If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Hi,
If anyone has any questions about visiting the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, feel free to ask. I am a native living here for 23 years. Would be happy to help. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Hi,
If anyone has any questions about visiting the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, feel free to ask. I am a native living here for 23 years. Would be happy to help. Is it a god place to relocate and live To get away from winter weather? Is the economy decent? John |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Hi John,
Getting away from the winter weather is probably the #1 reason why people are moving down here. I can't remember where I read it, but the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has the most stable climate in the entire state of Texas and usually stays around 80/90degrees from March to November and high 40s/50s after December. The last time it snowed was probably in the 1800s, I believe. The downside is the humidity and it gets very humid in the summer times, but you can always go to the beach at South Padre Island, which is a short drive from most of the RGV cities. This island was recently voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the nation based on water quality, sand softness and wildlife. Since the RGV is located near the Mexican border, everything here is cheap, cheap, cheap. Gas is the lowest in the country, hotels are one of the cheapest, and owning ranch land is becoming one of the best deals in the nation. I passed by a nice 10-acre plat of land a couple of days ago which which included water, electricity, etc for about 45K. You could get almost the same thing in Austin or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country for about 150K. But, if you ask me what I like best about the RGV...I'll tell you it's the traffic. While it's true that the RGV area is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, it still only takes most people an average of 5minutes to get to where they need. People are extremely laid back here and everything does move slow....even mail sent to you from the next door neighbor. So, if I had to sum up best things about the RGV, I'd list the following: -weather -diverse terrain: desert, coastal, tropical, hills, mesquite/cacti, palm trees, palm trees, and palm trees. The only thing we don't have are mountains. -wildlife: one of the top areas in the country for hunting and viewing wildlife. If you didn't already know, the RGV is also the #1 area for birdwatching and more species of birds can be seen here in their annual migration to warmer climates than any other place in the nation. -low cost of living -low traffic -quality stores -Mexican cultu best food anywhere -clean air, no smog -proximity to hospitals, minor league baseball teams, etc. -history: the RGV is the oldest area in the state of Texas and one of the most historic. numerous Civil War and Mexican War battlefields dot the landscape -agricultu RGV is known as the agriculture center for the state of Texas. The famous Ruby Red grapefruit is a product of this. Shrimping is also internationally known. Watching the Red Sox on TV...just witnessed a head on collision between two players. One appears to be knocked out unconscious....and now I lost my train of thought. Any more questions feel free to ask. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Hi John,
Getting away from the winter weather is probably the #1 reason why people are moving down here. Sounds great!! Thanks for the info! But what exactly "defines" the RGV? Is it just all the land on either side of the Rio Grande River? If yes..... I was looking at a map of Texas and that would be a LOT of area! Running form northwest to southeast to the Gulf. Where exactly do you live? And in YOUR mind what is the best "section" or area of the RGV to locate in as far as climate, people, opportunity, quality of life? Is the Texas hill country generally considered to be part of the RGV? John |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
"MTV" wrote in message ... wrote: Hi John, Getting away from the winter weather is probably the #1 reason why people are moving down here. Sounds great!! Thanks for the info! But what exactly "defines" the RGV? Is it just all the land on either side of the Rio Grande River? If yes..... I was looking at a map of Texas and that would be a LOT of area! Running form northwest to southeast to the Gulf. Where exactly do you live? And in YOUR mind what is the best "section" or area of the RGV to locate in as far as climate, people, opportunity, quality of life? Is the Texas hill country generally considered to be part of the RGV? John John, You need to do a lot of research, or at least become familiar with geography. Places to start: http://www.traveltex.com/index.asp?SN=1118472&LS=0 Order the free Texas State Travel Guide - info on all sections of the state and something about almost all cities, towns and points of interest. Follow links to the State Parks web site and local area tourism offices. The RGV is just that. North side of the Rio Grande from the Gulf and South Padre Island up to about 80 miles inland. The Hill Country is North of San Antonio, roughly from La Grange in the East to Fredericksburg in the West along US 290, including Lake Travis & west. No, you need to shift everything about 50 or 60 miles west. La Grange is decidedly 60 or so miles east (South east actually) of Austin, the Hill Country starts more or less on the west side of Austin. East of Austin is mostly rolling plains. Fredricksburg would be towards the North Central part of the Hill Country. The "hilly-est" and prettiest part of the Hill Country is north and west of San Antonio, generally west of I-10, around Bandera, Leakey, Hunt, Ingram, Vanderpool etc. This might help...... http://www.austinchronicle.com/image...ountry/map.gif Or for info on places to visit..... http://www.texashillcountry.com/ Michael |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Fredricksburg would be towards the North Central part of the Hill Country.
The "hilly-est" and prettiest part of the Hill Country is north and west of San Antonio, generally west of I-10, around Bandera, Leakey, Hunt, Ingram, Vanderpool etc. This might help...... http://www.austinchronicle.com/image...ountry/map.gif Thanks Michael.... that map does help explain where the hill country actually is. So...... the Rio Grande valley terrain is much different from the hill country? How so? Is the RGV more flat..... more humid? John |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
John wrote:
But what exactly "defines" the RGV? Is it just all the land on either side of the Rio Grande River? If yes..... I was looking at a map of Texas and that would be a LOT of area! Running form northwest to southeast to the Gulf. Where exactly do you live? And in YOUR mind what is the best "section" or area of the RGV to locate in as far as climate, people, opportunity, quality of life? Is the Texas hill country generally considered to be part of the RGV? Hi John, The hill country area is very beautiful, but expensive. Bandera, Wimberley, Blanco, Llano, and the other places that other posters mentioned in the previous posts are good areas for living in the Hill Country. It's very hilly there and does get very cold in the winter times. Also, if it weren't for the number of miles I'd have to drive before I got anywhere, I'd live there. But, like I said earlier, I hate driving 50+ miles to go to a grocery store. Anyways, the RGV area is a very big area of Texas. I remember reading somewhere that it'll take the state of Rhode Island to multiply about 40+ times before it'll fill the area. The RGV area encompasses nearly 43,000 square miles and most of it is agriculture area. Milo, Aloe, Grapefruit, melons, sugar cane, and cotton are the major crops. Here is a good map of what is called the RGV area: http://valleychamber.com/map.html I live in Brownsville which is the biggest city in the RGV. It's a nice city to live in, but it's growing too fast and Brownsville doesn't seem prepared to handle the growth. Being so close to the Mexican border, many Mexican nationals cross over to work their day jobs here. Many people in Brownsville are poor and the city is one of the poorest cities in the nation, but this makes everything very affordable for those who aren't rich. The area is very high in culture arts and entertainment. A world reknowned jazz festival is held here every October, an international celebration, Charro Days, is held here and is quickly becoming one of the best known celebrations in the state. More info on this can be found he http://www.charrodays.org/ As for ideas on where one could relocate, it really depends on what type of environment/features that you like. If you like the country setting (like the Texas Hill Country), I'd suggest northern Raymondville since it's situated at the tail end of the mega King Ranch of Texas. Don't know what the King Ranch is? Do a search Like a tropical/coastal setting with tons of fishing opportunities? Then Port Isabel and South Padre island are ideal..and this is where most of the retirees go. Want more of a historic, desert landscape with spanish style buildings and heavy Mexican culture? Try Rio Grande City or Roma. These towns are very isolated and may be too close to the Mexican border for your tastes, but the area is extremely laid back and have some of the lowest crime rates in the country. Some pictures of these towns can be viewed he http://www.southtexasfilm.com/flavorstyle_gallery.htm Want a high-tech city with good stores, restaurants, and a sophisticated college crowd? McAllen would be your pick. The city of Harlingen is probably one of the best areas to live in the RGV because of its proximity to everything. It has the birding festivals and is just minutes away from the beach, Mexico, major hospitals, minor league baseball teams, museums, a leading airport, and is the a second home for "Winter Texans"--those senior citizens looking to escape the cold weather of the north. What's good about this town is that it's not too big and not too small. Just right. The only skyscraper in town is the hospital. Hope I didn't confuse you even more. Also hope I don't sound like someone who works for the local Chamber of Commerce, lol. Lastly, here are some good images of the RGV area: http://www.southtexasfilm.com/natura...in_gallery.htm |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
Hope I didn't confuse you even more. Also hope I don't sound like
someone who works for the local Chamber of Commerce, lol. No at all Nick! You have been a BIG help! Thanks! John |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
"Nick" wrote in message om... John wrote: But what exactly "defines" the RGV? Is it just all the land on either side of the Rio Grande River? If yes..... I was looking at a map of Texas and that would be a LOT of area! Running form northwest to southeast to the Gulf. Where exactly do you live? And in YOUR mind what is the best "section" or area of the RGV to locate in as far as climate, people, opportunity, quality of life? Is the Texas hill country generally considered to be part of the RGV? Hi John, The hill country area is very beautiful, but expensive. Bandera, Wimberley, Blanco, Llano, and the other places that other posters mentioned in the previous posts are good areas for living in the Hill Country. It's very hilly there and does get very cold in the winter times. Uh, very cold??.. where do you live, in the Valley? Also, if it weren't for the number of miles I'd have to drive before I got anywhere, I'd live there. But, like I said earlier, I hate driving 50+ miles to go to a grocery store. Anyways, the RGV area is a very big area of Texas. I remember reading somewhere that it'll take the state of Rhode Island to multiply about 40+ times before it'll fill the area. The RGV area encompasses nearly 43,000 square miles and most of it is agriculture area. Milo, Aloe, Grapefruit, melons, sugar cane, and cotton are the major crops. Here is a good map of what is called the RGV area: http://valleychamber.com/map.html I live in Brownsville which is the biggest city in the RGV. Ok, that explains it...... lol. Really, it doesn't get that cold in the Hill Country, the 20's and sometimes the 10's, but compared to most of the US it is pretty mild. Unless you're from Florida, SoCal, or far South Texas then it's not bad at all. It's a nice city to live in, but it's growing too fast and Brownsville doesn't seem prepared to handle the growth. Being so close to the Mexican border, many Mexican nationals cross over to work their day jobs here. Many people in Brownsville are poor and the city is one of the poorest cities in the nation, but this makes everything very affordable for those who aren't rich. The area is very high in culture arts and entertainment. A world reknowned jazz festival is held here every October, an international celebration, Charro Days, is held here and is quickly becoming one of the best known celebrations in the state. More info on this can be found he http://www.charrodays.org/ As for ideas on where one could relocate, it really depends on what type of environment/features that you like. If you like the country setting (like the Texas Hill Country), I'd suggest northern Raymondville since it's situated at the tail end of the mega King Ranch of Texas. Don't know what the King Ranch is? Do a search Like a tropical/coastal setting with tons of fishing opportunities? Then Port Isabel and South Padre island are ideal..and this is where most of the retirees go. Want more of a historic, desert landscape with spanish style buildings and heavy Mexican culture? Try Rio Grande City or Roma. These towns are very isolated and may be too close to the Mexican border for your tastes, but the area is extremely laid back and have some of the lowest crime rates in the country. Some pictures of these towns can be viewed he http://www.southtexasfilm.com/flavorstyle_gallery.htm Want a high-tech city with good stores, restaurants, and a sophisticated college crowd? McAllen would be your pick. The city of Harlingen is probably one of the best areas to live in the RGV because of its proximity to everything. It has the birding festivals and is just minutes away from the beach, Mexico, major hospitals, minor league baseball teams, museums, a leading airport, and is the a second home for "Winter Texans"--those senior citizens looking to escape the cold weather of the north. What's good about this town is that it's not too big and not too small. Just right. The only skyscraper in town is the hospital. Hope I didn't confuse you even more. Also hope I don't sound like someone who works for the local Chamber of Commerce, lol. Lastly, here are some good images of the RGV area: http://www.southtexasfilm.com/natura...in_gallery.htm |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Restaurants in and around South Africa | zimba | Africa | 0 | March 24th, 2004 01:33 PM |
Australia 3 Adfunk Internet Solutions Article | Jehad Internet | Australia & New Zealand | 0 | February 3rd, 2004 11:20 PM |
South Africa tours: Kruger Park, Pilanesburg Game Park, Sun City / Lost City, Soweto Tour, Cape Town Tour, South Africa Tour | getabout tours | Africa | 0 | January 15th, 2004 07:28 AM |
South Africa | Safariman | Backpacking and Budget travel | 0 | October 2nd, 2003 03:33 PM |
South Africa | Safariman | Air travel | 0 | October 2nd, 2003 03:15 PM |