I thought as much. But even small town West Texas has an allure to me. Petrochem refineries all around, not so much. But I do like the odd oil derrick in the background!
…and you can’t beat the sunsets in West Texas.
One more thought.
When I was a kid, I thought Big Spring was beeeautiful. It had a HILL!
(We lived there for about a year when I was in the 3rd grade.)
Plus, they filmed the moon landing there. 
My dad was stationed at the old Webb AFB, which is why I was born out there. People usually mention the state hospital when I mention my hometown. 
Hangar 18 is a cool thing to have in your hometown as well. I remember rooting for OJ to get out!
I’ve been back to visit once and was a little disappointed.
One cool thing about Big Spring is the fact that the opening scenes to Midnight Cowboy were filmed there…
My grandmother always called the State Hospital “the sanitarium”[sic]. I thought it was a really, really clean place.
So, evidently, we’ve talked at least one Yankee out of moving to Texas. We win!
LMAO…doesn’t take much. Those yankees are wussies when it comes to sand storms and tornadoes. 
Yeah, but keeping them out of Austin is proving to be an losing proposition. I’ll take any kind I win I can get.
I’ve lived in Midland for almost 30 years (save a few years in college).
If you can afford it and don’t mind the short drive, live in Midland and commute to Odessa. That’s what my wife does. Nicer surroundings in Midland, and definitely more stuff to do.
You wouldn’t expect it, but live theatre is quite a force around here. Midland Community Theatre is in the top 5 in the United States, and there is a huge performing arts center nearing completion between the two cities.
Lots of Mexican food, but it’s really good Mexican food. Very conservative, very Republican, but overall good people.
I know DC, and have no problem with DC. But after all my travels, I saw Texas, fell in love with Texas, and have stayed in Texas. If you’re in DC for the love of the city, Texas will drive you nuts. And especially Odessa. Hell, I’m in the Dallas Metroplex and I wouldn’t move to Odessa. (I have a suspicion you might find Austin enjoyable, but hardly anywhere else.)