New question New State

[soonhereturns]

Ok, it is looking like AR is out but my husband asked me how I felt about San Antonio, TX. I lived in Fort Worth at 7 and remember a lot about it, but I was 7. So, my question is now about this new area. Are any of you from San Antonio? How do you like it? I know the homeschooling laws are great there but how are the schools? Cost of living? I've done a short search of rental housing and came up with a lot of possibilities. How are food prices? Gas prices? I know it's a lot of questions. We have to weigh everything to decide if this would be a good move for our family.

Thanks for taking time to read. :wave

Lori

[lyngraphics]

Cost of living in Houston is very low- I think it is the same in San Antonio. You can also get a much larger house for the same price as other areas... will check into this for you, but I also know there are some people from San Antonio around here!

[lyngraphics]

Where do you live now?

[soonhereturns]

That's great! Thanks!

[lyngraphics]

Cost of Living Indexes San Antonio
Overall 75
Food 87
Housing 47
Utilities 82
Transportation 90
Health 87
Miscellaneous 100


100=national average

[lyngraphics]

http://www.bestplaces.net/col/Default.aspx Link to site I used...

[NewWorldOrder]

We live in Fort Worth, so I can give you an idea. Gas prices here are about $3.90/gallon, depending on where you get it, but it's as high as $4.00. It's probably about the same in SA, since SA not but a couple hours drive from FW. Schools, that's harder because each district is different. You may want to get information on the district you are considering moving to. We homeschool, so my kids don't use the PS system, but it's still good to know. Yes, the homeschool laws are excellent here, and homeschooling is growing by leaps and bounds in Texas, there is no shortage of places to buy materials and get support.

Cost of living? Food prices really aren't that bad here, not yet, but again that depends on where you shop. Housing prices are still moderate, but I think rent is high. I think you can still get a two bedroom apt for about $800-900 month depending on where you rent, but if you rent a house expect to pay $1000 to $2000 a month, depending on where you live and how big. You can probably find something cheaper if you stay out of the city, and look in areas that aren't very affluent. If you are in the more affluent areas, you are going to pay more. I don't know what SA's property taxes are, I've heard they are high, but it's easy to find out. Texas does not have a state income tax, but they make for it in property taxes and the lottery. If you buy your home, you can homestead your property and you get a reduction in property taxes, and your home is protected from most creditors, except for unpaid property taxes and the IRS.

SA, is a beautiful city, especially in the historical district, but they are known for their crime, though I think Houston is surpassing SA in the department. The good thing about Texas, is we have the Castle Doctrine, and you are not prevented from protecting yourself, or your property from would be robbers. In other words, if someone breaks into your home you are not required to flee, you are allowed by law to protect your family and property without any recourse to you.

[soonhereturns]

We are currently in the DC area. Fredericksburg, Va to be exact. We had to move about 60 miles out just to find affordable housing. A move to TX would mean a cut in our housing allowance, but if the cost of living is lower and I'm sure it is, it would balance out.

Sounds like gas prices are about the same here as there.

We aren't in a position to buy a house right now, but would be looking to buy in about 2 years. We would probably not try to live right in San Antonio. we like to live out away from cities so we aren't crammed so close to people. Need a large yard as we have a large family. As for food, I'd probably shop at the commissary. My husband would be stationed at Fort Sam Houston.

[lyngraphics]

Cost of Living Indexes Fredericksburg/ San Antonio
Overall 116 /75
Food 100 /87
Housing 131 /47
Utilities 113 /82
Transportation 129 /90
Health 103 /87
Miscellaneous 102 /100

100=national average


Looks like your cost of living would go way down!! :thumb

[soonhereturns]

Cost of Living Indexes Fredericksburg/ San Antonio
Overall 116 /75
Food 100 /87
Housing 131 /47
Utilities 113 /82
Transportation 129 /90
Health 103 /87
Miscellaneous 102 /100

100=national average


Looks like your cost of living would go way down!! :thumb


Yeah, I was just looking at that web site. That would be great. I'll share that with my husband. We have to make a decision by tomorrow.