Why Abilene, Texas Is Called the Key City (And 9 More Facts)

When people move to the Big Country from out of state, I get hit with the same questions over and over again. Some are funny, some are serious, and all of them remind me why I’m proud to call Abilene home. So instead of keeping all the answers to myself, I figured I’d share them here.

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1. What does “Abilene” even mean?

It’s straight out of the Bible. In Hebrew, Abilene means “grass.” Our town was named after Abilene, Kansas, but don’t worry, we’ve grown into something completely our own.

2. Why do people say “Big Country”?

Because Abilene isn’t just Abilene, it’s the hub for a 19-county region. Back in the 1930s and ’40s, folks started calling this area the Big Country. Lately, you’ll also hear “Texas Midwest.”

3. What’s the deal with “Key City”?

We earned that nickname because of geography. Abilene really is the “key” to the success of West Texas. With Dyess Air Force Base and a regional workforce, the name stuck.

4. Any rivers here?

Technically, no. But Abilene sits in the Brazos River Basin, and Lake Abilene feeds into Elm Creek, which flows into the Clear Fork of the Brazos. So we’ve got plenty of water nearby.

5. Is Abilene a good place to live?

Yes, and I’m not just saying that because I’m biased. The cost of living is low, commutes are short, and we’ve got everything from rodeos to art museums.

6. How’s the air?

Fresh, clear, and usually with a killer West Texas sunset to end your day. Our economy’s been growing, too, which means the sky isn’t the only thing looking bright.

7. What’s the weather like?

Hot summers, windy winters, and lots of sunshine. Average highs in summer hit the mid-90s to low 100s, while winters bring a quick cold snap before warming back up.

8. Does it snow?

Not much. Maybe 1-3 inches in an average year, but when it does, Abilene practically shuts down. (If you were here in 2021 or 2022, you remember the “snowpocalypses.”)

9. Why move here?

Between the Western Heritage Classic, the West Texas Fair & Rodeo, and our thriving arts and music scene, you’ll never be bored. Add in family-friendly parks and a 10-minute commute, and it’s hard to beat.

10. What about retiring?

Even Forbes thinks Abilene is a gem. They’ve ranked it among the top retirement spots in the U.S., citing the weather, the economy, and the lifestyle.

My Two Cents

I’ve always said: “I love to live in Abilene, and I live to love in Abilene.” The people, the sunsets, the small-town feel with big-city perks, this place really is the most exciting city in Texas. Love you, A-Town.