Top 10 Best Places To Live In Lubbock In 2025

Finding the right neighborhood in Lubbock can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the area. Each part of the city has its own personality, its own pace, and its own mix of parks, cafes, museums, and student-friendly pockets near Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Lubbock Christian University. Instead of digging through random lists, this guide lays out the best places to live in Lubbock, so you actually know which areas feel safe, convenient, and easy to settle into. These neighborhoods offer a mix of student energy, peaceful suburban streets, and local culture that makes Lubbock feel like home right away. If you’re searching for the best places to live in Lubbock, this guide has your back.

10 Best Places to Live in Lubbock

Here are the neighborhoods that consistently stand out as the best places to live in Lubbock for students, families, and professionals.

1. Arnett Benson

Population: 12000
Violent crime rate: 3.4 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 19.0 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 74
Average rent is around $1450
Best for students and young professionals
Walkability moderate

‍
Arnett Benson is close to Texas Tech University, making it a popular spot for students who want quick commutes to class and study spots. Locals love grabbing coffee at J&B Coffee and relaxing at Buddy Holly Lake Recreation Area, which adds a refreshing outdoor escape. The neighborhood’s mix of affordable houses and apartments keeps living costs manageable. You’ll also find helpful resources like grocery stores and community centers nearby. With all this convenience, Arnett Benson easily ranks among the best neighborhoods in Lubbock TX, and continues to be one of the best places to live in Lubbock for students.

2. Bacon Crest

Population: 9000
Violent crime rate: 2.3 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 12.8 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 88
Average rent is around $1700
Best for families
Walkability low

‍
Bacon Crest is known for quiet, family-friendly streets and clean, modern homes. Families enjoy spending time outdoors at Bacon Crest Park, one of the best community parks on the west side. The area stays peaceful, making it a great fit for long-term living, and schools nearby make daily routines easy for parents. It’s close to shopping centers and popular grocery stores, which helps keep errands simple. Bacon Crest is often named one of the best suburbs of Lubbock TX, and remains one of the best places to live in Lubbock if you want space and calm.

3. Bayless Atkins

Population: 8500
Violent crime rate: 3.0 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 17.5 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 77
Average rent is around $1500
Best for students and renters
Walkability moderate

Bayless Atkins offers affordable housing and a friendly location near Texas Tech University. Students love relaxing at Tech Terrace Park, a hotspot for studying outdoors or snagging a coffee from Yellow House Coffee. The streets feel lively without being chaotic, making it easier to settle in as a student or young professional. Many apartment complexes cater directly to students, which keeps rent choices flexible. With its affordability and location, the neighborhood ranks as one of the best neighborhoods in Lubbock for student life.

4. Bowie

Population: 7000
Violent crime rate: 2.8 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 16.3 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 80
Average rent is around $1600
Best for families and professionals
Walkability moderate

Bowie brings a grounded, residential vibe that attracts families and working adults. Locals appreciate being close to the Buddy Holly Center, a museum that highlights the city’s music history. The streets stay clean and calm, making it perfect for evening walks or bike rides. Shopping and dining options are just a short drive away, which makes daily life seamless. Bowie remains one of the Lubbock TX best neighborhoods for people wanting stability and comfort.

5. Tech Terrace

Population: 8200
Violent crime rate: 3.1 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 17.2 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 78
Average rent is around $1550
Best for students and young professionals
Walkability high

Tech Terrace is one of the most convenient neighborhoods for students, thanks to its quick commute to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Locals love spending time at Tech Terrace Park, a lively spot filled with joggers, dog walkers, and outdoor study groups. Cafes like J&B Coffee sit right in the neighborhood, making it simple to grab a drink or meet friends between classes. Grocery stores and small markets nearby keep daily errands smooth and manageable. With its walkable streets, steady activity, and central location, Tech Terrace stands out as one of the best places to live in Lubbock for students and young professionals who want comfort mixed with convenience.

6. Lakeridge

Population: 11000
Violent crime rate: 2.0 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 11.4 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 90
Average rent is around $1850
Best for families and upscale living
Walkability low

Lakeridge is one of the most polished and upscale neighborhoods in the city. People enjoy having the Lakeridge Country Club nearby, which brings golf, tennis and community events into daily life. The homes are spacious and well-kept, giving the neighborhood a refined suburban feel. Shopping centers and restaurants sit just minutes away, which means everything you need is always close. With its strong safety ratings, Lakeridge easily ranks among the best place to live in Lubbock Texas, for families who prefer a quiet and steady environment.

7. Melonie Park

Population: 8000
Violent crime rate: 2.5 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 13.6 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 85
Average rent is around $1750
Best for families and outdoor lovers
Walkability moderate

Melonie Park gives residents easy access to the beautiful Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, one of the most loved nature escapes in the city. The streets are tree-lined with a peaceful atmosphere perfect for joggers and families. cafes and restaurants nearby make casual dining convenient without needing to travel far. The neighborhood feels settled and community-driven, which is why families stay here for years. Melonie Park easily ranks among the best neighborhoods in Lubbock TX, for anyone who loves nature blended with city convenience.

8. Northridge

Population: 7600
Violent crime rate: 2.4 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 14.8 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 86
Average rent is around $1650
Best for families, grad students, and professionals
Walkability moderate

Northridge delivers a calm, steady residential feel with reliable access to schools, shops, and parks. Families enjoy being close to Higginbotham Park, a relaxed, green space perfect for walks and weekend time outside. The neighborhood sits within a short drive to Lubbock Christian University, which makes it a smart choice for grad students, medical students, or staff commuting to campus. With stores, cafes, and daily essentials just a few minutes away, living here feels predictable in the best way. Thanks to its stability and convenient location, Northridge remains one of the best neighborhoods in Lubbock for long-term comfort.

9. Raintree

Population: 8400
Violent crime rate: 2.1 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 13.9 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 88
Average rent is around $1700
Best for students, families, and commuters
Walkability moderate

Raintree blends peaceful residential living with quick routes to universities, parks, and shopping. Locals love Raintree Park, a spacious spot with trails and playgrounds that stay active throughout the day. The neighborhood offers an easy drive to Texas Tech University, which is ideal for students and staff who want quiet evenings without losing access to campus. Cafes, grocery stores, and errands sit close by, keeping daily routines simple. With low crime, steady streets, and reliable rentals, Raintree works well for student housing in Lubbock and continues to be one of the best area to live in Lubbock TX for anyone wanting calm and convenience together.

10. Preston Smith

Population: 7200
Violent crime rate: 2.2 per 1000 residents
Property crime rate: 14.1 per 1000 residents
Safety index: 87
Average rent is around $1700
Best for families, retirees, and professionals
Walkability low
Preston Smith is one of the safest and most reliable areas in Lubbock. People enjoy spending time at nearby Maxey Park, which has trails, playgrounds, and lakeside views. The neighborhood’s clean streets and welcoming energy make it feel comfortable for long-term living. Shops and restaurants sit a short drive away, which keeps daily routines stress-free. With all these strengths, Preston Smith consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Lubbock.

Choosing Your Ideal Neighborhood

Lubbock delivers a mix of peaceful suburbs, student-friendly zones, and community-driven neighborhoods that make it easy to find a place that matches your lifestyle.
1. If you want walkability and quick access to Texas Tech University, areas like Raintree and Arnett Benson put you right in the middle of student energy, game day crowds, and cafes where you can study or hang out with friends.
2. Families who want quiet streets, bigger homes, and reliable schools lean toward neighborhoods like Bacon Crest, Lakeridge, and Preston Smith, where everything feels steady and predictable. These parts of the city give you room to breathe, space to grow, and a slower pace that fits long-term routines.
3. People who prefer culture and local spots will find comfort near areas like Melonie Park or Tech Terrace, where parks, cafes, and community centers become part of everyday life. Lubbock also has neighborhoods close to museums, outdoor trails, and major shopping hubs, which helps you balance work, classes, and downtime without feeling overwhelmed. What this really means is you have options. The best places to live in Lubbock aren’t about trends; they’re about finding the neighborhood that fits your habits, your comfort level, and the way you want to live day to day.

‍