I've been researching West Texas Land as an investment opportunity, but was also considering keeping property. I have a couple of questions for you West-Texans.

What is the average acreage for land-owners out there?

What is the approx price per acre that one should expect to pay?

How is the area around Pecos?

Anything huge I should know before buying a parcel or two out that way?

If you go down towards Balmorrea (sp?) and get in the mountains around I-10, it is pretty good. I worked at Pecos on an Onion Ring plant for around 7 years and it is hotter than sin. We did electrical contract work off and on, but I spent all of my holidays on plant shut-downs for 5 years.

check out this link
http://www.landauction.com/auctions/auction136

and #21. VAN HORN AREA (CULBERSON CO., TX) 30.1 acres. Large parcel located on an unpaved road just north of Interstate 10 near Exit 159, and approximately eighteen miles east of the city of Van Horn. The property features terrains ranging from rolling to flat, and the area is used for cattle grazing. Confirm land use codes with the County before auction day.
CASH OR TERMS - STARTING BID $700

[This message has been edited by MemphisAg (edited 3/4/2007 12:07a).]

What is the average acreage for land-owners out there? Really varies. In the old days when people made a living average ranching tracts ran in the 10,000 - 50,000 acre range, some larger. Today, you can find tracts of less than 1000 acres.

What is the approx price per acre that one should expect to pay? Once again, varies widely. Surface water, underground water, well with tank, other improvements (ie house, barn, etc). Price range could be $250 per acre up to $2,000 per acre if Devil's River Runs through it.

How is the area around Pecos? Desolate. Go a little south for great Big Bend country like Alpine, Marfa, Ft Davis. Go west to Sonora, Ozona, Del Rio for more hill country. All pretty in it's own sort of way. Depends on your taste.

Anything huge I should know before buying a parcel or two out that way? Historically large tracts that have been cut down to 1000 acre "ranchitas" are basically frowned upon by more traditional land owners. Once again, access to water and water rights should be a high priority.

Hope some of this helps

I worked in Pecos last summer and I can tell you that even growing up in El Paso, Pecos is just down right desolate. The town is shrinking and a lot of businesses are going under as well sadly. I am sure that you could find land fairly cheap there. Monahans 45 minutes to the east might be a better area to look.

If you are really looking for land, go South - Alpine, Ft. Davis and Marfa area. You can still find small tracts of land (10 to 100 acres) available down there for a good amount (500 to 2000 an acre give or take).

Van Horn area is alright, better than Pecos, and land will be cheap there, but still not great. Big Bend country is really where you'd want to go to, or out toward Sonora/Junction/San Angelo - just my 2 cents.