Hello ladies,
I am considering moving my children and I to a small town outside of Paris, TX. Has anyone lived near or in that area? I heard drugs were a problem but I am assuming that is everywhere. I think the small town atmosphere and larger areas of land might be good for my six year old who has Aspberger's. "Green therapy" is what I have been told. If anyone has lived up there and has any opinions or suggestions (bad or good) I would appreciate it :) Any churches, sports organizations, community events, etc. would be helpful! Thanks so much!
E.
I have a friend with 2 small boys that will be relocating to Paris. Do you live there now?
the benefits of small town living are lots of space and beautiful scenery, privacy and small town friendliness sometimes. (often a myth) The drawbacks are services, shopping, restaurants. You really get used to driving an hour to most things you need. I love living in the country but I don't mind the drawbacks. I have lived in Paris for a while when I did travel nursing. I would suggest with a child that has some special needs you might get the country "feel" but closer to the myriad of services someplace like Sherman, Roanoke or Granbury. You still have to drive a little from some of these places but you can have a small place with lots of green.
Just my thoughts, may not feel right for you.
K.
Unfortunately I do not know alot about the Paris area, but I am sure if you called our former pastor who is now there at a church Rusty Hedges at First Methodist he could give you some insight. At least it is a name to start with and would have insight. We enjoyed having him for a pastor but with Methodist if pastors are told to move they move :)
E.,
Hi, my name is Lisa and I grew up in Paris, TX. I graduated from North Lamar High School in 1984 and I haven’t lived in Paris for approximately 20 years. My parents still live in Paris and we go back to visit friends and family.
If you move to Paris, I highly recommend living in the North Lamar ISD. From what I hear it is still the best school district in the area. I have many fond memories of growing up in Paris and have many lasting friendships from school. Most of the people are very nice and helpful. The demographic has grown more diverse since I left Paris. (Not that the change is good or bad, but different from when I lived there.) There are several good, strong, active churches in the area. One of my dearest high school friends has attended East Paris Baptist for years. The Paris Optimist club supports local children’s baseball leagues and there are some very good gymnastics organizations as well.
There are several industries in Paris that feed slow growth in the area. Campbell Soup and Kimberly Clark both have large production facilities there as well as Earth Grains Baking. The feel that I get from Paris now is it is a small town that wants to be a big town. Paris has it’s share of problems. There’s not a whole lot for the youth, and some adults, to do; so drugs and teenage pregnancy are big problems in Paris. And I’ve been warned not to go eat lunch or dinner at an establishment called “The Vault”. It’s on the square in downtown Paris. It’s supposedly a swinging and partner swapping club. I don’t know if there are actually more problems in Paris or if it’s talked about more. That’s another problem to be aware of; if you have never lived in a small town, get ready for the gossip. Everyone will know your business and you will know everyone else’s. My mother is shocked by some of the changes in Paris, but it doesn’t stop her from gossiping about them.
Your request for information on Paris was forwarded to me by a good friend. If you have more questions about Paris, I will sign up for this blog and you can ask more direct questions. If I don’t know the answers to you questions, I definitely have a network to find your answers.
Good luck!
Lisa
I grew up outside of Paris in Clarksville. I know a few people that have moved back to Paris or Blossom to raise their kids. There are several supportive churches in the area. I would caution you about education in smaller community. Be sure to check on which districts and schools have good services for your child. When you leave larger towns, you sometimes leave services that your child needs. Another area to look in East Texas would be Tyler or Mt. Pleasant. Both have small town atmosphere, but more services. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions about any of these areas. I grew up in Clarksville, but graduated from high school in Tyler.
I wish I had seen this sooner, but just in case I can help someone who's thinking of moving to Paris...don't. I've moved here twice (once as a child with my parent; left and returned later to raise my kids here). Both kids are grown now but I don't blame myself or Paris for one having issues with drugs and the law. Poor choices can be made anywhere.
If you enjoy riding a bicycle, be careful. There are no bike lanes or bike racks and the drivers don't share the road. On the up side, the cost of living is low!
I plan to leave as soon as I can secure employment in another location.
Does your 6 year old son who has Aspergers need any kind of therapy, like O.T., P.T. or speech? If so, I am wondering if such a small town provides such services. Definately check into that.
