Where to Live in
Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is redrawing its own map. For years, the smart money hugged the Kemp Blvd corridor. Now, the real action is a triangle: the slow, deliberate polish of Old Wichita Falls, the scrappy revival along the South Side, and the tech spillover creeping west toward Sheppard Air Force Base. Gentrification isn't a wave here; it's a street-by-street fight. The new Midwest Texas Tech campus is pulling in students and young professionals, creating a demand for housing that's pushing rents up in pockets you'd never expect. The divide is less about north/south and more about which side of US-277 you're on.

The 2026 Shortlist

Old Wichita Falls

• The Vibe: Historic Polish
• Rent Check: 1.3x city average. A renovated 2/1 bungalow on Travis St can easily hit $1,200.
• The Good: This is the only walkable pocket in the city that feels like a real neighborhood. You're a 5-minute walk from The Kemp for live music and Lazarus Bakery for a morning coffee. The city invested heavily in the River Bend Nature Center and the immediate streets, so the sidewalks are clean and lit. You're close to Memorial High School, which has decent lottery-based magnet programs.
• The Bad: Parking is a nightmare if your house doesn't have a driveway. The old housing stock means shot plumbing and drafty windows if the landlord hasn't invested. The train tracks that run parallel to Scott Ave will shake your walls at 3 AM.
• Best For: A young professional couple who wants a porch and can budget for an older home's maintenance.
• Insider Tip: Drive down Spencer St on a Saturday morning. If you see a "For Sale" sign, call the agent immediately; it's gone by Monday.

South Side

• The Vibe: Scrappy Revival
• Rent Check: 0.85x city average. You can still find a 1BR for $650, but fixer-uppers are being snatched up for cash.
• The Good: This is the value play. You get massive lots and cheap entry prices. The community around Sikes Senter Mall is holding strong, and you're 10 minutes from everything. The Southside Park revitalization is real, with new tennis courts and a solid skate park. It's the best place to buy a duplex and live in one side.
• The Bad: It's a food desert outside of the H-E-B on Kell Blvd. Street crime is higher here; lock your truck, especially near Burkburnett Rd. The schools are a mixed bag; check the district lines carefully.
• Best For: The DIY investor or the artist who needs a cheap studio space.
• Insider Tip: The hidden gem is the Taft-Jex barbecue joint off Scott Ave. If the locals are lining up, you're in the right spot.

Kemp Triangle

• The Vibe: Established Comfort
• Rent Check: 1.1x city average. Expect $900 for a decent 2BR apartment complex off Kemp Blvd.
• The Good: This is the safest bet in Wichita Falls. It's quiet, the streets are wide, and you have immediate access to Sikes Senter and the I-44 on-ramp. The Kemp Public Library is a solid hub, and the parks like Lucas Park are well-maintained. You're paying for convenience and stability here. The Starbucks at the corner of Kemp & SW Parkway is the unofficial town square.
• The Bad: Zero character. It's strip malls and chain restaurants. You will be driving everywhere. It's boring if you're under 40 and don't have kids.
• Best For: The family that wants a predictable commute and a garage.
• Insider Tip: Skip the big box stores on Kemp and head to The Dugout on Maple Ave for a cold beer and to talk to the old-timers who know the real city history.

Faith Village

• The Vibe: Quiet Workhorse
• Rent Check: 0.9x city average. Solid 1BR units go for $760.
• The Good: Tucked away off US-277, this area is surprisingly quiet. You're right next to Midwestern State University, which means easy access to their library and gyms if you have a pass. The housing is mostly post-war brick ranches with good bones. It's a quick shot to Sheppard Air Force Base, making it a favorite for civilian contractors.
• The Bad: It's aging. The infrastructure is showing its wear. The nightlife is non-existent; you're driving to Old Wichita Falls for a real night out. The traffic on 277 during rush hour is a parking lot.
• Best For: The remote worker who needs peace and quiet and doesn't want to pay the Old Town premium.
• Insider Tip: The best tacos in the city aren't downtown; they're at El Aguacate on Fairway Blvd. Go on a Tuesday.

Strategic Recommendations

• For Families: Old Wichita Falls or Kemp Triangle. Old Town if you want your kids to walk to a park and be around culture. Kemp Triangle if you want a fenced backyard and the best sleeping schedule for your toddlers. Avoid the South Side unless you are zoned specifically for Rider High School.
• For Wall St / Tech: Faith Village or Kemp Triangle. The commute to Sheppard Air Force Base or the tech corridors is fastest from Faith Village. If you're working remote or at the downtown offices, the Kemp Triangle gives you the fastest escape route out of town on I-44.
• The Value Play: South Side. The gentrification wave is hitting the streets south of Central Freeway (US-277) and east of Scott Ave. Buy a fixer-upper on Guthrie Rd or Holliday St now. The city is talking about a new retail development near the mall, and once that hits, prices will double.