Retiring in Laredo (Dallas, San Antonio, McAllen: rental market, car insurance, crime)

[RevImmigrant]

I've been retired for several years and have lived in Mexico, Germany and Turkey. I'm originally from Dallas and lived in San Antonio for a few years before leaving Texas 30 years ago. I'm leaving Germany and considering going to Laredo instead of going back to Mexico. I've visited there several times and liked the city. I know they have the Mall del Norte, a great HEB grocery store and a VA outpatient clinic. What's the city like for a retiree, i.e. cost and quality of rental housing, food, car insurance, general costs, etc.? I am also considering McAllen. Thank you for your information.

[shh1313]

Small world Rev,!!! Welcome home!!! Do pm me and let me know what changed your mind about MX.

I,myself have decided I won't retire to MX..Visit Yes!

Back on topic do a search, CData has some good threads on McAllen and Laredo. I am sure the good folks here will chime in!

You can pm me on ShhFiles,should you so desire..

[doctorjef]

Laredo has terrible poverty and terrible drug problems.

[jgar477]

I would personally choose McAllen over Laredo.

[vantexan]

Brutal summer heat in Laredo and I can't exaggerate that. Very congested highways due to NAFTA traffic. Plus folks in the Rio Grande Valley are very welcoming to snowbirds as they are a big part of economy. Much better leisure activities in the Valley and you are close to South Padre Island. And McAllen area has 2 Barnes & Nobles. If I had known the level of development coming to McAllen I wouldn't have left in '94. Also due to winter tourism the quality of Mexican restaurants is excellent.

[Chelito23]

It comes down to location. Do you think you will be making a lot of trips to San Antonio? If so, Laredo makes more since, just being closer. McAllen, although it may have more ammenties and other nearby communities with ammenties, is in an even more isolated, yet self-suffient region. Laredo also gets colder in the winter and is drier, if that matters to you.

I think housing is cheaper in McAllen, Laredo is so isolted there isn't much competition in the rental market. Also, McAllen has good access to many cities in Mexico, Laredo is once again isolated except to Nvo. Laredo.

Costs for food and insurace would probably be similar in both areas though.

When would you move?

[RevImmigrant]

Hi, Folks, thanks for your responses. I think I would probably come within the next month if I decide on Laredo. I would plan on going to San Antonio about once a month so from that standpoint, Laredo is better than McAllen since it's closer and a straighter route up I-35. I may end up going back to Mexico where I lived for 10 years total (not continuously). I just haven't decided yet and wanted more information on Laredo.

[jaxart]

Originally Posted by RevImmigrant

I would plan on going to San Antonio about once a month so from that standpoint, Laredo is better than McAllen

The highway between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is mostly divided and in fairly good condition and it's about equidistant to San Antonio as an alternative.

[doctorjef]

Interesting feature last night on BBC America reporting on the out of control drug-gang crime in Laredo.

[RevImmigrant]

Jaxart, San Antonio has lots of Asian markets and also some military commissaries and PXs, which I doubt Monterrey has. It also has numerous Asian restaurants.