San Angelo Makes ‘Top Ten Western Towns’ List

SAN ANGELO, TX - True West Magazine released an article titled, “Top 10 Western Towns of the Year” with San Angelo making the top five.

Information from the magazine states that True West’s 2024 Top Ten Towns celebrates the best communities of the West—and the men and women who work year-round to preserve, promote, and celebrate their Western history and heritage. 

“Our favorite Western communities offer historic sites and museums, and fully restored century-old (or more) hotels, restaurants, and saloons—perfect places to make your headquarters during an extended holiday exploring the town and the surrounding region,” True West stated. 

When the article first mentions San Angelo, it states that the best place to start a visit in San Angelo is the “Cactus Book Shop,” 4 E Concho Ave. 

Information from the article states that the Cactus Bookshop was the place the “Great Western writer Elmer Kelton called home.” 

“The Cactus was Kelton’s favorite bookseller in the area, and if you love his books and Western reads of all kinds, then this is the place for you,” the article states. “Once inside its lovely confines, you are sure to discover a handful of good books on local history and maybe a couple of Kelton’s novels to enjoy during your road trip.”

The article then covers the history of San Angelo stating that the city was founded in 1867, adjacent to the newly constructed Fort Concho near the Concho River. 

“Today, San Angelo is still a vital economic center for the region’s agriculture and oil industries, with nearly 120,000 residents living in the metro area,” the magazine stated. “The city is home to Angelo State University, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo State Park, and San Angelo Nature Center.”

Other cities that ranked higher than San Angelo include: 

• Tombstone, Arizona
• Fort Smith, Arkansas
• Prescott, Arizona
• Cody, Wyoming