I've been in midland for 11 years now and yes it s a big oil money town. The houses are modest but there are neighborhoods with beautiful massive homes, mansions really. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV so I was surprised when I found out that there are hidden neighborhoods with massive homes. The locals know what neighborhoods they are. During the holidays people drive around neighborhoods to watch Christmas lights because Christmas is a massive thing here and people go all out on decorations 👏🏻 it's very pretty
Been stuck out here for about the same time, did insulation work for a while and the biggest home I did was like 8,000sq-ft with a garage/barn the size of a small grocery store.. took like 9 hours.. that stuff down mockingbird are tiny compared to some of the stuff on the north side.. 9 hours for the attics, took 3 days to do everything*.. you'd be suprised how many safe rooms and bunkers are here.
Recently discovered this channel, and what a breath of fresh air it is. Simple touring of towns without all the over produced, music laden nonsense. Subbed.
I am related to half of Midland lol. You got to experience that good ol West Texas weather first hand. 80 degrees one day, 30 degrees and snowing the next day. But I love Midland. It's just a hour and ten minutes from Lubbock so it's a nice drive
When I lived there people used to tell me there was no way to get anywhere. Nonsense, I'd say. You can go anywhere in the world...just have to get to Dallas or Houston first.
Im from the Dallas area, but i lived in Midland during the early 80s doing comstruction. It was booming! I loved every minute of living there. I still call it my adopted home town. "The sky's the limit in Midland Texas"
My wife is originally from Midland. My company is oilfield related & they asked me if I wanted to relocate there & work... more $$ of course.. I told my wife about it & she said "you'll have to go by yourself"... "I'm not going back to that dustbowl!!" LOL 😂
One of the best finds in 2022 , is your channel. I love all the videos. You do amazing work sharing your travels. I started with rural Texas and have joined you and your beloved wife on numerous travels around our amazing country. Thank you for sharing your video travel-journal. Love this channel!!!!
Lived here all my life and I like it! It’s quiet but not like a small town kind. People that live here say there’s nothing to do but thank God we can always make money somehow some way to travel and have fun to see other places! We’re definitely hard working people here 💪
I lived in Midland as a child in the late 1960s. My father worked for Shell Oil. Some of the happiest years of my life. I saw Luigis downtown! And I remember the Yucca theater. Thank you so much for this tour.
Likewise….the center of Permian basin where life was good growing up in 60s with George Bush jr and Laura Welsh not a marriage thing yet as it was Charles Younger ( across street from Bushes…the house was yellow in 60s) that got them together and also with golf at country club life and visiting Hap Sharp on the Chaparral race track with little crime and good disciplined schools, although tough beating Odessa Permian in football, and rabbit hunting with the guys. So yea…those were the happiest days so different from today it almost seems like twilight rough zone as compared to todays schools and such to Midland today.. with oil business going south due to liberal administration, 12:28 Midland and surrounding towns may be hard pressed to survive…sad, but we had our day in the Midland sun at it is to be remember…for sure.
Thank you so much for this!! My son and I have driven the interstate back and forth from Tucson to Ft Worth when he went to U of A. I always told him that someday, I wanted us to take the time to see Midland. It’s almost impossible to imagine from the interstate that there’s really a town. I always commented that maybe there’s not one! Lol. You did it for me!! I love the city and everything you showed us. The Bar looked great as well as your food. Midland DOES exist and a thriving, successful city is there!!
The Bar is as much an institution as anything in Midland. I lived there 13 years and it was around long before that and it's still the downtown "hot spot" another 13 years after I left. There's a definition division between the haves and have nots in Midland. There's a lot of Daddy's Money in town if you know what I mean.
I'm a native of Midland. I cannot imagine why you thought it would be "rundown and decrepit". Makes me wonder if you are a Texan. Midland at one time in the 50's, 60's, etc. had the highest per capita income of any city in the USA. It'll be interesting to hear your demographic info on the Tall City in the Land of the High Sky. Well I don't know if you intentionally stayed in "old" Midland around the downtown - but you missed entirely the newer residential areas which are MUCH nicer than what you showed. Midland is a good sized city and you hardly saw a tenth of it.
The last time I had been in Midland was the eighties. It was rundown then. I was surprised to see it wasn't when I saw it this time. I intentionally stayed in the downtown area. This is a city downtown exploration channel. I'm there mostly for the unique architecture, but other things as well - artwork and murals, homelessness, is it clean, unique businesses and pubs, how many people live there and are they walking in the streets. I'm not interested in seeing generic suburbia or anything else outside the city core.
Midland is a good place to live, if you can ignore 100 degrees Fahrenheit and also the dryness of the chihuahua dessert, also no fun and games here, because there's not an awful lot to do so it is boring.
When I got to Midland in 2018, it was fairly run down, downtown. A lot of boarded up windows and abandoned buildings. Things seem to get better when oil prices go up, along with rents getting higher. There are still parts of Midland that are run down. Don't kid yourself.
Hi Guys. Me and the wife came across your channel and are completely hooked on your journey. It’s been fascinating watching and listening to your commentary. We’re especially enjoying the Wyoming and Colorado videos as we love the massive wide open spaces with crisp blue skies. We’re planning a road trip across the USA and will be using your recommendations.
If you would have asked a local we could have shown you where the much bigger neighborhoods are and the more upscale houses are located. Hope you come back and visit again. Definitely need to try some local food next time.
The Yucca Theater is a beautiful turn-of-the-century two story theater. It is home to Summer Mummers, one of the wildest live shows you'd ever see. The improv comedy shows are also a hoot.
🤠 Hat's off to you. Thanks for a nice review on Midland. I lived in both Midland & in Odessa in my early 20's and I'm back living in Midland for my retirement years. 🙂
Midland has always been in my mind as a money town. Rich in oil. All those homes might be modest but there's people with money in them. Awesome video! Never seen it in person but now I feel like I've been there!
I've been in midland for 11 years now and yes it s a big oil money town. The houses are modest but there are neighborhoods with beautiful massive homes, mansions really. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV so I was surprised when I found out that there are hidden neighborhoods with massive homes. The locals know what neighborhoods they are. During the holidays people drive around neighborhoods to watch Christmas lights because Christmas is a massive thing here and people go all out on decorations 👏🏻 it's very pretty
Hey now! Killer channel brother! I really enjoy all of the historical data which you prepare for us viewers. Gives us a little glimpse of what it's like and the vibes of each place you visit. I can tell you love that lifestyle of road gypsy along with your ride or die Mrs. Lord Spoda as it shows through in your videos. Man, I love what you do and am so thankful to you for showing us all this footage from the US of A!!! Cheers from Western Canada 🇨🇦
I was born & raised in Midland. Watching the oil boom change the city over the years was unreal. Not too much going on in the downtown area, though some of the surrounding areas are very nice. Love the channel, looking forward to the Odessa video!
Beautiful town, thanks for sharing this. I like the barn house, if the owner sees this you picked a great home in a town full of unique and wonderful homes.
The Tall City is a cool spot. Wild when the Permian is popping. Enjoyed my time there throughout the years. The Sun & wind hit different out there too.
Lord Spoda I have grown increasingly hooked on your videos. I would never get the chance to travel as you do but you have certainly widened my horizons. Thank you so much for all you do. Meanwhile I will travel with you no. matter where you go. I love your voice.
What a lovely video. I grew up in Midland - not born, but spent the largest chunk of my childhood here. So many memories, especially with the Christmas decorations all put up in downtown. As a kid I never quite had to think about the stats and numbers, but I could practically SMELL that winter-chill air. Remember spending most every Christmas Eve driving around the city to see the biggest best Christmas lights, so many folks enjoyed the season to the hilt. It's almost painful to look at the house I lived in, since my grandmother passed and the family sold the place. Thank you for such a wonderful look at a place I still love even decades later!
I stayed overnight in Odessa/Midland when I was moving across the country. They had a very nice hotel out there, but the Odessa side was a bit rough around the edges. I'd certainly visit that area again if I were to pass that area again.
Wow, the view at 9:40 is incredibly nostalgic for me; I had a multi-year internship for a drilling fluids company that worked out of the office directly behind this on the 2nd floor and my work area had a huge window looking directly this way, about 20 feet from where you were standing. It was a great experience tbh. I grew up in Midland but most people I meet haven't even heard of it before and I rarely ever hear about it outside local news, so it was cool to see these places that are so iconic to me from your perspective
I live here, lol. No wonder it was recommended to me. I have watched a few more of your Texas videos and absolutely love them. I am now subbed and eagerly awaiting more content.
Midland has a lot to offer. I have quite a bit of family there. The WWII air museum is neat. There are quite a few museum's there that are worth going to.
FYI Odessa is the step sister city lol 😆 Im a born n raised native Midlander and tho I appreciate you spending time in the south side( as that's where I grew up ) you really missed out on some very really beautiful areas of Midland. If you're wanting to make videos of Midland then you should do as a series to really capture all Midland has to offer. The population is actually 157K plus btw...if you decide to come back contact me and I'll be happy to guide you around and take you to lunch in the best hole in the wall in town. You went to THE Bar, way overrated but glad you enjoyed. Thanks n God Bless and Merry Christmas 🎄☃️
That part of downtown is considered the “bad side of town.” It’s obviously still beautiful, but that’ll show you how much more there is in the rest of the city. It truly is a hidden gem. Downtown is great, but there’s so much more in the rest of the town
Welcome to West Texas weather..I have lived in Odessa most of my life. It only pays that well if you are working the oil field. Bush was actually born in Odessa and moved to Midland as a young kid.
Very beautiful video.What a beautiful movie to start the day. I love Mindlat and Texas. I wish you a nice . Thank you very much for this beautiful video. God bless you in Mindland and throughout Texas.
I love watching you both eat dinner! I am just like “ the wifey” I can’t eat all my food and a to go box is needed. You should add more restaurant clips in with your videos. I enjoy seeing the local food. Like small diners and little bbq places were they cook their ribs and briskets. Thank you!
I just love that kind of bar. Last time a went USA I drank a beer in every bar I pass by on the streets. Just loved that kind of stuff. Every detail, every piece has a history and motivation to be on the wall. Everything is well cared and the food looks amazing! Congratulations for the video.
I have a friend that’s big in the oil business located in Midland. I’ve never been there but if he’s a indication of the people from there it’s a great friendly city. I’m very impressed.
Midland is okay,Love the Weather here and the Money is wonderful! Rent is very high. And food is high too. Some of our businesses are going to close,Grams pharmacy and Long John's silver. Hate seeing all the old places go away.
Yo Spoda...good video as always brother & "THE BAR" was def my kind of dive to experience,the place looked really cool and the food looked great but what sold me on the place was the tunes brother!...that house was a rockin' my friend!....my kinda music!
Midland has multiple organizations that help the homeless. They have 3 meals a day during the week served by non-profits catered to helping the homeless.
I grew up in Midland and my husband & I started our family there. We got married in the same chapel as Laura & George W. The Yucca Theatre is, indeed, still in operation. It's home to Summer Mummers, which is the longest running live melodrama in the country. The New York Times did a write-up on it several years back. The saying goes, "Mummers is not something that can be explained; it must be experienced." Midland is a place where one doesn't expect to find culture, but it's there. The Museum of the Southwest is housed in the Turner Mansion (which has its own dark history), and it boasts an impressive art collection. Good video. I saw a few buildings where I used to work in the oil & gas industry, which was pretty cool. Looking forward to your review of Odessa. The two cities are quite different from one another. We always used to say you raise your babies in Midland, and your hell in Odessa. Lol... Be safe out there!
My mom and her side of my family are from west Texas, Best people on planet Earth IMO. That may change in the future with transplants moving in but in the 1980s and 90s you couldn’t find better people on this planet. They were real people and I loved them and I wish everyone could be like they were
Really enjoyed your video. I have lived in Midland for over 28 years and planned to move back to my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma in retirement, except all of my children have moved back to the Midland/Odessa area. I believe I will not be going anywhere, but will stay in Midland with family. My wife grew up in Odessa and most of her family lives in this area as well.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Wish we could have said "hello" when you were in Midland. My daughter and husband live in Odessa. He is the great eye doctor in Odessa. Wish you had more time in Midland to explore the sports fields in the Northwest and some of the big homes where the money is made in Midland. Somehow you overlooked these areas. Somewhat disappointing.
Enjoyed your guided tour of Midland! From the 1970s to about 2018 my wife and I made numerous visits "clear across Texas" to visit Odessa. Many of my wife's family members lived there. Occasionally we would get off of Interstate 20 and drive through Midland. Quite a difference between the two cities.
Cool video! I think you missed quite a bit of Midland though. I’ve been here 12 years and can say Midland definitely grows on one. Btw, it’s Theeeeee Bar. Happy New Year!
There are some beautiful neighborhoods in Midland. There’s a home on a property that takes up the whole block! There’s also some really nice homes hidden around downtown.
I'm really glad to find your channel. I'm a Texan & I appreciate what you're doing! I could tell you weren't from around these parts because of Hereford. It's pronounced (phonetically) Her-ferd... Keep up the great work
Well since Earl muted my reply, Odessa is actually only about 30 miles, I used to live in Midland and attended UTPB where I got my Bachelors degree. With two small children I would not have driven 130 miles each day. You can't mute this one, Earl. And it is considered West Texas!
I'm from this area. Since yall plan on going to Odessa, I HIGHLY recommend trying Tequeria Reynosa on the corner of University and N Grandview. The tacos quesadillas with bistec and those AMAZING beans our out of this world.
I spent my childhood in Midland and graduated from high school there. It was a pretty safe place to grow up but there’s not much in the way of entertainment or nightlife. I still go back to visit my family but I would never ever move back. Too dull and dusty!
One thing I noticed, along the residential streets, in front of each house, there is painted on the street curb, Texas state flag, might be the each house number with flag. Around the 18:37 time frame
You are right. It's the number so the mail carrier or any delivery person can know what house it is. I live in odessa, and we have done that for as long as I've been alive.
I hired in with Texas Instruments back in 1991 in Midland. You are correct in that it is a nice city. Coming from green South Texas, I was expecting a dusty western town but Midland surprised me. I saw so much commercial expansion in the short seven years I lived there before TI closed the plant and we were moved to Sherman Texas. Midlanders were awesome! Made alot of friends and memories there. As for that West Texas wind, it is always blowing from the west majority of the time. I had to adjust my golf game to play in that wind. Lol! Thank you for sharing!
My mother's family relocated from southern Illinois to Midland after World War 2. Her father was a preacher who supported his family by working as a broadcast engineer. In that capacity, he designed and constructed the transmitters for the first television station in Midland, KMID, which signed on in 1953. Grandpa worked with a then-weatherman at KMID who moved on to Hollywood to pursue a successful acting career: Edward Platt.
Hi Lord Spoda Nice video again. The downtown is so clean. What to say, as clean as a whistle? The neighborhood too is so peaceful and nice. Wide roads, spacious front yards, Lovely! The numerous shades of colors of tree leaves add to the beauty. Is it the effect of season? Enjoyed the video. Thanks for the same.
Yes, as clean as a whistle. You got it right. :) It's a nice town, but the downtown could use some residents. It would be amazing then. And yes, the trees are changing for fall.
Yo this is where I’m from. My hometown, born & raised! I grew up in Midland in the 2000s and I have witnessed so much change during my lifetime when they tore down an old court house, right where you were standing in centennial park. And also, I remember the time when George W & Laura Bush flew over downtown Midland in Air Force One for the final time as president and came to speak that day! So many great memories.
I grew up there, too. I was living in Houston when the plans were announced to demolish the beautiful courthouse. It was such a shame. But before they did it, I made the trip back to town and shared a bottle of champagne on the courthouse steps with a dear friend. It was a bittersweet night, but I'm so glad I did it.
@@mindibunch5232 Cool, I bet those were fun memories to look back on! So where Midland is now, centennial park is a great place to not only hang out, but the city had moved the star spangled banner event from hogan park to centennial in downtown either last year or couple years ago, not too sure. And we just did the Christmas parade there this past Saturday night! That was a great time.
I was born in Odessa back in '81. my parents came from the Rio Grande Valley and followed job opportunities in the medical field towards the tail end of the of 70s oil boom. Odessa was known as a blue collar town where as Midland was known as the white collar city (reason why you see the skyline and none in Odessa) One of the downtown buildings that you showed i could of sworn was going to be demolished sometime this year. The Western United Life building, the one that had the marble siding on the ground level floor. When i visited Midland and Odessa in the 90s, downtown Midland looked in rough shape. Now with fracking going on throughout west and south Texas, downtown Midland looks like its been brought back to life from what i remember.
My mom's family is from Middland/Odessa. My great grandparents Tisdale had a farm in Middland and some how oil became involved and the farm was sold. My mom grew up in Odessa.
I lived here in Midland Texas for 13 years now,I came from Detroit Michigan,it was a huge change and I still can't believe I live here lol but you learn to love it! Oil field brought me here 💰
Do you like living there? That's a huge change for sure, in almost every way. Coming from other Southern state, there wasn't much of a culture shock as far as settling down here in Central Texas, but coming from up north like yourself, I'm sure it's a hell of a transition. A few friends of mine who are originally from the rust belt region often complain about italian food, lack of true fall seasons, etc.
It's funny that you mentioned how clean the city is. Even the leaves are cleaned up in the downtown area but I did see a large cup lying on the ground in a parking lot. Ya, probably only one little cup in the whole downtown area. I was always impressed with how clean the Texas towns were and the state itself. Now for the good part. I always wanted to travel to Big Spring to see how the town survived after the Air Force base closed but due to health reasons, that is not possible. Now if you intend to visit Big Spring in the future, you would sure make my day. I have some good memories of the town but it would be sad if it looked like Floydada and the other towns you visited. Ask the locals if they still have a yearly rattle snake roundup and maybe you could take a tour of what is left of the old air base. I think they have several attractions to visit. Glad I found your channel. Thanks for doing these videos and you and the wife stay safe!! Tim
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I Googled Big Spring again and it appears to still be prospering. The museum on the old base might be worth checking out. Now I just have to view all your older videos and patiently wait for Big Spring. I'm curious about your handle "Lord Spoda" Adios Mr. and Mrs.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip when you do big spring, which is only one spring NOT plural, please see if you can find any intact indigenous things left. I grew up between there and Midland, and people kept burning and destroying them... It's part of what makes me hurt so much about knowing the place, people talk way more about the former military base than about the former indigenous. If you can find artifacts, I'm sure they're town treasures.
Love your channel. I was looking for videos of the US, small towns in Texas and eksewhere in the sates and your channel came up. Just what l want. A non Hoolywood USA. A lot like Australia in many ways. God bless you both.
I was raised in Midland Texas I would love to someone to go down Main Street they consider mean all the new modern buildings on the outside of Main Street and no one ever shows Main Street
I used to drive by Midland/Odessa when I was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, while visiting my relatives in Big Springs. Never actually stopped there.
