Christian family-Move to Palestine (Tyler, West: real estate, rentals, houses)

[mom27]

We are considering a move to Palestine and would appreciate any information that we could get. We are hoping that it will be our last move and would like it to be a wise decision. We are a Christian home schooling family that has always been self employed. We are selling an assisted living home here in Virginia and looking for a new business there. How is the economy? How are the housing prices? Is the area pretty (we live in lush VA and I am hoping for some green). I sure would appreciate ANY help anyone could give. Thanks much.

[stargazer]

Palestine is a small town and as small town life goes, economics aren't all that good. More opportunities come to people who live near a larger city. It is not to say you can't survive there, but most jobs that pay well are going to be goverment jobs or jobs in teaching up at the school.

[loonyrich]

Surely somebody else has some more input. Why is the real estate so reasonably priced in that area? How is the weather? How's the fishing???

[cathyjb]

I currently live in Palestine...but can't really say much about the economy here. I'm on social security, so it's not an issue for me.

Palestine is very hilly with lots and lots of trees...actually quite beautiful. There's also quite a few lakes around, so fishing has got to be great. The downtown area is very small and quaint. There's also many many churches here. The people are friendly...I believe the main employer in these parts is the prison system, and although I know they're around, I've never seen one.

I will say one thing...I've lived in many, many different places and I, too, don't understand why real estate is so cheap here. I've seen houses that would run $3-400,000 elsewhere that you can get for less than half that here. Some gorgeous victorians here. Have been here for 2 years and noticed that real estate is on the rise, so now would be the time to buy here. If a house is in the paper for rent...you best grab it cause there's a real shortage of rentals.

There's one Walmart and I think 2 other grocery stores here. Your dollar stores, Pennys, a few others. Most anything you need can be bought here. If you're big on shopping tho, Tyler is about 45 minutes away and have most anything else you'd need.

On the whole, it's a very nice little place to live. I wish you the very best.
Cathy

[cathyjb]

Forgot to mention the weather....hotter than the dickens in the summer but very mild winters. Lots of lots of sunshine here!

[cgbarn]

My son and his family are moving close to Palestine within the next year. They have land and are planning to have a house built. I was wondering if one of you had any information on good local builders or build on your lot companies in the area?

I am also curious about the school system. What are the public schools like in rural Palestine? I have grandchildren who up until this point have been homeschooled, but if the schools are good, there is a possibility that might change. Please respond.

Thanks

[JohnHazel]

As far as schools, there are three in palestine so far. I'm a student possibly about to move as well, so we went to see the schools. The largest in Palestine High School of about 880 students in all, they have good programs, and have recently started making a lot of changes with codes of conduct and building maintence. I personally prefer this one over the others. Westwood High School is a smaller school of about 550 students. The main thing i saw about this school was a similarity to my present school, which is the small school atmosphere, everybody knows each other and the education is more personal. but as far as administration wise they have lost and are losing students, maybe because they have recently changed school board members and directors. The last school is a private school, I believe it's called Lakeside Academy or something. It is of 52 students, i didn't get to see this one, but it is more rural. If you are very rural based then i would suggest Elkhart High school. Even though it is in Elkhart, a town close to Palestine, it is smaller, but offers good programs and academic and "small town" athletic oppurtunities. As far as companies go i don't know, but i gathered most of this experience from a one day visit to each school, wish i could write everything but i'm out of time, hope it helps.

[silverstang91]

I too am getting ready to move to Palestine, not sure where to begin. I am single so don't need alot. But my main requirement is that I must have a garage! I am an avid car guy so I need a place to put my cars. I know thats ridiculous but better than some other past time hobbies I could have. Not sure if buying or renting would be in my best interest. I know I will be there at least 1yr. Any input would be greatly appreciated.