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Gulf Coast real estate...

jfrye01@live.com

By jfrye01@live.com
in OHANA NUI  -  OFF TOPIC SUB-FORUM

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jfrye01@live.com Mentor

jfrye01@live.com

Posted
Posted

Yep, we all saw this coming...this last cold snap has sent me over the proverbial edge...it's getting colder earlier every year up here in arctic hell, and I've had dreams of moving to S. Texas for years, but the more I think, the more I realize I could really live anywhere along the gulf coast. Texas would be preferable, as anywhere in the state is within a 10 hour drive home. Any PT'ers currently reside or have resided along the gulf coast?? If so, where would you recommend for a Kansas boy like myself?? ;))

Thanks!

-Jacob

El_Dorado.gif

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Jacob:

I lived in Corpus Christi in 1979, which I guess is a bit too long ago.

I went there on my way to Arizona (in January) and stayed in a motel, and said, "forget Arizona." Corpus is a large enough city to have a real economy without being a monster like Houston. On the other hand, it doesn't have the opportunities of a monster, either. A compromise, but worth it if you can make it work.

Texas has a great advantage in a vibrant economy overall. In common with California, it has a lot of many things, including first-rate educational opportunities. It also, unlike California, has a relatively reasonable cost of living.

If you can make it work, check out the small coastal towns like Port Lavaca, north of Corpus Christi. Ah, so nice.

Curious to see what others think.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Moose Grand Master

Moose

Posted
Posted

Tampa, Florida is on the Gulf too. Bigger city then Corpus Christi, reasonable land still to be had. Oh, so many more palms can survive there.

Coral Gables, FL 8 miles North of Fairchild USDA Zone 10B

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Tampa, Florida is on the Gulf too. Bigger city then Corpus Christi, reasonable land still to be had. Oh, so many more palms can survive there.

True, and, it has a vibrant economy too.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Palmaceae Grand Master

Palmaceae

Posted
Posted

Just a little further south, Cape Coral is still very reasonable price wise plus the fact you can grow many more palms than Tampa including coconuts. Nothing wrong with the Texas coast but I guarantee after a couple winters there you will want more, meaning a warmer zone. Yes you would be much further than 10 hours from home but only a couple hours by plane.

Lived in Cape Coral, Miami, Orlando and St. Petersburg Florida.

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
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Just a little further south, Cape Coral is still very reasonable price wise plus the fact you can grow many more palms than Tampa including coconuts. Nothing wrong with the Texas coast but I guarantee after a couple winters there you will want more, meaning a warmer zone. Yes you would be much further than 10 hours from home but only a couple hours by plane.

Hmm.

Home is where the palms are!

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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redant Grand Master

redant

Posted
Posted

Well, you know how to fly, FL would be way preferred over TX. That's not palm heaven at all.

Jupiter FL

in the Zone formally known as 10A

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Xerarch Veteran

Xerarch

Posted
Posted

Ya guys, Tampa averages really aren't all that much warmer than Corpus, Padre Island is 10a, I've seen lots of photos of royals, foxtails, and the like, even a few coconuts like the ones shown above. I know Texas is a little more subject to arctic invasions but even the ones of the last few years haven't been cold enough to kill royals on padre island. All in all I think the climate of south Texas is under rated for palms.

Corpus Christi, TX, near salt water, zone 9b/10a! Except when it isn't and everything gets nuked.

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jfrye01@live.com Mentor

jfrye01@live.com

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Lol...anywhere in zone 10 looks awesome to me!! Get this: Wichita dropped to 5F last night, breaking a record set in 1903...Keep in mind, average lows around here this time of year are in the 40's...Thanks for your input, everyone!! What it comes down to right now is cost of living first, then the climate...:) I'm sure it would feel very strange to be able to just throw a Washingtonia in the ground and not have to touch it again! :P

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jfrye01@live.com Mentor

jfrye01@live.com

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This is something I have been considering for a couple years now...everyone thinks I'm crazy for wishing to move simply because of climate...but I figure we're all like-minded here, right?? You all understand me right?:)

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

This is something I have been considering for a couple years now...everyone thinks I'm crazy for wishing to move simply because of climate...but I figure we're all like-minded here, right?? You all understand me right? :)

I do, because I did it, too.

It's nice to have the luxury of a choice. I'm glad I made the one I did. I've never regretted the big move.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Moose Grand Master

Moose

Posted
Posted

Ya guys, Tampa averages really aren't all that much warmer than Corpus, Padre Island is 10a, I've seen lots of photos of royals, foxtails, and the like, even a few coconuts like the ones shown above. I know Texas is a little more subject to arctic invasions but even the ones of the last few years haven't been cold enough to kill royals on padre island. All in all I think the climate of south Texas is under rated for palms.

Then a little further south is the Fort Meyers area. Seen some big Corypha there.

Coral Gables, FL 8 miles North of Fairchild USDA Zone 10B

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Ya guys, Tampa averages really aren't all that much warmer than Corpus, Padre Island is 10a, I've seen lots of photos of royals, foxtails, and the like, even a few coconuts like the ones shown above. I know Texas is a little more subject to arctic invasions but even the ones of the last few years haven't been cold enough to kill royals on padre island. All in all I think the climate of south Texas is under rated for palms.

Then a little further south is the Fort Meyers area. Seen some big Corypha there.

Then a bit further south, around the coast is Homestead . . . .

Big everything there, including Ken Johnson . . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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jfrye01@live.com Mentor

jfrye01@live.com

Posted
  • Author
Posted

This is something I have been considering for a couple years now...everyone thinks I'm crazy for wishing to move simply because of climate...but I figure we're all like-minded here, right?? You all understand me right? :)

I do, because I did it, too.

It's nice to have the luxury of a choice. I'm glad I made the one I did. I've never regretted the big move.

Yep...my only constraint is money...I'll have to live very frugally for years, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Had enough of the cold and seasonal depression brought on by four months of freezing cold...

El_Dorado.gif

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Xerarch Veteran

Xerarch

Posted
Posted

Ya guys, Tampa averages really aren't all that much warmer than Corpus, Padre Island is 10a, I've seen lots of photos of royals, foxtails, and the like, even a few coconuts like the ones shown above. I know Texas is a little more subject to arctic invasions but even the ones of the last few years haven't been cold enough to kill royals on padre island. All in all I think the climate of south Texas is under rated for palms.

Then a little further south is the Fort Meyers area. Seen some big Corypha there.

Then a bit further south, around the coast is Homestead . . . .

Big everything there, including Ken Johnson . . . .

Of course I have to grant you guys that, nowhere in Texas can touch Fort Myers or anything south of it. In fact, I was just reading that other thread earlier about some palm photos in Fort Myers, including Corypha.

South Texas is still pretty good though

Corpus Christi, TX, near salt water, zone 9b/10a! Except when it isn't and everything gets nuked.

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Xenon Grand Master

Xenon

Posted
Posted

Houston has a convenient connecton with I-35 in Dallas via I-45N. Houston is a warm 9a...plenty of queen palms and weedy washingtonia...Bismarckia seems to do well too

Jonathan

Katy, TX (Zone 9a)

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Xerarch Veteran

Xerarch

Posted
Posted

This is something I have been considering for a couple years now...everyone thinks I'm crazy for wishing to move simply because of climate...but I figure we're all like-minded here, right?? You all understand me right?:)

You're not crazy at all. It was 15 degrees here this morning in my part of WV, and I think that suuuuuucks. Climate is a major consideration for our next move after I'm done with school here. Can't wait to get someplace palmy

Corpus Christi, TX, near salt water, zone 9b/10a! Except when it isn't and everything gets nuked.

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Sandy Loam Veteran

Sandy Loam

Posted
Posted

Xenon, where were those photos taken? (the ones you posted in #8 above) Were they taken along the canals of Port Isabel, Texas?

By the way, I heard that the climate of Port Isabel, TX and the entire Brownsville, Texas area is something like that of Sarasota, Florida. Is that true?

When I was recently in Texas, everyone was referring to San Antonio as "South Texas." How odd. San Antonio isn't very far south compared to other parts of Texas, so it seems like a misnomer. I thought McAllen and Brownsville would be "South Texas." Moreover, the San Antonio winter climate is much colder than that of Brownsville/Port Isabel/South Padre Island, isn't it? (although I noticed that right down on the San Antonio Riverwalk seems to be its own climate zone, separate from the rest of the city)

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Xenon Grand Master

Xenon

Posted
Posted (edited)

Xenon, where were those photos taken? (the ones you posted in #8 above) Were they taken along the canals of Port Isabel, Texas?

By the way, I heard that the climate of Port Isabel, TX and the entire Brownsville, Texas area is something like that of Sarasota, Florida. Is that true?

When I was recently in Texas, everyone was referring to San Antonio as "South Texas." How odd. San Antonio isn't very far south compared to other parts of Texas, so it seems like a misnomer. I thought McAllen and Brownsville would be "South Texas." Moreover, the San Antonio winter climate is much colder than that of Brownsville/Port Isabel/South Padre Island, isn't it? (although I noticed that right down on the San Antonio Riverwalk seems to be its own climate zone, separate from the rest of the city)

The photos were taken somewhere in the Brownsville area. The water is from a freshwater resaca. Brownsville is a lot like Tampa...South Padre Island usually runs about 2 degrees warmer than Brownsville...but not nearly as warm as St. Petersburg. Lowest temperature since 1989 has been 28*F, long term average minimum is in the low-mid 30s. Going by the past 20-25 years, South Padre would average around 35F or slightly above, some years don't drop below 40F. San Antonio is much colder...even colder than Houston and on the low end of 9a. I don't remember any tender palms in the Riverwalk, haven't been there in a while though. The central core of Houston seems to be zone 9b.

http://exoten.dyndns.org/cgi-bin/hardy.cgi?function=2&index=0093ED573A17F96C (very nice Medemia argun and other tropicals)

http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/37818-the-rise-of-foxtail-palms-in-the-houston-area/?hl=%2Bcoconut+%2Boffice+%2Bbrownsville#entry588264

Edited by Xenon

Jonathan

Katy, TX (Zone 9a)

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

the huge trouble with TX is that the blue northers move down further south than even in mid-Florida, though you will get a few years before the hammer falls

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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