We spent a few years in East Texas.. Oldest and her family is still there.. My wife's dauther and her family spent a couple years in Pflugerville...
I thinking my modest investment in my two Squires and Ibanez Geo were worth it.. My Squire Bullet is a no touch.. Won it in a drawing and is signed by several local Metal band and all of the members of "What Happened Yesterday" The Ibanez was a swao for a wreck of an old motor cycle.. The first Squier Strat a purchase at a garage sale which was pretty much brand new starter kit.
Good luck on your guitar endeavor....