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Old 02-15-2013, 01:07 PM   #1
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Texas vs. Florida for winter months

We will begin full-timing in the near future and would appreciate some input from those on the Forum who have spent time in TX for the winter months. We spend time in Florida during the winter when we have breaks from work, but quite truthfully we are becoming increasingly concerned with the increasing costs for RV sites during the winter months, especially in the south Florida regions (Sarasota south on the west coast) We have passed through Texas some time ago and found the people to be VERY friendly and helpful. Any thoughts on TX winter RVing would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!


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Old 02-15-2013, 01:12 PM   #2
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There are many threads right now discussing this topic. HERE's one. HERE's another.

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Old 02-15-2013, 01:20 PM   #3
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Sounds like this guy would rather you go to Texas.


As a second generation native Floridian, I can tell you that we got along very well prior to the snowbird invasion (starting in the late 50's). We didn't have to lock our doors and all knew each other. Divorce was rare, accidents were rare. In my whole High School career, we had zero pregnancies. People got jobs or went to college, Nobody "lived together". We didn't depend on the snowbirds at all (called tin can tourists). The things that snowbird complain about, traffic, left lane huggers, crowds, unfriendlyness, were pretty much unheard of in the presnowbird era. I might also point out that most of our politicians making these unliked laws are not native Floridians. Real Florida has left the building. As my Father used to say, Florida was ruined by the inventions of AC and mosquito repellant.
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Old 02-15-2013, 01:46 PM   #4
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I thought the idea of owning an RV was to be able to move around and experence the different areas of our country. We do Florida,Texas Arizona when we want to. I like the freedom. everybody tastes are different and their reasons for liking an area are valid.
So we visit....talk.....enjoy. Until we meet again
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Old 02-15-2013, 01:47 PM   #5
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Thanks for the link, RustyJC. It was very helpful reading the many observations that people expressed and their reasons for one place over another. I think that we will give TX a try and possibly, as one poster suggested, alternate years - FL then TX. My wife's biggest concern about TX is the crime, especially nearer the Mexico border. Of course, there is crime in Fl, too, but we have never experienced any - as yet.

Thank you again for your prompt response and the suggested readings!

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Old 02-15-2013, 02:09 PM   #6
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There is a + and a - for both.
Fl.is warmer.
Tx. "RIO GRAND VALLEY" has les traffic.
From what I am told TX. Is cheaper.
People are people every where. There are the
GOOD THE BAD ,AND THE UGLY.
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Old 02-15-2013, 02:40 PM   #7
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[QUOTE=bronk;1464499]We will begin full-timing in the near future and would appreciate some input from those on the Forum who have spent time in TX for the winter months. We spend time in Florida during the winter when we have breaks from work, but quite truthfully we are becoming increasingly concerned with the increasing costs for RV sites during the winter months, especially in the south Florida regions (Sarasota south on the west coast) We have passed through Texas some time ago and found the people to be VERY friendly and helpful. Any thoughts on TX winter RVing would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!


Bronk[/

Hi Bronk. We have never spent the winter any place except the Rio Grand Valley. We are very happy here. Yes the wind blows, but it reduces the humidity and "moosequitos]". Temperatures are very pleasant. People are extremely friendly. Very few east coasters and or new englanders. mostly midwest folks and Ontatio. Traffic is not a problem. you can go to resturants, grocery stores and even walmart and find better prices than home. ( we live in southern Indiana, 50 miles north of Louisville) crime is not a problem, those border war stories you see on TV are mostly south of the border. We have never locked our RV and the key is in the car. It is also a gated community (that does not mean high classed) The local people are very receptive of us Winter Texans, they realize that we are large contribitors to their economy.

This is our 4th year at FUN N SUN in San Benito, Texas (between Brownsville & Harlingen). This park is about 40 years old, at the peak season there are 800 sites occupied. There are more activities than you have time or energy to do. There is professional entertainment at least one per week and many times, twice per week. IF IF there is a charge for these shows it ranges from 4 to $6.many are free.

The rates are a few $$ higher than some nearby parks, but when you see the difference in activities available, and most at no extra cost, you will see why people return year after year. We will be back next year. Google FUN N Sun RV Resort, it will tell you all you want to know.

Hope I have been of some help Don Robinson 314 610 2622
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Old 02-15-2013, 03:55 PM   #8
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Texas is cheaper and less crowded.
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Old 02-15-2013, 06:34 PM   #9
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We're are in Tejas this year (Houston) our son lives here, but we prefer the San Diego area (Mission beach) which has more stable weather than Florida or Tejas!!! Everyone has their preferred area to stay in the winter. You have to try different areas to be able to decide for yourself. Good luck on you choice!!
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Old 02-15-2013, 06:51 PM   #10
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Ya know I have lived off and on in Florida for almost the last 40 years. From Jacksonville to Bradenton. Gone all over the state during all the seasons doing faires and festivals. There have always been snowbirds. From learning history snowbirds have been around for well over 100 yrs.

As for monthly prices for campgrounds do some searches on dogpile, google or bing or what you use for a search engine and look up "rv parks" "rv campgrounds" "rv resorts" or any other combination of terms. Add whatever town/city to the end of it. You will find there are lots more than you thought and you should find the mom and pop ones that are not in the books/apps. You should be able to find cheaper prices that way with more attention of service. And you should be able to find ones that include electric with the price.
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Old 02-15-2013, 07:08 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by srx-6 View Post
Sounds like this guy would rather you go to Texas.


As a second generation native Floridian, I can tell you that we got along very well prior to the snowbird invasion (starting in the late 50's). We didn't have to lock our doors and all knew each other. Divorce was rare, accidents were rare. In my whole High School career, we had zero pregnancies. People got jobs or went to college, Nobody "lived together". We didn't depend on the snowbirds at all (called tin can tourists). The things that snowbird complain about, traffic, left lane huggers, crowds, unfriendlyness, were pretty much unheard of in the presnowbird era. I might also point out that most of our politicians making these unliked laws are not native Floridians. Real Florida has left the building. As my Father used to say, Florida was ruined by the inventions of AC and mosquito repellant.
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Well, this may be another reason to come to Texas. I didn't realize that Snowbirds in Florida were responsible for divorce, pregnancies, living together, people not getting jobs, etc. WOW!!

Seriously, San Antonio in the winter is a dream. There is certainly a change in seasons but it is very mild most of the winter. The coldest it has been this winter here is around 28 but most of the days the low is in the 40's or 50's and the highs in the 60's and 70's. A colder than normal winter might get into the low to mid twenties for a few hours and the afternoon could be in the 60's. Lots to do being on the edge of the Hill Country and 2 hours from the coast.

Deep within my heart lies a melody, the song of ol' San Antone......ye ha!

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Old 02-15-2013, 08:39 PM   #12
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This our first yeas in the rio grand vally have been to fl many times in my opinion there is no comparison betwwen texas and florida. Texas is cleary better cheaper and friendlier. Right now you can rent a four month stay next year at a nice park for 1150.00 many parks r cheaper and some more all parks r plus electricity. We like it so much we bought ahome in a 55 older retirement park. Lot fees r only 59.00 a month. The people call us winter texans not snowbird they have many outings for winter texans.
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Old 02-15-2013, 08:41 PM   #13
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Did Texas Rio Grande Valley first year retired went back 3 more. Broke free and did AZ for the next 2 years. This winter in FL did not like it at first but now in south central, Arcadia kinda growing on us. Be a nomad bounce around try Texas for a winter try AZ. I think TX less expensive than the others.
I don't know which way I will go next year.
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Old 02-15-2013, 09:12 PM   #14
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This is our second winter in TX and we love it here. We stay in New Braunfels out toward the Canyon Lake area. We are on the eastern edge of what is known as the Texas Hill Country. The rates for an RV site in this area are under $400/month electricity included. Winter here is mostly on the mild side with most days being sunny and temps ranging from low 60s to high 70s during the day and dropping into the mid 30s at night. Last year we had only two mornings where we woke up to 28 degrees and this year we've had more than a few mornings where we woke up to 27 degrees. December and January were a bit colder than last year.

Like some have already said we are known as Winter Texans here and the local businesses and residents are smart enough to realize that having us here supports the local economy. Heck, we even have library cards. No matter where we have gone in this area over the last couple of years we are always made to feel welcome and at home. We had a fabulous summer this past year but when it came time to turn south again it almost felt like going home and once we got here it was great to see our friends from last winter.
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