Moving to McAllen Texas from Indiana (Mission: movie theaters, nicest, things to do)

[j96g]

I agree it's hot and weather is the ONLY reason I'm moving, but to correct Kalifornian, it didn't hit 100 last summer as it was an unusually wet July. Remember when we got a lot of rain? Though hitting 100 isn't unheard of in the summer the southeast wind keeps us in the high 90's most summer.

[missprincessavd]

You should consider moving to north mcallen on the east side. It is the wealthy side and everyone here is nice. Its got a mix of Hispanics and caucasions. For middle school consider cathey or Morris and for high school consider mcallen or mcallen memorial high school you would enjoy living in a neighborhood called north ridge.

[RC8284]

Ok, Look, I know that everyone is sending some really negative stuff about the place in general but I have to put in my 2 cents if it's worth anything....first of all YES you guys are going to be in a completely different atmosphere. It is absolutely not Indiana be sure to clear that with the kiddos. lET ME FIRST EMPHASIZE......IT is VERY VERY likely you will be the minority but the people down South are still for the most part fairly friendly. On a scale of 1 being worst and 10 best i'd say they are about a 7! There is a ton of spanish speakers being so close to the Mexico border so be prepared!!!!
(My husband's home town is in the RGV and I am from a big central Texas city, so my 1st time was a bit of a culture shock for lack of better words) Second of all I beg to differ about ALL the schools being terrible with violent kids. You need to do some research about the city itself and you be your own judge. I have a cousin who's husband is from the Harlengen area and they currently live further out in Pharr. She has 3 kids 1 being a teenager already and the other 2 in elementary/middle school ages...and they seem to be doing quite well. MY cousin's daughter was great on the volleyball team and there are also great cheerleading/dance team instructors if your daughters are interested. But like I said seriously do research on the school districts and don't hesitate to ask questions..believe it or not the others are right, the coaches are treated like "gods" ...but again you need to do research on that.

The weather is fairly mild ..very tropical so expect lots of tank tops and flip flops! Sometimes even around Christmas!!! You are not too far from some of the nicest beaches in Texas...most popular would still be either Port Isabel or South Padre Island.
You have great hospitals and a variety of different eateries and shopping places. There is still Target, Wal-mart, Super-Walmart, Sam's Club,a really great H-E-B grocery, Academy (athletic/outdoor gear), JCPenny's, Sears, Macy's,Dillards, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works,etc..... there is a beautiful Mall called La Jolla..(I think if I remember correctly) If you and your gals are really girly you will love this mall! It all really depends on what you make of the town for yourself. The city is nice really. but again RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!!!

[hellpaso]

it's [i]la plaza[i] mall btw. i live on the SOUTHside in a very upscale development. not all the wealthy people in mcallen live in north mcallen. there are areas all over the city that are nice.

[alexblair10]

i live in mcallen, have lived here for seven and a half years. its a good place to live, the school's depends on which ones you enroll your kids in. middle school, i suggest cathey, high school, memorial.

[southrnbound]

Hi Everyone,

We will be moving to McAllen this summer. I am wondering what activities there are so that my 12 yr. old daughter can meet some kid before school starts? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[chevon norwood]

My african american family and i are planning to move to fresco tx or cypress tx, my twins are 14. need a good sch. as far as the weather i would like less humidity, and tolerable traffic. i will be looking for a job in the health fields

[Kalifornian]

Originally Posted by j96g

I agree it's hot and weather is the ONLY reason I'm moving, but to correct Kalifornian, it didn't hit 100 last summer as it was an unusually wet July. Remember when we got a lot of rain? Though hitting 100 isn't unheard of in the summer the southeast wind keeps us in the high 90's most summer.

Really? Well yesterday 6/30/09 the temp hit 105 F. It was consistently above 100 all last month with NO RAIN (drought this year). The radio announcers keep saying that due to the humidity factor, the actual temp feels like 115. We are KNOWN nationally for intense summer heat and high summer temps...all the guidebooks tell you to stay away June-July-August. You must be in denial or work for the chamber of commerce...

Southnbound (post #76), there is plenty to keep your child occupied...the McAllen parks dept operates sports programs, and there are several public swimming pools (the biggest is along Bicentennial). However, unless you are going to swim or to the beach, you may prefer to stay indoors until after 6:00 pm. We have a nice public library with two branches, and another library in Mission. There are three Barnes & Nobles in the area, one in McAllen, one in McAllen/Mission and one near Weslaco. There are day camps, YMCA, church run camps, etc. Check the local newspaper. San Padre is a one hour easy drive east. Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville is consistently listed as one of the best. Corpus Christi is a 2 and a half hour drive NE; the state aquarium is there which is very popular. Hope this helps.

[Brian Stone]

WARNING CORRUPT POLICE in REYNOSA MEXICO. I was in Reynosa { Nov. 1-2 2009 } While there I was robbed my two uniformed Reynosa police officers, in down-town Reynosa at 11:00 am { in broad daylight }. I was walking near the plaza when two police officers stopped me, made me hold up my hands and took my wallet. When I received my wallet back my cash was missing. Luckily I wasn't hurt and I got my wallet back. SO BE WARN

[Brian Stone]

[quote=Brian Stone;11601005]WARNING CORRUPT POLICE in REYNOSA MEXICO. I was in Reynosa { Nov. 1-2 2009 } While there I was robbed my two uniformed Reynosa police officers, in down-town Reynosa at 11:00 am { in broad daylight }. I was walking near the plaza when two police officers stopped me, made me hold up my hands and took my wallet. When I received my wallet back my cash was missing. Luckily I wasn't hurt and I got my wallet back. SO BE WARNED