pinkytoe, There are many nice places to stay in the Valley. I would not consider Brownsville (based on visit) or South Padre Island (too commercial) for any long term stays. I prefer Pharr, Weslaco, McAllen but there are others like Mission and San Juan which I am sure are nice areas. If you are interested in mobile home living a booklet is put out about all the parks in the Rio Grande Valley. You may not like the Valley if you do not like wind because it is very windy. I like the wind in that there is always a breeze no matter the temp so it feels cooler.