In July, I was sent to Midland, Texas, with a mission: To determine why half of the city's homeowners are millennials.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about visiting the West Texas city — my friends and family were, too.
Midland, a desert city renowned for its thriving oil and energy industry and once-booming high-school football scene, has a reputation for being remote, conservative, and somewhat exclusive. I was worried a Dallasite like myself would stick out like a sore thumb.
However, in this case, the old saying about assumptions rings true: Never judge a book by its cover.
Contrary to my prior beliefs, I found Midland to be an ethnically diverse city full of entrepreneurs that are as friendly as they are hardworking. Not only did I discover why so many young people are buying homes in the city, but I also found a new appreciation for this small West Texas enclave and the people who call it home.
Not knowing what to expect in Midland, here's what I found when I landed there.