Texas Border Towns on US Side (Brownsville, McAllen: buy, movie theaters, living)

[eastontracks]

Choose rio grande city but as many others have said, live in McAllen or neighborhoods west of McAllen for his drive to rgc to be somewhat shorter.

Back in the day, My dad worked in rgc but didn't stick around for long lol. Presidio and Sanderson are way too isolated and eagle pass is kinda meh in terms of quality of life. Although McAllen and the valley is different than the rest of Texas, you'll be fairly satisfied with what's offered down there.

[gguerra]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

The rest of Del Rio isn't a benefit. Falcon Reservoir is between Eagle Pass and Laredo, so Amistad isn't the only lake down there.

Falcon is south of Laredo between Zapata and Roma. Amistad is close to Del Rio. I know, I actually live down here.

To the OP: I would re-iterate what most of the other posters are saying. You're best bet is living in McAllen and commuting to RGC. After a while your husband can put in for a transfer to the Mcallen station and he won't have to commute anymore. I work literally less than a mile from the McAllen station. I assume he is just starting out? That is why they delegate the rookies to the most undesirable locations. After some time he should gain seniority and transfer.

As for the other locations. Eagle Pass would be VERY boring. It is a small town about the size of RGC but it is isolated and there is not much to do on a daily basis. All of the other choices are worse.. You can forget about crossing into Mexico for any entertainment. That is way out of the question.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by Philosophizer

Not if you take Mines Road.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by wpme

I think it will be more than just the beginning, LOL!

Especially if they don't like it.

I hope it works out better than that for them.

[Philosophizer]

Originally Posted by Cathy4017

Farm to Market Road 1472 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A good 25 miles is unpaved caliche road before it connects with FM 1021 south of El Indio. Road gets really rough when you reach maverick county. Their maintenance is much poorer than Webb.

[gabetx]

Originally Posted by belgiangal

Hello all,

My husband just got accepted into Border Patrol and was given 5 stations to choose from:
- Rio Grande City
- Eagle Pass North
- Eagly Pas South
- Presidio
- Sanderson

We currently live in Michigan where he is going to school and I am an executive assistant to a multinational. We are a little stumped as neither of us has ever been to Texas and don't really know much about it. I've been Googling all these cities but I know nothing beats the tips and knowledge of people that either live there or have been there.

He can pick any one of these stations. We have two small children under four. I am an executive assistant, so I would need to be able to travel to a larger city and preferably work for a larger company.
We're not big on going out dancing or to clubs and stuff (partying till late kind of looses its appeal when you have to be up early with the baby anyway) but we do like to take the kids out to the park, playground, visiting, etc.
Which of these is a nice area to live in as a young family, or is close to a nice area? Thanks so much, any tips are greatly appreciated!

Belgiangal

Be prepared for a huge culture shock. It is almost like living in another country.

With that said, I would choose Rio Grande City. It is only 20 miles from La Joya or 30 miles from Mission, which is all part of the McAllen Metro area. Both of those cities would be good areas to live in, with not too bad of a commute.

McAllen isn't too bad. It is an American-ish city. The area is at least 95% Hispanic and Spanish is the main language down there.

[jerbear30]

Spanish is not the main language in McAllen. I've been there 15-20 times and maybe once has my English been an issue. If two locals speak Spanish to each-other, that does NOT mean they can't speak English. Most of my wife's friends from McAllen (all of Mexican descent) can't speak Spanish. It will be culture shock if you are a member of the Klan. Otherwise, it'll be just like where you're from only hotter and flatter with more Mexicans.

[wpme]

Originally Posted by gabetx

Be prepared for a huge culture shock. It is almost like living in another country.

Almost? I'd love to see this couples faces the day they arrive.

I grew up spending the summers in border towns, no way in he!! I'm going today

[thenewtexan]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

"Access to Del Rio" isn't a benefit. My in-laws live there, so I'm down there at least once a year!
Eagle Pass is bigger and has more shopping, restaurants and better medical care than Del Rio. Oh, and a casino!

Actually, Del Rio is bigger, more affluent and offers more diversity than Eagle Pass. Neither offers great shopping or medical care, but that's all relative.

OP: I would stick with the other suggestions and go with the RGC location. Live in McAllen or Mission. It's only about 45 minutes away. The towns in that part of the RGV all run together, so it's like living in a sprawled out city of well over 400K people once you factor in the immediate area.

[yskltz]

Personally I'd choose Presidio and live in Marfa. The border is a lot safer in the Big Bend Region. Plus the Big Bend Nat'l Park is a must see. Ojinaga, Mexico has a big canyon and is pretty safe. Coyame, which is 50 miles west of Ojinaga, is also an interesting town. Cartel activity isn't a huge concern in this area because it is so remote. In McAllen cartels (across the river) are a huge issue.

The only reason I say live in Marfa, rather than Presidio is because Spanish is the primary language spoken in Presidio. I'd like to eventually move to either Marfa or Alpine at some point.