McAllen information
 

Have a potential job move to McAllen, Texas but I really don't know anything about the city. Before I can make any such decision, I obviously need to know more. That's where you, my fellow Fodorites hopefully come in.

Could anyone who currently lives in McAllen or who has recently lived there provide me with any and all information about the city (good, bad, or otherwise) that you think may help me in my decision.

More about me: I'm in my mid-30's, married, with a baby on the way; currently live in NYC.

Thanks in advance for all of your help! I greatly appreciate it.

Never lived there, but have visited friends/family. Without sounding too discouraging . . . WOW, what a change from NYC. The weather can be unbelievably hot -- sometimes the high for the nation, based on infrequent checks of my newspaper's weather section. I think McAllen is actually referred to as the "Texas Tropics." I just checked Yahoo Weather -- it was 103 there today.

Here's a link to their chamber of commerce, which will have a lot more information: http://www.mcallen.org/

Having said all that, the Mexican food is great, and there was actually a decent French bakery when I was there last. Good luck with your decision. FWIW I live in the SF Bay Area.

tpl,

Thanks for the info and especially for the C of C link.

Anybody else out there with something to add. Please......

The biggest change for you is going to be the culture shock. McAllen, and the rest of the Rio Grande valley, is a culture that is unique unto itself. Until you have truly experienced a border town, you just cannot really understand what I mean. (My husband is from Del Rio.) If there is any way that you can make a visit to McAllen and have a weekend just to experience the city, it will allow you to make a more informed decision on whether or not you want your family to live there.

I see that your family is expecting a baby, so I assume that schools will be important to you. I would advise looking into the ratings of the local public schools, and possibly considering private schooling (at least for the early years) for your child if your family is not already bilingual.

Will your spouse need to work? The unemployment rate in the Valley is the highest in Texas, usually around 15%. The economy there is largely agricultural and manufacturing, so if she is seeking a professional position, it could be difficult for her to find suitable work.

The good thing is that real estate prices there are MUCH lower than in New York, so you should be able to buy a nice house affordably. Also, there are no tall buildings in the Valley, and the land is very flat.

Most importantly, you will need to be prepared for immersion into the Mexican-American culture. Quinceaneras, Tejano music, low-rider cars, etc. may all be something new to you.

Good luck, and I hope that you will be able to make an informed decision for your family!

I haven't been to McAllen myself, but have friends from there, and have been to similar cities nearby in Texas. I also frequent Manhattan for business, as well as pleasure. I agree that McAllen and NYC are like night and day.

I strongly second all of the advice of ChristieP. It would be a huge change for you, but you just may like it if you are looking for something really different. However, please pay a visit there first before making any big decisions.