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Unread 06-01-2012, 04:12 PM
 
1 posts, read 1,070 times
Reputation: 14
Default Family Relo from Michigan: McAllen or El Paso?

Hi, we may be potentially relocating due to a job opportunity to McAllen or El Paso. We have 3 grade school age kids and currently live in west Michigan (Grand Rapids area). We do not speak Spanish, but are open to learning. Highest priorities are: strong/safe schools w/good athletics (Catholic or public); nice, safe neighborhood (3000+ sq ft home); outdoor activities (lakes, rivers, hobby farming).

Any advice on the two areas? Thanks so much!
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Unread 06-01-2012, 04:24 PM
 
1,074 posts, read 923,963 times
Reputation: 371
The Valley would have more water sports

Last edited by Westerntraveler; 06-01-2012 at 04:26 PM.. Reason: delete somethin
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Unread 06-01-2012, 05:12 PM
 
Location: mcallen
470 posts, read 769,650 times
Reputation: 369
El Paso. You'd have to drive to Elephant Butte or Caballo for water activity, though. In McAllen, it's still over an hour to the island, as well. I wouldn't go to Falcon lake. And just FYI, don't think that because both cities are near the Rio Grande, that makes it an option for sports, lol!
There a a few good schools in the Valley, but I would have never moved here if I had school age children. I'm glad my kids grew up in El Paso.
I honestly think, based on what you indicated, El Paso would be my recommendation. I've lived both places--so trust me on this one!
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Unread 06-01-2012, 05:54 PM
 
Location: Grapevine, Texas
5,036 posts, read 6,734,909 times
Reputation: 2589
Why these areas? Neither one has good schools (when compared with the rest of Texas) and they both will be major culture shock...

Last edited by ChristieP; 06-01-2012 at 07:14 PM..
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Unread 06-02-2012, 12:51 AM
 
2,316 posts, read 1,180,254 times
Reputation: 1481
Bring your lowrider and your accordian
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Unread 06-02-2012, 08:54 AM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
1,764 posts, read 1,172,392 times
Reputation: 1147
The major difference is big city metro vs small town isolation.

El Paso offers far more choices for everything other than "water sports." Depending on where one lives in El Paso, schools can be excellent to mediocre. Catholic schools are older established institutions.
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Unread 07-19-2012, 06:44 PM
 
Location: ABQ
67 posts, read 75,464 times
Reputation: 35
Definitely McAllen. It's a lot quieter and most of the schools are good. But be prepared to learn a lot of Spanish-- even the school lunches are mexican food lol. Itr's quiet but there's a lot of stuff to do. San Antonio is 4 hrs away if you guys wanna make a day trip.

But anyways, it's an hour away from South Padre Island so you guys can enjoy that, too. It's a beautiful beach.
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Unread 07-19-2012, 06:45 PM
 
Location: ABQ
67 posts, read 75,464 times
Reputation: 35
PS: There are a lot of Catholic schools in McAllen and housing is cheap.
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Unread 07-19-2012, 10:42 PM
 
Location: Tejas
393 posts, read 559,491 times
Reputation: 243
mcallen over el paso any day.
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Unread 08-22-2012, 10:35 AM
 
31 posts, read 33,486 times
Reputation: 27
We recently moved to McAllen and have our kids in the Sharyland ISD. We found the schools to be less crowded and the principles more aware and involved in the schools. Both the McAllen schools and Sharyland schools test high and have a good educational education opportunity for your kids.
We moved from Louisville Kentucky and when my kids tested for math placement they were given problems and the questions that were not yet addressed in Kentucky for their grade level.

My wife is from McAllen and graduated from McAllen High and now holds a masters degree so the education system is, I believe, top notch.

Good luck and keep us posted on your adventure.
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