Ready access to scenic parkland and wide, walkable streets make South E. Hwy 80, Abilene a sought-after neighborhood. Homes along the eastern section of the community overlook scenic Grover Nelson Park and the Abilene Zoo.
South E. Hwy 80 encompasses ZIP code 79602. The area is bounded by Interstate 20 on the north, Highway 322 on the east, E.S. 11th Street on the south, and South Judge Ely Boulevard on the west. The community is comprised of residences, with commercial buildings including businesses and eateries in the southwest corner.
Of the many appealing aspects of Abilene is Grover Nelson Park and the Abilene Zoo, which make up the eastern section of the community. Opened in 1919, the zoo welcomes 170,000 visitors annually and is home to 600 animals from around the world, such as jaguars, giraffes, and white tigers. Exhibits include the Creepy Crawler Center, which features rare reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The zoo also has two lakes and a Wetlands Boardwalk. Sitting next to the lakes are several baseball diamonds.
To the west of South E. Hwy 80 is Cal Young Park. This picturesque park has baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of room to roam.
The Taylor County Expo Center lies outside of the neighborhood to the southeast. The 117-acre site includes a variety of buildings, including a horse arena, livestock barn, and an outdoor entertainment pavilion with a 1,200-square foot stage. The Expo Center is a popular spot for rodeos and horse shows.