Nevada (Vegas area) vs Texas (San Antonio) (living, best, state)

[Rapp5]

We're a family of five (three kids 10 and under) currently living in Maryland. We're considering relocating due to the general decline of our immediate area as well as the insanely high taxes. We've done a lot of research regarding schools, areas, and jobs and were just looking for some local input on either location. Or, possibly someone who has lived in both?

Quick background...we have family in Texas and I grew up spending the summers in Texas; I'm familiar with the heat. We have been visiting the Vegas area regularly for five years now and have some extended family there as well, but very little. We got married out there and loved it! We typically have only been out to the Vegas area in July/Aug months and October.

We'd love to hear any pros and/or cons anyone can give to either area. We're currently federally employed in the DC area and would not move to either location without a job first. My husband is a marine vet and my kids are involved in sports and activities. We'd hope to continue that where ever we end up. Currently, they attend an affordable private school and we'd like to continue that as well however, that has been hard to find (under 10gs per child).

Thanks in advance! I always love reading locals perspectives!

[yellowsnow]

I have lived in both places and If I had to choose with three young children to raise, I would go to Austin Texas. More decently paying jobs and it's generally an area of more educated people. Texas has the same issue as Vegas, very low pay. But Texas does have more jobs than Vegas and a much larger variety of jobs that pay more. Vegas has one industry, serving, and servants don't get paid. If you also consider Texas to be a one trick pony, it's oil, and those jobs do pay.

Schools in both states are underfunded and overwhelmed with students who don't speak English. It would be easier to pay for private schools if you made more money. Texas is the king of urban sprawl so I would be looking for work and schools first and then finding a home. Unless you want to drive over 100 miles a day between work/school/activities.

[swagger]

Originally Posted by Rapp5

We ... would not move to either location without a job first.

Texas is your destination, then. It's virtually impossible to get a job here if you're not local. Most employers won't even talk to you unless you have a local address and phone number.

[Rapp5]

Thanks for the feedback! Great point on the one trick pony comment...

We're currently looking for jobs in both locations and I've been able to find an affordable private school in Green Valley outside of Vegas. However, I'm not having the same luck in TX. Private schools seem to be through the roof and locals who have responded keep telling me it's because no one sends their kids because public schools are "so great" there. To each their own, I suppose.

We were really wanting to move some place more affordable and the draw of the areas outside of Vegas were more the travel opportunities to National parks, affordable things to do, and that sort of thing.

Texas seems like, we'd be very limited to Texas only. Being a family of 5, driving is often the means of travel as airfare is too expensive. Las Vegas offers more opportunity in terms of traveling by car to awesome locations than Texas as a whole.

Both places are dry areas but outside of Vegas is vastly desert and has a beautiful landscape because of it (to me). Texas is not very appealing to the eye but offers a great family atmosphere that I feel the Vegas (off strip obviously) may lack?

These are just my very generic observations so it's awesome to hear from someone who has lived both places.

[Rapp5]

swagger- that was another question we were wondering. We do have extended family in NV who said we could use their address and they also currently work at Nellis, where we've been applying. But, I feel like that only goes so far...

From what I've heard, Texas does seem a bit more "friendly" in terms of out of state relo's but not so much on the Vegas front.

[Rapp5]

To be honest, I think we both just prefer the "other" things Green Valley, Henderson, Summerlin, have to offer over areas we've seen in Texas. In terms of travel, affordable things to do with a family of five due to the fact that they typically ARE hooked to casinos. Neither of us are big into gambling, so that's not the draw. But I do enjoy an awesome show, great people watching, and access to national parks and mild, mild winters.

Having said that, I also think Texas might be a better fit for raising a family mostly due to the fact that there are so many families in Texas in general. Vegas area gets a bad rap for many things and I get that most people to consider it a "family friendly" area. So, for that reason alone, I think I tend to lean towards Texas as well.

[StealthRabbit]

TX is huge... where is your family. I will side with YS on Austin, but it is spendy (housing and taxes. Consider nearby Wimberely and Boerne for good schools. I have a place in Kerrville (also nearby) and it was CHEAP and lots of jobs and educational options. In the Hill Country, and 1 hr to SAT or AUS.

Consider income tax free WA too. Your kids can go to college instead of High School, saving them a bundle.
I am near Vancouver, WA (Portland, OR) and live very frugally and well. Have lots of fresh produce and salmon. Year round growing season for selective gardening, Bought a decent country acreage with house and barns for under $100k. Utilities are CHEAP and lots to do (And lots of rain,,,) summers are beautiful.. If you have to work in Portland, you will pay 9% income tax. There are some excellent private schools. I think the Catholic Schools are least expensive. King's Way is most popular and well staffed. Decent public options (Camas and Hockinson). and a terrific homeschool group (What we did, till kids went to early college. ) Clark County Home Educators - News & Events Many active members are also teachers, so feel free to ask them for recommendations.

LV would not be high on my choices, bcuz I would still need to drive to my regular haunts (UT & CA national parks) The best thing about LV is Valley of Fire. Great for sunrise or sunset and nice camping areas. https://www.google.com/search?q=Vall...w=1398&bih=818

BTW, what is your budget and career desires?
BTW2: one of my favorite Vet / VA retiree / nice places is Sturgis and Spearfish SD, ad Sheridan, WY (both tax free)
Bremerton, WA is nice and affordable. Vancouver, WA and Portland area also have extensive VA facilities. Consider Bonneville Power and Army Corp, National Forest, Oregon Air Guard, as great local Fed employers. Boeing has a Portland manf plant and they pay really well (~$40.hr skilled trade). for a drier WA, Spokane has lots of Fed Jobs. Ideally... Idaho Falls for national Nuc lab. (or Richland, WA