Hi all (Dallas, Lubbock, Laredo: crime rate, buying a home, transfer)

[Martie A]

Well, Bound, I am sorry you were sick and did not get to visit more! You asked about auto registration... I think it is less than $100 per year? am I right people? I drove a 98 ford for several years and it was about $68.00 per year. I don't know how much for my new car, and I have heard they charge extra to out of state new registrants, but I am not sure if that is true. Any how, it is usually in the County Tax Assessor's office. And your drivers license is at the Department of Public Safety (same office as the State Troopers). It is not expensive either. And, you don't have to make an appointment! In my little town, there are two ladies who do drivers licenses, and they close for lunch. My kids feared they would get the mean lady when they went to get their license! At the County Tax Assessor's office, there are three ladies there, and they are the same ladies as when we moved here 14 years ago!

When we moved from California to North East Texas in 1992, it was winter, it was cold, and my dog was sick of riding in the car. When we stopped for the night at a hotel, my dog took off and would not come back. (how long do you chase them and risk them crossing the interstate?) When we woke up in the morning, there was our pup sitting at the door of our hotel room, looking sorry and cold. We should have had his leash on before we opened the car door... Any how he survived.

You cracked me up about catching a 'bug'! That is what they call a virus around here.

Stargazer talked about problems with making friends in german towns. We really did not have that problem. I will say, though, that this is a very religous area, and I have a co-worker who recently moved here from Salt Lake City. He asked me the other day if he looked like he needed saving. I asked 'Why'. He said, 'Because everyone we meet invites us to their church!'
I told him it is because they think your looking for a church, and they want you to feel welcome. We have LOTS of Baptist, however, we also have Methodist, First Christian, Nazarene, Lutheran, Assembly of God, to name a few. I have hear there are over 100 churches in our county of 30,000 people. Lots of competition for tithe!!!LOL please no one be offended, I am just kidding!

Ya'll have a great day.

[caprockvista]

I would like to suggest Southwest Texas to anyone considering a move. Although the oil prices are helping our economy, the small towns still could use some new citizens..you would be very welcome......We still have a lot of wide open spaces left around here.

You will soon be looking for rain so desparately, you won't care what comes with it...........Actually we have a good climate for working people....cool nights help to make up for our hot days.

Lots of sunshine in the winter.

caprockvista

[respjaCK]

Hi all,
I have enjoyed reading the different posts about possible relocation areas of Texas. I have just moved to Tucson, AZ for a 13 week assignment as a travelling respiratory therapist. I had applied at a hospital in Edinburg, TX for a permanent position just prior to being offered the travel assignment. The hospital in Edinburg called me a couple of days after I had accepted this assignment:-( I am still considering relocating after this assignment is over. Any thoughts on Edinburg? I am liking Tucson. It has low humidity plus warm weather. What are living conditions like, cost of living, etc.? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Sorry to be so wordy.

Thanks

[BobTex]

Cost of living in the Valley (Rio Grande) is oretty easy on the pocketbook I understand. What kind of sign-on bonus are you getting in Edinburg.....nurses were getting $25K-$40K for a 4 year commitment not too long ago.

BTW......Our hospital is very short resp therapists......Check out Christus Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Tx. You probably wouldn't like the humidity in Beaumont, but Edinburg will be similar as it is not to far inland from the Gulf and prevailing winds are on-shore (brings in the moisture off the water).

Bob

[lifertexan]

I had applied at a hospital in Edinburg, TX for a permanent position just prior to being offered the travel assignment. The hospital in Edinburg called me a couple of days after I had accepted this assignment:-( I am still considering relocating after this assignment is over. Any thoughts on Edinburg?

Be prepared to live in a different world.The population down that far is around 85-90% Hispanic,and that influences things.The announcements in Wal-Mart are in Spanish,for example.Menudo is on the breakfast buffet at IHOP.English only speaking is a minority.In winter a lot of northern snowbirds move down there with their RV's and raise the English only speakers slightly.I enjoyed working down there,but it may not be everyone's cup of tea.Crime is higher than normal for that size city,as are McAllen and the others,because of the proximity to Mexico.The humidity will be fairly high,and it is a long way to anywhere other than the other close towns like McAllen.On the other hand,Mexico is just down the road if that appeals to you,and the best beaches in Texas are about an hour away at South Padre,along with good fishing and windsurfing.

If I had a chance to live there for a while I would take it,but my tastes aren't necessary another person's tastes.

[respjaCK]

Thanks Bob and lifertexan. Your information helps. Bob, the sign on bonus for Edinburg was 7500 for a 2 year commitment. I will look into those other hospitals that you mentioned. I went ahead and got a Texas license, so I was pretty sure that I would relocate to Texas at some point.

lifertexan, the Hispanic population doesn't bother me. Seeing how close to the Mexico border, I figured that we would be in the minority. The humidity will be about the only issue that will be a drawback. Being from TN, I am familiar with heat coupled with humidity. That is why Tucson is so nice. We have heat, but relatively little humidity.

[californiamom]

We are also moving to Texas from California, Fontana to be exact and my husband is all set ready to move and excited but I am a bit nervous, I am scared I will regret and then won't be able to move back. We are looking at Laredo because he has a sister living there and some friends who say how great it is, we have visited once and I enjoyed it a bit laid back to what I am use to, which was nice and people were friendlier where ever we went, can anyone give me an honest opinion.

[Just Lookin]

Hi CaliforniaMom, I am from Apple Valley. It sure is time to get out of here isn't it? To many people and all this crime. Well, you will meet a lot of nice people here to help you. We like East Texas.

Good luck

[lifertexan]

Originally Posted by californiamom

We are also moving to Texas from California, Fontana to be exact and my husband is all set ready to move and excited but I am a bit nervous, I am scared I will regret and then won't be able to move back. We are looking at Laredo because he has a sister living there and some friends who say how great it is, we have visited once and I enjoyed it a bit laid back to what I am use to, which was nice and people were friendlier where ever we went, can anyone give me an honest opinion.

Laredo is one of the fastest growing areas in Texas,but it is also one of the most dangerous.Drug wars are breaking out between drug lords on both sides of the border.I have friends who have to go down there occasionally to work because the company in Laredo cannot keep up with all the growth,and they hate it and won't go into certain areas.I would double and triple check the situation before moving there,especially if your information is a little old.

[caprockvista]

respjaCK I would suggest you look into Crane, McCamey, or Monahans, Texas. All are seeking healthcare workers and all make new residents very welcome. The oil industry in creating somewhat of a boom in this area, but we still have a lot of wide open spaces and need new residents badly.

Our climate varies...from 8 below to 116 above...but that is only averages...we have low humidity, usually l0% or under in daytime during summer. Our nights are pleasant...usually 70 or under.

We average 12 inches rain...it can vary from 4 to 35 inches though.

These towns have good access to the Midland/Odessa metropolitan area, but are truly unique Southwestern ranching/oil towns with that small town feeling of friendship.

caprockvista