I need advice on Eagle Pass, Tx! (Dallas, San Antonio: crime, employment)

[khogue]

Hi. I am moving to Texas from Arkansas after I graduate in May with my bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology. Since I am waiting a while to get my master's, my employment options are limited to being a Speech Pathology Assistant. My husband and I discussed it, and we really wanted to located to either San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas/Fort Worth. I have submitted my resume to every opening I have found, and so far (although I admit it hasn't even been a week), I have only heard back from one company. They want to place me in Eagle Pass in the school systems. However, I have major concerns. I had no idea where Eagle Pass was, and I have never been there. When I saw it was on the Mexico border, I started worrying about crime, drugs, etc. Also, I am not Hispanic, and neither my husband or I speak Spanish. I have concerns about the school system also because I have 3 children and 2 are school age. They are currently in an excellent school system, and I was hoping to find a similar quality school system where ever we moved. On the up side, they are offering a very generous relocation bonus, excellent pay and benefits, and a company car. Can someone please give me advice on the area? I don't want to turn down a good opportunity because of my misgiving, but I also don't want to move my family somewhere we will not be happy. Also, are there any other towns within an hours drive that may be more diverse and safe? Thanks for any advice!

[khogue]

Moderator cut: orphaned according to this website the town is 95% Hispanic, and considering I will be conducting Speech Therapy, speaking Spanish (in my opinion) would be neccessary. lol

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by khogue

It may be the USA, but according to this website the town is 95% Hispanic, and considering I will be conducting Speech Therapy, speaking Spanish (in my opinion) would be neccessary. lol

Wouldn't that have been in the job description?

Eagle Pass is the hottest place I have ever been. Like 108 at 8:30 at night hot. No spank you. Even I have my limits.

[khogue]

My husband and I talked about the same thing. No where on my resume did I put I was bilingual, and it seems this would be a qualification that was absolutely neccessary for the job. We are often given interpreters but I can't see having one all day long. She is calling me back in a few days, and I am going to have a longer chat with her. They are going to pay for me to come for an interview and visit the work place. I don't want to waste their time if I already know I am not interested.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by khogue

My husband and I talked about the same thing. No where on my resume did I put I was bilingual, and it seems this would be a qualification that was absolutely neccessary for the job. We are often given interpreters but I can't see having one all day long. She is calling me back in a few days, and I am going to have a longer chat with her. They are going to pay for me to come for an interview and visit the work place. I don't want to waste their time if I already know I am not interested.

I moved from Missouri about 6 months ago to San Antonio and I guarantee it'll be a culture shock for you (I'm hispanic and speak Spanish)

At least in San Antonio you can easily live without Spanish, as long as you don't work in anything that has to do with customer service.
But I've heard that in the border, pretty much everybody speaks spanish.

Maybe it'll be fine, but you have to make sure that you talk to your future employers about this.

[AnthonySA]

I can't give you much advice regarding Eagle Pass, Texas as I have never visited.... but, I can tell you that having lived in San Antonio for nearly 7 years, I never heard much about the town either.

According to CD stats, EP appears to be pretty safe with only 3 murders from 1999-2006.

The SA board might not be the best place to ask about Eagle Pass, perhaps you may get better answers on the Texas board. Congratulations on the job offer, and I wish you the best in the future!

[Chaka]

Ah, Eagle Pass. I would discuss seriously the language expectation. If they didn't say bilingual was required I'd assume it wasn't, but I'd also ask some questions.

More than any other border town I've been in in CA or TX, Eagle Pass is very Spanish-speaking. Now, most people are bilingual, but will almost always default to Spanish. Of course, if you look very non-hispanic, they may default to English more frequently. You can certainly live and survive and even be happy there not knowing Spanish, but as a specialist in speech pathology, I'd be kind of surprised if you weren't expected to know it. Of course, maybe they need good English speakers

As for the town, it's a smallish town, fairly safe. It's poor for the most part, with pockets of local wealth. Very little crime. And though border towns on the other side have had a significant increase in crime of late, and there are worries of it spilling across the border, Piedras Negras has had very little. Most of it is focused in Nuevo Laredo and Juarez (across from El Paso).

I spend a fair amount of time there, and while it wouldn't be my first choice of a place to live, it's not horrible either. It's a small town, though, so it can be hard if you don't already have connections.

Good luck! I'd recommend a visit before making a commitment.

[LindaGrace]

Agreed about the language issue - definitely ask if bilingual is a must. Usually jobs postings are straight up about that.

My husband's cousin and and his family lived in Eagle Pass. We used to visit a good bit. It was ok, but yeah, it was hotter'n all git out (as we say in central Illinois). Eagle Pass makes San Antonio look positively balmy.

Also, not only is it a smallish city, it's pretty isolated.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by LindaGrace

Also, not only is it a smallish city, it's pretty isolated.

You can say that again! I won't drive back from EP after dark, as I'm too afraid of hitting deer and other animals. It's a fast road, but nothing there but ranches upon ranches. If it rains they're quite pretty, but right now they're all brown and kind of sad looking.... At least the road to Del Rio is a little more populated, which makes it a bit slower but also less worrisome of breaking down or hitting animals after dark.

[khogue]

Thanks for everyones replies! Since they are paying for me to come interview and visit the town , I am going to go ahead with it. It doesn't mean I have to take the job. If it wasn't so far from San Antonio, I would drive everyday, but over 2 hours is a bit much! Thanks again for all who answered.