El Paso, McAllen, or San Antonio (Mission, Point: mortgage, real estate, condo)

[albino109]

Just trying to get a heads up about the areas. Which is better? I live in NY now and are going to buy an investment property in one of those areas based off of figures that have proved to be very tempting, within the next month. I am trying to decide between the 3 places. Any thoughts on what might be better. I have done some research and I want a local or someone who really knows those areas, opinion. From what I see McAllen is being built up leaps and bounds right now. El Paso is being built but now as rapid and San Antonio comming in 3rd. So I know that, but I guess what I am really interested in is the crime. Which has the least amount of crime? The nicest surrounding land... etc... someone please help with your thoughts and elaborate on my questions.

thanks in advance.

[albino109]

sorry I also forgot to include that I am 23yrs old w/ a girlfriend (no engagement) and no children. But schools and things like that are important as I said this would be an investment property. I will look to either rent it for a few years or just pay the mortgage and use it as a vacation property for me or my family members to use.

[monarox]

Personally Being From Mcallen And Still Living Here I Would Have 2 Say That Mcallen Would Be Ur Choice 4 Low Crime Rate As Compared 2 Those Other Cities. We Have Great Schools Here, Plenty Of Things 2 Do Here And The Surrounding Cities,theres The Beach In S.p.i Which Is Great. The Weather Here Is Good. Its Sunny And Warm Most Of The Time. We Have 1 Of The Best Malls Here (4 Ure G.f). They Have Marciano Guess, Calvin Klein, Bebe Just 2 Name A Few Of The Wonderful Stores.

I Can Go On And On But Im Sure U Get The Point : )

[Hyun-Soo]

Obviously San Antonio!!! The Northside! San Antonio gives you the "city" feel without being as crowded as NYC.

Mc Allen and El Paso are Majority Hispanic cities with high crime and poverty everywhere.


Atleast San Antonio is clean.

[spursfan]

yeah i dont think there is even a contest here...unless you want to be next to Mexico and want more crime....san antonio is the best choice

[neddy]

Well, in McAllen you could get the snowbirds in the winter and then college kids in the spring and then do rentals in the summer if you got the right spot. I live in San Antonio and there is not a huge demand here for the time share condo type of place (yet and I think its coming pretty soon) so it would be a longer term rental (young adults or family type of people vs. the vacationers or Mcallen). Would need a good property mgt company no matter what in either place and I don't have anyclue about EP but my mom is a full time RVer and they always try tpo get some time in Mission and Mcallen during the winter to see friends...its huge they all are really like a flock of birds following the warmer weather!

[Insomniac]

All three cities offer different things, it\'s up to what you want to decide with city is your best fit.

[hellpaso]

i just moved to mcallen from el paso. actually, el paso has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, consistently ranking in the top 2 or three safest cities. the people in el paso are very calm and laid back, and traffic is fine as long as you stay off i-10 during rush hour. there is supposed to be a huge expansion at fort bliss, with is going to bring in literally thousands of personnel and families. the city is already building new schools in anticipation of this. the crime rate and traffic in san antonio are much worse than el paso. i like mcallen as well, although the traffic is the craziest i've ever seen in my life!!! real estate is booming like crazy in mcallen--gorgeous multi-million dollar homes, mid-range homes, shopping centers, just everything!!

[Linson]

Originally Posted by Hyun-Soo

Obviously San Antonio!!! The Northside! San Antonio gives you the "city" feel without being as crowded as NYC.

Mc Allen and El Paso are Majority Hispanic cities with high crime and poverty everywhere.


Atleast San Antonio is clean.

actually, El Paso has the 2nd lowest crime rate in the nation for a city of it's size.

[Linson]

albino109:

also, there is an elementary school within walking distance ( < half a mile or so).