"I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Bum Phillips, former Houston Oilers coach
Either named after a shoe or the incredible amount of talking you'll do here, Converse, Texas is a place where many people come and few people leave. The Lone Star State is home to several over-sized counties, cities, towns and villages, and residences in these areas sit on huge chunks of land. This is why so many people are moving to Texas to have a chance to get their own. Converse is located in Bedford County near the popular city of San Antonio, and unlike bigger areas surrounding it, Converse is only 6.3 square miles wide without a single drop of water in sight. Being that, it's located in the dead center of south Texas, the area is a virtual oven for animals, insects and people alike. In fact, this area has a humid subtropical climate, so you pretty much sweat to death in the summer and remain cool as a cucumber in the winter. Aside from being originally known as a railroad town in the 1940s, Converse doesn't have much history behind, but it is said to be haunted by ghosts, so that's pretty cool -- if you're into that sort of thing. Since the area isn't that wide, most homes and apartments are located within close proximity to each other, so all the businesses are pretty much within walking distance.
If you've heard enough and you've already started your car, reversed out of your driveway and started heading towards the border, there are a few things you should bring along with you to avoid disappointment
"I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Bum Phillips, former Houston Oilers coach
Either named after a shoe or the incredible amount of talking you'll do here, Converse, Texas is a place where many people come and few people leave. The Lone Star State is home to several over-sized counties, cities, towns and villages, and residences in these areas sit on huge chunks of land. This is why so many people are moving to Texas to have a chance to get their own. Converse is located in Bedford County near the popular city of San Antonio, and unlike bigger areas surrounding it, Converse is only 6.3 square miles wide without a single drop of water in sight. Being that, it's located in the dead center of south Texas, the area is a virtual oven for animals, insects and people alike. In fact, this area has a humid subtropical climate, so you pretty much sweat to death in the summer and remain cool as a cucumber in the winter. Aside from being originally known as a railroad town in the 1940s, Converse doesn't have much history behind, but it is said to be haunted by ghosts, so that's pretty cool -- if you're into that sort of thing. Since the area isn't that wide, most homes and apartments are located within close proximity to each other, so all the businesses are pretty much within walking distance.
Moo-ve to Converse
If you've heard enough and you've already started your car, reversed out of your driveway and started heading towards the border, there are a few things you should bring along with you to avoid disappointment.
Most rental properties in the area require you to have identifying documents before being able to view the actual apartment. You also need your identification documents to run a credit check and to fill out your application. However, you might want to look at the apartment and cruise around the area a little before paying the fee to run an application. Also, if you're looking for a pet-friendly apartment, you may want to call ahead of time to check the complex's pet policy.
Other documents to bring along with you are marriage certificate, tax papers, reference letters, and lease and work documents (such as your hire letter and contact details for your employer). Some apartment complexes may also want to see bank statements to show that you are financially able to keep up with the rent.
Looking to rent an apartment isn't the easiest of tasks in Converse, Texas since the area is quite small. If you do want to start your search, the best time of year to do so is in the fall or winter when the weather is much milder.
Converse is Too Good for Neighborhoods
Since Converse is so small, there isn't room for neighborhoods to sprout up around here, but there are a few local areas that residents travel to for fun, shopping and, of course, working. Also, if you're looking for an apartment complex near the most amenities, you may want to start your search in areas nearest to these neighboring towns: Alamo Heights, Live Oak, San Antonio, Universal City, Terrell Hills and Windcrest. See, this is the beauty of Converse -- you get to live in a small town, but you're still close to the big city to take advantage of the amenities.
San Antonio by far is one of the most popular destinations for fun and nighttime activities, since it is one of the biggest neighboring towns.
Come for the Beauty, Stay for the BBQ
Aside from roping the wind (a Garth Brooks reference), there are tons of museums in this area. Some of the most popular museums are the Holocaust History Project Incorporated, Department of Art and Art History, Texas Transportation Museum, Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, Alameda Museum and, of course, the historic Alamo. Looking on a map, this area looks a lot like the bullseye on a dart board, which just adds to its Texan gun-slinger, Old West appeal.
Although there aren't any waterways in the immediate area, most locals travel just southeast to Victor Browning Lake or Calaveras Lake to do a little fishing and R&R. Both lakes are located off of the 181 and 37 freeway.
If you like picnics, you'll fit right in. Most of the locals here enjoy barbecuing for most of the year since the weather is pretty pleasant and clear. The parks that see the most grill action are Live Oak Park, which has a beautiful lakeside view, Converse North Park and Converse City Park. Yes, there are many parks but this is still a pretty small town, and there aren't many bus stops in the area, so having your own transportation might be best -- unless you enjoy biking or walking.
Of course you can't be this close to Mexico without having a variety of authentic Mexican restaurants in the area, and many of these restaurants draw attention from nearby residents. The most popular -- El Sobreseto Mexican restaurant -- is the top local taco grub, serving up breakfast tacos, fajitas enchiladas and other well-known Mexican entrees. If you're not in the mood for Mexican, Converse has a variety of Chinese restaurants: China Garden, China Moon and China Sun.
