North Amarillo Faces Closures: Schools and Shops Shutting Down

Amarillo has been an ever-growing city, especially in the last 10 years. It seems to have exploded. However, it's only exploding to the south and with the addition of Buc-ee's to the east. The north part of Amarillo appears to be being left behind more and more.

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Is North Amarillo Being Left Behind?

Let's look at the business closures in the last few years.

Most recently AISD has announced 3 school closures on the north side,

The north side lost a big business when CVS chose to close the store at 317 N. Amarillo Blvd.

Advance Auto Parts,1309 E Amarillo Blvd, is closing in February 2025

Multiple restaurants have closed their doors in recent years, including Wienerschnitzel, Taco Villa, and Pizza Hut. Hacienda Meche moved from N. Fillmore to Polk Street.

Tri's Market was another closure in recent years.

The area has United Supermarkets, La Super Economica at 1011 N Buchanan St, among several other Hispanic markets. Fiesta Foods is located on 10th, but the closest Walmart is at I-40 and Grand or West Amarillo Blvd near Tascosa Road.

The north side of Amarillo would be a perfect location for a full Walmart or a Neighborhood Market.

The Growth in North Amarillo

The north side of Amarillo has been experiencing promising growth in recent years.

In 2021, North Heights Linen Service opened its doors, bringing much-needed jobs and establishing a significant business presence in the area.
Adding to this momentum, a Starbucks is set to open at 401 E. Amarillo Blvd., marking a notable addition to the neighborhood's commercial landscape.
Additionally, Toot N Totum is constructing a larger, upgraded store at the corner of North Taylor and Amarillo Blvd., further enhancing the area’s convenience and appeal.

Why isn't Amarillo's North Side growing more?

Looking at the Amarillo, Texas Crime Map, the area does not show a significant increase in crime compared to other parts of the city. Home prices vary widely, ranging from $55,000 to over $300,000, with plenty of open lots for new construction. The median income for residents on the north side is $34,341, reflecting the area's economic diversity.

When deciding where to open in a city, businesses consider many factors. These can include location visibility, foot traffic, proximity to competitors, target demographics, accessibility, and even local economic conditions. Every element plays a role in determining the ideal spot for success.

The City of Amarillo Has a Plan

That plan includes:

Strong Neighborhoods: Develop and maintain mixed-income housing, promote affordable housing, increase homeownership, and rehabilitate properties. Preserve historic heritage, enhance livability, and foster a sense of community and safety.
Economic Development: Support economic diversity, identify redevelopment areas, and align resources for growth. Focus on key corridors for infrastructure improvements.
Transportation: Improve public rights-of-way, enhance lighting, and increase connectivity through multimodal transportation.

Hopefully, the north side of Amarillo will see a resurgence in the coming years. With its growth potential, the area could attract more businesses and residents, reversing the trend of closures and relocations. A revitalization could bring new opportunities and vibrancy to the community, making it a thriving part of the city once again.