Laredo (San Antonio, El Paso, Brownsville: appointed, apartment, rentals)

[David Pristupa]

I'am considering doing an internship in Laredo. Could some of you folks give me an idea of what it is like there? The city appears to be small enough to bike around in. How far out is Lake Casa Blanca? Is it readily accessible and does it offer a cooling affect in the summer? I'am looking for a foreign experience. I'am aware that there have been problems as of late in Neuvo Laredo and it has spilled over the border at times. Would this affect daily living? Is there a lively historic downtown in the evening? I have heard that it is one of the friendlist outgoing cities around. Are rentals reasonbly priced. I'am not overly fussy.

[neddy]

The lake looks to be about 4 miles out. I am in San Antonio and at 10oclock news Laredo temps are the same if not hotter than ours so I don't know about a cooling affect. My neighboor has to go there all the time (he is a lawyer for the hospital) and I can't say that he likes to stay there that much. I think the violance has affect daily living. Our former preschool teacher is from there(N> Laredo) and she won't go back. She still has friends there and she is being told by them that its really worse than what you read in the papers. But I guess if ya still want to go good luck to ya. Anywhere in Texas is friendly

[nmnative505]

David...what kind of internship are you looking at? I currently live in Laredo, but not by choice, my husband's work has us here. Truthfully, I was really disappointed in the city and its amenities (or lack thereof) after the first few weeks here. Some people really like it here, but those are mostly the people who grew up here and have never left. I actually look forward for the chances I get to go to San Antonio, and even this weekend I took a trip to the Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, Mission, Brownsville area) and I loved it there so much more!!

As for living here, some people say its relatively expensive compared to a lot of other cities in Texas. A nice rental apartment will cost you anywhere from $600 and up and you will most likely want to stay in the northeast part of the city. Lake Casa Blanca is accesible thru Loop 20 (Bob Bullock Loop) and I seee a lot of people biking out there so that shouldn't be a problem for you.

As for the Nvo Laredo situation, that's probably my biggest disappointment. It is HIGHLY discouraged that you cross the border here, even if it is by foot and just for walking or shopping. Some people do go and nothing happens, but I do not want to take my chances. I am familiar with other border cities such as El Paso/Juarez and never had those kind of fears before living here. And you asked about a "lively historic downtown in the evenings"...sorry to disappoint you but it is only historic and that's about it. There are a few local clubs and such located downtown, but that is for the younger crowd and mostly the locals or kids from Nvo Laredo. Depends on how old you are and if you like the young rich bar scene.

Oh, and I have yet to encounter any "friendly" people here, most just give you a blank stare when you speak to them in English...sorry!