Let the numbers do the talking.
Amarillo, TX vs Desoto, TX
Amarillo, TX vs Desoto, TX: What the data shows
Amarillo, TX is in Amarillo, TX while Desoto, TX is in Desoto, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Amarillo, TX is the more affordable option at $156,300 median — $223,700 less than Desoto, TX's $380,000. WYLT rates Amarillo, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Desoto, TX as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Desoto, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Amarillo, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Desoto, TX has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Amarillo, TX has Low flood risk and Desoto, TX has Low flood risk.
Amarillo, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Amarillo, TX scores 52/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Desoto, TX's 12/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Desoto, TX has the higher school rating — Amarillo, TX rates 7.1/10 and Desoto, TX rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Amarillo, TX | Desoto, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $156K ✓ Lower price | $380K |
| Median Rent | $852 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $38K | $64K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 52/100 ✓ More walkable | 12/100 |
| Transit Score | 33/100 ✓ Better transit | 3/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 4/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 270 min | 22 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | B ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 | 7.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Affordable livingQuiet rural lifestyleFamily-friendly schools | Families with kidsYoung professionals on a budgetFirst-time homebuyers |
Bottom line
If you're looking for an incredibly affordable rural lifestyle with decent schools, Amarillo might be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a more conventional suburb with walkable neighborhoods and easier access to Dallas, Desoto is the clear winner despite being pricier. Ultimately, Desoto offers a more balanced quality of life with slightly better schools and a shorter commute.
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