relocating to Del Rio, TX area (San Antonio, Laredo: apartment complex, rentals, crime) - Texas - City-Data Forum

VEGAS--H8R · 08-09-2007, 07:00 PM

I will be relocating my family to Laughlin Air Force Base in October for work, but will be relying on the cities surrounding it to live. Would like to know what to expect when I get there. How's the crime there? How's the Elementary school system like? How is the year round weather? How's the shopping? I'm a Wal-Mart shopper, is there one close by? What are prices on new 4 bedroom homes or 4 bedroom homes on the market like there? As you can see I have a lot of questions. I've been to the cityofdelrio.com & drchamber.com sites, but didn't really get any up to date information. I am currently living in Las Vegas, NV and was wondering if it compared at all to this place? Prices are a bit steep here in all aspects and it is not a friendly city or a kid safe place to live in. Any suggestions or ideas as to how I can get as much information as possible to better educate myself on this area would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Jann

vantexan · 08-09-2007, 07:49 PM

I was stationed at Nellis in the early 80's and worked in Eagle Pass, about 60 miles from Del Rio, several years ago. Del Rio and Las Vegas couldn't be more different! About the only similarity is that they both have a large resevoir nearby with excellent boating. There is a small casino, The Lucky Eagle, just east of Eagle Pass if you miss that. Del Rio has a Super Walmart, and a small mall next door with an 8 screen cineplex. Generally I think Del Rio is the nicest town on the Border. I've never crossed the river there but I've heard Ciudad Acuna is one of the nicer Mexican border cities with some good restaurants. Since you're used to high heat Del Rio should be bearable. It can get humid but generally it's drier than Eagle Pass. Folks are very friendly. Most likely goes on but you won't see the drug wars, traffic, or smuggling that goes on in Laredo. If I ever transfer back to the border it'll be Del Rio.

ChristieP · 08-10-2007, 08:59 AM

My in-laws have lived in Del Rio for over 45 years, and they love it. My husband grew up there, and we go back at least twice a year. Hubby and I usually stay at the base in the gorgeous new lodging!

There are no "cities around Del Rio" unless you count Bracketville, Quemado, or Fort Clark Springs. All of those are at least 30 minutes drive from the base. I'd stick with Del Rio for housing. Housing costs in Del Rio are pretty low. There are lots of new houses being built, but they are on the opposite side of town from the base. If you're willing to buy an existing home, you can get a lot closer to work and get a nice one for a good price. (Just avoid the "San Felipe" area!) The "Indian reservation" area (all streets have Inidan names, like Totem pole, etc) is really nice!

Shopping is OK for a small border town. There is a Super Walmart, and they just built a Home Depot. The mall has a JC Penney and Beall's. There are also small, cute shops downtown and a really good flea market (according to mother-in-law). For the best shopping, you'll need to go to San Antonio, which is only a 2-hour drive. The PX at Laughlin is a joke, which surprises me since there is also little shopping in town.

Hubby and his siblings all went to St. James Episcopal for K-6, then to the Del Rio public schools for middle/high school. You'll find a lot of other miltary families who do this, and some military wives teach at St. James, too. My MIL taught kindergarten there for 34 years, and the school even created a scholarship in her honor!

Weather in Del Rio is similar to Vegas, since they are both high desert. The big difference is that Del Rio doesn't get so hot in the summer, and it usually has mild winters.

Crime in Del Rio varies depending on what part of town you're in. (See my earlier reference to avoid the San Felipe area.) Also, you do not want to live close to the Rio Grande, especially in the area close to the lake. Lots of illegals come across there, and the residents get broken into a lot and anything that's not nailed down gets stolen! My in-laws live near the Indian reservation streets, and they have never had any crime at their home.

Good luck with the move!

NOTAM · 08-10-2007, 10:49 AM

why wouldnt you take base housing? it would be alot safer!

ChristieP · 08-10-2007, 04:48 PM

Base housing at Laughlin is somewhat limited and IIRC, there is a waiting list. It is nice, but it's just not always available.

VEGAS--H8R · 08-24-2007, 10:55 AM

Thank You ALL for the information.
We are looking to relocate as soon as possible. Selling our house here is what's holding things up for myself. Husband will have to go ahead and find a studio apartment or kitchenette near the base for himself, until I join him and then we will be able to find a house to buy.
We are not allowed Base housing, as we are returning to the "military" life as civilians, husband retired from USAF is 2004.
Please keep information coming as it is all HELPFUL!!!!!!!!!

VEGAS--H8R · 08-24-2007, 11:22 AM

Hi All,
Does anyone know how I can find listings of places for RENT (i.e. studio, 1 bedroom apartments or kitchenettes) Del Rio. Tried on the net, but nothing comes up except for 1 apartment complex that is income based.
The information has been so helpful--THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

ChristieP · 08-24-2007, 11:36 AM

FYI: LAFB sits out on the edge of town, about 5 miles from anything. The closest houses to it are in the San Felipe area! (see my earlier post about NOT living in San Felipe)

The Del Rio News-Herald is the newspaper there. Here's their website: Del Rio News Herald Look in their classifieds and you'll see several small houses and small apartments for rent for VERY low prices. This would be my recommendation for your husband. Also, he might consider setting up a monthly or weekly rate with one of the motels until he can find somewhere to rent.

Honestly, there are few apartment complexes in Del Rio. The only ones I can recommend are the ones on Cantu Dr. near the High School. The ONE complex out near the base is NOT good; MIL says there is a lot of drug activity there because it is so remote.

Cathy4017 · 08-24-2007, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vantexan

I was stationed at Nellis in the early 80's and worked in Eagle Pass, about 60 miles from Del Rio, several years ago. Del Rio and Las Vegas couldn't be more different! About the only similarity is that they both have a large resevoir nearby with excellent boating. There is a small casino, The Lucky Eagle, just east of Eagle Pass if you miss that. Del Rio has a Super Walmart, and a small mall next door with an 8 screen cineplex. Generally I think Del Rio is the nicest town on the Border. I've never crossed the river there but I've heard Ciudad Acuna is one of the nicer Mexican border cities with some good restaurants. Since you're used to high heat Del Rio should be bearable. It can get humid but generally it's drier than Eagle Pass. Folks are very friendly. Most likely goes on but you won't see the drug wars, traffic, or smuggling that goes on in Laredo. If I ever transfer back to the border it'll be Del Rio.

I could not agree more. If I had to live on the border, Del Rio would be the place. I grew up not far from there, and have always found Ciudad Acuña friendly and easy to get around in. We used to always go to Ma Crosby's to eat Portuguese chicken or tortillas...MMMMMM!!!!

Spree · 08-24-2007, 05:40 PM

I've heard Ma Crosby's closed down due to the fact that Laughin AFB forbids active duty personnel from crossing the border. We were stationed there a long time ago and went over the border all the time, esp. to Ma Crosby's.

Del Rio is a nice town. There is not much to do there tho. The biggest city closest to you is San Antonio, and that's 3+ hours away. Lake Amistad is a great lake and is good for fishing, waterskiing or camping. We didn't have kids when we lived there but the base had a good elementary school and day care from what I heard. I believe there is also a Catholic school but maybe it was the St James school a previous poster mentioned.

You should be able to find an apartment or house to rent as there is always 60+ pilots coming through for training every 4-6 weeks. Check the base housing office - they usually have a list of rentals. Short term I would not buy a house, long term you might be okay in equity when you go to sell.