Laredo, TX (San Antonio, Brownsville, Mesquite: real estate, gated, for sale)

[catman]

I have visited Laredo, and it is not without its charms. It's 94% Hispanic, not that there is anything wrong with that. So, yes, a little Spanish language ability would come in very handy. I noticed earlier in the year, it was often the hottest place in the US, although now the Southwestern US usually tops it. The only problem is that if you need something and it's not available locally, you've got to go a long way to get it (or order it and wait).

[chicana77]

I have been visiting Laredo Tx. every summer since I was 10 yrs old, and I love it!!!!!!! I'm now 29 yrs old married w/ two kids and take them all summer long to Laredo. My children also love spending their summer out there. We live in San Franciso and if u think that Laredo has a bad rep. for killings, drugs, gangs, and for prostitues, then for sure u haven't been to SAN FRANCISCO. Out here u walk the streets day or night and u see it all. All type of people in suits or homeless people left and right selling drugs,or doing drugs offering it to u like a piece of candy, fighting, having sex in front of my door steps. In the many years I have gone to Laredo I haven't seen any of this things and I'm not lying. So for me when i go to Laredo is like going to haven. We just can't wait for the summer to come and hopefully one day move out there.

[tattoojack]

I am a big white tattooed biker from Wisconsin. Who happens to love Mexican women. My question is how are men like myself excepted in Laredo by the the folks there (men and women). Let me add I'm not easilly intimidated, or likely to be scared off. Just currious though.

[RGV]

Well there'll definately be a lot of Mexican women. I think you'll have a fun time.

[CaliforniatoTexas]

I want to thank WesternMan, Chelito23 and LongStemRose, my husband and I have been planning on moving to Laredo for about the last year and a half, we have visisted laredo 3 different times, his sister lives there, and each time we have gone, we notice how the city has grown, we purchased 10 acres last year and are plans are now to sell our home here in California and build a custom new home, your input has answered many doubts I was having and assured me that we are making the right decision. You are so right about drugs and school, I have 5 boys- 2 have already graduated from high school, and they have been offered drugs since they were in middle school, they however were smart enough to say no. Laredo is not the only town that has this problem, and it is not only in poverty areas, look at Beverly Hills, I live around cities that have million dollar homes, and their kids go to the best schools, and then they are in rehab, If you are going to get into drugs or trouble it doesn't matter where you live you will find it. Are reasons for moving out there are not only to be able to afford 10 acres with a nice home, we also liked the atmosphere of the people down there, they were very friendly, yes I will have to get use to people mixing their english and spanish, but I do it at home, so my boys know 2 languages, and maybe the beach is not next door, but guess what we don't even go to the beach here because of the traffic and because they are so dirty and over crowded, but with 10 acres we can have horses to ride, a motorcycle ride area, and maybe a man made lagoon or pool, things we can not afford to have in California, don't get me wrong I love California, but sometimes you have to do what you think is best for your family and Moving to Laredo will be. Plus now we can afford to come to California on Vacation!!! The Food in Laredo was also great!!!

[quefregados]

Welcome to Laredo!! Those stating they are moving to Laredo may want to check out the Newcomers Club (email on the Chamber of Commerce website) to help with your transition. I grew up in Chicago and now live in Laredo - both have its good & bad, it mostly depends on your attitude.

One update, the multimillion Mexican big copper company that was going to set up shop in Laredo is no longer coming here. Less new jobs but maybe a better environment.

Good luck in your moves & if you ever get the chance to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, do so .

[David Pristupa]

I'am in Laredo between jobs doing repair on the gulf coast. It is an interesting place. Unfortunately there is a housing shortage here. Rentals are hard to find and are expensive considering the economy. Housing is pricy.....this left me with a cold feeling on my otherwise very interesting border town experience.

[CaliforniatoTexas]

What do you consider expensive, I have been looking at the Homes that are for sale over there through the Internet and I see alot and some pretty cheap, but I guess that is because I live in California, by shortage, do you mean nothing nice to rent or nothing nice to buy, I am curious because as soon as we sell our home here, we are moving to Laredo. Also, how has the weather been?

[emma8255]

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Me and my family are deeply affected my the homeowners foreclosure epidemic that is sweeping here in Southern California. I dont want to leave my hometown, filled with friends, family, memories. My husband is setting up paperwork to head over Laredo, Texas. And do not want to go!!!!! Are the homeowners issues easier there? How is the Lifestyle? It will be very depressing if I do move down there, going to a whole new town, different and not knowing anybody.

[mesuth]

First of all, I lived in Laredo for years until recently. And, yes, I had kids growing up there when I lived there.

Those who plan to move there: Do not believe those comments that claim crime affects only people that have 'different' life styles. Random crime rate is really high. Our cars were burglarized five different times. Nothing valuable inside, but still. Even the security personnel recommended me to leave the doors unlocked, at least I would save a window or two! Follow the local newspaper online before you move there, and keep updated about serial rapists and gang shootings.