Possibly moving to TX

JoeR · May 6, 2006

Recently, my company has entertained relocating me to Shreveport. My wife has been looking online and seems to be finding more ranch style lots and homes across the border in Texas. Before we decide, we need to take a trip up there, but this seems to be a daunting task with three kids one of which is 10mo old.

We of course are looking for decent schools, acreage for our horses, and somewhere within 1 hour of Shreveport.

The second problem is figuring out if we should just rent an RV to drive up, this way the kids are not cooped up in a SUV, or just take the SUV. 15-18 hour roadtrip for us.

The last problem would be moving the tractor and implements if we decided to relocate using only one 18' equipment trailer. I guess I am looking at multiple trips or renting a second trailer...

So, to sum it up I am looking for feedback on the following:

1. Best places with acreage, schools, within 1 hour of Shreveport. 40 acres on up.

2. Best way to take a look at the area. SUV it, or RV it. Flying 5 people is too much money.

3. How to move the tractor and implements if we decide to go.

Just looking for pitfalls, or ideas when looking in these unfamiliar rural areas.

Thanks,

Joe

Gatorboy · May 6, 2006

( The second problem is figuring out if we should just rent an RV to drive up, this way the kids are not cooped up in a SUV, or just take the SUV. 15-18 hour roadtrip for us. ) 

Leave at midnight (in the SUV), the kids will sleep, and you'll be there in time for dinner.

EddieWalker · May 6, 2006

Joe,

I'm further West than what your looking at and have no idea about anything in Louisiana except they have a state income tax and here in Texas, we don't.

That area of Texas doesn't have much going on and if you look around, you should find some pretty good deals. Things to consider are the school districts. Theres really two things that make a school great. Sports and education. They don't go hand in hand and a school with a football team that's been to State is going to have more expensive land than anything else. High School football does affect land prices!!!!

The best accademic school district in my area has one of the worse football teams. Homes are affordable and land is reasonable. Go ten miles to John Tyler Red Raiders high school and the price of everything is crazy!! They won the 5A state champinship two years ago in the state of Texas!! That's pretty big and they've done it bofere too.

Anyway, be sure to talk to several realtors. I went to www.realtor.com and started looking at land on that site. It's the best site I've come across for the amount of listings. Then I contacted realtors with listings that I was interested in. Most only replied with a phone number and ignored my questions. A few responded to the questions but offered nothing else. Two offered suggestions and even told me that those listing have a few issues and I might not want them. Those two got my attention. They are the ones I talked to when I moved here and bought my land.

I moved from California and drove almost 2,000 each way three times to move out here. I was looking at land and stayed about a week each time too. I had a storage unit to put stuff in also. Then the third trip, my wife at the time drove her car with the dogs, plants and important persoal stuff. I drove a rental van with a car hauler for my old jeep.

On my own I did it in 40 hours one way. With her it took 4 days one way.

Good luck,
Eddie

Glenn9643 · May 6, 2006

Joe,
We've been traveling from Monroe, LA to Houston every few weeks since before Christmas going to MD Anderson Cancer Center and my favorite route is via US-79 and US-59 from Exit 3, Shreveport. It's beautiful country and I believe you'll find several communities within an hour of Shreveport. I think Carthage is less than 50 miles. Don't know about the schools, but I think you're on the right track. I've been here for about six years and don't think I'll adjust if I stay here another sixty.

wroughtn_harv · May 6, 2006

I think you're going to love that area.

Vivian is a little north and the home of wife's mother's family. They are some wonderful people and the country is beautiful.

My son in law comes from Shreveport and he's a good one.

I think you've found a nest on the ground. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

wushaw · May 6, 2006

Atlanta Tx is one place to look at. It is a hair over an hr away.

EddieWalker · May 7, 2006

Another thing to consider is if you enjoy adult beverages or not. There are allot of dry counties out here that don't sell alcohal. You can get it at most resturants with your meal, but the rules vary from county to county. For us, we have to drive seven miles to the next county to buy beer. From Tyler, it's a good half hour drive to the neerest county line. That's an hour plus if you drink.

Eddie

Alan L. · May 7, 2006

Nothing like high school football in the state of Texas.

rox · May 7, 2006

Joe,
Good luck to you and your family with the move. I am sure it will be a thrilling and exciting time for you.

If you go to this web page you can see the rankings fo the schoold districs for Lousiana.
http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/pair/2294.asp

Now the Texas Schools weebsite is a little bit ahrder to navigate. I could not tell if you would be in the Texas Region 7 or 8. Once you figure that out, you can go here
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2005/gpa.srch.html
and look at the statistcs by schools.

I personally look at the high school results more than the elementary school results. In other words I myself would focus more on moving to an area with Exemplorary High Schools. Big deal if the grade schools are great but the high schools are a bust. You want to launch the kids from a great high school. Grade school work mom and dad still have a huge impact on the kids, and can compensate for a lack luster grade school, if needed. To me it is the high schools that count the most in detering where to move to.

Believe the kids are going to have to make more than jsut one trip out there so might as well do it in the SUV, and perhaps try to find a motel with a pool mid way. It is to much for the kids and for your wife and you to make that in one haul. Only my opinion. Also consider leaving the baby at home. The baby isn't going to get anything out of the trip and it will only make your wifes time less, well what is the correct word, enjoyable. I know my husband always had to pry me away form the kids when we took our yearly "just the two of us" vacation (we also took a vaction with the kids). Actually every time we went I felt guilty for leaving the kids, but once on the trip really appreciated our "couple" time together. Mom probably won't want to leave baby at home, becasue that is what moms are like, however once gone and away I am betting she will be glad she didn't take the baby. Again only my opinion, but you did ask for opinions and suggestions.

Bird · May 7, 2006

( Nothing like high school football in the state of Texas. )

Sad, but true. And as long as the emphasis in the schools is on football, the kids get a mediocre, or worse, education.