Texas Tech is the largest employer in Lubbock. So working at Texas Tech and living in Lubbock go hand-in-hand. Good thing, then, that Lubbock is such a great place to live. It was no surprise to those of us who live here when Money Magazine named Lubbock the third best place to live in the country, based on housing, activities, commute, jobs, health care and weather.

Lubbock is much larger than many visitors expect. With a population of over 293,974, it's the third largest city in the Big 12 Conference. Yet it still boasts a comfortable, down-home atmosphere. Known for its big sky and brilliant sunsets, Lubbock has a mild, breezy semi-arid climate with cool nights, warm days and low humidity. Additionally, Lubbock ranks eleventh in Texas as the least expensive city and has a cost of living index 10% below the national average.

There are plenty of housing options, from established communities to new concept living and apartments. And as the hub city for the Texas south plains, Lubbock's easy to get to, and it's just as easy to go wherever you want from right here.