Pecos, Texas is so proud of hosting the alleged first rodeo in the world on July 4, 1883, that it has a sign proclaiming it and boasts loudly of its local lore to all who will listen. Located west of the Pecos River in the rough and tumble Wild West of cowboy legend, it certainly makes sense that the first rodeo would be held in this Texas town.
The Pecos Bill of cowboy campfire stores may be little more than a tall tale but real cowboys do hang their hats in the ranching town of Pecos
Pecos, Texas is so proud of hosting the alleged first rodeo in the world on July 4, 1883, that it has a sign proclaiming it and boasts loudly of its local lore to all who will listen. Located west of the Pecos River in the rough and tumble Wild West of cowboy legend, it certainly makes sense that the first rodeo would be held in this Texas town.
The Pecos Bill of cowboy campfire stores may be little more than a tall tale but real cowboys do hang their hats in the ranching town of Pecos. Long known for ranching, agriculture, and oil and gas, Pecos experienced a resurgence in the always lucrative oil and gas biz that placed it 2nd on the 2012 Forbes list of fastest growing small towns. Along with the Pecos River, the Chihuahuan Desert makes up the nearby natural attractions and diversifies the Texas landscape.
Pecos may be the largest city in Reeves County but it is still a small town in all the ways that count. Large apartment complexes are not prevalent, a car is helpful in getting around, and the cost of living is well below the national average. Available property is not a rarity in Pecos but the city is mostly owner occupied so the search for apartments in Pecos can take bit longer. Luckily since the oil and gas business has been growing so quickly there has been major hotel growth, so if you need to relocate ASAP you always have the option of temporarily residing at one of the many hotels nearby.
In terms of neighborhoods there are 3 neighborhoods in the center of town that stand out, but they still stick to the area's predictable real estate offerings which include 3 bedroom houses for rent and 2 bedroom apartments built primarily between 1940 and 1970.
South Pecos: Those who prefer apartment complex living will glad to know that both Casa Manana Apartments and Country Club Apartments are found in the same 'hood as the baseball fields of Jaycees Park. Maxey Park and Zoo is one of those quirky hodgepodges that just seem to happen in small towns; a typical park that is also home to the city's public pool, putt putt golf, and its most unusual featurea zoo. The zoo is not anything like a big city zoo nor is it like the petting zoos of some small towns. It is home to a peacock, ostrich, and wolves to name a few of its menagerie members.
City Center: City Center features one of Pecos' main cultural attractions, the West of Pecos Museum. Pecos City Park and Dena Memorial Park provide green space and recreational opportunities in this neighborhood where rental prices tend to be lower than in South Pecos.
West 3rd Street / South Eddy Street: Walk around Bessie Haynes Park or chow down at local favs Alfredo's Mexican and Bush's Chicken in this part of town. Rental prices are similar to those in City Center, making these two neighborhoods especially attractive to renters.
Small town living where rodeos serve as entertainment and the dining scene doesn't stray too far from barbecue, Tex Mex and burgers, aptly sums up life in Pecos. The annual must see event is the West of Pecos Rodeo in June which has finally returned to Pecos.
