Newby to Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin: crime, home, colleges)

[mimi2255]

My hubby and I moved here from another state 6 mos ago. we bought our home to retire to here in Arthur city Tx 27 mile from Paris. I love our home in the country, its beautiful although totally secluded. my problem is Paris is the closest town, total of 27 mi away and just doesnt have much to offer when we get there..... we LOVE Texas and the people, but really want to live in a town that's not too far away and has maybe a few more things to offer.... ie restaurants, shopping, parks etc.Its our own fault for not researching more, just got caught up in the moment. would love to still live in the country, but a better access to closer larger cities. I'm not disrespecting Paris
its just not for us, the people are great. any suggestions on another town? we like sulpher springs, commerce and mount pleasant. any thoughts?? we are in our early 60's and very active. thanks for any help

[fpsbob]

I would recommend Sulphur Springs. It seems safer from what I can find online, but I haven't lived there. I've only driven past it when I drove to Dallas from Arkansas.

I think it's about an hour and a half to downtown Dallas.

[mimi2255]

thank you, happy to hear all input ;-)

[BobTex]

You might look along !-45 and/or US 59 north of Houston and near Conroe. It is HARD to get in the country near a big town or city, which is what you're really asking for ... many people want that secluded country feel but the very definition of city entails dense populations. And the type of establishments, in variety, you are desiring require populations to support them.

Might look around Tyler too, either out toward Athens, Bullard, or even east toward Longview. I know very little about the north of I-20 areas you are mentioning.

Believe me I know of your dilemma for I too sought the isolated country atmosphere. I have access to fast food and a couple of fry-cook joints but must travel at least 35 miles for more variety and 100 miles to Houston for fine dining.

[mimi2255]

thanks for the info BobTex

[SVTRay]

We're Native West Texans who have recently moved to Dallas. So I can understand not having a lot to do. The closest major city for us was Lubbock which was a solid 2 hr drive....4hr round trip. Even still, Lubbock has somethings but it gets old after a while. Anyhow, long story short, we moved to Dallas.

My advice would be to move some place close to a larger metro like Rockwall, Greenville, Terrell, Kauffman, McKinney or Waxahachie. These are just a handful of smaller communities within an easy 30-60 minute drive from Dallas. Austin and Houston have similar surrounding communities as well if a weekend in Dallas isn't for you.

[mimi2255]

thank you all for the great advice...glad im not crazy and you understand what im feeling

[ChristieP]

Not Greenville, and definitely not Terrell.

[ScoPro]

Check out the Tyler forum - that small city seems to be a decent place with more amenities that some of the other towns.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/tyler/

[DaynaKH]

I agree with the mention on Tyler. It had quite a lot to offer and the outskirts still have a very secluded feel. I only know a little bit about Paris, we have some friends who love there, it's a beautiful area! Can you tell me specifically what amenities you want?

My next favorite town (although smaller than Tyler) is Lufkin. But it's not close to much outside of the town itself.

I went to college in Marshall (near Longview). It is a pretty area with lots to offer, and Shreveport, LA is only an hour away with it's lovely boardwalk, shopping, fun authentic restaurants, and of course, upscale casinos (if you're into that). It's a fun place for a night out, while Longview has everything you need with the small-town feel. Lots of culture to enjoy! The downside to Longview/Marshall is the crime rate, but I lived there for three years without a hitch and some of the best people I know live in the area. Plus, Marshall puts on one heck of a beautiful show downtown at Christmas. Lots of college kids live the in area, also since there are a few colleges around.