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Old 06-01-2012, 05:12 PM
 
1 posts, read 4,109 times
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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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Old 06-01-2012, 05:24 PM
 
3,491 posts, read 6,932,747 times
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The Valley would have more water sports

Last edited by Westerntraveler; 06-01-2012 at 05:26 PM.. Reason: delete somethin
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Old 06-01-2012, 06:12 PM
 
Location: League City, Texas
2,919 posts, read 5,912,165 times
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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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Old 06-01-2012, 06:54 PM
 
Location: Kaufman County, Texas
11,819 posts, read 26,669,872 times
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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 08:14 PM..
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Old 06-02-2012, 01:51 AM
 
2,312 posts, read 3,649,719 times
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Bring your lowrider and your accordian
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Old 06-02-2012, 09:54 AM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
4,280 posts, read 9,105,544 times
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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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Old 07-19-2012, 07:44 PM
 
Location: Utah
75 posts, read 198,843 times
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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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Old 07-19-2012, 07:45 PM
 
Location: Utah
75 posts, read 198,843 times
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PS: There are a lot of Catholic schools in McAllen and housing is cheap.
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Old 07-19-2012, 11:42 PM
 
Location: Tejas
398 posts, read 1,410,612 times
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mcallen over el paso any day.
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Old 08-22-2012, 11:35 AM
 
31 posts, read 84,456 times
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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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