Advice for somebody looking to move to Texas?

2015-02-13T13:01:29-05:00

Okay, so here's our situation: We currently live in the Peoples Republic of Minnesota, where it's too damned cold for the things we enjoy as a family and politically, this place is becoming a Socialist's playground and our taxes are too high! I am currently going through the Medical Board Process for PTSD and TBI, so I am anticipating being retired by next December. I am currently unemployed on the civilian side, as I am going through the VA and getting treatment twice a week. My wife works in a high-demand medical field, so she is highly mobile. We have 2 kids, a 16 year-old son and 13 year-old daughter.

We are looking at Texas, and our basic requirements include the following:

o Quality school system
o Quality health care system (employability)
o Access to quality VA hospital/clinics
o Property values
o Overall quality of life

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Paul Hoiland

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-02-13T13:13:50-05:00

Sir

I am AGR and just got stationed in the Dallas FT Worth area. I have been here since august and love it. Cost of living is fairly decent, gas is cheap, daycare is daycare (costs alot of infants anywhere) and the job market is booming. I live in Grand Prairie, the area is So So, if you were looking for family friendly ans reasonable cost for a home i would look in Mansfield just south of me. They have a good school system from what my Soldiers tell me. My wife works for The Koester Team Keller Williams realty office in Arlington and would be more than capable of helping you find a house anywhere in the DFW area. The real estate goes fast here so id your looking to purchase i would fly down for 2 weeks and intend to put a serious offer down same day you find something you like. Homes go up and sell the same day.

I would purchase instead of rent. The only reason i didnt purchase is because i own a home in Missouri still near Ft Leonardwood and did not feel like risking two mortgage payments come next PCS.

If you have more questions dont hesitate to shoot me a message or call my office [login to see]

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-02-15T16:34:41-05:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member I've never lived in Texas, but have some very close friends that live in the Dallas and San Antonio area. Both love it, one is retired fromthe Army, 100% disabled (Dallas); the other is a GS13 who recently reolocated to work at Ft. Sam Houston with the closing of Walter Reed. Both have nothing but great things to say about each area. I will be TDY to San Antonio next week for 2 weeks, so I will get to see more from a 1st hand view. Sounds like where ever your family decides to go, You've picked a great state to relocate to. Good luck to you and your family.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-02-15T23:11:21-05:00

You sir should move to San Antonio. Here are the reasons.

1. Lots of healthcare related jobs. She could go work for saamc.
2. Great weather with no snow.
3. Conservative leaning city.
4. Alamo heights high school top notch school for your children.
5. Access to excellent va care.
6. Low cost of living.
7. Taco cabana and whataburger. Enough said.

Response by MSG Raul Dinzey made Feb 18 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-02-18T14:24:22-05:00

Hello Paul!
Not knowing what your long term goals are and work preferences for your wife is tough. I have lived in Texas twice for a total of 9 years. I have lived near Fort Hood for 3 years, Houston for 3 years and San Antonio for 3 years. I don't know the cost of living where you are, the cost of living in Texas is definetely less, so your money goes a long long way. but both San Antonio and Houston have VA Hospitals.

San Antonio has the three military bases so that you can use your commissary privileges, PX etc. Houston has the Hospital District downtown as well as the growth and expansion out in Katy, Texas near Katy Mills (20 miles from the city). The downtown Medical Center district has very large hospitals public and private.

The School systems in San Antonio North East Independent School system and the North Independent School system are good. I lived close to Sea World which is quite nice. Loop 1604 is the outerloop and 410 is the inner loop. I hope you find lots of potential homes you can check out. San Antonio does have a lot to offer for the family, I hope you check out both places.

Happy hunting!

Response by Christa Rogers made May 26 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-05-26T15:48:23-04:00

Look into Rockwall, TX
Good school systems
Close to DFW
Lots of medical jobs available
Low crime rates

Response by CPO David Welsh made May 30 at 2015 10:51 PM

2015-05-30T22:51:36-04:00

Come to Fort Worth. Always looking for qualified medical folks. Weather is usually decent and the housing market is excellent. Large number of military retiree's here as well.