In my eyes after 12 seasons in the Rio Grande Valley here is what I found.
Friendly locals and Winter Texans. Businesses that welcome us and even host welcome back and thank you parties. Numerous flea markets and produce & fruit markets. Music, music and more music, country, rock n roll, bluegrass and Mexican. Shows from Branson, Nashville and Las Vegas and more. Many celebrations and festivals. Surf fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing and deep sea fishing. World Birding Centers, National Butterfly Center, State Parks, nature centers and wildlife sanctuary's. Mexican Culture, food and music. Very good medical care and hospitals. Museums and local history displays. Lowest cost of living in the country. Plenty of room in the RV parks and retirement communities. Good weather most of the time, we have not had a killing frost in 4 or 5 years. Birds, butterfly's flowers, every kind of citrus fruit and tropical plants. Trips to Mexico for food, drinks, and shopping. MORE, MORE & MORE.
Negatives I see: Poverty and unkept property in some areas, long waits for medical appointments, some petty thefts, smuggling of drugs and people in area.
some cool damp and windy days.
Do I like it here, yes, the positives far outweigh the negatives in my book.
Disclaimer: I do not and have never worked for the chamber of commerce or tourist office.
pawatt
