Family relocating to Brownsville Texas from Buffalo New York- Need Advise and Information Please (Houston: hardwood floors)

[guysgirl67]

Hi

We are a professional family with 3 children under 12 yrs. relocating for a job down to Brownsville Texas. We have spent our whole lives moving around the globe. The following are places we have lived:
Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Canada and USA

In Canada we lived in Toronto, Barrie and Sudbury
In USA we lived in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Naples Florida, Ft Lauderdale FL, Chicago IL, Grand Rapids MI, and of course now Buffalo NY.

So now we are moving to a place we have never even visited before. We have no idea what its like down there. Any information would be greatly appreciated. What I need to know is.....................

From all the places I have lived above, will Brownsville be a culture shock? we dont speak any Spanish although my husbands mothers family is from Mexico. I know he will fit in even though he doesnt speak Spanish.
also, I want to find a big ranch home with 4 bedrooms, hardwood floors, large yard with fence, and lots of trees or view. What will that cost there? and is that even there? also what about schools? my kids have always gone to jewish religious day schools. I know thats going to be an issue now. They do not do well in public school. They will need small classes and more one on one approach. Also, I hate to feel isolated. I dont like driving 15 minutes to get to a supermarket. I like to be around master planned communities, parks and playgrounds, big malls, and entertainment complexes. I love big strip malls and good restaurants to choose from. I love outdoor cafes and festivals and beaches and nightlife. So with that said Iam going to suffer in Brownsville arent I?
I heard McCallen was better but the commute for my hubby to Brownsville would be killer. If I live in the middle like Harlingen then Iam remote again right? shoot....cant win for losing. Any suggestions what this spoiled rotten gal is to do? If anyone knows of cities like Naperville ILL? thats a perfect scenerio for me...or Naples FL. not too big not too small.

Gonna be in Brownsville next week...so gotta do something quick. Need a house right away. Also will be looking for a nice spanish lady to work as our live in nanny....any suggestions? i need allthe help I can get

thanks for all your help in advance

[ShaneSA]

If you have lived in San Antonio, then you have had a taste of the mix of Mexico and USA culture. Sounds to me like you think your moving to the Mexican desert and culture isolation. You will be pleasantly surprised at Brownsville. It has grown, has new housing and almost all the things you mention as needing or wanting. I do not know about the Jewish community. Take a deep breath and look around when you get there. It's not that bad. They have supermarkets and gas stations. I think you will find Brownsville to be like Naples Florida with a Mexican flavor. Enjoy it.

[Muhnay]

Learn Spanish. Yes it will be a culture shock.. take a look at the RGV picture thread and search for the link to Brownsville.. he took some out-standing pictures.. and hey the good news is the Gulf is not far away so BEACH FUN YAY!

Brownsville is not small town.. Also on the main page of this look at all the info for the city. Take note that crime is higher along the border.. lots of drug wars going on now.. so keep an eye out.

[carolmcb]

While I have not lived in Brownsville for many years, I know of Temple Beth-El. Here is their web site address http://betheltx.tripod.com/index.htm. You may want to call them now.

Sunrise Mall in Brownsville has a Dillard's, Penny's, Sears, etc. There is a movie complex located there.

You won't be far from South Padre Island with lots of places to stay for a fun weekend at the beach. Of course, you can drive over for just a fun day. There are a number of restaurants on the island as well. There are tons of things to do on the island -- take lessons on how to build sand castles, go para-sailing, go out on a fishing trip in the bay or gulf, go dolphin watching, etc. There are music events on the island.

In Brownsville, you have the Gladys Porter Zoo. This is a world class zoological garden and is well known for its success in breeding endangered species. It is also absolutely beautiful. There are lots of activities for children.

If you are in Brownsville before the end of February 2009, Charro Days will give you a flavor of border life. It's an annual pre-Lenten festival celebrating Brownsville and H. Matamoros. H. Matamoros is Brownsville's sister city just across the Rio Grande in Mexico.

Good luck and give Brownsville and the Valley a chance. It can be beautiful.

[NeoPlanner]

You'll be fine and it will be an experience. Enjoy if you haven't moved in yet! McAllen is only about 35 minutes away from Brownsville. So go check out the downtown area of McAllen.

Good Luck!

[yosoyway]

It will be a culture shock. But Brownsville is a great small city. The north side is growing a lot with new homes, stores and businesses. If you last visited lets say 10 years ago, you would be surprised with the change.

The cost of homes is very low and due to the recent down turn in the housing industry you might find a very good home. My cousin built a home that cost her about $90,000, which would cost about $200,000 in San Antonio.

I would suggest that you stay on the north side around Sunrise mall.

And don't but too much into the drug war. It is going on but it's not as bad as sometimes it is portrayed.

I hope you enjoy your move.

[ManzaMex]

It will be a culture shock. Brownsville has 91% Mexicans and Spanish is almost necessary. I lived there for 2 years and 4 months, but I speak, read, and write Spanish fluently (I am a White gal). Everywhere you go, all you will hear is Spanish spoken. Harlingen an McCallen might be better choices for you. What is better for you relationship, you being isolated from a communication gap or your husband commuting from neighboring areas and spending more time driving? Brownsville is a VERY Mexican city. While I lived there I couldn't possibly imagine any NOT knowing Spanish.

[An0nym0us88]

Spanish is a MUST in South Texas.