For decades, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas has been a favorite destination for retirees from the Midwest and Canada looking to head south for the winter to escape the snow, ice and cold, harsh weather. In addition to the warm, semi-tropical climate here in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Winter Texans frequently tell us they enjoy the friendly people here, the many activities available to enjoy in the mobile home and RV parks and resorts, and the camaraderie with other Winter Texans who spend three to six months in South Texas each winter.

Besides the warm weather, they come because it’s fun!

But is it safe?

With all the news about immigrants and border walls, some folks up north have wondered if it is safe to come down to South Texas for the winter.

If you talk to some of the residents at Chimney Park RV Resort in Mission, they will tell you how safe they feel. The park is located right on the Rio Grande River in Mission.

James Kropenske of Chimney Park said he believes it to be one of the safest places in the United States.

Located on the river, the park has a boat dock. The US Border Patrol, Texas Game Wardens, and Coast Guard, all use the dock to get their boats out on the river, so their presence is constant in the park.

Any time of day, you can look out and see the Border Patrol driving through. James said, he doesn’t mind that at all, and neither do other residents. In fact, they have included law enforcement in their activities at the park. The individuals are always invited to lunches and other meals. They have worked out a plan for them to get half price meals – the meals are often paid for by residents that chip in, or pay the other half, so the park is never losing out on offering the meals at a discounted rate. They have even had the explorer groups – young cadets – participate in service projects in the area.

Cathy Sutton, who is at Seven Oaks Resort just a few miles away from Chimney Park, said she did a lot of research before taking the job in the Valley five years ago. She quickly learned it was the opposite of what all the news reports said about the border.

“It just isn’t happening here,” said Sutton of the border crossings and criminal activity. If it is, it isn’t happening anywhere close to them. She did mention she would almost be excited for some action to take place, but she is happy that it’s really quiet and the residents feel safe living there.

Several cities in the Valley – Pharr, McAllen, Brownsville, Edinburg and Mission – are often found in the top safest cities in the US and Texas.
But not only are you safe on this side of the border. Many Winter Texans and other residents also feel safe on the other side as well. Many Winter Texans often do go to Mexico, feeling quite safe when in Nuevo Progreso. This small border town is frequently visited by Winter Texans who go there for cheap prescriptions, low-cost dentistry and to enjoy the food and beverages offered at the local Mexican restaurants. Progreso hosts a big Tourist Appreciation Day celebration on March 21 of each year.

Susan Thomas, at Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, said she has always felt safe with border crossings. There haven’t been any problems in their park.

“It’s safer here than in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) where I grew up,” said Fred Kosanke, who starting wintering in the Valley in 2006. He says many border crossers with long future court dates go up north to find work.

Gordon Koch, from Cedar Falls, IA, has been coming here for 18 years. “I go to Progreso and it’s as safe here as any place in the country,” he said.

Steve Chyril, from Ontario, pointed out that Llano Grande Park, like many other parks, have their own park security, making it safer for residents.