What is home? A state of mind? A front-porch view? A couple of acres to call your own? Whether you’re retiring, relocating, or looking for room to grow, American Cowboy has found the places where Old West charm, open rangeland, and outdoor activities come together like nowhere else.

Weatherford, Texas
Still virtually untouched by the suburban sprawl of Dallas and Fort Worth, Weatherford exudes all the character, charm, and attitude of yesteryear. Located 20 miles west of Fort Worth, this town of 24,000 moves at a slower pace. With deep roots in all things West, Weatherford is known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.Tour the famed Historic Downtown District, highlighted by the Museum of the Americas, or catch a night of action-packed cutting at the Silverado on the Brazos. Weatherford was also the inspiration for Larry McMurtry’s novelturned-miniseries, Lonesome Dove. Living here can’t be beat, as the cost of living index is 10 percent below the national average, and homes are modestly priced (decent “starter” houses can be had for $110,000). The climate is temperate, save for summers that can run brutally hot, and let’s not forget that Texas has no state income tax and social security benefits aren’t taxed here, either. The clincher might just be the sandy loam soil, perfect for cutting-horse ranches. Close to a major metropolitan area, yet far away enough to live in tranquility, Weatherford is a place to hitch your horse and hang your hat for a while.

Kerrville, Texas
Old-West tradition and the scenic beauty of the Hill Country converge in Kerrville, located an
hour northwest of San Antonio. Downtown Kerrville was recently revitalized, and it’s filled with many galleries and antique shops. Hunters will find some 45 species of game roaming the Texas Hill Country.

Kingsville, Texas
Kingsville’s downtown is the embodiment of Main Street U.S.A. The town also became known as the birthplace of American ranching when Captain Richard King established the King Ranch in 1853. The town’s namesake remains a working ranch with 60,000 cattle and 300 quarter horses.

Pawhuska, Okla.
Pawhuska is just 60 miles from Tulsa but far away from it all. Osage County is home of the Osage Nation, and 2,500 bison roam the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Visit the Constantine Theatre, Osage County Historical Museum, and Gothic-style Immaculate Conception Church for Old West glory.