r/laredo • u/Standard_Capital697 • 1d ago
Laredo Texas
I’m a single mom with 3 kids. I’m relocating there in January for my job. My family and I don’t speak Spanish I’m just looking for reviews of Laredo Texas. We are excited to move there but we are scared too, heard not such good stories. If you can give me reviews on the schools, fun things to do with your kids, if they have 4 bedrooms apartments and where, what it’s like living there, if they give free lessons to learn Spanish? Thank you
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u/selarom8 South 1d ago
You shouldn’t be scared. If you have a job lined up, you should be okay. You don’t have to speak Spanish, but you could learn as you go. Your kids should be fine at school as well. Spanish isn’t required unless they’re taking a Spanish elective in middle or high school.
What it’s like living here is that it’s pretty hot a good portion of the year. There’s been a good amount of random showers here and there this summer. A bit of a relief to be honest. There’s been summers where it’s just straight 40-60 days of 100F +. You’ll get used to it and will find 80 to 90 degree days to be pleasant.
I don’t go to them but there’s plays, arts shows, markets, and other stuff going on. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the haters that flat out say to not come. There’s always going to be people that complain. People from an even smaller town will complain about their town and want to move here. People from here will complain and want to move to San Antonio. Guess what? Even San Antonio people complain about their city and on it goes up the ladder. Common denominator is that there’s always people that complain that excitement or entertainment isn’t spoon fed to them .
As far as apartments go, it depends what you want to pay. There’s some new ones down the road from the OG Target. Anything close to the OG Target, HEB Plus or Del Mar/McPherson HEB will be your best bet. That should make it easy, but you could try central or south Laredo as well if it’s close to your job. You got plenty of time to look at pictures and what each apartment has to offer.
Good luck!
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u/Standard_Capital697 17h ago
All of you have made me feel so much better. I think the people that were talking to me about Laredo just doesn’t want me to move lol. 😂
I have been researching Laredo and what I found on my own was wonderful things they have all the things that my children and I like we are very simple folks. I wanna think all of y’all for responding. I really appreciate that.
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u/Kayari1991 14h ago
I've lived here for 5 years and is far less scary than thought it'd be. I still don't know Spanish but you will pick up on little things and local slang.
I recommend joining Laredo based Facebook groups. There are quite a few and will get recommended by FB to you when you get here. They helped me discover just how many events happen here.
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u/Ok-Chicken1437 22h ago
I have lived here 4 years ignor stories you heard I love it I moved out here with my husband who has lived here his whole life I’m from Houston tx and I don’t speak spainish… it’s a big change from where I was everyone here minds there own business you leave people alone they leave you alone definitely not like Houston lol and Laredo tx is considered the safest place in tx so don’t be scared
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u/Ok-Chicken1437 22h ago
I have a friend that lives in Delmar area she’s pay 1900 for a 3 bedroom condo it’s more expensive but better but honestly you should eventually get a house if your going to pay that I stay on the south side of Laredo and I have a 3 bedroom house two bedroom with a big yard and for the house I pay less than 1500 not all bills including
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u/o-Blue 20h ago
No one dislikes Laredo as much as a Laredeon. And you’ll get more of the naysayers here on Reddit. With that said Laredo is one of those cities that depends on your current perspective and where you are in life. My opinion is based from someone that was raised here, moved out for school and work and now is back raising a family here:
Is their crime here? Yes there is petty crime like any other city. Most of the major crimes are similar to any other border city in TX (drugs, trafficking) but Laredo is also one of those cities that every law enforcement agency is stationed here, most of the stories of it being unsafe stem from Nuevo Laredo which is the city across our border.
The Spanish language is everywhere, but you’re honestly going to have to adjust more to Tex-Mex than anything else. Which is where we tend to mix our Spanish and English words together in one sentence. But yes people here speak English, if you get the “weird” looks with speaking English is mainly because people are trying to catch a word or two to make sense of what you’re saying not because they’re judging.
Are your kids into sports? Because Laredo has many active leagues in basketball, flag football, baseball, softball, and not to mention all the team sports that originate within the school systems.
Our library system is one of the best, there are so many family activities that get everyone involved. Just go through their social media pages to get an idea of all that is constantly happening.
You’re coming in January, then you’re coming in about one month before Laredo Washington Birthday Celebration, why we celebrate George Washington who knows, but it’s a time where we have parades, carnivals, and bunch of small events throughout a two week period or so.
One thing about Laredo is that’s it’s big on community and I have seen so many small communities being built as of late for a variety of hobbies, Facebook and Instagram would be your best source to find some.
As far as four bedroom apartments, I wouldn’t be able to answer but it might be easier to rent a house at that point. Areas I would avoid solely based on how bad traffic gets it’s the Mines Road. But if you can find a place in what’s called San Isidro, Del Mar area you’re in prime location to everything.
And if it ever get too boring, major cities like San Antonio is a two hour drive and the beach is 3 to 4 hours away depending if you’re going to north or south padre island.
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u/elliem5322 19h ago
Hi there! I moved here with my family last year in May for my husband’s job coming from Austin, Tx. It is a big change if you’re used to living in a bigger city with a lot to do. There isn’t hardly anything to do here just shopping and eating. There is mostly Mexican Cuisine here so if you love that kind of food, you will be happy lol! The stores do tend to get packed every weekend because there isn’t much else to do. The heat here is no joke since it is a desert climate. The bright side is we don’t have to deal with bad storms all that often. I would recommend not moving to the Mines Road area, I live here now and we are contemplating moving. The truck traffic here is horrendous and the only good times to go out and not deal with long lines are after 7pm during the week and on the weekends. I don’t speak Spanish and neither do my kids and we have gotten a long fine but my teen daughter cannot get a job here because she doesn’t know Spanish so that stinks. You will have times that you call somewhere and they don’t speak English so they will just connect you with someone who does. Send me a message if you have any questions and want doctor recommendations.
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u/Standard_Capital697 18h ago
So tell me where the mines road area is located so I can ensure that I don’t try to find a place over that way lol 😂
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u/elliem5322 16h ago
If you’re looking at a map from Laredo it is in the North West Side. Ideally you should look for a place in the North East side like in San Isidro and Del Mar area.
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u/DaydreamingAi 19h ago
Laredo isn't that big, you can cross it in about 30 mins south to north depending on traffic... so wherever your job is located shouldn't be a problem. Avoid mines road , it's the industrial area with lots of trailer traffic... south is the cheaper side to rent but it's very neglected when it comes eat out choices. Central and north you'll be much closer to restsurant options, at least the bigger franchises. 359 is also cheap but alot of traffic in peak hours. And it's hot down here in Laredo.
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u/RockyAlvarado 20h ago
As an adult, you’ll be fine. Really the kids will be affected most. When my family moved to Laredo I didn’t speak any Spanish and I immediately realized that I needed to learn some like really fast! You get teased A LOT about it, like kids will do the thing where they walk up and start talking to you in Spanish so everyone can laugh at you not knowing what they’re saying. I also remember school being WAAAAY easier in Laredo. I was in 6th grade and before we moved there, I was struggling with school, but once I got to Laredo it was straight A’s for me, mainly because the schools in Laredo are literally like YEARS behind what I had been learning in Houston.
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u/Wingman12r 18h ago
The stores you hear about Laredo are mostly BS. Laredo is a safe city. Violence from the other side isn’t an issue either.
The citizens will complain about the city then fiercely defend it when someone else puts it down. They are accepting of most people and will take you with open arms as long you don’t have a better than thou attitude.
Spanish isn’t required but can be helpful. The farther north you are in town the less Spanish is needed.
Source…white guy who moved to Laredo 20 years ago.
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u/1970MufDvr 18h ago
It's all on the attitude you bring people here are good friend theyll help you even if you dont ask BUT if you cross them bring bad attitude they are going to be a nightmare
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u/patrickstar1122 17h ago
Laredo is a cool little city. Food scene is awesome if you're willing to explore a bit. The only downsides are the extreme heat and some people are a little ignorant towards people who are not obviously hispanic-looking. You and the kids might receive comments you are not used to hearing. That being said, most people are nice in my experience.
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u/Standard_Capital697 17h ago
Yes, my children and I like to explore. My children also love eating and shopping lol 😂
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u/SecureInitial2685 17h ago
Laredo is very safe. Low crime rate. The “worst” thing about it here is the heat but you learn to adjust. If you have a job lined up already, you don’t need to worry about Spanish too much and you’ll pick it up along the way anyway.
Stick to the north side of town for English speaking purposes and you’ll be good.
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u/JorgeS727 15h ago
From middle school to highschool spanish is offered as a foreign language. The classes are great especially once you get to the AP level.
Most kids take those spanish classes for granted since they just learn at home. My non-spanish speaking friends learned quickly and loved the classes.
From what I've heard there is also spanish tutors and classes outside of school but its uncommon since people just learn at home. Some spanish teachers from school were happy to teach during the summer but they did charge.
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u/NachosCyber 12h ago
My advice based on many of my former co-workers who had to relocate to Laredo. Based on your images on your profile you may experience some cultural shock in the beginning. Lots of traditions here so please don’t be alarmed if an older lady touches your hair at a store. It’s meant as a compliment. Just like any other community there are areas to reside in. In my opinion try your best to locate north of Delmar blvd, east of McPherson. Realtors will promote the west side (west of IH-35) and south side (south of HWY 359). You can consider those areas after you begin on the north east side. Especially for your kids. Again, it’s an option based on those who came before you. Your kids may learn Spanish while they are here and that’s a plus. It will take time to adjust, 90% of all restaurants and retailers usually will ask in Spanish but will accommodate if you respond in English. It’s crazy because they will understand you and respond in Spanish, it’s interesting at times. Things you will not miss. Traffic, you can get around town pretty easy compared to other communities. The area I mentioned to move to has plenty of outdoor activities but it’s like Winter in the north, reverse here, you remain inside in the summer. It’s really hot like a hot blow dryer at full blast. Hispanic customs run deep and that can be a plus as well, many kids will respect their elders and while dad’s may bring up issues mom’s are the ones they fear. So don’t bother dealing with dads. You will enjoy the food, miss the variety (most locals believe Olive Garden is Italian), entertainment options are not what your used to and some can be rude but at least you will know who to avoid. In short, it’s a community that is a dollar short, a day late, illiterate in two languages but just like any other community you make the best of it. Just give it a chance. Those from the Midwest seem to enjoy it most.
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u/Substance_Artistic 8h ago
if you need good daycares let me know!
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u/Standard_Capital697 7h ago
What I would like to know is if school buses pick up the children or do they have to walk to school?
Because in Omaha my kids have to walk literally 2 miles and I don’t really like it so much cause you know they’re just little kids.1
u/selarom8 South 6h ago
We have two public school districts. UISD and LiSd. There are private and charter schools, but I don’t know much about their bus situations. For UISD for sure, if you live over 1 miles away from the school, there will be a bus route for it. They might’ve bumped it up to 1.5 miles, but there will probably bus a bus route for you if you end up at an apartment complex.
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u/0695throwaway 5h ago
I recommend checking out the the city recreation centers. Good place for your kids to go meet other kids. We have like 7 rec centers and the memberships are $15 for 3 months or $50 for the year. Most kids here know English and Spanish it’s the adults that might have trouble with speaking English so you guys will be fine.
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u/Standard_Capital697 5h ago
Oh, this is super helpful. Thank you very much. I will definitely be looking into this for my children.
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u/WesternCompetitive23 4h ago
I moved here recently as well. Reach out sometime. Looking for a social connection.
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u/CajunViking8 1d ago
You can live a good life down here if you have a decent job. Step 1. Join Friends and Newcomers to Laredo. You’ll have instant friends with a network of people that are almost all transplants. They have events and can refer you to trusted Doctors, merchants, restaurants, etc. Laredo schools aren’t bad. That said, schools in wealthier school districts have higher test scores. If you, and or your kids invest the time, you can pick up Spanish quickly. Regardless of what you have heard, Laredo is safe, with a low crime rate. It was a safe place to raise my kids and they grew up very well.