Area Info
 
Midland is located midway between Dallas/Ft. Worth and El Paso on Interstate 20. Twenty minutes to the west is Odessa with a population nearing 100,000. Combined with Midland's population of nearly 100,000, close to a quarter of a million people reside in the metropolitan area. The area is a petroleum producing region known as the Permian Basin, where about 20 percent of America's oil and gas reserves are located. The area's low humidity, combined with warm days and cool nights, contributes to the year round comfort of Midlanders. Residents enjoy over 300 sunny days each year. A low crime rate, ample water supplies, quality law enforcement and fire protection, and clean wide streets result in a sense of security and high quality of life. Midland International Airport provides air service 70 times a day via American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, and Continental Airlines. The Midland Independent School District is a growing district with 35 campuses and over 22,000 students. The district provides an instructional program for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, several outstanding private schools offer pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Within a 105 mile radius of Midland are a total of eight universities, colleges and junior colleges. The city offers numerous museums spanning a broad range of subjects. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum offers a look into the oil and gas industry. The Museum of the Southwest highlights the art and culture of the southwestern United States. The Nita Stewart Haley Library and J. Evetts Haley History Center offer the opportunity to research West Texas history. The Commemorative Air Force and American Airpower Heritage Museum offer on going international symposia on World War II history. Additonal museums include Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum and the Blakemore Planetarium. The Midland/Odessa Symphony and Chorale presents outstanding pops and classical musical performances featuring renown guest artists. Midland's 23 movie screens offer the community first rate movies. ABC, CBS, FOX and PBS affiliates all broadcast from Midland/Odessa. The Midland Reporter-Telegram and the Odessa American are published locally and are circulated daily in addition to news publications from throughout the state which are avialable for home delivery. Midland has 49 city-maintained parks. The city also maintains the 36 hole Hogan Municipal Golf Course, 85 sports playing fields and 32 tennis courts. The COM Swim Team is a non-profit competitive organization which owns an indoor conpetitive swimming and Olympic diving center. The Midland Rockhounds are a professional franchise of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. Hockey enthusiasts can enjoy the Jackalopes professional hockey team. Other sports and hobby clubs are also available. Midland is only a few hours drive from Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico as well as the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains. Regional attraction include: Balmorhea State Park - 150 miles SW, Big Bend National Park - 230 miles SW, Carlsbad Caverns - 150 miles W, Davis Mountains State Park - 175 miles S, Ft. Davis National Historical Site - 175 miles S, Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 180 miles W, Monahans Sandhills State Park - 50 miles W, Prude Ranch - 175 miles S, and U.T. McDonald Observatory - 185 miles S.