Corpus Christi vs. McAllen Metro (Houston, Dallas: sales, city hall, lease)

[gabetx]

Yes, it is another oh so infamous "vs" thread. Yet this time it actually doesn't involve Houston, Dallas, Austin or SA. Lol.

I really don't want this thread to end up with people bashing one another or start getting personal. Keep it friendly .

Corpus Christi and McAllen are arguably the two most popular cities south of SA.

Once upon a time, people in the McAllen area and all across the RGV used to look up to Corpus and wish the area would be just like it.

Now, Corpus looks down at McAllen and wishes it could be more like it and actually GROW and become more attractive. Well at least the citizens do. I really have not a clue what runs in the minds of our backwards city leaders. I feel so bad for Joe Adame. He is trying but he himself is not sophisticated enough to overcome the stupidity and lack of common sense by all of the council members and city manager. Anyways, to get back on topic here is my personal view of the areas. It is a little long what I will be typing but I am expressing my opinion here, and hopefully soon I will be a future resident of the McAllen metropolitan area.

I will start off with McAllen.

I was in McAllen this past Sunday and Monday for the entry exam for firefighting. I have lots of family in the area of McAllen, Edinburgh, Pharr, and Rio Grande City so I also visited them and they showed me around the city. All I can say is WOW! This city has changed, and grown so much in the last 9 months alone. So many beautiful neighborhoods and shopping centers, the stunning convention center, and the well maintained city parks and recreational areas. I am very impressed with the area. I keep up with The Monitor and The Valley Morning Star to see whats going on in the city and what is being planned. The metro area has construction everywhere and it seems like the city leaders actually want to make something of the city. I read in an article on the channel 8 news of Laredo that the McAllen city leaders are trying to attract young adults and professionals to the area. They are also trying to make it the prime shopping destination for Mexican Nationals. It was also stated that the leaders want the city to be a prime example of an American city. McAllen does feel very American being so close to the border and in the RGV. Not only that, but that is the only area where a lot of people actually prefer to speak English over Spanish. For so much going on in the city though, it feels more like a town than a city. Not only that, if McAllen is aiming to portray a great American city they really need to work on their skyline. You'd think that would be one of their top priorities is to get some big business and office towers to the RGV. Other than that one peeve, I give kuddos to McAllen. It is a gorgeous city and is only getting better. I see great things in its future. One day, it will be the biggest city in south TX. I would love to get the firefighting job there or in Pharr, (but live in McAllen). One question though for you locals or people who know the McAllen area very well. Does McAllen have a children museum or anything for a family other than the park? I have a son who will be two on Thanksgiving day.

Now on to Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi. The city I have always loved and have grown up in. The only city I can call home. I have always had hope for this city to grow. I have always thought that this city wouldn't sit here and be stagnant while the rest of the world grows around it. Yet, I am starting to lose all hope for this town. I love this city, I really do. But I really don't think anything will change. People have been saying for about 20 years now that Corpus is about to boom. That it is going to be the next city to boom. Yet, nothing has ever happened. Great proposals have come and just been turned away. Sea World, Schlitterbahn, a billion dollar resort, and others that I am sure that I have failed to mention. Its like the leaders of this city want Corpus to continue to deteriorate. It is like they want CC to become the next Detroit or something. I mean, it is a big deal right now that a new Walmart might be built. That is sad. Corpus Christi has so many attractions, is in a great geographic location, has a great climate, and has the 6th biggest port in the United States of America. Yet we aren't able to capitalize on any of it. The only thing that is happening in this city is that violent crimes are going up. Stabbings, robberies, car jacking, drug raids, and car chases are a daily event here. Its normal. Corpus Christ is becoming very, very, very GHETTO to say the least. I mean come on, a guy was shopping for his unborn baby at Burlington's a couple of weeks ago and he got shot dead because he supposedly looked at a group of guys wrong. Also, it is stupid and dangerous to go to Cole Park or any other major place after dark or on the weekends because there is a good chance you will get robbed at gun point or knife point. You cant even ride your bike without getting robbed. Or close your restaurant for the night. It is getting ridiculous how bad the crime is getting here. It's like CC is its own "Thug Nation". It is scary because my father is a police officer here and patrols the streets every night. One of our close friends was just murdered in the line of duty in a police chase. I feel like this city is turning into east side LA. Nothing is growing and the ghetto is taking over. City leaders aren't doing anything and haven't been able to decide what to do with one vacant building in the last 5 or 6 years! And now with how the situation is going now, it will probably be another 5 or 6 years if anything happens to the MC. That's if we are lucky! This city is probably the most backwards city in TX. I really can't wait to leave it for McAllen or SA. I used to stick up for this city and take pride in where I live. But now, slowly over the last few months, I have opened my eyes and am no longer blind to what is really going on in this city. And this is what is going on... Nothing... for the last decade... Nothing. Sure we got Whataburger Field, the ABC, and the Fairgrounds... But the only successful thing is the Hooks stadium. That is it. Other than that, I really cant say anything has changed positively for the area in a really, really long time. Good citizens of CC, we are losing this city right before our own eyes. We are letting it slip into the hands of thugs and life long criminals. Corpus Christi is no longer the "Sparkling City by the Sea". It is now the "Ghetto City by the Sea", or the "Detroit of the Thrid Coast". It is sad, but true. I love this city, I really do, but now I must admit that I have given up all hope on it. It is time to let the truth be told.

Everyone, sorry for the looooooong post. Just trying to let go some of my thoughts that I have been keeping in my head for a long time now.

Please share your thoughts and input.

[bb54321]

I'm sorry, but I've been to McAllen recently and have family that lives there too. And aside from having an assortment of shopping and restaurants, I don't see what's so great about it. Their median household income is still lower than CC. Their located in the most inconvenient location in Texas. And it has the same amount of crime if not more. I remember reading an article about how a teacher in McAllen or somewhere around there got killed at their house by one of their students because they failed them. So you can find plenty of bad news anywhere. It's unfortunate but true. And I'm afraid your negative view of CC comes from watching to much of the news and reading the paper rather than seeing firsthand what "good" news is out there. Of course you're just getting the bad news from these outlets. TV stations and newspapers crave bad news because they know they're a dying media source and will do anything for ratings. I think you'd be surprised how many positive people are out there in our community making things happen. I too have fallen under the spell of some of the negative people that trash the city and admit there is a thug issue, but it's not nearly as bad as you made it sound. I had to step back and look at what a great place CC truly is. It has a rapidly growing university on one of the most unique campuses in the country. It has beaches that go for miles. It has a beautiful downtown area that's finally seeing a turnaround with new residential units and entertainment venues. An amazing ballpark on the water. A beautiful convention center and arena (you might not think it's a successful venue but we've had more big name acts in the last 4 years than we have had in my entire 30 years of life here in CC. And convention centers and arenas are not meant to make money. Most cities deal with the same issue. They are built to provide facitlity space that lures out of towners for conventions and events. That's where the city benefits from the arena and convention center. Through visitors spending money on hotel rooms, shopping, dining, etc. It's an investment that is so worth it.

And the Wal-Mart thing: All the excitement is simply because people are just excited about anything replacing the eyesore that is Parkdale Plaza. They're building one in Flour Bluff and on Saratoga and no one really cares except for the fact it will provide much needed competition for HEB. I think people are more excited about the redevelopment of La Palmera and what that can mean for the area and how it could attract more outside developers coming in. I think more people are excited to see the first phase of the bayfront greenbelt that is set to open in March. And the announcement of several new companies investing billions in power plants, manufacturing facitlities, etc. that will bring hundreds, maybe thousands of high paying jobs. People are more excited about the redevelopment of the coliseum area into a hub for residential and retail.

All of this great stuff plus Corpus Christi has great people that are friendly, laid-back and altogether genuine.

It's all in how you look at things. Strip mall after strip mall and a dozen restaurant chains don't make a great city. McAllen can build all the shopping centers they want and they still won't have what Corpus Christi has. A great city, with a world-class marina, beautiful skyline, tons of outdoor activities, events, 4 professional sports teams, great tropical location, fun, laid-back attitude...I can go on but you get the idea.

I won't argue that McAllen has really turned it around and has made much more of itself than anyone ever expected, but it just doesn't compare to Corpus Christi in my opinion. I really wish you wouldn't give up on CC so easily. Things are improving everyday and the future looks bright. It can be a wonderful feeling if you're lucky enough to be a part of it.

[bb54321]

Wow! Sorry for all the typos and bad grammar. I really should proof read better.

[gabetx]

Originally Posted by bb54321

I'm sorry, but I've been to McAllen recently and have family that lives there too. And aside from having an assortment of shopping and restaurants, I don't see what's so great about it. Their median household income is still lower than CC. Their located in the most inconvenient location in Texas. And it has the same amount of crime if not more. I remember reading an article about how a teacher in McAllen or somewhere around there got killed at their house by one of their students because they failed them. So you can find plenty of bad news anywhere. It's unfortunate but true. And I'm afraid your negative view of CC comes from watching to much of the news and reading the paper rather than seeing firsthand what "good" news is out there. Of course you're just getting the bad news from these outlets. TV stations and newspapers crave bad news because they know they're a dying media source and will do anything for ratings. I think you'd be surprised how many positive people are out there in our community making things happen. I too have fallen under the spell of some of the negative people that trash the city and admit there is a thug issue, but it's not nearly as bad as you made it sound. I had to step back and look at what a great place CC truly is. It has a rapidly growing university on one of the most unique campuses in the country. It has beaches that go for miles. It has a beautiful downtown area that's finally seeing a turnaround with new residential units and entertainment venues. An amazing ballpark on the water. A beautiful convention center and arena (you might not think it's a successful venue but we've had more big name acts in the last 4 years than we have had in my entire 30 years of life here in CC. And convention centers and arenas are not meant to make money. Most cities deal with the same issue. They are built to provide facitlity space that lures out of towners for conventions and events. That's where the city benefits from the arena and convention center. Through visitors spending money on hotel rooms, shopping, dining, etc. It's an investment that is so worth it.

And the Wal-Mart thing: All the excitement is simply because people are just excited about anything replacing the eyesore that is Parkdale Plaza. They're building one in Flour Bluff and on Saratoga and no one really cares except for the fact it will provide much needed competition for HEB. I think people are more excited about the redevelopment of La Palmera and what that can mean for the area and how it could attract more outside developers coming in. I think more people are excited to see the first phase of the bayfront greenbelt that is set to open in March. And the announcement of several new companies investing billions in power plants, manufacturing facitlities, etc. that will bring hundreds, maybe thousands of high paying jobs. People are more excited about the redevelopment of the coliseum area into a hub for residential and retail.

All of this great stuff plus Corpus Christi has great people that are friendly, laid-back and altogether genuine.

It's all in how you look at things. Strip mall after strip mall and a dozen restaurant chains don't make a great city. McAllen can build all the shopping centers they want and they still won't have what Corpus Christi has. A great city, with a world-class marina, beautiful skyline, tons of outdoor activities, events, 4 professional sports teams, great tropical location, fun, laid-back attitude...I can go on but you get the idea.

I won't argue that McAllen has really turned it around and has made much more of itself than anyone ever expected, but it just doesn't compare to Corpus Christi in my opinion. I really wish you wouldn't give up on CC so easily. Things are improving everyday and the future looks bright. It can be a wonderful feeling if you're lucky enough to be a part of it.

Look bb, I know you love CC. I love CC too. But it seems like your love for the city has made you oblivious to the true fact that Corpus is a very ghetto and violent city for its size. My father is a police officer, I always read the CT every day, and sometimes I will watch the news. There isn't anything really going good for this city, (other than La Palmera and CCPD trying to fill the dozens of open positions). One thing is for sure, S.P.I.D. was horribly planned and one day will be unbearable to drive on. Also, there is no money spent on beautification in this city... Grass along the roads and freeways are usually 2 1/2 feet high, trees are dying and there are hardly any decorated stretches of freeway. Its like this city has no pride in itself. Not to mention we have the most backwards city leaders in TX, if not in the nation. Corpus Christi also lacks a lot in retail for a city its size too. A city the size of Corpus should have 2-3 malls and 3-4 of all retail chains. Not to mention more restaurants.

I am not making things sound worse than what it really is. CC is really turning into a dangerous city at night, and not only in the ghetto. Look at Cole Park and the mall. Look at all the hit and runs. Read about how people are getting robbed in hotel parking lots and on their bikes on the south side. People get shot for looking at somebody wrong or bumping into somebody at a night club. Its like everyone in this town thinks its cool to be a thug. Corpus is dangerous. There is one thing I know for sure. I will never go to a park at night and I wont go bike riding at night either, (outside of Annaville/Calallen).

There are a couple of good things about this city though that I did forget to mention. I will give you that. Corpus has a nice art and museum scene for a city its size. It also has a large and unique downtown for 300,000 people. Although, the marina is definently not "world class". Its more like "one step from falling apart" class. Also, Whataburger Field and the Hooks are a big success for this city. I think the city should consider adding more seating for fans at the ball park. Corpus loves its baseball. It is also good that the city is trying to revitalize DT, but last I heard, the Atlantic Lofts aren't doing too well and the Nueces Lofts have only leased like 8 rooms or something like that, out of 64. Bay Vista Apts. are nice though. Other than that, city leaders haven't done jack squat to help out downtown. With the bay front, the beach, cooler weather along the shore, and all of the hotels DT, it should be a lot busier with more restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and pubs, and other attractions that what it currently has. It should be more like a mini SA DT. Also, CC doesn't have 4 pro teams... They have 3 semi-pro teams and then they have one, I guess you can consider, pro team, which are the Hooks.

About McAllen now.

It is a really nice city. I don't know if you have been to the north side or not, but there are nothing but nice neighborhoods, parks, and a lot of shopping and restaurants. North McAllen puts CC to shame. The only thing lacking in McAllen is minor league baseball, arts, museums, and cultural things, some more attractions, and a skyline. Other than that, it is really a beautiful city with a lot of opportunity and is guided with progressive leadership in city hall.

You are really sugar coating CC way more than what it really is. Its like you have a rotting apple and you just add layers of caramel to it.

But, Corpus is what it is. Decaying, dying, and ghettofying.

[bb54321]

You've got to be kidding. Yes, McAllen has more shopping and restaurants because they are in an area with 2 million + people (im counting Mexico). Their whole existence relies on Mexico and the the Mexican shopper. Without that, they have nothing. As far as crime...you're cherry picking a few cases that have made headlines and making them out to be a regular occurence. You're talking like a crazy person. You go ahead and be your negative self while the rest of Corpus Christi moves forward without you. Have a great life in McAllen because this isn't even worth arguing anymore.

[bb54321]

...oh and have you even been to the marina lately? It is top notch. Why do you think they have the largest boat show in the South here every year? The city invested millions in marina improvements. The public facilities are awesome and the boat slips are great. Plus you can buy fresh seafood down there any day of the week. You need to leave your little Calallen bubble.

[AMAPO]

My vote goes to Corpus.

McAllen Metro is just a cluster of small towns which do quite well in retail business due to its proximity to Mexico. Having this type of advantage over CC is really a disadvantage since all Mexican customers do manifiestos on their purchases and end up getting all their reciepts sales taxes waived. This means you guys are losing a lot of tax money and this is only good for the stores since they do not lose money. If you think about it McAllen is attracting a lot of retail businesses and restaurants which translates into low paying jobs. If the peso devaluates expect a lot of stores being closed and the McAllen Metro area will go back to the 1980's era.

Corpus Christi on the other hand is more culturally diversified. It has lots of things to do: beaches, a way nicer downtown, and most importantly better paying jobs. Corpus Christi is Corpus Christi, McAllen is trying to be an "Austin" and/or a "true American City" it should just be itself!

[Mcallen Kid]

Originally Posted by AMAPO

My vote goes to Corpus.

McAllen Metro is just a cluster of small towns which do quite well in retail business due to its proximity to Mexico. Having this type of advantage over CC is really a disadvantage since all Mexican customers do manifiestos on their purchases and end up getting all their reciepts sales taxes waived. This means you guys are losing a lot of tax money and this is only good for the stores since they do not lose money. If you think about it McAllen is attracting a lot of retail businesses and restaurants which translates into low paying jobs. If the peso devaluates expect a lot of stores being closed and the McAllen Metro area will go back to the 1980's era.

Corpus Christi on the other hand is more culturally diversified. It has lots of things to do: beaches, a way nicer downtown, and most importantly better paying jobs. Corpus Christi is Corpus Christi, McAllen is trying to be an "Austin" and/or a "true American City" it should just be itself!

And what if that is being itself? What If Mcallen wants to be a city of cities? Im talking about Mcallen, not the Mcallen Metro Area. you have to admit that Mcallen is doing better than it ever has, not only in entertainment but in industry, especially in this recession. If this recession did anything to Mcallen its make it stronger. Some global companies are relocating their N. American Headquarters to Mcallen because of the recession. a european car company is even considering moving its worldwide headquarters and one of its plants over to Mcallen.

[gabetx]

McAllen does thrive on the Mexican tourists, but they do it well. If they continue to grow and attract attention, that will lure other industries there as well. McAllen actually has a vision to be something. They actually see what opportunities are out there for them, and they go after them.

Corpus Christi on the other hand, turns away business, is losing business, can't capitalize on what it has to offer. Sixth largest port in the U.S. Yet no cruises? Lame! It has a large oil industry. But it is having a hard time trying to expand. Corpus has the beach, nice year round weather, and fishing. Beaches look like crap. Although they do attract a good wind surfing competition every year.

Corpus has a nice large downtown for a city its size. Yet it isn't promoting any urban living or downtown shopping or anything to bring it to life. Sure city leaders have said they are "revitalizing" it; But from where? It looks the same as it did 5 years ago with the exception of the Atlantic Lofts. Not only that, they cant even make a simple decision on what to do with a coliseum that has been vacant for 5 years and is about to collapse. Corpus is right on the bay front, yet other than taking a walk along the seawall or visiting the two story Whataburger, there isn't anything to attract business or tourists downtown. Right now, city council is turning down an awesome opportunity called "Bay La Vista". Bunch of idiots. But it surely isn't the first time this has happened. (Sea World, Schlitterbahn, Billion Dollar Resort, Fun Trackers expansion to add a water park, and I am sure I have forgotten a couple of things). There is one thing that this city is doing right though. La Palmera Mall. It will be awesome once it is done. Maybe that will turn things around for this city.

There is one thing I like about Corpus that I didn't like about McAllen though. Corpus feels kind of urban in some locations. McAllen, it just feels like a giant suburb. Maybe that'll change soon though.

I wish Corpus would develop some districts though, like distinct flavors of certain areas. Kind of like Houston's Medical Center, Montrose, the Galleria area, Rice Village, "inner loop", and other areas. Corpus also needs an uptown with businesses and good freeway access. I think a good area for an uptown would be around S.P.I.D and Crosstown interchange. Or Maybe Saratoga and Crosstown.

[bb54321]

Yeah and when the Mexican peso tanks then so does the McAllen economy and the stores that are supported by them. After that there isn't much left. I admit, McAllen is doing well capitalizing on what they have. I'm just saying that what they have isn't enough to put it in the same league as Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi has some serious issues it needs to work out but that doesn't change the fact that it's a great city with with and urban, yet laid back feel with lots to do and plenty of great, hardworking people. Getting involved with the positive people in this community would probably change your perspective. You should consider looking into it before you become one of those that sits back and complains, but does nothing to help the situation (not saying that in a mean way, I just hate to lose another one to the dark side).

You keep bringing up Sea World. Is there any record of that being true? I've heard that's the biggest wives tale in CC history. And I don't recall the city turning FunTrackers' waterpark development down. And what is Bay La Vista? Is that one of the coliseum developments? Because that isn't being turned down. It's being pursued and put on the fast track. This new city council is going to make something happen there. I'm sure of it. If I'm wrong...you can say "told you so". But I have confidence in the council I voted for since we got the anti-growth members out of there...and overwhelmingly I might add. Voters made sure their voice and pro-growth stance was heard loud and clear this time around. Corpus Christi is in playing with a whole new deck of cards now. Big things are happening with the University and the A&M system purchasing Ingleside. Not to mention all the large alternative energy companies locating or looking to locate here. Global Watt being one of them.