A few general questions about Texas. Weather, Home Building, land etc. (San Antonio: houses, buying)

[kawgpz550]

Ok, I have been doing research and looking at a lot of palces in Texas. Originally East Texas was where we were going to be. Around the Tyler/Longview area. However, after reading these threads I am more apprhensive about East Texas. It sounds like there are more ticks, tornados, and bad weather. We visited in July and it is very beautiful there. Everyone complained about the heat while we were there, we didn't mind it was cooler than where we come from in the desert. We haven't had the opportunity to visit anywhere else. We have our choices narrowed down to San Marcos/New Braunfels area, San Angelo, Abilene area, and Tyler area. I know most of what I need to know about the Tyler area, but I really need some input from someone that knows Texas better than I do.
#1 Is there really much of a difference in weather between Tyler, San Antonio, San Angelo and/or Abilene? I know about tornado activity, just wondering more about the heat and level of comfort. Is San Antonio area really worse than other parts of Texas? It gets 125+ here so anything has to be better than this.
#2 Is there really a difference from one place to another in the level of ticks, snakes and other unwanted critters?
#3 Is there a reason that areas such as New Braunfels and Abilene you can't find many stick built houses on at least 2 acres (at least not less than $200,000) whereas in Tyler area there are plenty?
#4 What about buying land and building a home? Can anyone give me an idea of the cost of building a home in the above areas? Example: 3bd 2 ba 1500-2000 sq ft? I'm beginning to think it is cheaper and better to go that route than already existing homes in these areas.
#5 What school districts in these areas should I be looking for? i have kids in elementary, jr high and high school...
If everyone can just give me some input on these different areas and the pros and cons of each it would really help. Like another thread I read, the more I look the more confused I am. I thought Tyler was IT! No place else even crossed my mind, but then as I have done more research, I'm not sure if that is for sure the right place for us. The bad thing I have noticed about some of the places is that there are a lot of parts of Texas that are green, totally flat and no trees (like abilene/san angelo areas. I want green and some trees. I would prefer some hills like New Braunfels/San Marcos, but not neccessary. I know we're not going to find the "PERFECT" place, but I want to make sure we make a well informed decision.

[Alyce51]

1.The difference in weather between Tyler, San Antonio, San Angelo and/or Abilene***
Tyler has a little humidity and Abilene has none.
San Antonio, San Angelo has alot of humidity.
They are all nice places to live.
2. level of ticks, snakes and other unwanted critters
San Antonio, San Angelo haven't had ticks like everywhere else (not bad).
Tyler and Abilene can be pesky at times but you have to be walking under big tall trees in Tyler.
And Abilene isn't as bad unless you have dogs tramping around and then entering your house. But theres medicine for that problem and will last for a good bit.
3.New Braunfels and Abilene you can't find many stick built houses on at least 2 acres (at least not less than $200,000) whereas in Tyler area there are plenty?
New Braunfels is a tourist town.
Abilene is a cow town so what would be the use to built a (at least not less than $200,000) around a cow.
Tyler is just Tyler a place to relax and enjoy your retirement.
4.buying land and building a home.
It may sound cheaper but don't count them already built homes until you check them all out even the ones that may just need a little tlc.
5. school districts in these areas should I be looking for?
Longview isd follow the link and go to campuses
http://www.lisd.org/www2/Main/default.asp

Tyler Elementary school link
http://www.greatschools.net/schools....=1017&state=TX
This link has all the names and grade levels.

Now as far as green trees and green grass then Tyler and San Antonio and Abilene. Now it doesn't get 125 temp in San Antonio maybe 100 ,102 but it has humidity.
Oh I've left out San Marcos it's a beautiful place and has humidity and green trees and grass. well good luck write and i'll do more reseach for you and your family and welcome to Texas if you decide on a place to live.

[neddy]

IF you come looking in San Antonio city proper stay with Northside ISD, Northeast ISD, or Judson Isd those ISDs have houses in your price range. We have loads of green grass down here (provide we are not in a drought)

[KewGee]

Really, all these places don't differ much with temperatures and humidity, but I certainly wouldn't describe Tyler as a place with little humidity. I have some friends that live there and they told me it's extremely humid. If you're used to 125 degrees even though dry, I don't think you'll mind humidity mixed in with temperatures that usually stay in the 90s unless we're plagued with triple digits for weeks on end.

Anyway, here is what I found out about the comfort index. The higher numbers are more comfortable but all of these are so close, I doubt you'd feel much of a difference. When I move, I'm not moving anywhere unless the CI is greater than 40 as I'm tired of hot and humid summer days.

San Angelo ~~ 29

Abilene ~~ 28

Tyler and San Marcos ~~ 24

San Antonio and New Braunfels ~~ 23

Bugs are rampant all over Texas except maybe in the drier regions very west, it might not be as bad, but I'm not positive about that. I think they like the humidity better though. Snakes ~ I don't believe you'll get away from them anywhere in the state.

I don't know anything about land and houses but, hopefully, someone savvy about such will help you.

Good luck to you.

[rhondakaye1]

Watch out for Scorpions in Abilene. They're worse than ticks in Longview. By the way, I've been in Longview 10 years and haven't come across a tick yet. And, I love it here. Great place for family.