ohkissmydash - 2017-09-08 9:34 PM

I was born and raised in Texas and have lived all around the state (Hill Country, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Ft Worth, Dallas). I moved to North Carolina 3 years ago, so I'm pretty sure I know where you are from!

I would say that objectively, North Carolina is a much nicer PLACE. The land is more scenic, there are more pronounced seasons, it's not as crowded as Texas, and in the region I'm in land is cheaper. I have absolutely loved living here and will be really sad when I leave.

All that being said, I will probably be moving back to Texas next year. I have really missed the community in Texas, especially the barrel racing community. In Texas I felt like people were friendly and happy to meet you. I have not felt that as much here. Neighbors back home are just all so welcoming and there is a state pride that unites people, unlike anywhere else.

I have noticed that the barrel racing community in TX is much larger and the barrel races are, for the most part, run on a more regimented schedule. Even at many smaller races they start on time and run 40-45 an hour. There have been multiple times here I have gone to a race and it has started 2-3 hours late. I love the number of elite horses there are in Texas and I feel that that level of competition is really great to watch and participate in. You can really learn a lot when you get to run with the big names weekly. And of course, there are so many more races to choose from. Here a lot of times I will go a month or so without having a race to go to because of rain, distance, not enough added money, etc but in Texas there are literally multiple races a week to go to.

Being from NC, I would think you would enjoy the Hill Country. Towns like Kerrville, Fredericksburg have good hospitals and plenty of races around to go to. Seguin might be another town in that region to look at. More towards DFW area Temple or Waco might be nice. Manageable size with good hospitals. College Station has a big hospital too and the area is nice. Anywhere around FW (Weatherford, Stephenville, etc ) would be nice. Glen Rose or Hamilton aren't too far from there and are both really pretty. Good luck in your search!

treasurehunter - 2017-09-08 11:15 PM

If it were me I would go see it for myself. I believe it is what you make it. I'm from Louisiana but very fond of Texas. We drive over for many different reasons, barrel races, shopping, and busts. Different areas of Texas of course have different types of terrain. I lived out in Plano for awhile. The people are very friendly overall and quickly feel like old friends.
There are many companies out in Texas and lots of opportunities.
Now it does get some kinda hot. And yep the fire ants and snakes are a pain.
I'm a hard core Louisiana girl though, I love mud, crawfish boils on Saturdays, and yes I have at least one gator on my property.

treasurehunter - 2017-09-08 11:16 PM

That was supposed to say "visits" not busts. Lol

Jazz's Girl - 2017-09-11 10:45 AM

I grew up om SE Texas. Moved to SW La 4 years ago. My husband and I weren't happy. So a month ago, he was offered a job in the Dallas area and jumped on it. I moved up here last week. We are living in Terrell at the moment but may look at going to the alvarado area. We are in an RV so its an easy move ;-). Heres what Ive noticed about being up here....
1. The low humidity is AMAZING!
2. The weather is AMAZING.
3. There are no mosquitos. Just mesquite, cactus and coastal grass. A far cry from the wet, high humidity and bug infested area where we are from.
4. The few barrel racers Ive met are not the friendliest. Ive had 3 of them tell me I'm going to get my @ss kicked up here. I smile but leave it alone.... They dont know me. Or my horses. So far they have left a bad taste in my mouth.
5. There are races it seems like every night of the week.

Where ever you end up, WELCOME TO TEXAS! Its an amazing place.

After making a day trip to alvarado, the people over there are alot friendlier. I really think thats where I want to end up!!!!

Mrs.Stepniak - 2017-09-14 10:56 AM Bumping this back up for another question... Is anyone familiar with the Boyd, TX area and has anyone had experience (as a nurse) with Texas Health Resources specifically Texas Health Harris Methodist-Fort Worth??

reese_tx - 2017-09-14 1:20 PM

You've got a lot of really good feedback.

The only other thing I would suggest is double checking the soil in areas that you like - the soil type can vary greatly. I grew up in deeper east texas with sandy loam soil (it was awesome). As an adult I landed (for work reasons) closer to DFW where the soil is black clay. When it's dry it's like crunchy cake balls, when it's wet it's like wet doo balls that tangles in manes and tails like cray!
Not your friend if you have horses - but you learn to deal if that's where you end up.

Fun2Run - 2017-09-14 1:53 PM


Boyd is a nice area. Would be a pretty long drive into FW, and I-35 north is a traffic nightmare.

Texas Health is a big conglomerate of hospitals and medical groups all over the D/FW area.  You should be able to find a Texas health hospital close wherever you land.