Wichita Falls, TX questions? possiable relocation. (Austin, West: school, live in, military)

[AM I welcome?]

I have had an opportunity for promotion within my company come up recently, the only thing is that is in Sheppard AFB.

I am originally from Northern California (Bay Area) and have lived in various parts of the US (including the south Miss, Alabama, S.C. before I was married though). I am now currently residing in Santa Barbara, CA (big change from Wichita Falls)

Now, I am ex-military (tech school at Sheppard AFB) and have lived in Wichita Falls for 8 months about 8 years ago. Didn't really pay much attention to it mostly because I knew I was leaving and I was more interested in partying.

Fast forward eight years (married with a kid on the way) I have to look at it in a different eye.

My wife and I are both 20 something Indian and Pakistani (by origin) although I as born and raised in the US. We are both Muslims, although we are not stereotypically what "some" would think Muslims look like (no beard, hijab, etc.) I actually am more often mistaken as being Hispanic. My wife on the other hand likes to wear traditional clothing sometimes and can be identified as a Muslim (no hijab type though.)

I understand that this is the south and there might be some racism, but will it be bad for us there?

With a kid on the way I wouldn't want to put my family through that no matter how good the job is.

Thanks for your relplies.

[Westerner92]

I don't see you facing any racism. Wichita Falls is a military town, so it is somewhat diverse for a city with its population. Wikipedia says that 2.2% of the population is Asian, most of which is South Asian I believe. If your wife goes out in her traditional clothing, she might get an occasional stare, but it would be out of curiosity most likely.

[thecatwilbotd]

Very boring. But I live in midland so its eye of the holder. We have relitives there and they seem to like it. I grew up in the DFW area so I like the whole small town environment. But you may not. It just depends on what you think is a good time.

[fromthebay]

Wichita Falls is a cool town... really boring but all the people have seemed friendly since I've been here I don't see a problem

[1badgmc]

You'll be fine here. I see women walking around in their traditional Indian clothing from time to time and generally don't think much of it. You don't hear much about racism here. It'll be a nice place for your new child.

It's a smaller city with larger city amenities. And, if you really feel like it, you'll be right in between OKC and D/FW (2 hours north and south respectively) if you want to see the real big cities for a day or a weekend. Traffic is pretty much a non-issue here too.

[orbius]

The racism will mostly be silent, but it will be there. I'm white as the moon and I've had people treat me like dirt give me dirty looks when they saw me and refuse communication with me because I didnt belong to the 'proper' Church in the SE Texas bible belt.
So expect some dirty looks, some cold vibes, perhaps a few insults hurled from a pickup should you be walking around. As others have said its diverse enough that you should be able to make friends and find your own niche but its still Texas and its still the South.

[nmnita]

I am one of those that thinks it is a totally boring, nothing town, but will you have to worry about racism, I really doubt it. Don't worry, take the job and enjoy your time in Texas.

[orbius]

Come to think of it if you dress in Western attire there shouldnt be a problem. Here in Austin the Indian women usually seem to wear saris and they stick out like a sore thumb. Not that I have anything particularily against it but I daresay if I were to walk down many streets in Mumbai wearing a tuxedo suit I could draw out reactions of a varied sort that might not be there otherwise. Some could do with understanding the phrase 'when in Rome'.