Texas. Oh, Texas. As Californian originals, we certainly packed a whole lot of living in the short duration we were there before family obligations called us back home. Bandera seemed like a natural fit. Many thanks to Bandera for opening your arms to us like you did, even if you did frequently remind us “Don’t California my Texas,” to the extent it broke our hearts because despite the fact we supported our community so much, you really never knew us. We can’t comment on the whole state of Texas anymore than we could about the entire state of California, although Texans frequently will. Let’s face it, moving is a pain. Going to an unfamiliar community in an unfamiliar state where you don’t know anyone, even more so. It’s a huge investment in money, time and resources. But what we learned most is, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there really is no place like home. There’s not a day gone by since we returned to California we regretted. However, we know you still have questions, so let’s jump right in and get started.
Was Texas really freer than California? Not immediately. By the time Snowmeggedon hit Texas Hill Country on Valentine’s Day, 2021, we already had a contract on a Bandera house and eagerly looked forward to starting our new lives. While waiting for escrow to close, we discovered, just like California, the governor had a hard shutdown of businesses due to the Covid pandemic. Masks were still enforced, and limited people were allowed into stores, depending on how large the store was. Many stores were closed. However, unlike California, the Texas mask mandates were removed on March 2, 2021, by Governor Abbott. It would take another year for Governor Newsom to do so. Folks take their hats off and place them over their hearts during the Pledge of Allegiance and still puddle up singing the Star Spangled Banner. The pledge(s) and an invocation precede all public functions. Yes, Texas has its own pledge and it is recited following the national pledge of allegiance. If you’re being obscene or wearing an obscene piece of clothing around kids, someone may haul you off “to the train station.” However, obscene flags against the current president is acceptable on your property or truck, if not encouraged. Incidentally, we discovered Newsom Vineyards in Comfort, Texas, but we do not know if they are related to the California governor.
Did Texas live up to its pro-second amendment reputation? We were surprised to learn Texas was not already a Constitutional-carry state when we moved. Texas’ beloved motto of “Come Take It” was very popular and emblazoned on signs, bumper stickers and flags throughout the area. It wasn’t until June 16, 2021, when Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1927, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, (commonly known as the constitutional carry bill or the permitless carry bill) into law. Texans adore their guns and most people we met owned multiple. Buying guns is a simple process, and you carry it out right after your purchase. Gun shows are popular. Bandera has two gun stores. Note: Despite Texas’ gun toting reputation, we would like to point out that the abject failure and botched response by Uvalde police and other jurisdictions on March 24, 2022, during the Robb Elementary School massacre was bewildering, if not downright criminal. Our hearts goes out to families of the 19 children and two teachers killed during 77 minutes before police entered the school. Then officials lied to the governor. Uvalde is about 40 miles from Bandera.
Is the cost of living cheaper in Texas then California? Nope. Post 2020 pandemic the prices of homes escalated due to demand and lack of inventory, we paid the most for a house in Bandera than we had ever paid for a house in California but selling our house in California had worked out well for us for the same reason. Texas is one of only nine states, including Alaska and Florida, without a personal income tax. What you may not realize is homeowners in Texas pay some of the nation’s highest property taxes. Let’s face it, inflation has hit every state since the last election. Bandera has one grocery market called Lowes, resembling Jenson’s prices. There are two Trader Joe’s in San Antonio. H-E-B Central Market with its specialty items in San Antonio is like visiting Whole Foods. Grocery prices were about the same as the Golden State but gas is cheaper in Texas, although it was rising fast before we left. Merchandise at the Boerne Walmart is the same between the two states but the most surprising discovery was nothing is locked up behind glass like California, not even spray paint. Like everywhere, Walmart is encouraging self-check out though. Expect personal luxuries like hair and nails to be the same prices as California, maybe even more expensive depending on salons. Cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Houston have all the same problems big cities have; urban sprawl, homelessness and traffic snarls.
Are Texans friendlier than Californians? We know a lot of friendly people in California but friendships are harder to maintain, probably because we usually have to hit a few gridlocked freeways just to visit. Think Saturday Night Live “The Californians” skits. Most of the Texans we met were generous with their time and hospitality and we made friends quickly. Some of them became our best friends and biggest supporters and remain so to this day. Gentlemen hold doors for ladies. They may even tip their hat. We noticed we didn’t seem as invisible to Gen Z as we did in California. We appreciated being called “Sir” and “Ma’am.” Your friends and even new acquaintances will always greet you with a hug, even in the middle of a grocery store. Most salespeople, waitresses and cashiers in Bandera are very convival.
Are Texans good drivers? Well, bless your heart for asking. Our automobile insurance doubled after we moved to Texas. And for good reason. While most of the roads are smoother than California’s, and Texas has 80 mph speed limits on some highways, bad weather, deer and drunks present their own unique challenges. What we noticed most is Texans love to cut you off and cross the road directly into your path. Or they’ll zoom up on your rear bumper for a minute then pass. However, there doesn’t seem to be any mean-spirited intent about it. We never received half a peace sign from another driver. Remember, it’s a Texas law that the left lane is for passing only. Although marijuana in any form is illegal in Texas, you may be surprised how much you smell skunk weed on others in public settings, so one assumes they drove, or will drive, as high as Willie Nelson. Luckily, he uses a chauffeur.
What does Texas have that is unique to the state over California? Humidity. Unrelenting, sticky, frizzy hair, damp clothes, prickly heat rash, humidity. The much beloved H-E-B grocery store chain, Buc-ee’s extraordinary travel centers and a baffling loyalty to What-a-Burger over In N Out burgers. Texas shaped everything, including waffles and tortilla chips. Parades down main street for every holiday and event. Fire ants! omg–those tiny things bite like crazy and multiple bites can make a grown man cry. They are the spawn of the devil and bites will hurt for a week. Tex Mex food. You’ll have to hunt for authentic Mexican and Asian cuisine. Oh, and you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Local law enforcement are visible in Bandera, usually at the OST Restaurant, Sonic or Dairy Queen.
Why does Texas hate on Californians? To reiterate, most Texans associate California with its failed liberal political policies, whether former Californians came from a red county or not and voted straight ticket Republican all their life. It’s a point we obviously have stuck in our craw. We suspect even lifelong California Democrats get a bum rap. Ignorance is bipartisan. The fact that some former Californians moved to Texas to run for office and established leftist policies did not help Californian’s reputation. Or is the mistrust actually deeper? Texans assume many Californians are liberal rich snobs. Even former Californians assumes expats from the coast, larger cities, and especially Northern California, are likely well-heeled libs. Californians get blended in together like a Sonic milkshake. We wonder if Texans hate on mega ranchers? Or Texan oil magnates? Or former Texas governor LBJ for his alleged involvement with the assassination of JFK which led to his presidency? Or the Texas clock tower shooter? Or the siege and destruction of Branch Davidian’s in Waco? OK, I digress but my point is valid. Hating on people who simply want to become Texans should be the least of your worries. Y’all got a lot of your own problems before you start casting stones at others, Texas.
By the way, did you know that every person who died defending The Alamo for independence from Mexico in 1836 weren’t even from (what was to eventually become) Texas? Many know the famous names of James Bowie, William B. Travis, and David Crockett as men who died defending the Alamo, but there were about 200 others there during the Battle. These loyal men came from a variety of backgrounds and places, but all came together to fight for Texas liberty. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, y’all. Just sayin’.
One of the first places on our bucket list was to visit The Alamo when we first arrived to Texas.
When a Texan says “Bless your heart,” are they just being extra nice? No, Sir. The meaning of the phrase insinuates you are a moron. And they’ll say it with a sincere smile after you’ve shared some misfortune. Texans have a peculiar sense of humor, usually only appreciated by other Texans. And yes, Texans really do say “y’all” even if it’s singular, and “fixin’ to” when they’re getting ready to do something. Lunch is called dinner, and dinner is called supper. A “toad strangler” is a heavy rain. Texans call breakfast burritos, tacos. Oh, you forgot to bring something to share to your friend’s BBQ? Bless your heart.
What was our impression overall of Texas medical care? Frankly, we were probably spoiled by our medical system in Coachella Valley when we lived in Southern California, so the bar was set very high. Fortunately, we were never hospitalized in Texas, but did visit their ER on several occasions. Expect your doctor to come strolling into the exam room wearing jeans and cowboy boots. We had specialists for our particular issues, and attended physical therapy in Bandera, Boerne and San Antonio, so we were able to form opinions. We also acted on our new friend’s recommendations about their preferred doctors. We received Covid antibody infusions while we were sick but we had to travel to San Antonio to an infusion center. There seems to be doctor shortage, and in several instances we had tele-conferences with doctors in their offices without them. The nurse would wheel in a computer monitor on a cart and the “exam” would commence. Most doctors offered no online patient portals. We actually saw uncovered rusty and dusty instruments laying on a bare metal tray in an ENT exam room. John received superlative care at MD Andersen Cancer Hospital in Houston, but it was a 5-hour drive one-way from Bandera. We kept our Coachella Valley doctors like true snowbirds and made trips twice a year to California. One California doctor recently remarked Texas is another country. We cannot disagree. We realize the sentiment will be taken as a compliment and most Texans will smile upon hearing its description.
Are all Texans hardcore Republicans? We found out fast with local politics that Republicans eat their own then find other Republicans higher in the food chain to defend their questionable actions. Only 11% of voters in the county voted in a recent Texas constitution election; apathy, like everywhere, is rampant. And non-voters are some of the loudest complainers. Does political corruption exist? Name us a place where it doesn’t.
What community groups did you join? We transferred our American Legion memberships from California to Bandera, Texas Post 157 under the command of Retired Army Full Bird Colonel Susan Junker, a phenomenal community leader and volunteer. Jaylyn ran the post website until we moved. She especially enjoyed cooking and serving the public during the Legion’s free quarterly community breakfasts. Jaylyn joined the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 643 at Bandera Masonic Lodge in 2021 and volunteered with its charities and fundraisers. She was a frequent contributor and administrator to their Facebook pages, as well as a contributor to their website. Jaylyn joined the Republican Women of Bandera County, but due to drama within the ranks, eventually drifted away. We went to community meetings against an out-of-state energy company proposal to build the county’s very first solar farm in the area but it was finally shot down by the school board to rousing applause by the audience. However, it didn’t go away and from what we last heard the project was still going full steam ahead without the tax exemption the company had hoped the school board would provide. We also participated with hundreds of other locals during a search for a missing 6 year old boy who had wandered off from his folk’s ranch. By nightfall, he still had not been located. For a time, that boy belonged to all of us. Luckily, he was eventually found safe and sound by searchers the next day.
What do Texans like most? Other homegrown Texans. The Texas Pledge of Allegiance. The Texas flag. Talk of Texas secession. Senator Ted Cruz. Texas independence. The Alamo. Pew pews. Foods shaped like Texas. Decor shaped like pew pews. Pro-Trump flags. High school sports. Beef brisket. Jesus. Pickup trucks. Rodeos. Hunting. ‘Merica. Bloody beers. Drinking whiskey. Cowboy boots. Boudin. Long horns. Outdoor grills. Blue bonnets. Horses. Jalapeños. Republicans. Texas two-step. Kolaches. Listening to country music, preferably live. Fishing. Several of these activities are often combined and we certainly don’t condemn Texans for being creative.
What’s your proudest moment in Texas? Jaylyn was recognized as a Daughter of the Republic of Texas in recognition of her Great-Great-Great grandfather who came to Texas in 1834. They were Free People of Color and Choctaw. Later, her Cherokee kin came to Texas from Indian Territory and became Texas Rangers. Ironically, Jaylyn’s family has deeper Texas roots then many present-day Texans but she never shoved it down people’s throats when they attempted to beat that dead California horse again. For more info about Jaylyn’s Texas genealogy, click HERE for our separate article.
Jaylyn received her Daughters of the Republic of Texas certificate on July 24, 2022. Thank you to my GGG-grandfather Jeremiah Goins for paving the way!
What’s your best advice to retired Californians considering a move to Texas? You can’t find out everything about a place online without cowboy boots on the ground. Don’t be too hasty and buy a house right away. You cannot know what you will eventually know, without time. We recommend renting something suitable for at least 3 months before making the leap. By then, if not way sooner, you will have a good feel for the area and its residents. You will also be more familiar with other places you may have not known about or overlooked, which may benefit your needs much better. Keep an open mind, don’t judge too quickly. Join community groups and churches. Bless some Texans hearts and let it go. Please remember, these are our personal opinions. Your experiences may differ.
Will we ever go back to Texas? You bet! Texas will always hold a special place in our hearts. We hope that we can visit our friends and relatives again in the Lone Star State as time and distance allows. Texas is a big place. Like California, you can travel on highways for 8 hours and still be in the same state. We didn’t make it to the Gulf Coast but heard it is fun. Exploring Fort Worth, Stephenville and more of Austin is on our list too. We didn’t get around to meeting Chip and Joanna Gaines in Waco either. We’d also love to explore Fort Stockton and Big Bend in the desert regions of Western Texas someday too. Then we’ll go back home. Our Texas friends and relatives are welcome to visit us any time. We don’t mind if you Texas our California.
