Anything positive about living in El Campo? (Houston, Sugar Land: homes, employment)

[MissHarper]

My family is considering moving to El Campo for an employment opportunity. I have looked around online and it seems to me (I could be very wrong) that El Campo doesn't have much to offer a family with two elementary aged childeren. I also didn't see much for ammenities either (grocery, restaurants, shopping...) Most of the homes on the market are also older, are there any new subdivisions? I'm not expecting Houston, but I need more than a Wal-Mart. Can anyone please tell me the benefits of living in El Campo? Thanks!

[love roses]

The last time I was in El Campo was a little over a year ago for my grandma's funeral. I never spent much time there as a kid, I lived down the road in Brazoria. El Campo seems like just a small town still. Lots of mom and pop businesses and some chains, but not a lot of prepackaged entertainment or big malls. You might want to look in the Brazosport area or some areas around Houston. I would think some of the benefits of El Campo would be that it is a close knit community with friendly people and probably a pretty safe place as well.

you can google El Campo metro area and you will see a little map. Lake Jackson is SE a bit from there and you also have Wharton, Rosenburg, Sugar Land. I'm thinking that Wharton and Sugarland (esp. sugarland) will have tons more for kids to do. Lake Jackson has lots to do for kids as well. I mention these other towns but don't know if you're willing to commute at all.

[NeedAVacation]

My sister lives in El Campo. I've asked her to send a reply to your post. In the meantime, I'll tell you what little I know.... El Campo is a small town. I don't think there's a lot to do there. There isn't much as far as shopping goes, but you can drive to Sugarland or Victoria for more options. I know there is a pool (indoor and outdoor, I think) and swim team. You can get some of Texas' best BBQ at Mikeska's! New housing is scarce, but a lot of the older homes have character.

[latetotheparty]

and the jerkey at prasek's ....... mmmmmm mmmmmmmm

[NeedAVacation]

Originally Posted by latetotheparty

and the jerkey at prasek's ....... mmmmmm mmmmmmmm

That's true! The kolaches are pretty good too. They aren't like my grandmother used to make, but these days it's hard to find anyone who makes them that way. It takes too much time!

[NeedAVacation]

My sister didn't have much more to add. I can't remember if it's against the rules to post a direct quote, so I'll summarize. She said there isn't much more than Wal-Mart in El Campo. There are a few stores but you pretty much have to go to Victoria, Rosenberg or Sugarland if you really want to shop. Museums are an hour away in Houston. For groceries, in addition to Wal-Mart, there is an H.E.B.

I'll see if I can prod her to comment on your questions about housing and activities for younger children.

[NeedAVacation]

I pried a little more information from my sister. She said there are a few newer homes. They tend to sell in the low to mid $200,000's. Vacant lots go for about $20,000-40,000. Older brick homes that might need a little work go for about $150,000.

As for activities, there is Little League in the Spring, swim team in the summer, and FFA which she thinks is year round. She's pretty sure there's a soccer league and youth football league might be starting up.

Restaurants: Greek Bros., Uptown Grill, a chinese buffet, McDonalds, Jack-in-the-Box, Dairy Queen, Whataburger, Sonic, and Subway.

[Stropes]

My husband is looking at an employment opportunity in El Campo. It sounds perfect to me! Thanks for all your posts. It's so great to be able get information like this.

[RSTX]

My wife grew up in Louise, which is a few miles down the road from El Campo. We were married in First Baptist Church of El Campo, and I am slightly familiar with the area. It is a small town that is close enough to the Gulf to be humid but not close enough to be considered "ocean front property". It is very flat and feature-less. The economy is driven by farming. If you don't believe me, check out the high school mascot - the Rice Bird. Yes, they are the El Campo fighting, uh, Rice Birds.

I would not want to live there. It is not the Pit of Despair, but it is not the most attractive area in the state.

[latetotheparty]

ok then .... so what is el campo's claim to fame?? why was it built in the 1st place?? i ask this not to be snarky, but because i am genuinely curious.....