what would the concerns bb owning vs. renting?

Start looking for housing right now.

There has been a housing shortage for a few years.

nu awlins ag,

My only rationale for renting vs. buying initially is that IF the drought persists longer than projected, it could be difficult to sell a home in Midland if you had to. When you do buy a home, you also might look at an area where you could drill a well. In an effort to tie this conversation back to your original post I will offer the following. Buying a home with a well (or somewhere you could drill a well) would impact what public school your child might attend.

I'm not trying to be a fear monger, but I would want all the facts if I were thinking about moving to the desert. FYI I grew up here and own a home here.

[This message has been edited by WW99 (edited 12/16/2011 11:35a).]

Wow, never thought of that, thanks. I frac for a living so we may need to start peeing in wells to get it done...

We've got plenty of salt water, just limited drinking fresh water.

I grew up on a farm and have watched the water table in this area drop for years. The drought and increased population is just an issue that we face in West Texas. It's obvious that when billionaires start getting involved with water, there is going to be money in it in the future. But like I said, just educate yourself before you make a decision. I wish you good luck.

[This message has been edited by WW99 (edited 12/16/2011 11:50a).]

Thank you. If I get the go ahead to move, like I mentioned earlier, I may be e-mailing/calling some of you.

I'm moving back. Struggling with rent vs buy. Both are at all time highs. Sure seems like the upside is a lot smaller than the down but what do I know.

Both of my kids went to Hillander and my daughter is now in GT classes at Midland High and my son is at Midland Classical. I would totally disagree with the post that it has a weak math program, MCA is MUCH MUCH more difficult and challenging than the public schools. I can compare my two kids class work and it isn't even close, in math or any other class for that matter. Does not have football, but offers every other possible sport.

Let me clarify why I said that - I didn't go to Midland Classical.

One of the engineering advisors at TAMU says that the students coming from Midland Classical are not prepared well to take Calculus their first semester.

Also, several of the kids I knew from MCA complained about their preparation. That doesn't mean they were unable to do it - I know several that did.

Maybe I'm wrong - was just telling what I have heard.

You may be correct about Calculus as my son has not taken it yet, I'm just going by what he has done and seeing what my daughter does at Midland High, just one year behind him in school.

Isn't there a new subdivision being built? Thought I read where one was being built that would have a pool, etc.

I think there are new ones all over. Stuff being built all over holiday hill area. Some stuff east of the country club. Off of Bulebird near Midkiff. Out near the football stadium. Think green tree is expanding. Not sure which one your taking about though.

the wife found it on line.

nuAwlins - saw you mention the St. Anns route so thought I'd chime in. Both my kids went to St. Anns from pre-k through 8th grade. It's an excellent school and both are now flourishing in the public school system. I wouldn't call the public schools here great or anything, but if they are in the AP/G-T system they will do well. St. Anns kids have a long history of doing very well once they get into the public schools after 8th grade where St. Anns stops.

As far as housing and subdivisions, they are building all over. Cannot build fast enough. Housing market is extremely tight.

I actually attended St. Ann's from kindergarten to 8th grade and then went to Midland High. I had no problem getting into the Gifted and Talented programs and athletically had a seemless transistion for both volleyball and basketball. I have 5 younger brothers and sisters that all went to St. Ann's and we all have great things to say about it (and to have us all agree on something is pretty amazing). Anyways, that is my two cents - hope it helps!

quote:

---

I'm moving back. Struggling with rent vs buy. Both are at all time highs. Sure seems like the upside is a lot smaller than the down but what do I know.

---

rent for anything halfway decent is ridiculously high right now.

I was lucky and found a place that is a little more than 1.25/sq. ft.

MidlandAGG, are you Derek?

My son is a junior at Midland Classical, daughter in 8th, and totally agree with MidlandAGG's assessment that Classical is very tough in all classes and has an excellent math program. Great preparation for college, even has a college like schedule. Not for everyone though. You have to make an 85 to pass and the curriculum is tough.

nu awlins, as far as peewee football and baseball.
Midland has GMFL (Greater Midland Football League), I believe is is 3rd grade to 6th grade. Kids from same elementary schools play together. Private School kids play for the Patriots or they can play on their local neighborhood Public School team. They have a super bowl at Grande Stadium every year. Well organized and really good coaching too.
Baseball is excellent for kids, I'm an old MidCity coach. We were always competitive with Northern LL and North Central LL. Northern and North Central have now merged and they are the dominant league now. Lots of select baseball here to if your kid is good enough to be picked up for that. New baseball training academy on 191 between Midland and Odessa.

Thanks for all the information!!! We have a meeting next week here in our office, so I should learn more about a possible move.

Any word yet nu awlins ag?

You had mentioned that your wife may want to speak to mine when I mentioned that my wife worked for MISD.

If it is related to teaching I think MISD is looking for more teachers right now.

.

[This message has been edited by AGGODDESS (edited 1/13/2012 10:26a).]

Yes, I was offered the position as a regional mgr. over two disiciplines. just have to wait and see what the offer is. they want me there yesterday. Thanks for asking. If everything falls into place, I'll be getting in touch with you in a month or so.

[This message has been edited by LoudestWHOOP! (edited 1/13/2012 11:51a).]

Looks like I could be moving the family there this summer.

Good luck and hope to see you soon.
Call a realtor.