Midland TX

Midland, Texas – A shining gem in the heart of West Texas, Midland blends rich oil heritage with small-town warmth and wide-open skies. Known for its high energy, both in industry and spirit, Midland offers a unique blend of history, culture, and frontier charm. Whether you're touring a museum, enjoying live music under the stars, or savoring some true Texas BBQ, Midland welcomes you with open arms and southern hospitality.

• Population: ~135,000
• Weather: Hot summers, mild winters (30-100°F); low humidity, lots of sunshine year-round.
• Places To Visit: Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, George W. Bush Childhood Home, I-20 Wildlife Preserve, Centennial Park.
• Top Activities: Exploring local history, attending rodeos, stargazing in the desert, shopping downtown, enjoying live country music events.
• Famous Food: Mesquite-smoked brisket, Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas and tacos, chicken-fried steak, and homemade peach cobbler.

Midland, Texas is a thriving city in the Permian Basin region known for its leadership in the energy sector. With a booming oil and gas industry, Midland also offers job growth in healthcare, education, and construction. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in Midland today.

Top 5 Jobs in Midland, TX

Midland, TX might be known for its oil industry and wide-open spaces, but this city has some great spots where students can relax, have fun, and enjoy some downtime. Whether you're into nature, history, or good food, Midland offers a variety of options to recharge and have a good time.

Midland Park Mall – This is the perfect place to blow off some steam with a little retail therapy. With a variety of stores and food options, it's a great spot to hang out with friends or just grab a bite to eat.

Beal Park – If you're looking for an outdoor escape, Beal Park offers sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. It's a nice place to get some fresh air, and maybe even catch a local sports game.

Susie's South Forty Confections – Known for its delicious candy and toffee, this local gem offers factory tours where you can see the sweet magic in action. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The Petroleum Museum – Get a dose of local culture and history by visiting the Petroleum Museum. It's an interesting place to learn about the oil industry that fuels this city, and they even have some cool vintage cars on display.

Big Sky Drive-In Theatre – Experience a classic American pastime with a modern twist. Catch the latest movies under the stars at this drive-in theater, perfect for a chill night out with friends.

The Beer Garden – This lively spot offers a wide selection of beers and great live music. It's a fantastic place to unwind, enjoy some tunes, and make new friends.

Midland, Texas is a dynamic West Texas city that values higher education and workforce development. Known for its strong ties to the oil and gas industry, Midland is home to several public and private institutions that support academic advancement through high-quality programs in liberal arts, business, technology, and healthcare.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Midland

Midland College – As a comprehensive community college, Midland College offers associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of fields including nursing, business, engineering, and education. It also partners with universities to provide bachelor’s degrees locally.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin – Located in nearby Odessa with a strong footprint in Midland, this institution provides outstanding medical education and training. It is known for its nursing and physician assistant programs, which help serve the region’s healthcare needs.

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) – Though headquartered in Odessa, UTPB has extended programs and community ties in Midland. It offers bachelor's and master’s degrees in areas like business administration, education, and petroleum engineering.

Parks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Academy (through Midland College) – A specialized branch under Midland College, this program focuses on physical therapy, nursing, and allied health training that prepares students for clinical careers in West Texas.

Early College High School at Midland College – A public charter program, this unique initiative allows high school students to earn college credits and even associate degrees by graduation, fostering early advancement in higher education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Midland

Vista College (formerly) – Although this institution closed recently, it played a role in providing vocational learning in business, technology, and healthcare. Its presence helped meet the workforce needs in Midland for several years.

Odessa College Continuing Education (private offerings/seminars in Midland) – While technically a public institution, Odessa College offers private, non-credit continuing education courses in Midland for professionals seeking certification in areas such as project management and industrial trades.

Private Allied Health Training Centers (various) – Several privately-owned institutes like CNA/nursing assistant training centers operate in Midland, serving as alternative options for accelerated learning in the healthcare sector.

For-profit Technical Schools and Trade Programs – Institutions such as local branches of national vocational schools occasionally offer private education in welding, HVAC, and cosmetology to serve Midland’s diverse population.

Online Private Colleges Serving Midland Residents – Many Midland residents enroll in online programs from accredited private colleges like Western Governors University and University of Phoenix, which provide flexible degree options in business, IT, education, and healthcare.

Midland, TX, home to a growing and diverse community, offers several high-quality high schools that provide strong academics, vibrant extracurricular activities, and college readiness programs. Parents will find excellent options in both public and private education to support their child's future success.

Top Public High Schools in Midland, TX

• Early College High School at Midland College – This top-rated public school offers students the chance to earn college credits while completing high school. It has a strong focus on academic achievement and college readiness, and is consistently ranked among the best in the region.
• Legacy High School – One of the largest high schools in Midland, Legacy High School offers a broad range of courses including AP classes, sports, and extracurriculars, helping students prepare for college and careers.
• Midland High School – A long-standing school with a strong tradition in academics, fine arts, and athletics. The school places emphasis on preparing students for both higher education and real-world experiences.
• Travis Freshman High School – Serving as a feeder for Midland High, Travis Freshman offers a focused academic approach to help students succeed early in their high school journey. Its programs aim to build a solid foundation for future success.
• Premier High School of Midland – A public charter school designed for students looking for a more personalized academic experience. It offers flexible scheduling and accelerated programs, making it ideal for self-driven students.

Top Private High Schools in Midland, TX

• Trinity School of Midland – One of the most prestigious private schools in West Texas, Trinity offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and programs in arts, athletics, and leadership.
• Midland Christian School – A faith-based school with strong values, Midland Christian provides a curriculum that integrates academic excellence and Christian teachings, along with competitive sports and service opportunities.
• Hillcrest School – Known for its nurturing environment and strong academics, Hillcrest offers a challenging program that combines traditional classroom instruction with individualized learning for diverse student needs.
• Holy Cross High School at St. Ann’s – A private Catholic school that emphasizes character development, faith, and academics. The school is committed to forming students into compassionate and capable leaders.
• Calvary Baptist Academy – A private Christian school with a strong focus on both academic growth and spiritual development. The school provides a comprehensive education in a close-knit environment.

Midland, Texas may not have major league professional sports teams like larger cities, but it proudly supports several competitive minor league and semi-professional teams. Sports play an important role in the community, offering fans a chance to enjoy high-quality games and support local athletes.

⚾ Baseball – Midland RockHounds (MiLB)

• Midland RockHounds – The RockHounds are a Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and play in the Texas League. They have won multiple league championships, including back-to-back titles from 2014–2017. The team plays at Momentum Bank Ballpark, a modern stadium that draws fans from across West Texas. The RockHounds are known for developing future MLB stars while putting on family-friendly events and promotions.

🏈 Football – West Texas Drillers (Semi-Professional)

• West Texas Drillers – The Drillers are a semi-pro football team based in Midland, competing in the Minor Professional Football League (MPFL). The team has made several playoff appearances and gives local athletes the chance to continue playing football at a competitive level. Games are community-focused and provide plenty of excitement during the football season.

⚽ Soccer – West Texas FC (USL League Two)

• West Texas FC – Formerly known as Odessa/Midland Sockers, West Texas FC competes in USL League Two, a development league for top college-aged players across the country. The team plays home games at Astound Broadband Stadium and represents the greater Midland-Odessa area. West Texas FC brings fast-paced soccer to Midland fans during the summer months.

🏀 Basketball and 🏒 Hockey

• Currently, there are no professional basketball or hockey teams based in Midland. However, residents often support college basketball teams, regional high schools, or travel to nearby cities for games. In the past, Midland had a Central Hockey League team, the Midland Americans, but the city hasn't had a pro hockey presence in recent years.

While Midland may not have teams in the NBA, NFL, or NHL, its strong minor league and local sports scene gives fans plenty to cheer for. From baseball to soccer to semi-pro football, the city stays active and sports-minded all year round.

Midland, Texas is a vibrant West Texas city full of rich oil history, arts, and sunshine. Whether you're a native or a curious traveler, there’s more to Midland than meets the eye. Here are 10 fun facts about this unique city:

1. Presidential Roots – Midland is the childhood home of former President George W. Bush and was once home to the Bush family during his early years.
2. Oil Boom Town – Known as the "Tall City" for its skyline, Midland gained fame during the 1920s Permian Basin oil boom and remains part of one of the largest oil-producing regions in the country.
3. Sunshine Capital – Midland enjoys over 260 days of sunshine a year, making outdoor activities popular year-round.
4. Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center – This world-class venue brings Broadway shows, concerts, and symphonies to the heart of West Texas.
5. Film Famous – Midland has been featured in a number of films and documentaries, including Friday Night Lights, inspired by the strong football culture in West Texas.
6. Jackalopes Live Here – The city is home to the Midland RockHounds (minor league baseball) and West Texas Warbirds (football), with past teams like the whimsical Midland Jackalopes hockey team.
7. High-Quality Museums – Midland hosts the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, showcasing oil and energy history, and the George W. Bush Childhood Home, which draws history buffs.
8. Home to Stangl's Meteorite – A rare and massive meteorite weighing over 400 pounds was discovered near Midland and is now part of scientific collections.
9. Big Sky Views – With its flat landscape and clear skies, Midland is known for spectacular sunsets and stargazing, especially at the nearby McDonald Observatory.
10. Space City Ties – Midland has stepped into the future with Spaceport Midland, a commercial space launch site providing opportunities for aerospace innovation.