Advice for Those Moving from New Jersey to Brownwood, TX

[WillysB]

'Effing' funny, Brownwood. LOLLLLLL. We used to go to Lake Brownwood just for a change from Ft Phantom Hill in Abilene.

Head west to Ballinger and then southwest to Rowena, then south to Lowake. Great steak house.

[MichelleB12]

Originally Posted by wyatthiggins

Please tell me more about Brownwood. Is there a movie theatre there? Any activities for little kids (like karate classes)? Wal-Mart? How are the schools?

Thanks

Becca

Brownwood is a like a large small town. They have a SuperWalMart, Chili's, Home Depot, a small private university, a decent regional hospital, and a very small mall with JC Penney, Bealls, etc. There are lots of activities for kids, including an excellent gymnastics center, ballet/dance lessons, swimming, and most likely karate, although I can't name one specifically. The schools in Brownwood are ok, but I'd suggest moving to Early, the city adjacent to Brownwood. Early is a smaller school system with traditionally better scores than Brownwood. I love the location of Brownwood - small town atmosphere with city convenience, and only 2.5 hours from Austin, San Antonio, and the DFW area. There are lots of lakes, good schools, and friendly people in the area. Hope this helps!

[vantexan]

I drove thru Brownwood last Tuesday. I was surprised at the OP's statement about no trees. I lived in Connecticut for a year and no, Brownwood doesn't have the kind of trees that make for beautiful Fall colors, but compared to Lubbock where I live Brownwood is lush with
trees. There's a multiplex theatre at the mall, I think 8 screens. There's a Hasting's for books and magazines. And it seems to have a decent number of restaurants. I like to read, surf the net, catch the occasional movie, walk the dogs, read the paper at a restaurant, watch tv. Brownwood would work well for me. One thing I didn't like. Apparently it's too far out of the way to get USAToday, my favorite paper. I could live with a mail subbscription. My only other concern is I'm 46 and never married. Based on other posts on this thread and my own personal experiences in Texas I may regret moving to Brownwood, which is a real possibility with my job soon. And if I tell folks hey, don't worry, I'm retiring overseas and plan to marry a young lady less than half my age...well, probably won't volunteer that. Overall though, looks like a nice enough place.

[Sharon J]

Yes Becca there is a Walmart, C.V.S. pharmacies (2), Chili's, a new Walgreens, karate classes, movie theatres, a mall (small), Kroger's,
Hastings, good restuarants, and we are growing all the time. Too
bad jerseygirl is having so much trouble. My sister is divorce and moved
to a big city to find entertainment and socializing. I have lived here and
watched it change drastically. Jobs are hard to find, but the economy
isn't that bad. As for education, I have an ADHD child and the school system here doesn't seem to bad. I agree that there is no place to socialize unless you are in church or with other co-workers. I personally love Brownwood, but it is not for everyone as the different threads have provided.
Good Luck, I hope you research and like what you find. By the way we do have one of the BEST lakes in Texas, so come on over and see us.
Yes, Brownwood does feel like home.

[IndieMom]

Brownwood, I believe, is the lowest economy in Texas. It explains much. I've had all the same difficulties living here as you. I know a secret though if you would like some friends. Make some inquiry of Mary Kay cosmetics post haste. You will soon have friends galore Unfortunately for me I'm more of a sephora girl.

[Pixielou55]

Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl - it sounds like "natives" have the same to say about you. You hate the area and the people, I think they wish you'd never shown up. Don't come into a town and stick your nose up because they aren't "good enough" for you - GET OUT OF TOWN. It sounds like your boyfriend would be better off without you too; you two are too different to exist together. You have none of his values. You obviously can't live where you have to entertain yourself and enjoy life - go back to the big city where they will entertain you. I, myself, want a real life and am moving to the "sticks" of Texas to get it!

BTW - you couldn't pay me any amount of money to live in "joisey"

[tusmc]

Honey you are in the armpit of Tx. My advise would be A) See if he can transfer out. B) Move to the lake get out of the actual town of brownwood. It provides some peace, its nice and it gives u something to do. If not closest city thats nice is Abilene TX 45 minutes away, commute, go there for a good time something cause there really is nothing and no money to be made in Brownwood. Texas is wonderful but they really did stick u in one of the worst places in this state.

[bman15470]

Wow this thead has been very interesting. I dont live in Brownwood or Texas for that matter but just visited there three weeks ago. Lovely place. Am actually considering it for relocation for me and my wife. I have to say jersygal that its your attitude that is problimatic. Your very self centered. You should consider giving some of your time to the local grade school as a volunteer since your so bored. The kids would benifit from your help and you might get to know some of the moms and reap some of their wisdom regarding raising children which will be the toughest and most important job you will ever have. You could also offer council to the local high school to the young girls that may be considering college. Just giving some insight into how to go about navigating the student financial aid process would be a great help, you dont have to indoctrinate anyone into NE US culture. You could be a blessing to Brownwood! Its just a matter of attitude. So whats up with your tude dude?