Tyler and Longview (Kilgore, Gladewater, White Oak: extended stay, apartment, rentals)

[Back2TX]

MJ.... if you are coming from the northern states, the Church of Christs in Texas are very different than the ones up there. And no, the churches are not segregated.

Also... I have not seen racial commentary on the news like I did in Louisville, KY. (lived there the past 5 yrs) They would comment black vs white all the time in the news there, to stir everyone up. I have yet to see that here.

I'm in Longview and yes, we do have a discount theater, putt putt, and lots of lakes near by.

I'm not exactly sure what the term "outsider woman" defines... a woman from the north or a different state? a Texas woman who just didn't grow up here? But I am new to Longview and have "fit" in fine. I've been happy here, yes, I grew up in TX but way out in west Texas.... very different than here.

If you can handle hot, humid, and moquitoes.... than you'll do fine here.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

I would say Longview is just a tad more Liberal than Tyler too. You can't buy any alcohol at the grocery store or corner gas station in Tyler, but you can in Longview.

Reminds me of something I thought was amusing...

The first time I ever really visited Tyler (before starting to get out that way on a somewhat regular basis) was back in the early 90's. I was attending a Texas Division SCV convention and after checking into my motel room, drove to a convenience store to buy some beer (I didn't know at the time it was "dry"). Anyway, when the clerk informed me of such, I asked where was the nearest place I could get some. He never hesitated and answered almost by rote...as if this was a question asked of him every day (which it probably was! LOL). Reeling it off like it was rehearsed he said "go to the next red light, turn left and go 12.7 miles (or whatever was the exact distance) thataway".

[Mark-Tyler is Special]

The discovery of oil in East Texas near Kilgore in the 1930's brought thousands of oil field workers to the area. Many saloons were built, so the streets were full of rowdy out of control party oil field workers shootin' there guns in the air and spending their money of women and booz.

Sooooo, the oil executives, "Humble Oil" now Exon, Atlantic Richfield and others with division headquarters in Tyler, 20 or so miles West wanted to ensure none of this "out of control" behavior would interfer with their quite peaceful living. Therefore, they ensured no "alcohol" would be sold in Tyler.

The last wet/dry election was, I think in the 1980's, was defeated by a 2 - 1 margin. Don't know if it would pass today. Could be fairly close vote.

[MJ_is_in]

Originally Posted by Back2TX

MJ.... if you are coming from the northern states, the Church of Christs in Texas are very different than the ones up there. And no, the churches are not segregated.

Originally Posted by Back2TX

Also... I have not seen racial commentary on the news like I did in Louisville, KY. (lived there the past 5 yrs) They would comment black vs white all the time in the news there, to stir everyone up. I have yet to see that here.

I'm in Longview and yes, we do have a discount theater, putt putt, and lots of lakes near by.

I'm not exactly sure what the term "outsider woman" defines... a woman from the north or a different state? a Texas woman who just didn't grow up here? But I am new to Longview and have "fit" in fine. I've been happy here, yes, I grew up in TX but way out in west Texas.... very different than here.

If you can handle hot, humid, and moquitoes.... than you'll do fine here.

Thanks for this great reply. This is kind of funny because I currently live in Louisville. The city is so segregated and it is really sad. We have whites here in our " neighborhood" stores like Target who give poor service to minorities because they feel minorities don't belong and most minorities attitudes change when they find out a minority don't live in the section of town they do.

We are originally from the South so hot and humid is no problem to us. As far as mosquitoes, the worst we ever experienced was when we lived in North Dakota. Most people don't know that it gets 90+ degrees in summer and when the snow melts, there is so much standing water where mosquitoes breed. The mosquitoes are such a pain that you really cannot enjoy summer; I have not experienced anywhere worst south.

Does Texas have a state tax? What is the best source for renting a house or apartment?

[Back2TX]

Originally Posted by MJ_is_in

Does Texas have a state tax? What is the best source for renting a house or apartment?

Texas has a sales tax and property tax. No income tax.

We fell in love with the beautiful trees and hills of Kentucky. It is beautiful like that here too. Not as hilly, but definitely not flat either.

As far as renting goes... not sure. Maybe you could try looking online for the classified adds in the local newspaper.

Another thing.... Longview is a pretty conservative town... quite different in that aspect when comparing it to Louisville. Just thought that might be something you'd want to know. Also... if you like Mexican food.... you will be blown away at how much better it is here! Bar-B-Q is better and steaks are way better! (Can you tell I'm glad to be back in my home state?)

[destin04]

I would first go to Real Estate Listings, Homes for Sale and Rental Property Listings – REALTOR.com® and see what the Longview market has...you might try craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums . People in East Texas are just starting to use that web-site. When we first moved here 18 months ago...almost no one used that web-site and I got some incredible deals on furniture....but now it's catching on. LOL!

[MJ_is_in]

I just received an offer to come to Longview. We are looking at Apr 1 or 15 for the move.

I would like suggestions as far as areas (in Longview and surrounding cities) we should look for housing. We are open to renting an apartment or home. Budget wise, we would like something between $600 to $1000 a month with preference on the low side. Craigslist really does not have a large selection of choices for Longview. We do not have any children so schools are not an issue with us.

[Back2TX]

Hallsville is a small town near here you should check into. The housing is cheaper there and it's only around a 15-20 min. drive to Longview.

[ripley]

Pine Knoll Apartments on Toler Road (Off of Gilmer Rd.), Longfellow Arms (on Hawkins close to Longview High School) and The apartments at the SE corner of Bill Owens and H.G. Mosely (the name escapes me) are the three complexes I hear the most positive remarks about.

Longfellow Arms is the newest, the one at Owens & Mosely seems to be the most family oriented.

[MJ_is_in]

Thanks for the apartment suggestions. I have visited a site where previous and current tenants rate the apartment and they all have "just ok" reviews.

Are there any more apartments to consider? Does anyone have information or sources to homes for rental? Craigslist does not have much for Longview and I went to a site suggested in a previous post and there were 0 home rentals. I checked Longview's local newspaper and there were a few. Someone else has also mentioned that home rentals are not in abundance.