KnowYard Community

Doctor/dentist recs that take insurance and aren't booked 3 months out?

I've been trying to find a primary care doctor and a dentist for two months. Everyone is either not taking new patients, doesn't take my insurance, or has the next available appointment in August.

Texas inspection failed for the dumbest reason

Took my car for annual inspection. Everything works fine. Brakes good. Lights good. Emissions good. Failed because one of my tire pressure monitoring sensors is malfunctioning.

Best mechanic in town that won't rip you off?

I need a trustworthy mechanic. Not a dealership — they quoted me $900 for brake pads and rotors on a midsize sedan. I can buy the parts for $200.

I genuinely don't understand how people survive summer here

This is my first full summer in Texas. It's been over 100 degrees for 12 straight days. My car steering wheel could brand cattle. I burned my hand on the seatbelt buckle.

Is Texas getting too expensive or are we just not keeping up?

Groceries are up. Rent is up. Insurance is up. Gas somehow went down and then right back up.

Moved here from the northeast and this culture shock is real

Three months in. Some observations from someone still adjusting.

• People genuinely say "sir" and "ma'am" and it's not sarcastic
• The speed limit says 65 but everyone is doing 80 and if you go 70 you're in the way
• Restaurants bring chips and salsa like it's bread and butter. I am not complaining.

EV charging situation here is actually improving

Got an EV last year and was worried about charging infrastructure. Honestly it's gotten way better around here even in the last 12 months.

HEB vs Kroger vs Walmart: where do you actually shop?

I know HEB is the correct answer on the internet. But I want to know what people actually do week to week.

Anyone else feel like their electric bill is a second mortgage?

July bill just hit: $387. For a 1,600 sq ft house. Thermostat set to 76.

Who has the worst drivers -- your city or the one next door?

Every city in Texas thinks the city next to them has the worst drivers. It's like a universal Texas experience.

Parks and outdoor spots that are actually worth going to?

I've been here a while but I feel like I've only scratched the surface of outdoor stuff to do. I default to the same two parks every weekend and I'm getting bored.

What's one thing you wish you knew before moving to Texas?

Been here about a year now. There were things I expected — the heat, the big trucks, the BBQ obsession. All true.

Best Texas road trip you've ever taken?

Looking to plan something for a long weekend. Done the usual stuff close to home but want to go further out.

Best gym that isn't Planet Fitness?

Planet Fitness is fine for what it is but I've outgrown it. No squat racks, no deadlift platforms, the lunk alarm is embarrassing, and the gym is packed from 5-8pm every weekday.

Mexican food here vs actual Mexico -- am I wrong?

Just got back from a week in Mexico City. The food was unbelievable. Came home and went to my usual Tex-Mex spot and it hit different. Not bad, just... different.

Is Buc-ee's actually good or just a tourist trap?

Every time I stop at Buc-ee's I spend $60 on stuff I don't need. The beef jerky wall is mesmerizing. The bathrooms are immaculate. The brisket sandwich is solid.

Texas drivers... let's talk about it

I've driven in a lot of states. Texas is on another level.

What Texas stereotype is actually 100% true?

I've been here long enough to know which stereotypes are BS and which ones are dead on. The big trucks one? Absolutely real. Every third vehicle on the highway is an F-150 or bigger.

Whataburger is overrated and I'm tired of pretending

Before y'all come for me — I've eaten there plenty of times. It's fine. The patty melt is good. The honey butter chicken biscuit is legitimately great.

Moving from apartment to house: what nobody tells you in TX

Spent 6 years in apartments. Just bought a house. Here's what nobody warned me about.

• Lawn care in Texas heat is a part-time job. Mowing every week in summer. Watering constantly. The grass will die if you look at it wrong in August.
• Property tax hits different when you write the check yourself. In an apartment it's hidden in rent. Now I see the $8K bill annually.
• Everything that breaks is YOUR problem. AC went out the second month. $400 repair. In an apartment I would've called maintenance.

Best affordable areas that aren't sketchy?

Looking for a new apartment or maybe renting a house. Budget is around $1,200-1,400 for a 1BR or small 2BR. I know that's tight.

Best breakfast tacos near me -- GO

I need a solid breakfast taco spot. Not a sit-down brunch place charging $16 for two tacos on a fancy plate. I want a no-frills spot where the tortillas are fresh, the salsa has actual heat, and I can eat for under $10.

Side hustles that actually work in a Texas city

I need extra income. Not passive income guru stuff. Not dropshipping. Not "invest in real estate with no money down." Real things that real people are doing to make extra money.

Is now actually a good time to buy in Texas?

Interest rates are still elevated. Prices haven't really come down. Insurance costs are through the roof — literally, because of all the hail and storm claims.

Teachers in Texas -- how are y'all surviving on that salary?

Genuine question, no disrespect intended. I looked up the average teacher salary in Texas. It's around $57K. In a state where rent is $1,500+, property taxes are insane, and everything keeps going up.