Living in Amarillo: #1 for Midsize City Growth

Amarillo’s recognition as the top midsize city for projected economic growth validates what residents already know—this Panhandle city offers exceptional opportunity. The designation by USA Today reflects strong fundamentals: diverse manufacturing sector, affordable living costs significantly below national averages, and workforce development programs that attract businesses and create employment across skill levels.

Unlike boom-bust oil towns, Amarillo’s steady 0.5% annual growth demonstrates sustainable economic development rather than volatile expansion. The manufacturing base creates stable employment, while reasonable growth pace allows infrastructure and services to keep pace with expansion. This balance appeals to workers seeking opportunity without the chaos of explosive boom towns.

The strong manufacturing sector drives employment with companies attracted by Amarillo’s central location, transportation infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. These employers provide middle-class wages and benefits, creating economic stability that supports comfortable living standards when combined with Amarillo’s low costs.

Historic Route 66 Heritage

Amarillo’s position along historic Route 66 connects the city to American road trip culture and brings steady tourism supporting local economy. The famous highway’s cultural significance makes Amarillo a destination for travelers experiencing the Mother Road, creating service sector employment and vibrant visitor economy alongside manufacturing base.

Cadillac Ranch, the iconic public art installation where visitors spray paint buried vintage cars, has become one of Route 66’s most photographed attractions. The quirky roadside art perfectly captures the spirit of West Texas—independent, creative, and unapologetically unique. For RV travelers, Cadillac Ranch represents the kind of authentic American experience that defines mobile lifestyle.

The Route 66 heritage extends throughout Amarillo’s identity, from historic motels and diners to the city’s embrace of road trip culture. This celebration of mobile living and American highway tradition creates natural acceptance of RV lifestyle as part of regional character rather than alternative choice.

Palo Duro Canyon: Texas’s Grand Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the United States, sits just 30 minutes south of Amarillo. This spectacular 120-mile-long, 20-mile-wide, 800-foot-deep canyon offers world-class hiking, mountain biking, and the famous Lighthouse Trail. The dramatic red rock formations and expansive vistas rival better-known southwestern canyons while remaining far less crowded.

For RV residents, Palo Duro Canyon becomes your backyard. Season passes make financial sense for locals, and proximity means spontaneous visits to catch sunrise over the canyon rim or afternoon hikes when weather cooperates. The park offers camping with hookups, making it natural weekend destination for Amarillo RV residents seeking outdoor adventure.

The canyon hosts the outdoor musical drama TEXAS, performed in the canyon’s amphitheater during summer months. This uniquely Texas experience—professional theater in spectacular natural setting—demonstrates Amarillo’s unexpected cultural offerings alongside outdoor recreation.

Affordable Panhandle Living

Amarillo’s cost of living significantly below national averages creates exceptional value for residents. Housing costs, whether traditional or RV, remain accessible. Food, utilities, and services cost less than comparable cities elsewhere. Combined with manufacturing sector wages, Amarillo residents enjoy comfortable middle-class lifestyle with financial breathing room increasingly rare in American cities.

For RV residents, Amarillo’s affordability amplifies the financial advantages of mobile living. Low site rental costs combined with reasonable expenses mean substantial portion of income can be saved, invested, or enjoyed rather than consumed by housing expenses.

Climate and Landscape

Amarillo’s High Plains location at approximately 3,600 feet elevation creates distinctive climate—hot summers, cold winters with occasional snow, low humidity, and legendary winds. The flat, treeless landscape stretches to distant horizons, creating sense of space and openness that either appeals deeply or feels overwhelmingly empty depending on personality.

This climate and landscape require appropriate RV equipment—effective heating and cooling systems, wind-resistant setup, and appreciation for horizontal rather than vertical scenery. For those who embrace it, the High Plains offer unobstructed sunsets, enormous skies, and the freedom of wide-open spaces.

Transportation and Regional Position

Amarillo’s central Panhandle location makes it regional hub for commerce and transportation. Interstate 40 (historic Route 66) and Interstate 27 intersection creates highway access throughout Texas and the Southwest. Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport provides commercial air service connecting to major hubs.

For RV residents, this transportation infrastructure means easy access throughout the region and beyond. The central position makes Amarillo practical base for exploring Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado while maintaining stable residence and employment.

Flexible Financing for All Credit Situations

At RV Depot, we believe in second chances. We understand that life happens—job loss, medical bills, divorce, or simply being new to credit shouldn’t prevent you from RV ownership. That’s why we’ve spent over 30 years building financing solutions that work for real people facing real situations.

We Say Yes When Others Say No

Our buy here pay here program and network of lenders mean we have options when traditional financing falls through. Whether you’ve faced bankruptcy, repossession, or have no credit history at all, our team works to find a path to approval.

• No credit? No problem. We work with first-time buyers

• Bad credit? We specialize in it. Past mistakes don’t define your future

• Fast approvals get you on the road quickly

• Flexible down payments work with your budget

• In-house financing available for unique situations

We’ve helped thousands of customers from all credit backgrounds find their path to RV ownership. Our judgment-free approach focuses on solutions, not excuses. If you have income and a desire to own an RV, we’ll work to make it happen.

Discover Our Extensive RV Selection

RV Depot maintains one of the largest pre-owned RV inventories under one roof in Texas with over 400 units in stock. Whether you’re planning full-time living, extended travel, weekend getaways, or need temporary housing solutions, we have options for every lifestyle and budget.

Travel Trailers offer the perfect balance of comfort and towability, making them ideal for families new to RV travel or experienced campers who prefer the flexibility of unhitching at their destination.
Fifth Wheels  provide the most living space and amenities, making them extremely popular among full-time residents. The raised bedroom design creates separation between living and sleeping areas—important when your RV is your only home. 

Toy Haulers serve double duty for full-timers who need workspace, storage, or flexibility. The garage space converts to office space, workshop area, or additional storage when not hauling equipment. This versatility makes toy haulers popular among contractors, traveling workers, and those who need flexible space for hobbies or side businesses.

Motorhomes put everything under one roof for ultimate simplicity. Class A motorhomes offer luxurious features and spacious interiors, while Class C models provide excellent value with smart, livable layouts. Motorhomes eliminate the need for a tow vehicle while providing comfortable spaces for both full-time living and travel.

Quality You Can Trust

Every used RV in our inventory comes with our commitment to quality and reliability. Our experienced team ensures each unit meets our high standards, so you can move forward with confidence knowing your RV is ready for whatever lifestyle you choose—whether that’s full-time living, seasonal travel, or weekend adventures.

Why Choose RV Depot 

Over 30 years of experience have taught us what customers truly need: honest service, extensive selection, and financing solutions that actually work. Our team takes time to understand your unique situation and helps you find the right RV for your lifestyle and budget.

Our massive inventory means you can compare options side-by-side—different layouts, features, sizes, and price points—ensuring you make the best decision for your needs. Whether you’re downsizing to RV living, embracing remote work flexibility, or simply seeking adventure, we’ll help you find your perfect match.

Multiple ways to connect with RV Depot:

Call us: 817-460-4646
Apply online: RV Depot Financing Application
Visit our website: www.rvdepot.com

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Take the first step toward RV ownership today. RV Depot has served the families for over three decades. Let us help you find your path to RV life!