Relocating to Waco/Temple/Belton Area--advice? (Dallas, Austin: fit in, rent, vacation home)

[PetiteFleur]

My husband is considering taking a job in Waco and we're unsure where to live, considering neither of us know much about Texas. My inclination is to be as close to Austin as possible (for access to cultural events and the airport to travel to see family) but Austin is too far to commute and from what I understand reading other posts, getting pretty expensive.

As background, we have lived in Lincoln, NE for the last two years but come from Chicago (Oak Park). I'm a born and bred midwesterner and my husband is from the northeast, but lived in Boston, Chicago, Oklahoma. We love big cities and urban-feeling suburbs but realize we won't be getting this. We also now have two small children and would like a family friendly environment but enjoy diversity, non-strip-mall environments, liberal-leaning neighbors, and decent parks, restaurants, etc. Too much to ask?

Does anyone have any advice for us? Our other option is to move to the other side of Waco and be closer to Dallas. Any major differences to be aware of? I'd like to be within 1 -1 1/2 hours of a major city/airport.

Thanks in advance!

[RSTX]

Well, Waco/Temple/Belton will be a change of pace for you. You are not asking too much with your short list, but odds are you will not find another Chicago, Boston or Lincoln here. Since you are ok with that you'll likely do fine here. If you want a big city, nothing but Dallas/FW will do. Austin is "big", but not in the same way. IMHO, your best option is to live in or very near Waco. Commuting on I-35 is a crap shoot at best. One wreck and it is a very long, thin parking lot for hours. Living near the work and taking weekend trips to a city would be a practical solution.

The traffic on I-35 between Temple and Waco is not as bad as other stretches. Being closer to Temple would certainly put you closer to Austin if that is your preference. The best thing to do would be to visit the area for a few days and "test drive" it. See how things look to you.

I live on the south side of Temple. I can reach Austin Bergstram Int. Airport in just over one hour and Waco in about 45 minutes. If you live in Waco you should be able to get to ABIA in just a hair under 2 hours. DFW airport from Waco will take about the same time. Maybe a little less, depending on traffic.

You will find that your new home will be what you make of it. I am friends with some folks that make Hillary Clinton look like Rush Limbaugh. Not every person in Texas is a Ditto Head far right-leaning voter. The whole "liberal/conservative" thing is way over-hyped. Just fodder for selling papers. People are who they are. You will find friends that you are comfortable with wherever you go.

I hope this helps. Good luck with everything.

Rick

[darrells1]

As a transplanted Illinoisian myself..I would suggest Waco. Although slower thatn Dallas/Ft.Worth,,or Austin, Waco is growing by leaps and bounds. There is alot going on here and improving everyday,the rent isnt bad,the wages are fair and for the most part the people are very nice, I have lived here 20 years but still consider myself from Illinois, but now consider Waco as my vacation home. One word or advice,,Get ready for the HEAT as it is unbearable is the summer Hope this helps: Julie

[LastDallasNative]

Central Texas is not Chicago and the Mid-West. It will probably be more like Oklahoma to you.

However, according to the 2000 census, 1/2 of all adult residents in Texas were born outside the state. There are LOTS of adults who "have lived here 20 years but still consider myself from Illinois".

[dallas3740]

Waco is terrible for allergies, but Temple can be quite nice. Its definately not the size of Austin, but you have all the conviences of a larger town like shopping malls, strip malls, resturants and several nice hospitals.

[achtungpv]

If you have kids you don't want them in the Waco school district. Robinson is good though. And Waco is the bible belt. Be prepared.

[KewGee]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

If you have kids you don't want them in the Waco school district. Robinson is good though. And Waco is the bible belt. Be prepared.

Most of Texas is in the Bible Belt as you will see by the attached map. I don't see anything wrong with that. People pretty much keep to themselves for the most part anyway.

[KewGee]

Originally Posted by LastDallasNative

Central Texas is not Chicago and the Mid-West. It will probably be more like Oklahoma to you.

However, according to the 2000 census, 1/2 of all adult residents in Texas were born outside the state. There are LOTS of adults who "have lived here 20 years but still consider myself from Illinois".

I knew that's why people here were so friendly. Maybe it's even more than 1/2 by now. I'm just kidding, sort of.

[NOTAM]

ah, i see South Texas aint in the Bible Belt...maybe thats another reason why it feels so foreign to me....and why i dont fit in...

Originally Posted by KewGee

Most of Texas is in the Bible Belt as you will see by the attached map. I don't see anything wrong with that. People pretty much keep to themselves for the most part anyway.

[KewGee]

Originally Posted by bellestaroftexas

ah, i see South Texas aint in the Bible Belt...maybe thats another reason why it feels so foreign to me....and why i dont fit in...

I was surprised when I looked at that map. I had no idea the Bible Belt covered such a large area of the country. I know you can't wait to get out of South Texas. I'm interested in all your posts, and it will be fun seeing where you buy the land and settle in.

P.S. I always keep forgetting to tell you this but a while back, I saw your photo post. You're a very attractive lady and definitely a Texas girl. Cute!!