Moving to Texas

[tressa27884]

It seems most of what you are looking at is in the Paris area. Look at other areas as well, there are lots of nice little towns in east Texas.[/QUOTE]

If you give me suggestions for towns/cities/counties I'll look! Thanks

 

[tressa27884]

Mount Pleasant and Mineola are both nice towns. Greybeard has already weighed in on Lamar County. I don't know anything about Paris or Lamar county.

http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Paris-Texas.html

Enter towns you are interested in, in this site and look up the crime rate.

http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Mount-Pleasant-Texas.html

http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Mineola-Texas.html

It seems most of what you are looking at is in the Paris area. Look at other areas as well, there are lots of nice little towns in east Texas.

Thanks! These crime rates are horrible! Where would you suggest we look? I don't want to feel like I need to carry my gun with me everywhere I go.

 

[greybeard]

I 'carry' in only 3 cities in Texas. Houston, El Paso, and Paris.

Crime rating for the nearest town to me is in the 800s. And the climate here would be a substantial culture shock.

But, I lived in the town of Caldwell--Burleson County--for a few years, back in the mid 80s and it's still one of my favorite places to visit, and it is very much still a laid back farm/ranch community. We will again be there next month (Sept 10) for the Kolache Festival.

Crime rating for Caldwell Tx=64.
http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Caldwell-Texas.html
The problem there might be finding suitable farm property that is actually for sale--they kinda hold on to their farms thru the generations.

 

[tressa27884]

I 'carry' in only 3 cities in Texas. Houston, El Paso, and Paris.

Crime rating for the nearest town to me is in the 800s. And the climate here would be a substantial culture shock.

But, I lived in the town of Caldwell--Burleson County--for a few years, back in the mid 80s and it's still one of my favorite places to visit, and it is very much still a laid back farm/ranch community. We will again be there next month (Sept 10) for the Kolache Festival.

Crime rating for Caldwell Tx=64.
http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Caldwell-Texas.html
The problem there might be finding suitable farm property that is actually for sale--they kinda hold on to their farms thru the generations.

Thanks @greybeard , I'll add that to my search area!

 

[Latestarter]

A lot of the crime statistics are based on the "cities" and not so much the rural areas outside them. Part of the reason I wanted to be rural, but within reach of civilization for when I want/need it. Just out of curiosity, what are the carry/concealed carry laws in TX?

 

[greybeard]

About the same as everywhere else I suppose. Purchase a handgun, take the course, demonstrate safe use and a minimum of some 'limited' proficiency in using a handgun, take the written and firing test. Of course, you have to submit the fees, fingerprints, and filled out forms and wait for background check before the lic is actually issued. Evidently, one doesn't have to be very good at all to pass the live fire test. One of my nieces came by here a few months ago to practice the day before her test and couldn't hit the broad side of a 55 gal drum from 30' away, and still passed. (The test is at 15') There are some exemptions in the process for active, retired and former military members with honorable discharges and no felony convictions. There's a 1/2 dozen places within a 30 mile radius of me that give the course. Many businesses here have signs on the door prohibiting concealed or open carry on their premises.
steps to get Texas CHL
concealed carry

I've never seen anyone open carry here but it is legal now.
open carry as of Jan 2016

 

[Latestarter]

Thanks Greybeard, for the links and info. Most helpful.

 

[Baymule]

Open carry is stupid. Why advertise?

 

[NH homesteader]

My husband open carries sometimes. I concealed carry, always. Go NH, all we have to do is apply for a permit at the police station and if you pass their background check you're golden. No classes required.

 

[Baymule]

I just found this in Gilmer which is in Upshur County. Years ago, I lived in Upshur County and it was a nice place and still is.

http://www.realtor.com/realestatean...pruce-Rd_Gilmer_TX_75644_M85815-59266#photo24

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2408-Mustang-Rd_Gilmer_TX_75645_M84877-31357#photo0

Just stay out of Harrison and Gregg Counties, the city of Longview straddles both counties. I've lived in Longview twice-as a child and again as an adult. I wouldn't live there now. Good place to go shop, but then leave and go home.