Travelers may want to explore the many museums and parks of Midland Texas. The city has no state income tax, and a low cost of living. Many museums feature a variety of exhibits based on the city’s history. Visitors can also explore the area’s natural beauty at local parks. Midland is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For a more rural feel, visit a state park or wildlife refuge. A nearby lake provides plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating.
If you’re coming from out of town, consider renting a car. Getting around Midland by car is convenient, and car rental services are available at the Midland International Airport. The city is laid out in a grid, surrounded by Interstate 20 and Loop 250. Parking is available all over the city, but traffic is high during peak hours. There are free two-hour parking spaces throughout downtown. Parking garages can be found in select locations.
Before fracking made Midland Texas a major oil producing city, it was a sleepy town with a small population. Despite its remote location, Midland’s rise to prominence has been attributed to its strategic position in the Permian Basin oil-producing region. Since the 1920s, Midland has become the administrative hub of the Permian Basin, a region with 20 percent of America’s oil reserves. Today, the city is home to many oil companies and thousands of people work in the oil industry.
If you’re coming from outside the city, public transportation is another great option. EZRider offers inexpensive transportation, with stops located in downtown, near hotels and shopping centers. Normally, fares cost just $1. Using the bus is a convenient option for getting around Midland, and it can be easy to find parking. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can always park your car at the Midland Center bus stop.
The population of Midland is changing rapidly, and the city’s population is increasingly diverse. In the 2000 census, the city’s population was 75.5 percent white, 29 percent Hispanic, and 8 percent African American. The changing demographics of the city are reflected in school enrollment figures, and residents are concerned about traffic and rising rents. In 2014, Forbes magazine ranked Midland Texas as the second fastest growing small city in the country. There are many opportunities to settle in Midland, but make sure you choose the right city.
The oldest house in Midland is a Victorian-style home built in 1899. The Midland Historical Society owns it and features a Gothic art glass window. A large portion of the city was still a rural town until the 1910s, when the city incorporated. Three major fires occurred in Midland between 1905 and 1910, and leaders pushed to create a water system and fire department. By 1910, the city was equipped with both.
The city is also home to many seasonal festivals and events. The Market at the Gardens will be the last until the warmer months. Handcrafted gifts from local vendors will make perfect gifts during this time of year. Visitors can also take in the festive holiday atmosphere at the Museum of the Southwest. On the fourth of December, the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale will put on a holiday performance. So whether you’re a holiday-lover or just looking for a fun and festive getaway, Midland has plenty to offer.