Relocating to SA, DFW, or Houston from Tucson, Az?? (Dallas: real estate, high crime)

[cutesydq]

Hi all, this is my first post to this site, but I am hoping for some advice on the near, but probably not immediate future. My husband and I currently live in Sahuarita, Arizona, a suburb (25k people) about 15 minutes south of Tucson. We are currently considering relocating to Texas. We are looking at some of the major cities, except Austin, but haven't completely ruled Austin out yet, it just seems to be significantly more expensive than the rest of Texas (please correct me if I am wrong, since I am not 100% sure).

The following is what we would be looking for:

We are looking for something that is a little bit cooler, but not cold. We are looking to buy a better home than what we currently have (eventually, within a year or so of moving). We currently have a 1400 sqft home, with only a small side yard, no back yard. That being said we would be looking for a home that is about 2500 sqft. on 1/4 acre. We don't currently have children, but would eventually be having some. Therefore, schools are important. I am currently in school and am just about 1/2 way done and should have at least my associates degree very soon. Both my husband and I work full time. He works in armed security and I for the government in the criminal justice and/or legal field. If we relocated we would want to work in very similar things, with the exception of my husband, which would probably be looking for something in Law Enforcement. Neither one of us are into nightlife, but do enjoy food and relaxing entertainment. San Antonio seems perfect for our lifestyle, and the homes do not seem expensive, however I am not sure if the job market would be good for us.

In the end my main questions, other than your opinions, would be the following:

How high are property taxes?
What is crime like?
What is government like? (Our state still can't decide on a budget)
How would cost of living compare, or what is the cost of living like?
How are the people?
How are the schools?
What are the suburbs like?
Colleges?


That being said we are a young, conservative (not religious) couple (early 20's) with no children (yet). We make between $65k - $75k a year together. However, with that we can still afford to have two newer cars and own our house. We aren't party animals, but do enjoy food and relaxing entertainment. We enjoy the outdoors, hiking and camping. We also like to talk short trips on a very frequent basis. So having exciting places nearby is a major plus! My husband has about a 30 minute commute, and I about a 5 minute commute, however we aren't opposed to a 30 minute commute at most, if it is for the right reasons, and if there are grocery stores, within about a five mile distance.

Thank you so much in advance! I look forward to hearing all of your responses!

[cutesydq]

We would not be moving there until at least one of us had a job lined up for certain. Therefore, we would not just be jumping in, we would of course plan ahead, especially in this job market.

Thanks again!

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

San Antonio will be the closest to what Tucson is like. Houston and Dallas a mega cities.

You might like Fort Worth. You get all the big mega-city benefits with Dallas next door. Yet Fort Worth still fill small and friendly.

[badhornet]

I moved here (San Antonio) from Tuscon several years ago. I think both cities are comparable as far as crime (high property crime, low/med violent crime). San Antonio has the cheapest cost of living of all the major cities you listed. You can get a lot of house for a decent price. Unfortunately wages reflect the low cost of living as wages are some of the lowest in the state (depending on industry) among the big cities. The main industries are tourism or customer service related, although we do have some major employers like USAA, Valero, Toyota, and government employers. Lots of entertanment options and dining. As far as demographics the North side is predominently Anglo, with the West, South and East sides Hispanic. San Antonio has some nice historic areas and also probably the lousiest drivers I ever seen. So, good and bad like any other city.

[Poltracker]

I hate to say this but the temps will feel relatively similar in any of the cities mentioned. The base temp might not be as high, but the smothering humidity makes up for the difference in spades. Just a warning. The property taxes are also pretty high. Figure on an average of 3.25% and you won't be too surprised one way or another. I wish you good luck on a government job, most local governments are not hiring. Some are in fact "hunkering down" and threatening early retirements, lay offs, pay cuts etc. The state is hiring in some very select areas (i.e. food stamp program).

[mcor3]

Originally Posted by cutesydq

Hi all, this is my first post to this site, but I am hoping for some advice on the near, but probably not immediate future. My husband and I currently live in Sahuarita, Arizona, a suburb (25k people) about 15 minutes south of Tucson. We are currently considering relocating to Texas. We are looking at some of the major cities, except Austin, but haven't completely ruled Austin out yet, it just seems to be significantly more expensive than the rest of Texas (please correct me if I am wrong, since I am not 100% sure).

The following is what we would be looking for:

We are looking for something that is a little bit cooler, but not cold. We are looking to buy a better home than what we currently have (eventually, within a year or so of moving). We currently have a 1400 sqft home, with only a small side yard, no back yard. That being said we would be looking for a home that is about 2500 sqft. on 1/4 acre. We don't currently have children, but would eventually be having some. Therefore, schools are important. I am currently in school and am just about 1/2 way done and should have at least my associates degree very soon. Both my husband and I work full time. He works in armed security and I for the government in the criminal justice and/or legal field. If we relocated we would want to work in very similar things, with the exception of my husband, which would probably be looking for something in Law Enforcement. Neither one of us are into nightlife, but do enjoy food and relaxing entertainment. San Antonio seems perfect for our lifestyle, and the homes do not seem expensive, however I am not sure if the job market would be good for us.

In the end my main questions, other than your opinions, would be the following:

How high are property taxes?
What is crime like?
What is government like? (Our state still can't decide on a budget)
How would cost of living compare, or what is the cost of living like?
How are the people?
How are the schools?
What are the suburbs like?
Colleges?


That being said we are a young, conservative (not religious) couple (early 20's) with no children (yet). We make between $65k - $75k a year together. However, with that we can still afford to have two newer cars and own our house. We aren't party animals, but do enjoy food and relaxing entertainment. We enjoy the outdoors, hiking and camping. We also like to talk short trips on a very frequent basis. So having exciting places nearby is a major plus! My husband has about a 30 minute commute, and I about a 5 minute commute, however we aren't opposed to a 30 minute commute at most, if it is for the right reasons, and if there are grocery stores, within about a five mile distance.

Thank you so much in advance! I look forward to hearing all of your responses!

Hello there! I moved to Kerrville,Tx from New Jersey in July of this year and I absolutely love it here. The Hill Country which includes Kerrville,Fredericksberg,Bandera,Boerne,Ingram and Hunt are all beautiful areas. I think your best bet though is Boerne which is just 30 minutes West of San Antonio. San Antonio is very crowded and has a high crime rate. Boerne has great school systems from what I hear and would be an ideal place for you to start a family. As for jobs, I can't really answer that since I took a $10/hr pay cut which I didn't mind cuz I'm still making almost the same and my overhead is low. Just research on the internet the following places and see which one you like. I also have a friend who owns a real estate company in Kerrville but they service all the way to San Antonio. Hope this helps, if you have anymore questions or if I could be of help, just email me at mcorar@aol.com or message me on this site. Good luck and have a Happy New Year!