Tell me about Alpine (Fort Stockton, Commerce: homes, schools, taxes)

[cdcdguy]

I have some property in Brewster county, and may consider Alpine as a retirement city. We plan to visit soon. What is it like? I know it is the county seat(that is where my tax bills come from).
How many people live there? A good hospital? What kind of stores,chains, ect. Wamart?

What is the weather like in the winter and summer? Homes prices for a small 3 bed ranch.

We don't need lots of excitement, just some civilization. Schools are not a conderation.

Thanks for the help.

[Scholar]

Have you looked at Alpine Texas Chamber of Commerce? It is a very helpful website that should answer many of your questions.

From what I understand, the hospital is very good. It the Big Bend Regional Medical Center out on the highway. It looks very nice and is supposed to have some great doctors. The website above has a link to it.

There are little businesses and galleries there. I believe that the closest Wal-mart is in Ft. Stockton. This is not an area full of big chain stores.

Alpine has some good places to get a meal, but I can't remember the names at this time. However, like with most small towns, you can tell where the good food is by where the crowds gather.

Hope this helps you with your research! We've always enjoyed visiting Alpine, and anyone we've ever known who lived there, loved it.

[cdcdguy]

Thanks scholar! I glad to hear the town is not a dump! Since we are older, a good hospital is important, though we are not that old , and in good shape.

I am guessing the town is on a plateau in mountains?

Anyone else been there/live there? Thanks.

[KewGee]

I have been there and really didn't care for it. I had thought about moving there to get away from the humidity and from the looks of it on the internet, it looked quite nice. It's just not pretty, and I like pretty. I don't know much about the town itself because once I got there, I knew it wasn't a place where I'd like to relocate, so I didn't ask questions.

If it hasn't changed, the nearest Wal-Mart is in Fort Stockton which is one of the most forsaken places I've ever been. I don't remember any stores except a small market and gift shops.

Of course, this is just my opinion, but I would not be able to live there. I felt like I was on another planet way out there in no man's land.

Ahh, I really wouldn't call the area of Alpine mountainous. It is so brown and dry and the "mountains" are so unattractive. I did ask one question though. I asked a guy there if it ever became green and his reply was, "Yes, in July when we get our monsoon rains."

No thanks! It's not for me.

[Marlow]

That area of Texas is not for everyone, but I absolutely love it out there. Nothing makes me happier than driving west on I-10 toward Big Bend. I've been through Alpine and again, it's not for everyone, but I love the weather, the sky, and the vast, vast space. Plus Big Bend national and state parks are some of my favorite places on earth. It's definitely not like many other places and you'll have to check it out for yourself.

[cdcdguy]

Well, that's just it. I love the look of the area. My propery is really just scrub land, but with pretty views of the red rock mountains. Has phone lines, but power still couple miles away.

Guess my real question is, as far as this part of Texas, is Alpine a safe, nice town to live, and get all the basic, comfort supplies to live, where I won't feel I would love to have this, or that to eat, or want this wax, or mop, but they don't carry any.. We don't have exotic tastes...But don't want to feel like we are living totally without anything like when we are camped near our property.

Also, what are the temps. Like in Alpine.. summer, and winter. Any snow? Thanks!

[KewGee]

http://www.city-data.com/city/Alpine-Texas.html

[catman]

I've been to Alpine several times, and I love it out there. Marfa and Fort Davis are nearby (20-25 miles). I'd say Alpine has all the essentials (if you don't have exotic tastes). If I stay in Texas, that's the area that I would most like to move to.

[cdcdguy]

Thanks to all that have posted and offered links and opinions. We will visit, but it already seems we will be able to get all the basics there.

[elpasojeff]

Alpine is terrific. Great people.. Reasonable taxes. The Regional Medical Center
has one incredible surgeon... (god forbid you need surgery.) Sul Ross brings
a fair number of professors; and there is a great Arts Community. The Chamber of Commerce is very pro active. For a community its size; there are some great
restaurants. There is a gift shop about 1 mile west of the railroad bridge on the right side (west bound); You can't miss it. (There are several burros there).
The two ladies who run the place are walking encyclopedia's of Alpine. They know EVERYTHING! If you want all your questions answered; stop in.

Jeff