Nacogdoches? (Houston, Austin, Spring: renters, buying a home, buying)

[Griffis]

Well, I asked about Lufkin in another thread and the only response I got suggested living in Naco instead.

My wife and I are both originally from Texas, and most of our family and friends are still in Texas and Oklahoma.

We miss it in that area (except for the %!@# heat, but we can live with that.)

I am putting in for a job in Lufkin. Don't know that much about the Piney Woods area OR the towns of Lufkin or Nacogdoches.

I'd appreciate any info on the towns, or nearby towns, the scenery, the schools (two elementary school aged daughters), the people, the availability of good rental housing, taxes, cost of living, etc.

Thanks so much in advance.

[Metro Matt]

The Lufkin-Nacogdoches area in Deep East Texas is absolutely beautiful if you appreciate lots of trees & greenery. They're probably two of the most under rated, least known about small towns in the state which is sad because Nacogdoches is the oldest town in all of Texas. Cost of living & taxes are going to be very low for what you get & SFA is an outstanding college for when your children grow up.

[Mark-Tyler is Special]

Went to college in Nacogdoches. Loved it. Also, as Metro says, absolutely beautiful, becoming a top notch attraction for Azalea Trail viewing in the Spring. Take a look

[WillysB]

Yeah, what those guys said. If I had it to do over that's where I'd head.

[EasilyAmused]

I have a place about 30 minutes NW of Nacogdoches. It's just a really pretty part of the country. The summers are hot, but you get a good taste of the other 3 seasons. It cools down a lot sooner up that way. I noticed that it's sitting at 90 as the high lately, and I know it's in the 60s in the morning, with a gradual warm up. Down here in Houston it's still 97.

[taddprice]

Well If I had to choose between the two I'd choose Nac. I was raised in Lufkin and went to college and lived in Nac. Remember though there arent many jobs there and the pay is way below scale. Its only cheaper to live there if you own your own home. The meth heads are out of control in East Texas. All of that kind of mars the beautiful scenery and down home atmosphere.

[An0nym0us88]

Stephen F. Austin is a GREAT school.

[Texsez]

Well, there are many good shrooms in the Nac area. The pines and humidity make for great growth.

[Griffis]

Originally Posted by Texsez

Well, there are many good shrooms in the Nac area. The pines and humidity make for great growth.

That would have been good info and an appealing thought for me 20 odd years ago.

I appreciate all the comments. I did put in for the job. It'd be a good one if it comes through and we're able to make the move.

It's something of a longshot, but wish me luck.

Still interested to hear from anyone else in the know.

I'm concerned about the availability and cost of rentals. We might be able to look into buying a home after we'd been there some time (assuming we relocated to the area) but we'd have to start out renting.

[Griffis]

Originally Posted by taddprice

Its only cheaper to live there if you own your own home.

See, that surprises me. I would think with property taxes as high as they are that renters get the better break.

I know when my father retired he sold his house in Oklahoma and bought one in Texas. He said it was "financial suicide."