Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Which came first, the phishing blog or the Ranging Reporter question?

I will say this. I am from NYC. Lived in CO,NE,TX,KY and NC. I lived in small town and big cities. Although I loved Lubbock, it was too far from everything, so I would highly recommend Victoria. The people have a small town mentality but that's what makes Victoria special. If I had a chance, I would go back and to be honest, I am seriously thinking about retiring there. Now, some of you might say that I might have PTSD but really, is not the city per se but the people that makes Victoria a special place.
From Kentucky where we have the other cooko head, Randy Paul.. GO FOR IT, just in case you Aggies and Horns losers, GO TECH!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made a similiar choice some years ago, and am pleased with the result. Or I would have moved already.

A couple of points.

I'd be aware that our property taxes are high for a city of it's size. I was shocked that they were 50% higher here than in the suburb of San Antonio in 2001. I would expect the VISD District's overbuilding will lead to even higher tax rates as property values hold steady or even fall. As several pointed out, Industrial School District would be prefered.

Insurance Rates for both home and auto will be aprx 50% higher. The large number uninsured drivers and dirtbag lawyers seeking a judgement are the principal cause for the auto rates. Our proximity to the coast and the potential for hurricane losses cause our home insurance rates to be higher than expected.

A great deal of our crime reports come from domestic problems, illegal drug use, and undisciplined youth. It's likely the same where you live, but the culture here lends itself to more extremes than you're likely used to.

Best of luck house hunting. If you need a good realtor, I'd post that online as well. The responses were be entertaining if nothing else.

I'm putting a $100 in the kitty to send that bird back to Tulsa. Any other friendly Victorians want to help our "friend" out? Then Victoria would be an even better place to live!!!

If you want the best school for your kids, that would be the Industrial School district. The district is close enough to Victoria and gets you out of town just a little bit.

I grew up outside of Houston and lived in a city in Florida for years when I married. We moved to Victoria to help care for family. Being that I have lived in other areas, I feel like I could add my opinion fairly. Victoria has some very pretty areas. Decent shopping, and a handful of treasures when it comes to food. I agree the school district is horrible. We have our children in private school, which there are plenty of really nice private schools to choose from. We have a wonderful church family, and if you watch where you go and when, especially where you live, (Buy or rent) you should be ok in the crime situation. Now, given that, the jobs here do not match what people are asking for rent and sell prices on the homes. As far as crime, the majority of what I have seen is gangs and illegals. We have quite a bit of an illegal problem. We are currently planning on leaving next year. For a number of reasons mainly our own opinions and problems witht he area. If you come with an open mind and have done your research well you should be ok.

N45BA-well said, and all is the truth!

My wife and I lived in Houston for more than 25 years prior to moving to Victoria in 1993. I wouldn't go back unless for a LOT of money.

Yeah, there's crime in Victoria -- there are places where I wouldn't go in broad daylight much less at night. Of course, I have no reason to go there, so it isn't a problem for me. My neighborhood is kinda the way I like to fly...dull, boring and uneventful. But, I didn't come here for the night life. Victoria has what I need and most of what I want. What I want that Victoria doesn't provide, can be found in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, or Corpus Christi -- all within about an hour and a half.

You live in Oklahome, so you're no stranger to heat; you might enjoy the humidity :)

It's a pretty religious town. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a church of some kind. If that's not your cuppa tea, there are several bars (some nicer than others), one strip club, one multi-screen theater, one half-deserted mall, a Sam's.

Unlike some people on this forum, I'm crazy about Victoria...It could use some fresh blood if they'er not big time Sooner fans.

COME ON DOWN!!!

Victoria is a terrible place to live. My wife and I moved from Tulsa and we wished we lived somewhere else in Texas. Victoria has a poor police chief the assistant city manager runs the PD even though she has never been a cop.

The school district in Victoria is more interested in saving money than providing a quality education. The school district makes excuses why quality education cannot be achieved.

Move to Texas, but not to Victoria

It all depends on where you live, but I've never had a problem. Course I've never lived near downtown where the problems seem to be as far as guns and such.

Instead of relying on what you see here, why don't you contact Chris or Felix at the Community Services office of the Victoria Police Department for an accurate assessment of the crime rate here in Victoria. They would also be the ones to answer any questions you might have as to what law enforcement is doing about crime in our city.

The guys can be reached at 361-572-6868.

Circusmommy, thanks for checking in and looking into Victoria. I have grown up here and have also lived in San Antonio for three years. I, too, have 3 kiddos. As a father I feel much safer here that when we lived in San Antonio. I am sure Victoria has crime and gang stuff, but it is also a smaller city. I compare the feel much similar to a small college rather than a large university which I think is why it is safer.

Have a great day!

Victoria is pretty safe! I feel secure living here!