Moving back down South

[TetraFish'n]

I was born in Southeast Texas, but I've spent most of my adult life in Idaho. I'm going to relocate in a few years and will be moving back down south. I work from home, so this will allow me to be more flexible when choosing a residence. Ideally, it will be a waterfront property.

 

I would like to find an area that provides the opportunity for lots of fishing. I'm looking north of Texas, because I would like a little bit milder climate. Scanning the maps, eastern Oklahoma looks promising.

 

So I'm just throwing this out there, looking for opinions. Where would you guys move if you had the opportunity?

[Catt]

Angelina county area has dozens of near by quality big bass lakes & excellent hunting opportunities.

 

 

[shovelmouth83]

i have friends that live in east OK. the fishing options are great there. lake Tenkiller, Grand,and also the Arkansas River. 

[Catt]

15 hours ago, shovelmouth83 said:

i have friends that live in east OK. the fishing options are great there. lake Tenkiller, Grand,and also the Arkansas River. 

 

I'll see your Tenkiller, Grand, & Arkansas River & raise you Rayburn, Toledo Bend, & Fork!

 

Sorry I had to ?

 

Got a nephew in Norman!

[EGbassing]

There are a lot of giant bass in Alabama. It does get pretty hot though.

[TetraFish'n]

Thanks for all the replies. I might should've added that I use a wheelchair due to a sci and tbi injury. So I am considering the need to have access to a reasonable size city that offers medical and adaptive equipment services. I know that makes my search more difficult, but I have some time to narrow down my options.

[bagofdonuts]

hot springs arkansas is pretty nice. lakes oauchita, hamilton, degray, and catherine all withing 30 min drive. less than an hour to little rock. lake hamilton is fully developed with lots of lake front housing options. 

[Tennessee Boy]

It's a big country with a lot of places to consider for the ideal lake home.  I'll mention one lake that I often dream of owning a retirement home on.

 

Wilson Lake in North West Alabama

 

Fishing - It's one of my favorite lakes.  It's a small lake on the Tennessee River.  It's a beautiful deep lake that is never crowded.   It's known for Smallmouth but has great largemouth fishing also.   It held the Smallmouth world record before that moved to Dale Hollow.  It's not well known although it was listed 13th on a recent list of top lakes in the south east on bassmaster.com.    Just minutes away is Pickwick Lake (#6 on the Bassmaster list) and Wheeler.  About two hours away you have Guntersville (#3 on the Bassmaster list). 

 

Lake Homes - When I'm fishing on Wilson,  I'm always impressed by the nice houses on the lake.  It's not littered with poorly maintained vacation homes like so many lakes.  It feels like a rich area but the cost of these nice homes are surprising low.  Check out realtor.com and you'll see what I mean.

 

Area -  North East Alabama is very nice area.  Florence and Muscle Shoals are very cool small towns.  The Muscle Shoals music industry and history gives the area a cool vibe.

 

[Catt]

Dallas Metro-mess!  ?

 

[Brad in Texas]

You don't avoid much summer heat in Oklahoma compared to Texas, but have some tougher winters.

 

Northeast Texas or far North Texas would put you near the big city you desire to be close to. We live on Lake Athens, so about 70 miles south of Dallas, about 30 miles west of Tyler. Tyler is a nice city of around 110,000 residents as I recall. Lakes? Everywhere.

 

Texas is just one of I believe 5 states with no state income tax. Depending on your personal situation, this could come into play.  *** Every time a Texas Ranger baseball player starts trying to leave for a California or NY team for more bucks as a free agent, the GM reminds them of all of the extra taxes, cost of living issues in other states.

 

Brad

[TetraFish'n]

You guys are providing some really good info. Thank you for the help.

[Jason Penn]

I would think east ok would be pretty good, or nw ar. Lots goin on in the fayetteville/rogers/springdale area

[kingmotorboat]

Southwest Louisiana has some of the best kept secrets in the nation. Still close to Rayburn and Toledo but also you have other amazing fisheries in your back yard

[Smalliefan2]

Chattanooga, Tn. Weather is nice , no hotter in July than Tx., La. or Al. #2 lake , Chickamauga, with G'ville about 45 minute drive. Great Smokies are less than an hour.

Work at home, whole city is fiber optic cable for the internet. No state income tax, property taxes low. Major medical facility here, plus support services. Atlanta is 90 minutes in normal traffic to downtown.