Known as "The Heart of Big Bend," Alpine sits at an elevation of 4,462 feet in the Chihuahua Desert, surrounded by mountain ranges. This small West Texas city serves as the cultural and economic center of the Big Bend region. The historic downtown features early 20th-century buildings housing independent shops and restaurants, including the restored Holland Hotel, a Henry Trost-designed landmark.

Rental options in Alpine showcase mountain and desert views. The town's neighborhoods provide peaceful settings with vistas of the Davis Mountains to the north and the Chisos Mountains to the south. Many properties incorporate traditional adobe-style architecture or classic Texas designs. Sul Ross State University brings an academic energy to the community, while the town's layout puts most amenities within a short drive.

Alpine's major employers include Sul Ross State University and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. The town serves as a gateway to natural attractions like Big Bend National Park (81 miles south) and Fort Davis National Historic Site (24 miles north). The Museum of the Big Bend on the university campus showcases regional history and art. Local events include the annual ArtWalk and the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, while Kokernot Field hosts baseball games during season. The Amtrak Sunset Limited makes regular stops in Alpine, connecting residents to major cities while maintaining the town's authentic West Texas atmosphere.