What does living in Bryan/College Station, TX look like in 2022? (Houston: rentals, homes)

[ooKitten]

HOWDY!

My family and I are considering visiting Bryan/College Station, TX this summer. We're looking around for a more affordable place to live in. I'm not looking for help as far as rent pricing nor neighborhoods but would rather appreciate any information as far as the pace of general lifestyle and friendliness thereof. Things to do and visit, sorta thing? I homeschool so school districts don't matter either. Living in Austin surroundings hasn't been to my liking but I've managed, I'm more of a smaller city gal.

Any and all info is greatly appreciated, THANK YOU.

[LocalPlanner]

The Bryan side of the metro has more industry and is more ethnically diverse. It isn't nearly as subject to the crazy traffic and crowd surges you get in College Station due to students (double that on home football Saturdays). That said, College Station has grown enough that if you live at the far south end of town, you won't be as subject to those flows of people. College Station permanent residents do tend to be a bit wealthier than Bryan residents, and traditionally CS has had better shopping and restaurants, but Bryan isn't bad for those considerations these days. CS doesn't really have a "downtown" unless you count the Northgate student-oriented area, but Bryan has a revitalizing downtown that's definitely become more interesting over the last 15 years. There are hospitals in each city.

[ooKitten]

Originally Posted by LocalPlanner

The Bryan side of the metro has more industry and is more ethnically diverse. It isn't nearly as subject to the crazy traffic and crowd surges you get in College Station due to students (double that on home football Saturdays). That said, College Station has grown enough that if you live at the far south end of town, you won't be as subject to those flows of people. College Station permanent residents do tend to be a bit wealthier than Bryan residents, and traditionally CS has had better shopping and restaurants, but Bryan isn't bad for those considerations these days. CS doesn't really have a "downtown" unless you count the Northgate student-oriented area, but Bryan has a revitalizing downtown that's definitely become more interesting over the last 15 years. There are hospitals in each city.

This is good to know, as I prefer diversity because we're an interracial couple. Further south of CS ... richer folks, gotcha. 'Interesting' how? While I truly appreciate the 411, are there any specific restaurants or parks you'd recommend for visiting? Are people more outgoing out there, I know this might sound like an odd question but trust me ... it's been FOREVER since I've had someone say an authentic 'Howdy' or simple 'Hi' in good nature. People around my side of the woods won't look at you unless they think you're up to something, it's very unsettling.

[supfromthesite]

You will get authentic greetings all over the area imo.

[ChristieP]

Honestly, interracial couples are nothing unusual anymore, and you'll find many threads here stating this. And almost anywhere in Texas will be less expensive than the Austin area!

Do you work remotely, or will you need to find a job when you move?

Bryan/College Station is really geared for college students, and not so much for families. There are family activities, but not as many as a similarly-sized town (say Tyler or Georgetown) that has less of a college influence. I will say that when there is a home football game, my friends who live in the area avoid being in town on game day due to the traffic.

Note that Texas A&M students customarily say "howdy" when they meet people, so this is a greeting that is unique to the area.

[supfromthesite]

I'm curious what it is that makes you want to move there specifically. It really is a college/a&m focused university.

There are other small cities in east Texas y'all might consider. Unless one of y'all has a job offer already or family in the area?

[ooKitten]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

Honestly, interracial couples are nothing unusual anymore, and you'll find many threads here stating this. And almost anywhere in Texas will be less expensive than the Austin area!

Do you work remotely, or will you need to find a job when you move?

Bryan/College Station is really geared for college students, and not so much for families. There are family activities, but not as many as a similarly-sized town (say Tyler or Georgetown) that has less of a college influence. I will say that when there is a home football game, my friends who live in the area avoid being in town on game day due to the traffic.

Note that Texas A&M students customarily say "howdy" when they meet people, so this is a greeting that is unique to the area.

I'm sorry if you think my statement of my relationship being interracial came off as me thinking it's 'unusual' ALL OVER Texas/US, I am more than well aware it 'shouldn't be.' God knows I don't think so, but you haven't been in my shoes where I live .. therefore you MIGHT think it's the same everywhere, but it isn't. y-

THANK YOU for validating my thoughts about how expensive living in surrounding areas of Austin are as well.

I'm a stay-at-home/homeschooling mom, hubby works.

So, a complete college influenced twin-cities *noddin* hmm .. Yikes, I do know too well about game traffic.

Thank you for your suggestions, Tyler is too far up north where weather is A LOT colder (lived in Fort Worth) and my asthma can't handle it .. while Georgetown IS yet another unaffordable surrounding of Austin.

[ooKitten]

Originally Posted by supfromthesite

I'm curious what it is that makes you want to move there specifically. It really is a college/a&m focused university.

There are other small cities in east Texas y'all might consider. Unless one of y'all has a job offer already or family in the area?

Referring to your previous HOWDY statement, you'd probably be shocked to realize that not all Texas cities have friendly down-to-earth people and frankly .. I'm just tired of it.

I agree that there should be other small cities in east side of Texas. Problem is HOW affordable is it?
SO to answer your curiosity, AFFORDABILITY. Austin rentals have sky rocketed 40-60% in the last year. Even homeowners are suffering the crisis as how to pay their new appraisals. I'm originally from Houston, lived 15 years there prior to moving to Austin area. But I seriously don't care to return to live in it.

Like I've stated before, I'd prefer a smaller .. quieter outskirts city .. is all *shrugs*

[RSTX]

My family (3 grown kids, me, wife) has lived in "central" CS for the last 6 years. We like it here. Now that the kids are all either moved out or in college we are looking at smaller, less expensive housing. Thinking about Bryan, but nothing concrete. This is a great place to live, but not perfect. Please visit first and have a job lined up before moving.

[ooKitten]

Originally Posted by RSTX

My family (3 grown kids, me, wife) has lived in "central" CS for the last 6 years. We like it here. Now that the kids are all either moved out or in college we are looking at smaller, less expensive housing. Thinking about Bryan, but nothing concrete. This is a great place to live, but not perfect. Please visit first and have a job lined up before moving.

Job FIRST is always a must! Thank you for the positive feedback. One of my kids is an adult while the other is a tween. 'Perfect" is non-existent in a world full of problems but with age comes wisdom as we learn to evolve, I suppose. We're definitely keeping our minds open and even checking out Brenham, TX.

Good Luck on your search for a small place to settle as well