The panhandle region of Texas is the northernmost part of the state and offers a piece of old-fashioned western charm and natural beauty. Explore the historic ranches, go horseback riding through the prairies, or simply take in the views—there's something here for everyone. To learn more about how to purchase properties in the Panhandle region, reach out to an agent with West and Swope Ranches and we'll answer all your Texas ranch real estate questions.
Geography & Economy
The geography of the Texas Panhandle stretches from the Red River and Oklahoma on the east side to the New Mexico border on the west. It is home to numerous ranches and rolling plains that are extended from the Great Plains. However, there are some parts of the region with deep canyons, such as The Palo Duro Canyon State Park which lies at the southeastern corner of the Panhandle Region. It was formed millions of years ago by water erosion carving out its deep canyon walls which stretch 120 miles long and at points 20 miles wide! Major rivers that also run through the region are the Red River, Canadian River, and Brazos River.
The economy in the Texas Panhandle is spread across multiple industries. Agriculture has long been one of the main economic drivers of this region with the many ranches located throughout the Panhandle. A large portion of the U.S. beef cattle are located within this region. Wheat and corn are also popular crops grown here. Energy production is another major contributor to the regional economy with several wind farms located here. The oil and gas industry also remains a significant employer, with many large companies having offices and plants in the region.
Wildlife
The Texas Panhandle is a haven for wildlife including many species of birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and fish. The region offers diverse habitats that provide sustenance for countless species including deer, antelope, roadrunners, foxes, prairie dogs, hawks, owls, and snakes. It also has an abundance of waterfowl such as ducks and geese that migrate through here with winter cold fronts arriving every year from November to mid-February.
Culture & History
The first inhabitants of the region were Native Americans who arrived thousands of years ago. Later, settlers from Spain, Mexico, and Europe explored the area. Soon cattle ranching became prominent in the area as ranchers moved herds to pastures on public land opened up by treaties with Native American tribes. Ranching and farming continued to be major industries throughout the 20th century until oil was discovered in 1921 near Amarillo which further accelerated growth in the area with new jobs being created almost overnight.
The culture of the region remains heavily influenced by both its Western roots as well as its Mexican heritage that dates back centuries ago. The area's rich history can also be seen in the festivals held throughout the year which celebrate everything from food and music to rodeos and horse shows. Whether it's through art, music, or cuisine, everyone leaves their own mark on this vibrant region which makes it more than just a place on the map – it’s a home that’s full of life!
Counties & Cities
There are 26 counties that cover approximately 26,000 square miles: Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler.
The major cities of the Panhandle include Amarillo, Borger, Canyon, Dumas, Hereford, and Pampa.
Ranch Living
The Texas Panhandle is renowned for its ranching lifestyle and culture. The wide open spaces, rolling plains, and seemingly infinite sky have been home to generations of ranchers going back to the early days of the region’s settlement. Life on a ranch here is all about hard work, dedication, and resilience; but it also offers unique opportunities to experience a more slow-paced lifestyle than many other parts of the country.
Find Ranches in the Panhandle
Interested in moving to the Panhandle Texas region, or just want to learn more about the area? Our agents with West and Swope Ranches are experts in the local Panhandle real estate market and are ready to help you find the right property to meet your needs.
Contact us online or call 844-888-3384 to start your search for Panhandle ranches and land today. To learn more about ranch living in Texas, you can find local information and real estate news on our blog or discover more with our Coordinates Land Magazine.
Connect