D and I left first thing Tuesday morning for our first trip to TX. We’ve never been before and the first time we were going it was to look for a house. Crazy.
I have to say that I had a lot of expectations going into this trip. I had been looking at houses in one neighborhood for about two months. It’s a neighborhood a few people recommended to us. So, being the planner I am, I did my research. Lots of it. There was a YMCA, a little gym, Gymboree, pools, playgrounds and a local mall with Target, Hobby Lobby, Starbucks, Loft, and more. I was sold on this neighborhood. I pictured myself going to the Y to do a class each morning then taking AG to the parks in the afternoon with a little shopping before we headed home to make dinner. Sounds glorious, right?
Unfortunately, the neighborhood wasn’t what I imagined. I knew it would be a big community but I didn’t think it would be so big it would take 20 minutes to get from one end to the other. I didn’t think that mall I was looking forward to going or the Y that I planned on working out at would be so far from each other and even further from the houses we were looking at. I was completely overwhelmed. We both were. There were so many houses. So many neighborhoods and subdivisions and schools. Our heads were spinning after that first day. Honestly, we’ve heard so much about how great San Antonio was. We expected to come and fall in love. That didn’t happen.
Now, lets talk about the houses. Everyone said you can get so much more for your money in TX. In a way that is true. You can get more space. But, the houses we looked at in the neighborhood we thought we wanted were just under 300 for a 4 bedroom house with SOME upgrades. There was more space in lofts and some other open rooms, but we need at least 4 bedrooms. We want another child (in a few years), need a guest room (we will have our parents visiting a lot) and I need a closed room for my business (D doesn’t want to hear a sewing machine all night). Our house now has that all for us and although it’s not huge, it works perfectly. We only found that in one house in SA. But, the house was in the back of this neighborhood (city) and it would take D an hour to get to work with traffic. We were set on this house, even signed some papers. But after we left the office, I told D I didn’t feel comfortable going through with it. There is just too much up in the air to start making big decisions. Our house hasn’t sold. We don’t know the area in SA at all. We don’t know what the good subdivisions are and most of all, don’t know how long we will be in SA. Our plan at the moment is to transfer back to Tampa as soon as the job D took opens up here. It could be a year or two, which would be ideal for us. If that is the case, we want to save and be able to buy our forever home when we come back. So, we’ve decided to rent. We will be paying a lot more monthly but we know that in the long run, it is best.
Even though our trip was not even 48 hours, we were both so exhausted at the end. Mentally. Physically. We couldn’t wait to get home.
If you follow on IG you know that didn’t come without its hiccups. Our flight in SA was delayed 1.5 hrs on the runway because of mechanical problems with the plane. When we finally arrived in Atlanta, it was 30 minutes after our connecting flight was scheduled to leave. Fortunately, that plane didn’t have a crew, so it was still here. Unfortunately, they gave our seats away. Since my in-laws are in Atlanta, my MIL was at the airport waiting to DRIVE us back to Tampa if we missed this flight. My mom was watching the baby and she and my dad had a flight at 9am to Chicago for the weekend. We had to get home. After a few choice words from D, we finally were able to take the two last empty seats on the plane. An hour after we boarded that plane, we finally had a crew and were on our way home. We got home just before 2am. My mom was waiting on the couch and I just fell in her lap sobbing.
The whole trip was really emotional for me. I was selling myself on this move based on what I thought the city would be like. Even though it wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t what I expected. And things became more real. We’re moving. I won’t have my mom right there and it’s going to be hard. All of the stress, fear of the unknown and everything I was feeling just poured out of me at that moment. I needed a big cry and thankfully my mom was there. Sometimes you just need your mom.
I’ve had a few days to regroup and I’m doing much better and feeling better about everything. Renting takes a big weight off our shoulders. We don’t have to worry about selling and buying right away, we can get to know the area, explore and take time to get adjusted. My positive attitude is back along with my determination to make the best of this.
One thing I have realized over the past few weeks is how amazing the people in my life are. Well, I’ve always known this, but it’s just been magnified recently. My friends helped me get through this trip and were there, just a text away the entire time. Of course siding with me when I wanted to rent and hubs wanted to buy (thanks Britt & Britt!). Both of our parents have been amazing, offering words of support and doing lots of checking in on us. On top of that, I have some amazing blogger friends who have had the perfect things to say at just the right time!
This is definitely going to be a roller coaster of a ride and it’s only the beginning.
Hubs moves in 3 weeks and I am staying until our house sells.
Please say a prayer that this happens soon so that we can start our lives in SA together, as a family.
Hugs to you, Leah! I know it's going to be a hard adjustment but you are strong and you can do it! It's never easy settling into a brand new city! I think it's a smart choice to rent, especially if you don't plan on staying long term!
Ugh! I'm sorry friend! 🙁 I was hoping you'd fall in love with everything while there!
I agree that it's a smart idea to rent! Moving into a new city is hard enough. At least with renting, if the neighborhood isn't that great, or the commute is too long, you can move after your lease is up to something that may be a better fit.
Good luck!
It's always tough looking for a place to live in such a short time span! I love SA and I hope you'll enjoy it once you're in the Lone Star State!
Oh, I'm sorry that the trip wasn't what you expected. Sometimes I think we set our expectations so high that it's hard for them to be true!
I'm glad you have regrouped though and are seeing more positively now. I'm sure SA will be awesome…it will just take you some time to adjust. I live near my Mom (15 minutes away) and I can't imagine how hard leaving her would be.
Hang in there friend!
Sorry it didn't go so well. I don't blame you for renting especially if it may be a short term move. It will give you a chance to get to know the area.
Oh Leah…I'm so sorry. This trip can't be any indication of what SA will be like – it will be so much better! There's a Texas Blogger group I've seen floating around, maybe scope that out and start connecting with SA bloggers! It'll give you a support group in your very own (future) city 🙂