Victoria--Best Subdivisions or Neighborhoods? (Houston, Richardson: crime rate, homes, to buy)

[Mom2Feebs]

I've gone through the threads here on Victoria--some are scary, some are interesting. I've also looked up several websites on the town, but have really been unable to find a comprehensive source of information as to the subdivisions/neighborhoods in the area other than just scattered stuff from the MLS. Are there any Master Planned Communities (or similar)? How safe is the Historical District--would you live there with small children? There seem to be some really nifty throwback neighborhoods whose homes interiors haven't been touched since they were built--but they're really awesome in that regard (I believe Meadowbrook is one). Are they safe?

What about shopping? Is there a small mall nearby, or would I need to go to Corpus for any major type of shopping (like Macy's, Kohl's, etc)?

Thanks in advance!

[EasilyAmused]

Are you leaving Houston??

[Mom2Feebs]

Well, technically, no. Well. Technically...not now.

LOL

We *might* be. But then, we might be going to Richardson, too. He has two interviews. I sure wish we could get just ONE interview in Houston! That would be super.

I just don't know ANYthing about Victoria. Beautiful courthouse, beautiful historic homes, a great private school for kids with autism...but I know nothing else. I want to be prepared because I am going down there with DH when he interviews, and I'm just going to explore a bit during that time.

It's a great position for him in Victoria, which is really the only reason we'd consider it. It wouldn't necessarily be a permanent move, we'd have the ability to come back to Houston in a few years.

[txsizzler]

I have been through Victoria several times. It is a nice community, largely Hispanic, and has alot of neat history. I haven't ever really considered Victoria a really "scenic" town, but it does offer the usual services of a larger town, yet still offers that small town feel. Victoria is also close to the coast (about 30 miles), so you are not far from beach activities.

I have also been around the Richardson area, in the DFW metroplex. There is quite a difference from Victoria to the metroplex; namely being a slow paced lifestyle (Victoria) versus a fast paced (Richardson). I am sure the cost of living is also higher in the metroplex as well. Being that you are in Houston right now, Victoria weather-wise would feel very similar... hot and humid summers, mild winters, while Richardson tends to be alot drier, but hotter air temps in the summer, while winters can be considerably colder there, with a more pronounced winter season.

I guess it just depends on what you like. If you like the big city life, Richardson may be your thing. For a slower paced style, small townish type feel, and a more historical nature, Victoria might do it for you. If it were me, I think I would lean toward Victoria, if given the choice (assuming your husband gets offers from both areas).


Ian

[jtur88]

Victoria has a Kohls and a pretty decent mall (anchored by Sears, Pennys, Dillards) but no Macys or equivalent that I know of (Im not much of a shopper). If you want to buy shoes that cost much over $100, you'll probably not find them here. No decent bookstore, like Borders. Because it is more than 2 hours drive to any larger city, pretty much everything you need is here, although it might be lacking in some things you want. Exotic things (like health foods) are hard to come by. There are two full-service hospitals, and every medical specialty. There's only one cineplex, and Ive heard its pretty crappy.

As for living in the historic district, it might be a little bit shady. I think there have been a couple of drive-by shootings in the south end, but not actually in the historic district as such. Overall the crime rate is pretty respectable for a town of this size and demographic. The Hispanic population is 50%, but Spanish speakers prefer English wherever possible, and Spanish is rarely heard except conversationally among friends.

The public library seems to be very nice, but I use the college library which is closer to where I live, and all services there are offered to the general public. My visitors rave about the YMCA, calling it "maybe the best in the world". Traffic is pretty smooth, even at rush hour, except when (frequent) trains come through town at the level crossings. A town can't be too bad if the worst thing that most people complain about is the trains.

[Mom2Feebs]

Thank you everyone! Wow, I've learned a lot this week. It's a sleepy place from what I hear, quiet, and really close to Rockport which I like! :-) I would miss a bunch of stuff for sure, but I am more interested in my hubby and daughters and their best interests over shopping, LOL.

I appreciate your input.