Newsviner is Winter Texan

News Type: Event — Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:52 AM EST

travel, economy, texas, medical, aging, seniors, aged

Old Fogey's Home on the Range, Rockport, Texas

Quiet, comfortable neighborhood. Little grass, almost no upkeep. Laid back lifestyle.

Our Community Building across the pond. We have dancing, bingo, yard sales and other social gatherings in the park. An indoor swimming pool is to the left of the willow.

Winter Texan? Aren't they all that in winter in Texas? Nope, Winter Texans are those people who move from homes elsewhere to Texas for the Winter. Some will say why would anyone go to Texas for the Winter. Look at the ice storms in Dallas - Fort Worth. Look at how Amarillo gets so cold and socked in with snow. The big secret, in more ways than one is South Texas. South of Houston, South of San Antonio. Some think they have to go to the Valley, the Rio Grande to be warm but places farther north like my Rockport, just a few miles north of Corpus Christi, remain mostly balmy all winter long.

Large numbers of Northerners move to Texas for up to six months every winter. They come from all over. My friends are mostly mid-American, but we have people from Hawaii (kind of a mystery) and Alaska, lots of Canadians but the Heartland from Ohio to Colorado supply most of the people who come to live a leisurely, laid back life style among others who have reached a mature level of life but still want socializing and recreation.

Texans can be proud. Unlike some places, Texans call us Winter Texans, not Snowbirds which can be derogatory at times. Texans treat us like we are the real thing and with good reason, we bring money they would not otherwise see. I will have to get a count of Winter Texans but that is difficult because the number climbs upwards each year. I would guess several million are included in those who swell the size of places like Rockport (approx 10,000 to maybe 35,000) for much of the Winter. The valley has become a large metropolitan complex. From Brownsville west to Mission it is becoming like any large city. Traffic, congestion and growing and maintaining pains. Construction is a constant.

Many of us live in rather secluded and out of the way parks. Ours, the Circle W RV Ranch, is even gated. Others go to the valley and live shoulder to shoulder. So, what is the big draw beside warmer weather? For some it is Mexico. There is a steady stream of cheaper prescription drugs and not so cheap liquor coming from Mexico. For some seniors it can be said that the Mexican drugs not only provide them with life sustaining medications, they also provide them at affordable prices which allow for the annual trek.

Although prices of real estate and all commodities are rising just like everywhere, south Texas living can be much cheaper than up north. Less heating costs, plentiful foodstuffs from local farmers as well as from Mexico. A year round spot for an RV where the owners only occupy six months or less can be less than $1500/year. Electric and propane are high but we learn to conserve. Most of us are over 65. We party, dance, and socialize big time but at low cost. A beer and some cheese goes a long way toward making Happy Hour happy.

I could go on and on about the benefits and glories of a Winter in South Texas but I am running out of steam here. I will add articles as the audience desires. Thanks for reading this. Come visit some time.

15 Votes
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3.5

{"commentId":1281181,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

There may be more to this story. For the more adventuresome there is a video available (13 meg) Here! If you get close to Rockport, come visit.

{"commentId":1281181,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

5 votes

#1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:52 AM EST

{"commentId":1282392,"authorDomain":"Pasi"}

PasiDeleted

{"commentId":1281203,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

rottlady

South Texas sounds great! I don't blame you for going there. Seems a little windy there. Watch out for goose poop! ;-)

{"commentId":1281203,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

4 votes

#2 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:05 AM EST

{"commentId":1281212,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Haven't stepped in any yet. Wind not as bad here as down on South Padre or eastern valley. Good morning and thanks.

{"commentId":1281212,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

3 votes

#2.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:09 AM EST

{"commentId":1281387,"authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

Eddie French

This side of the pond we generally go to Malta (If we decide to head out for the winter)

{"commentId":1281387,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

4 votes

#3 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:20 AM EST

{"commentId":1281687,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

I used to have a girlfriend in Dingli. Ever go there?

{"commentId":1281687,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#3.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:17 AM EST

{"commentId":1281929,"authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

Eddie French

No, never. I have been to Malta only as a tourist on short breaks. Because British seniors can collect working and state pensions in Malta, they tend to winter there.
I don't have a pension yet.

{"commentId":1281929,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

2 votes

#3.2 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:18 AM EST

{"commentId":1281956,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Eddie, as far as I know, Americans collect social security and pensions regardless of where they go. In our family we have a Scotsman who was in Merchant Marine during WWII and he collects some kind of pension although he is now a US citizen living in Ohio.

{"commentId":1281956,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#3.3 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:23 AM EST

{"commentId":1282113,"authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

Eddie French

That's really cool.
The EU hasn't lived up to the promises at all in that respect.

{"commentId":1282113,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"eddiefrench"}

1 vote

#3.4 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:57 AM EST

{"commentId":1282864,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Eddie, just because we raise hell with our government and dump tea, that doesn't mean we don't know which side our bread is buttered on. We are all proud of our triumphs. We just need to trim our bushes and straighten up around the house.

{"commentId":1282864,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

#3.5 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:13 PM EST

{"commentId":1281398,"authorDomain":"jnealis"}

jnealis

Ya know my wife and I were thinking about moving there permanently, she has alot of problems with her joints and the Indiana winter is way too much for her. I tried getting her to come to Iraq with me, but you could probably guess what her answer was.LOL By the way how is the employment rate down in that neck of the woods..

{"commentId":1281398,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"jnealis"}

4 votes

#4 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:30 AM EST

{"commentId":1281708,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

jnealis, like most places you can find work if you want it. The whole area is growing and changing as we write. A lot I almost bought in 2001 for $8000 is now $40,000. Lots of fishing, we have an Oyster Festival in March. Road construction is major. Of course anyone anticipating a normal business operation has to take into consideration the big population fluctuation. Along the coast the change isn't so great because of people from all over Texas coming there to fish and boat in summer. Haven't been here but gets hot as Hades.

{"commentId":1281708,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

#4.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:24 AM EST

{"commentId":1281815,"authorDomain":"jnealis"}

jnealis

Haven't been here but gets hot as Hades

So does iraq, but that doesn't mean I would like it on a permanent basis I guess. Although the fishing sounds nice

{"commentId":1281815,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"jnealis"}

#4.2 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:54 AM EST

{"commentId":1281898,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Sandfleas and/or flies are not a problem here. And only the ducks are being shot at right now.

{"commentId":1281898,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

#4.3 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:11 AM EST

{"commentId":1281950,"authorDomain":"jnealis"}

jnealis

Good point about the flies, I can't say I would really miss those much.

{"commentId":1281950,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"jnealis"}

#4.4 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:22 AM EST

{"commentId":1281465,"authorDomain":"warners"}

rwarner

I hope you have a wondrous winter, no matter where you are.

{"commentId":1281465,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"warners"}

4 votes

#5 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:04 AM EST

{"commentId":1281721,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

It used to be Florida but we got run out by cost. North of Okeechobee not bad but we love the Keys and $100 a night to park an RV is steep for us. Plus everything else was going through the roof when we found Texas in 1998. The other thing is I didn't like being called a Snowbird? Ever hear of a Winter Floridian?

{"commentId":1281721,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#5.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:27 AM EST

{"commentId":1281574,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

ShaunV

I am glad there are other advantages besides the warm weather.

Do you miss the snow??

{"commentId":1281574,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

2 votes

#6 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:45 AM EST

{"commentId":1281727,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Two years ago Rockport had it first snow on Christmas since the late 1800's. We missed it because we had gone to the kids North of Houston for Christmas. Otherwise we miss no snow. Or cold. Or ice. Or....well, you understand.

{"commentId":1281727,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#6.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:30 AM EST

{"commentId":1281653,"authorDomain":"jyuma"}

Johnny Yuma

Nice video.

{"commentId":1281653,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"jyuma"}

2 votes

#7 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:10 AM EST

{"commentId":1281742,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Johnny Yuma, thanks for letting me know. I wonder how many get to see it.

{"commentId":1281742,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#7.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:33 AM EST

{"commentId":1282090,"authorDomain":"markthemuse"}

Mark The Muse

Sounds nice. Out of curiosity, how's the winter humidity. I spent a winter in New Orleans, and even though it wasn't that cold 40's or so, the high humidity just sort of "sank" right through me.

{"commentId":1282090,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"markthemuse"}

1 vote

#8 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:52 AM EST

{"commentId":1282123,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Being close to Gulf and Aransas Bay means moisture but you don't have to be far inland, less than a mile in most places, to escape the really damaging stuff. Because prevailing weather is from the SW, this is not one of those places your clothes and leather mildew as long as there is normal air circulation. We have been leaving RV with only 1 vent in bathroom open and have never had a moisture problem after 5 years of it being on its own. Our biggest problem (and we like them as opposed to being bothered) is a tiny, little tree frog that likes to come inside some times. Thanks for stopping in Mark the Muse.

{"commentId":1282123,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#8.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:00 PM EST

{"commentId":1282152,"authorDomain":"markthemuse"}

Mark The Muse

No, oldfogey thank-you for the nice story. Now that you mention it the SW prevailing wind would make a difference. I think the wind in NO was coming right off the water.

{"commentId":1282152,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"markthemuse"}

#8.2 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:09 PM EST

{"commentId":1282888,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Actually the prevailing wind is from SE but the air mass moves to NE. Regardless, we have pleasant balmy weather most of the time. Right now clear as a bell, 75 degrees and 65 humidity. Just call if you ever need a local forecast.

{"commentId":1282888,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

#8.3 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:19 PM EST

{"commentId":1282917,"authorDomain":"mscyprah"}

Ms CYPRAH

Most of us are over 65. We party, dance, and socialize big time but at low cost. A beer and some cheese goes a long way toward making Happy Hour happy.

I am soooo jealous! I think you wrote this, Old Fogey, to deliberately lure me from Britain. It sounds so wonderful, especially the social aspect of it. Well, I like challenges so, let's do a deal: you find me a really fab hunk looking for a gorgeous, scintillating gal, and I will be on that plane like a shot!

Lovely post, in your own engaging and inimitable style. Thank you.

{"commentId":1282917,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"mscyprah"}

#9 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:28 PM EST

{"commentId":1283158,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Hey, I probably could find somebody but most of the guys I know could never keep up with you, doll. Besides I would be concerned for their health. I am still not over the heartthrob I had on seeing you for the first time on video. Love and thanks for your comment.

{"commentId":1283158,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#9.1 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:37 PM EST

{"commentId":1283196,"authorDomain":"mscyprah"}

Ms CYPRAH

You are such a smoothie, Old Fogey. Heartthrob? And where was your dear lady friend when you were enjoying yourself so much? ha ha. Men can be so greedy. :o)

But, I suppose only the strongest will do, as you rightly say, otherwise they might keel over just at merely seeing me..:o)

{"commentId":1283196,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"mscyprah"}

2 votes

#9.2 - Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:49 PM EST

{"commentId":1284463,"authorDomain":"Plethorarosie"}

Plethora Rosie

Hi Old Fogey,

I lived in San Antonio when I was pregnant with my first-born. Then I lived in both Houston and Rosenberg when I was expecting my middle child.

I didn't like San Antonio all that much, but I loved Houston. I went fishing of a pier in Corpus Christi once. That was a great experience...you drop your line, and you got a bite within just a few minutes.

{"commentId":1284463,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"Plethorarosie"}

2 votes

#10 - Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:05 AM EST

{"commentId":1284649,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Ah, Denny's at Rosenberg. Been there a long time. Almost all else at that plaza had been gone and come again. I like Houston North, don't know about much of the rest. Kids live in The Woodlands.

{"commentId":1284649,"threadId":"190909","contentId":"1171488","authorDomain":"farmer"}

1 vote

#10.1 - Wed Dec 19, 2007 5:16 AM EST

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"190909","isPrivate":false}

OLDFOGEY

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Newsviner is Winter Texan

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