Is Brownsville really that bad?! (San Antonio, Corpus Christi: extended stay, to rent, condominium)

[scottyc]

I live in Canada but have a winter home in McAllen, which is about 50 miles west of Brownsville. I have been there a couple of times but would suggest you check out McAllen if you want to live in the Rio Grande Valley. Yes there is crime there, but I think it is mostly among the drug people. We have never had a problem in the three 6 month stays we have had there. Great shopping and still not far to go to South Padre Island for the day. We can buy a beautiful home from mid 150.000

[Threnody]

My X-Wife was born and raised in Raymondville, has spent most of her life all along the eastern half of the border. According to her, the entire region is over-run with satanic cults and santeria (Regla de Ocha) cults.
The most common is a santerian off-shoot that is basically satanism disguised as Catholism.

Many murders are drug related, but many are cult related. These cults have members sitting in the offices of the local governments and law enforcement agencies of the region, so certain murders are not even investigated.

Now that's according to my X, her family members, and several others I know who have lived in the area. I have never been there, . . and ain't gonna.

That's my $.02

[yosoyway]

You're lucky she's your ex because this must be a close circle of persons doing this. Maybe you we were brain washed into saying this. Tell your ex and her family to get an exorcism or seek some help.

Your comment is totally outrageous and the farthest thing from the truth.

There is as much of this in S. Texas as any part of the country.

[tamalli]

I've visited Brownsville and the lower RGV quite a bit, and I've fallen in love with it. We're from Oklahoma but are planning to move there later this year. I think it just all depends on your individual tastes.

[yvettevs]

No, Brownsville isn't all that bad. It is not full of "Mexicans." Most people in the Rio Grande Valley are Mexican-AMERICAN... several generations worth. Judging by the responses you've been getting, most are unaware of Texas history although they claim they are proud Texans.

Anyhow, the area is predominantly Mexican American. Nope, wrong on the metal detectors. He must have confused us with Houston or Dallas. None of our schools have metal detectors. The area is very laid back. Like most cities, there is crime, but compared to others, it is way below the national average. As far as employment, the area is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. I've not heard of Texans avoiding it like the "plague." We have a huge Winter Texan population (elderly white people who purposely come to spend the winter here from all over the nation and Canada)and Spring Breakers visit due to the weather and island that borders Brownsville.

And seriously, we don't have anymosity towards whites. The area tends to be one of the friendliest in Texas. Culturally, you will find much to do and enjoy. Those who come off as believing they are superior will get what they put out. Having have lived in other parts of Texas and out of the state - it's all about what you give out. Many from other parts of Texas love to put our area down. But from someone who moved away and later came back, there is nothing like the Rio Grande Valley. We don't believe we are better than others (like some of your postings), and we don't spend our time judging ....

[GausJAMS]

Hi -

Hope this isn't too late. We've lived in Brownsville for 3 years (I'm caucasian and my hubby is hispanic) and we both hate it here. We're military so we've experienced a few different places and this is by far, the worst! People are rude and not many know what customer service means. This place lacks competency every where you turn. Shopping at the local walmart is so frustrating - no one says excuse me and not many speak english. The place is dirty and the local culture is to let your kids run wild. Believe it or not, there is not much good Mexican cuisine, either! If you are looking for a cultural experience, take a vaca to central Mexico - you won't get much authentic, traditional Culture down here - it truly is the worst of Texas and the worst of Mexico put together.
Definitely visit before you move! In fact, everyone that is not from here that lives here all agree, this place is not like the rest of the state, or US, for that matter (and we all say that with much disdain)! Natives don't get it, but anyone who's ever lived elsewhere have a mutual understanding of complete frustration in day-to-day living. Good luck!
Defintely, McAllen seems nicer than Brownsville and we like to visit Progresso, from time to time. Matamoros is a complete let down. There is tons of history here, but unfortunately, we can't live in history - the present bites, here in Bville.

[bb5745]

Originally Posted by GausJAMS

Hi -

Hope this isn't too late. We've lived in Brownsville for 3 years (I'm caucasian and my hubby is hispanic) and we both hate it here. We're military so we've experienced a few different places and this is by far, the worst! People are rude and not many know what customer service means. This place lacks competency every where you turn. Shopping at the local walmart is so frustrating - no one says excuse me and not many speak english. The place is dirty and the local culture is to let your kids run wild. Believe it or not, there is not much good Mexican cuisine, either! If you are looking for a cultural experience, take a vaca to central Mexico - you won't get much authentic, traditional Culture down here - it truly is the worst of Texas and the worst of Mexico put together.
Definitely visit before you move! In fact, everyone that is not from here that lives here all agree, this place is not like the rest of the state, or US, for that matter (and we all say that with much disdain)! Natives don't get it, but anyone who's ever lived elsewhere have a mutual understanding of complete frustration in day-to-day living. Good luck!
Defintely, McAllen seems nicer than Brownsville and we like to visit Progresso, from time to time. Matamoros is a complete let down. There is tons of history here, but unfortunately, we can't live in history - the present bites, here in Bville.

I wholeheartedly second this.

"Natives don't get it, but anyone who's ever lived elsewhere have a mutual understanding of complete frustration in day-to-day living" THAT SUMS IT UP.

[NOTAM]

gosh. you do speak the truth..as much as i hate to admit it. i moved down here to South Texas because of big money contract...and you are describing my area of South Texas too. i really tried to give it my best, have a good attitude....but this IS the WORST of Texas..and i hate to admit it, because i am a fiercely proud Texan.......i am ashamed of this area. i really am. i cant wait to get out of here and move back to West Texas or Panhandle.
p.s. how are you military in Brownsville? there is no active duty posts..or are yall recruiters????

Originally Posted by GausJAMS

Hi -

Hope this isn't too late. We've lived in Brownsville for 3 years (I'm caucasian and my hubby is hispanic) and we both hate it here. We're military so we've experienced a few different places and this is by far, the worst! People are rude and not many know what customer service means. This place lacks competency every where you turn. Shopping at the local walmart is so frustrating - no one says excuse me and not many speak english. The place is dirty and the local culture is to let your kids run wild. Believe it or not, there is not much good Mexican cuisine, either! If you are looking for a cultural experience, take a vaca to central Mexico - you won't get much authentic, traditional Culture down here - it truly is the worst of Texas and the worst of Mexico put together.
Definitely visit before you move! In fact, everyone that is not from here that lives here all agree, this place is not like the rest of the state, or US, for that matter (and we all say that with much disdain)! Natives don't get it, but anyone who's ever lived elsewhere have a mutual understanding of complete frustration in day-to-day living. Good luck!
Defintely, McAllen seems nicer than Brownsville and we like to visit Progresso, from time to time. Matamoros is a complete let down. There is tons of history here, but unfortunately, we can't live in history - the present bites, here in Bville.

[GausJAMS]

Originally Posted by bellestaroftexas

gosh. you do speak the truth..as much as i hate to admit it. i moved down here to South Texas because of big money contract...and you are describing my area of South Texas too. i really tried to give it my best, have a good attitude....but this IS the WORST of Texas..and i hate to admit it, because i am a fiercely proud Texan.......i am ashamed of this area. i really am. i cant wait to get out of here and move back to West Texas or Panhandle.
p.s. how are you military in Brownsville? there is no active duty posts..or are yall recruiters????

My hubby is active Coast Guard (we live in Brownsville, used to live in Port Is and Laguna Vista - he works on the island, SPI) This summer, we outta here, though! Yippee!
I did try to love it - our family is all in TX (central), and it was our first time back to TX 5years. We were excited to come down here, because it was TX (come to find out, it's not - it's Mexico) - that was before we knew what it was really like! And, the sad thing is it changes people. After being here for so long, I've adapted to the rude way of living at times, and now I'm going to have to snap back into my normal, educated, polite and well-mannered self before we move. Isn't that awful?! And for our military friends who've never been to Tx, until they came to the valley, we make sure to tell them that this is not the "real TX"!! Yikes!

Anyway, glad to know I'm not the only one who has issues with this place. Thanks

[NOTAM]

ah i keep forgetting about the USCG!!! sorry!!!! so where yall PCS'ing to next? where is the next duty station gonna be?

Originally Posted by GausJAMS

My hubby is active Coast Guard (we live in Brownsville, used to live in Port Is and Laguna Vista - he works on the island, SPI) This summer, we outta here, though! Yippee!
I did try to love it - our family is all in TX (central), and it was our first time back to TX 5years. We were excited to come down here, because it was TX (come to find out, it's not - it's Mexico) - that was before we knew what it was really like! And, the sad thing is it changes people. After being here for so long, I've adapted to the rude way of living at times, and now I'm going to have to snap back into my normal, educated, polite and well-mannered self before we move. Isn't that awful?! And for our military friends who've never been to Tx, until they came to the valley, we make sure to tell them that this is not the "real TX"!! Yikes!

Anyway, glad to know I'm not the only one who has issues with this place. Thanks