We noticed a heavy DPS presence in Alpine, not surprising since highway 118 runs directly to the border and Brewster County is very rural. We always stay at the Lost Alaskan RV park just outside of Alpine. There are at least three DPS troopers staying here in RVs. Some are on day shift and others on nights, judging by when their vehicles are here.
The lady at the Visitor’s Center in Alpine told us that property values are out of control in the area. Marfa has always been expensive. But now property in Fort Davis and Alpine is being snapped up at exorbitant prices by out of town people looking for investment property, and they are turning homes that once were affordable for residents into Bed and Breakfasts for tourists. Sul Ross’s enrollment is down and the lack of students and limited affordable housing is causing problems for businesses.