So much potential, but so much apparent apathy
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1/15/2020
I've lived in the area almost 20 years. Strangest place I've ever lived. Population around 30,000 as of 2019. Pros are the proximity of places such as San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Austin, where you can go to shop, work, and get some decent meals, which you will have to do because Seguin can offer little. Finer dining establishments simply do not last here for some reason, and there is literally no place you can take someone for a special meal which includes ambiance AND excellent cooking. Retail shopping everywhere is taking a hit from Amazon, I realize, but places here to purchase clothing, etc. are few and far between, and are usually what my grandchildren refer to as "ghetto". There is one really good newer HEB grocery store, which is usually packed to the rafters with people, and the town could most assuredly use (and support) another. Education is abysmal, but if your kid is into football, you're in luck...the exorbitant school taxes are being used to build a new football stadium, which is already outfitted with one of the the largest jumbotrons in any high school in Texas. OMG. Speaking of taxes, according to tax-rates.org, "Guadalupe County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, and is ranked 331st of the 3143 counties in order of median property taxes." They are NOT kidding. Tax rates here are a scandal, and there seems to be precious little to show for it, other than a current mania for building sidewalks in the city of Seguin. The urban sprawl is beginning to affect the area...there are thousands of new homes being built in the area...but there isn't much to offer all these new residents, and a glance at Texas' water situation makes one wonder where the water will come from for all these new pools and St. Augustine lawns. Apparently local government and/or developers aren't all that concerned, but they should be. The crime rate is something that certainly should be paid attention to by anyone considering a move here. On the plus side, the hospital system is top-notch, as I can personally attest from my frequent trips there, both for myself and family members. There is a movie theater, a small amusement park, a really pretty city park and golf course (Starcke), a city pool whose fate is currently hanging in the balance, a small but busy public transportation system. Old downtown buildings around the square are being renovated by someone who apparently has both money and vision, but I can't help but notice that most of the buildings are empty and have been for a long time. The climate is only bearable in the winter months. Guadalupe County is less than 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico as the crow flies, and the heat and humidity are unbelievable during the summer months. Again, with a population of 30K and growing, along with an enviable position in reference to highways, natural features (the Guadalupe River runs right through town), and other cities, the town seems a lock for some really creative shopping, restaurant, and entertainment venues, but they're just not there. Prime real estate along interstate 10 is being used for light industry, and the jobless rate is quite low. Those who do not work are those who don't want to, because there are a lot of jobs. Not high-paying jobs, but you can make a (modest) living. As the king said in "The King and I", "is a puzzlement". Do your homework.
Dona | Seguin, TX