Moving from Cincinnati, Ohio to McAllen, Texas! Any advice welcome! (Houston: apartment complexes, houses)

[KdsRN]

My husband and I are moving from Cincinnati, Ohio, to McAllen, Texas to pursue better jobs... We are in the education/nursing professions. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice on good apartment complexes/town homes in the McAllen area? Also, in your opinion how has McAllen changed within the last 6 years? I grew up there but moved away right after high school... I have to admit I am nervous about the move, but also very excited...like I said before any input is helpful! Thank you!

[Mcallen Kid]

The cost of living is really inexpensive here, so even getting a house wouldn't bee too costy. Even so, there are a lot of town houses going up on the Northeast area off of Colonel Rowe Boulevard. Within the last 6 years, the city has really cleaned up and grown a noticeable amount. Theres even MORE shopping now, along with a new Convention Center that is really really beautiful.

[ImOnFiya]

Since you grew up in McAllen, I wouldn't worry about your adjustment because (I know from my Dad) returning home to Texas gave him a sense of contentment that he hadn't had since he left as a young man.

However, (as a kid who grew up in Cincinnati) McAllen and Cincinnati couldn't be more opposite. German-Anglo culture to Hispanic border culture; hot dogs, Cincinnati chili, and German sausage to true Tex-Mex and interior Mexican cooking; 4 seasons to 1 1/2 season - mostly summertime (lucky dogs!).

Take it from me: Your husband moving to Texas will be a major cultural adjustment, period. (In my case, I love it!)

Make no mistake about it: for a Mid-Western male going to South Texas will be a massive adjustment (and to put it bluntly, esp. if he is white). Personally, I'd feel your husband may like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or DFW better. All fast growing urban metropolises (all larger than Cincinnati, except Austin) with plentiful education/nursing possibilities. In the case of Austin (a liberal mecca) and San Antonio (gateway metropolis to South Texas), you'd be only 4-5 hours from McAllen. Not to (ultimately) be a naysayer, but really think long and hard about how your husband would adjust to South Texas - visit in any case first!

Good luck!

[hellpaso]

The OP knows McAllen--I don't think it's necessary to tell her that her husband will find the culture challenging. Puh-leeze--there are way too many people from the midwest here than I can tolerate! Gimme a break! McAllen has changed for the positive in the past 6 years--I've lived here for 3 1/2 years, but my husband has worked here off and on since 2001. The changes are exponential! You'll be pleasantly surprised. Welcome to the medical community!