, and the public school system also comprise major employment sectors for Abilene. In addition, Abilene serves as headquarters for many manufacturing, energy sector, and telecommunications companies that contribute significantly to the job market of the city and region.

What brings people to live, work, visit, or retire in Abilene? Most cite its quality of life. Factors that contribute to quality of life include high levels of public service, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The Chronicle of Philanthropy magazine ranks Abilene in the top 20 percent of American metropolitan areas for median contributions to philanthropic organizations. Cultural events, the arts, sports, and activities centered on the area’s rich Western heritage abound in Abilene.

With its central Texas location and its vibrant people and culture, Abilene is truly a destination to experience.