Pros/Cons of Move to Houston vs. Dallas/Ft. Worth vs. San Antonio from East Coast (Center: leasing)

[JHE-Don'tLiveToday]

Hi all,

Hope everyone's well. Moving BACK to Texas in 6mos. - 2yrs and looking for advice. Excuse the length, but more detail helps, right?

Background: Lived in Houston for 17yrs (2-19yo), disabled vet (I know all my benefits....a main reason for the move), international spouse and a 14mo son. Currently on the East Coast for the last 18yrs, and I might make the move initially, with the family coming later. Even if we make the move together, we'll be leasing for a yr while I/we do "boots on the ground" house/neighborhood hunting. Have immediate/extended family all over the south.

Houston: My hometown, brothers still there and I get back 1-2 x year, so I'm most familiar with it and would make the most $$ if the cards fall/are played right, but still open to local knowledge. Love my H-town but don't have to go back.......can/will travel if I/we want. Spouse lived there for about a year and liked the "H".

Dallas/Ft. Worth: Never set foot in Dallas, so no idea about good/bad neighborhoods, the "flavor" of the town, etc. Job prospects are the best of the three, but not in my preferred field. Closest to parents in Arkansas for them to see their 1st/only grandchild. Open-minded.

San Ant: Job prospects are just below Dallas, I've been there a couple of times. With so much military in/around the city it's probably pretty vet friendly and a slowest paced of the three (in my mind).

Desires: Good schools, downsizing from a larger/older property, peace of mind (parks, trails, etc), and price isn't a big issue though we'll only need just enough space as we'll be traveling. I know you can't have everything, but we're leaning towards more urban with access to transportation/activities, but can't do the condo/hi-rise living. Thanks for all (positive) replies!

[ChristieP]

Budget for both renting/buying?

[ashbeeigh]

San Antonio for the military background.

[C24L]

Originally Posted by JHE-Don'tLiveToday

Hi all,

Hope everyone's well. Moving BACK to Texas in 6mos. - 2yrs and looking for advice. Excuse the length, but more detail helps, right?

Background: Lived in Houston for 17yrs (2-19yo), disabled vet (I know all my benefits....a main reason for the move), international spouse and a 14mo son. Currently on the East Coast for the last 18yrs, and I might make the move initially, with the family coming later. Even if we make the move together, we'll be leasing for a yr while I/we do "boots on the ground" house/neighborhood hunting. Have immediate/extended family all over the south.

Houston: My hometown, brothers still there and I get back 1-2 x year, so I'm most familiar with it and would make the most $$ if the cards fall/are played right, but still open to local knowledge. Love my H-town but don't have to go back.......can/will travel if I/we want. Spouse lived there for about a year and liked the "H".

Dallas/Ft. Worth: Never set foot in Dallas, so no idea about good/bad neighborhoods, the "flavor" of the town, etc. Job prospects are the best of the three, but not in my preferred field. Closest to parents in Arkansas for them to see their 1st/only grandchild. Open-minded.

San Ant: Job prospects are just below Dallas, I've been there a couple of times. With so much military in/around the city it's probably pretty vet friendly and a slowest paced of the three (in my mind).

Desires: Good schools, downsizing from a larger/older property, peace of mind (parks, trails, etc), and price isn't a big issue though we'll only need just enough space as we'll be traveling. I know you can't have everything, but we're leaning towards more urban with access to transportation/activities, but can't do the condo/hi-rise living. Thanks for all (positive) replies!

Thanks so much for your service to our country,OP.

[tcualum]

How close do you need to be to a good VA hospital? What do y'all like to do for fun? What lifestyle amenities are important to you?

[JHE-Don'tLiveToday]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

Budget for both renting/buying?

Thanks. Planning to rent/lease for 6mos-1yr before buying.

[JHE-Don'tLiveToday]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

San Antonio for the military background.

Ikr

[JHE-Don'tLiveToday]

Originally Posted by C24L

Thanks so much for your service to our country,OP.

Thanks C24L, that's very appreciated.

[JHE-Don'tLiveToday]

Originally Posted by tcualum

How close do you need to be to a good VA hospital? What do y'all like to do for fun? What lifestyle amenities are important to you?

VA hosp: Being close to one would be nice, and I've been looking around the Medical Center area, but it's not necessary.
For fun: Enjoying days at the park, music & sports venues. Artsy fartsy museum districts are OK as well. Unfortunately, work has been our main activity lately but that will change!
Lifestyle amenities: Nearby parks/trails would be nice, but we'll be fine as long as the area isn't isn't non-stop noise/action. But we also don't want to drive 20 minutes to get to a movie, restaurant or shopping center either. Y'know....everything lol

[C24L]

Originally Posted by JHE-Don'tLiveToday

Thanks C24L, that's very appreciated.

You are welcome.