If you’re considering a move to Amarillo, TX, you may have heard great things about Hillside Terrace. Tucked in Southwest Amarillo just south of Western Street and west of Loop 335, Hillside Terrace has become a favorite for those seeking friendly community vibes, newer homes, and a family-friendly environment. As someone who knows this neighborhood well, here’s what you can honestly expect if you call Hillside Terrace home.
A True Community Feel
Life in Hillside Terrace revolves around the little things that make a neighborhood feel like, well, a neighborhood. Whether it’s the sound of kids riding bikes on Little Rabbit Drive, Block parties on Cindy Lane, or the chatty, porch-sitting neighbors along Nancy Ellen Street, you’ll notice people here genuinely care about those around them. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll feel anonymous—in fact, new residents are often welcomed with cookies or a friendly chat.
The Homeowners Association (HOA) helps with things like organizing seasonal events, maintaining landscaping in common areas, and keeping the community’s overall look inviting. Some streets even have dedicated Facebook groups for lost pets, local business recommendations, and event reminders.
Types of Housing: Modern Comforts With Space
Hillside Terrace was mostly built from the mid-2000s through the 2010s, and the neighborhood’s look reflects that. You’ll find:
- Single-family brick homes, mostly between three and four bedrooms
- Clean, well-paved streets with sidewalks on both sides
- Spacious yards, many fenced for privacy or pets
- A handful of duplexes and townhous-style units—great for first-time homeowners or downsizers
Architecturally, expect open floor plans, large kitchens, and attached two-car garages. If you love a home that feels new but has the mature trees and settled feel of an established area, this is a great in-between.
Walkability and Getting Around
While Amarillo overall leans car-centric, Hillside Terrace does better than most. It’s common to see joggers and families on evening walks, especially around Pumpkin Ridge Drive, which loops through the heart of the subdivision. Paved sidewalks line the major routes, making it relatively easy and safe to get around without a car within the neighborhood itself.
You’ll also find local businesses and quick eats just minutes away on Western Street and Hillside Road—including coffee shops, pizza places, and nail salons. Bigger grocery runs are just five minutes north to United Supermarkets at the intersection of Western and 34th.
Schools & Family-Friendliness
One of Hillside Terrace’s biggest draws is its proximity to some of Amarillo’s top-rated schools. Most of the neighborhood feeds into:
- Hillside Elementary—walkable or a quick drive for most residents
- Greenways Intermediate and Westover Park Junior High—nearby and accessible without crossing major highways
- Randall High School—just a short drive south on Bell Street
Families appreciate the crossing guards, ample sidewalks, and the fact that school buses run safe pickup routes all through the area. The neighborhood’s emphasis on safety and community means kids can still have the kind of childhood where riding bikes outside till dusk is the norm.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Outdoor Fun
Hillside Terrace may not have its own huge park, but it’s lined with pocket parks, grassy commons, and plenty of open space for dog walks, morning jogs, or impromptu soccer games. The community-maintained reserve along Pumpkin Ridge Drive is especially popular for picnics.
If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, the John Stiff Memorial Park (just a quick drive north) offers playgrounds, walking trails, a splash pad, and soccer fields. The nearby Coulter Road walking path is another favorite for walkers and runners.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Residents frequently comment on the neighborhood’s sense of safety. Thanks to active neighborhood watch groups, streetlights along every block, and the Amarillo Police Department’s reassuring presence (with a substation nearby), crime rates in Hillside Terrace are comfortably low. Streets like Logan’s Run and Boulder Run are known for their low traffic and calm ambiance, making them favorites for families and retirees alike.
Commute and Proximity to Downtown & Major Employers
Need to get downtown or commute for work? Hillside Terrace is strategically located:
- Less than 15 minutes to Amarillo’s downtown, via quick access to I-27 or Loop 335
- Major employers in healthcare, education, and retail (think BSA Health System or Amarillo ISD) are easily reachable
- Shopping hubs like Soncy Road and Westgate Mall are under 10 minutes away
This makes the neighborhood especially appealing for those who want suburban calm but can’t sacrifice convenience.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone who’s lived here a while and they’ll mention a few things:
- The mix of peace and liveliness—you get quiet nights, but the neighborhood never feels empty.
- How easy it is to meet new friends, especially for kids and pet owners.
- The pride residents take in maintaining their homes and helping one another.
- Wide streets, safe sidewalks, and the feeling that you’re truly home as soon as you turn onto Pumpkin Ridge or Nancy Ellen.
From summer barbecues to Halloween trick-or-treating (it’s a local favorite!), Hillside Terrace pulls out all the stops for a balanced, neighborly lifestyle.
Is Hillside Terrace Right for You?
If you want a neighborhood where you’ll know your neighbors’ names, feel comfortable letting your children play outside, and enjoy newer, attractive homes within easy reach of Amarillo’s best amenities, Hillside Terrace deserves a spot on your list. It combines the spirit of small-town Texas friendliness with the perks of modern living—and that’s a rare find.
To sum it up: Hillside Terrace isn’t just a place to live; it’s a community to belong to.