Nopeville, USA
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2/12/2019
To each his own and all that but I must respectfully forewarn incoming military newcomers and dependents who don't prefer small towns: this place is kind of a drag. Personally, my family and I are all counting down the minutes to be headed elsewhere. Not only is the dental care a huge issue here (good luck finding a good dentist who will take Tricare and you have very few quality options of dentists who treat adult dependents 'in network') but the isolation can really start to get to a person quick! 4 hours to get to a city. If you love Whole Foods, Trader Joes or Costco start saying your 'goodbyes' because Walmart is kingpin around here.
We've been here almost a year now and I seriously feel like the poor dude in the movie "Misery". And the lady with the sledge hammer is the AFPC Assignment Manager who sentenced us here!
Most San Angelan's have been born, raised, schooled and will probably opt to die here and they really, REALLY love this place. The town pride is through the roof. Which is great! I'm happy for them! I however find the constant question, paired with eager smiles, of "how are you liking it? I know a great realtor in town!..." becoming very annoying. Sadly, most airmen DO end up having to reluctantly/resentfully buy so they don't have to live in their car while stationed here or pay more than their BAH for a crap hole apartment. The rentals we looked at that were available are very unkempt and overpriced. We settled in one that was under BAH so needless to say its a dump and I loath coming back to it each day. In fact the town as a whole has a very run down and abandoned feeling. Except for the juxtaposition of the modern Shannon Hospital which is "reeeal nice, Clark." and the library sandwiched between run down store fronts 'downtown'... *cue: tumbleweed...* Still, I can confidently say that 99% of the servicemen we come in contact with are restless and itching to go too. While the other 1% have accepted their fate and spend bukoo buck driving to San Antonio or Dallas each weekend. It also just feels really dirty and outdated here... and not pedestrian friendly at all. Anything less than a "duly" (sp?) truck pegs you as an "out-of-towner" and the education here is absolutely horrendous compared to where we just came from... And the crazies here are extra crazy from my experience. Super out there.Doing dangerous things like driving through Walmarts' to the cereal aisle for no good reason.
The pros: it's not Cannon or No Hope Pope...or India...so there's always that!
p.s., If you are a military family it is very advised to send someone ahead to solidify a living arrangement because I'm not kidding about military families living in crazy situations (like cars and hotels for months) while they figure something out and the base inn is booked up from other families who are trying to make something work (without being pigeon holed into buying that is). From this military wife to another...you've been warned, friend!
CJ | San Angelo, TX