AMARILLO, TEXAS

POPULATION: 188,464
LAND STARTS AT: $1,000 per acre
AVG. HOME PRICE: $129,900

The old adage is true: Things are bigger in Texas. At least as far as Amarillo is concerned. By far the largest city (nearly 190,000) on our Top 20, Amarillo prides itself as a center of commerce at the crossroads of Interstates 40 and 27, a bustling west-Texas thoroughfare of industry, agriculture, and recreational travel. At its core, Amarillo retains the heart of a small ranching community, with many surrounding ranches largely unchanged from the late 19th century. If you love Americana and the Old West, you’ll love Amarillo. From Route 66 and the Big Texan Steak Ranch & Horse Motel to the headquarters of the American Quarter Horse Association and Palo Duro State Park, the draw to stay longer (or move here) is clear. Affordable and with a diverse economy, Amarillo feels well-balanced. Some things don’t change. And in Amarillo, they don’t have to.

Annual events:
TEXAS, A MUSICAL PRODUCTION IN PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK, nightly June through mid-August (texas-show.com)
GOOD TIMES CELEBRATION & BARBECUE COOK-OFF, September (amarillo-chamber.org)
TRI-STATE FAIR & RODEO, September (tristatefair.com)
PIRATES OF THE CANYON BALLOON FESTIVAL, October (piratesofthecanyon.com)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANCH RODEO, November (wrca.org)

DEADWOOD, S.D.

POPULATION: 1,300
LAND STARTS AT: $7,000 per acre
AVG. HOME PRICE: $134,000

There’s a reason why this entire city is on the National Historic Register—everywhere you look or walk the restored turn-of-the-century architecture, trolleys, and brick streets transport you to 1876. That’s everyday life in this Black Hills town. Bring the family and take it all in, from Mount Moriah Cemetary—final resting place of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane, among others—to historic sightseeing and outdoor activities. Or stay longer and do your part to preserve America’s largest restoration project.

Annual events:
DEADWOOD SHOOTOUT POKER TOURNAMENT, May (deadwoodshootout.com)
WILD BILL DAYS, June (deadwood.org)
DAYS OF ’76 RODEO, July (daysof76.com)
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY, August (legendsride.com)

GUTHRIE, OKLA.


POPULATION: 11,000
LAND STARTS AT: $500 per acre
AVG. HOME PRICE: $149,900

In Oklahoma’s infancy, Guthrie served as the state capital until political strong arming moved the state seat to Oklahoma City. It turned out for the best, though, as Guthrie retains its Victorian charm more than 100 years later, with its charming downtown historic district—a National Historic Landmark of some 2,000 buildings. Live more recent history at the Beacon Drive-In, which serves great food, or enjoy live music at the Double Stop Music Hall most Saturday nights.

Annual events:
TIMED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD, March (lazye.com)
89ER CELEBRATION, April (89erdays.com)
OKLAHOMA’S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, October (oibf.com)
CLEM MCSPADDEN NATIONAL FINALS STEER ROPING,
November (lazye.com)

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.

POPULATION: 25,000
LAND STARTS AT: $2,000 per acre
AVG. HOME PRICE: $114,500

Deep in the heart of Nebraska, North Platte is steeped in Wild West history and offers a diverse array of activities and a great quality of life. Get up close while touring the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, where the legend lived during the heyday of his Wild West Show, or get a bird’s-eye view from the top of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. With natural beauty, friendly folks, and a rich history, North Platte is a well-rounded Western town.

Annual events:
HONKY TONK BBQ FESTIVAL, May (honkytonkbbq.com)
NEBRASKALAND DAYS, June (nebraskalanddays.com)
LINCOLN COUNTY FAIR, July (visitnorthplatte.com)
NEBRASKA STATE RODEO ASSOCIATION STATE FINALS, September (nebraskarodeo.com)