"Don't worry about bitin' off more than you can chew. Your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think". - From "Don't Squat With Your Spurs On" by Texas Bix Bender
A lot of things are big in Texas, except the town of Angleton. On the smaller side of big, with only 18,862 residents, it leans up against the lower southeast side of Texas, about 42 miles south of Houston at the intersection of State Highways 288, 35 and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Moving to Angleton
The Cost
It depends on where and how much space you need, but rental housing will probably cost less than the rest of the country.
There are pet friendly apartments in Angleton. That can mean a hefty one-time pet deposit. If you have a letter from your last landlord confirming what a perfect gentleman your bloodhound turned out to be, bring it with you to your appointment with your new potential landlord.
Summer months are hotter than a pistol. Plan on spending a handy chunk of change for air conditioning, no matter what part of Angleton you're in.
Starting Your Search
If you want the best deals, start your search around the end of the Spring semester. That seems to be the time when most people are migrating. Plan on looking for a few weeks to find what you want.
Where to Look
Favorite rental homes in Angleton cluster around the Danbury area, near Angleton Danbury Medical Center. Rates are good and amenities can include a lot of nice features.
Prepping For Your Move
You'll need the "usual" to secure a rental property in Angleton. Have your credit score and a letter verifying employment and salary. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or Bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and a security deposit.
Living in Angleton
You can get anything you want at Angleton's Market Days. Citrus trees, vintage jewelry, handmade furniture -- someone is probably selling it at this humongous open air market at the Fairgrounds.
That's also the site of the biggest county fair in Texas: biggest rodeo, farm and ranch expo and BBQ cook-off. Texans take "bigness" seriously so when they say it's "big", you can take that to the bank.
Fit and fast folks love running 5Ks throughout the year. These are so popular that the Angleton Parks and Recreation Department offers 5K training classes to help racers ramp up.
Brazoria Wildlife Refuge is more water than land. Hike and bike the Bayou Trail. Cast a line for saltwater fish like Speckled Trout on Bastrop Bayou or Clay Banks. Spend a peaceful day watching the protected water fowl.
Dining
Barbecue is king here, and any restaurant worth its sauce has made its reputation on its barbecued brisket. One of the local-loved places in town is Duran's Bar-be-cue. Their comfy, casual dcor makes barbecue fans feel right at home. This is Texas, remember, so portions are big as well as tasty. Their brisket is outstanding, but plan to eat early as they often run out of it.
Shopping
Head up to Houston for heavy duty shopping, but visit some of the intriguing stores in Angleton.
Jeter's Old World Antiques and Gifts appears to be a cute, quaint shop with interesting, good quality items. But step inside the real heart of the store -- the adjacent warehouse -- and you can spend all day searching out that special something you can't leave behind.
Harlequin Antiques is a tiny, charming converted garage store, but the quality of antiques here is surprisingly good -- especially jewelry and rustic "smalls".
Cultural
Friday night football is the main event all over Texas, with rodeos hot on its heels. From high school to college level, football is the preferred cultural event, so hopefully you're a fan, if not of the game, at least of the cheerleaders and the band.
Brazoria County's historic 1897 courthouse Museum houses great old photos, documents and artifacts from Angleton's early days.
Austintown historic living-history re-creates life in a fictional 1832 Texas town. Re-enactors dress in authentic outfits worn back in the day and demonstrate what life was like then.
Getting Around
Expect to be heavily co-dependent on your car in Angleton. 94% of Angleton's population commutes approximately 25 minutes daily to work. Buses are basically non-existent.
There is an airport in Angleton, but it's used as a reliever airport for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field, and for general aviation services. It has no scheduled airline service.