What's it like to live in McAllen, TX?

Despite its reputation as a mere border town, McAllen is a very vibrant city that continues growing at an astonishing pace making a popular destination for new home buyers looking for the lowest cost of living around and offering a great place to call home.  McAllen metro area is a major city for medical, education, retail, international trade, tourism and manufacturing to name a few. A high quality of life and bicultural communities continue attracting all types of people from all walks of life!

McAllen brandishes a warm and receptive population as well during the winter months. Every year, thousands of our winter Texans arrive to the Rio Grande Valley area injecting more than $700 million into the local economy keeping our economy going as well.

Rankings

U.S. News analyzed 100 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.  McAllen is considered one of the best places to live for it's welcoming versatile culture and affordable real estate market often welcoming retired families and people looking for a new adventure. Above is a picture of the Historical Casa de Palmas located in the Art District in the heart of McAllen, TX.  

McAllen, Texas is Ranked

 #13 in Secure Places to Live

#14 in Best Places to Live

McAllen, TX Quick Stats

POPULATION:  143,751
MEDIAN AGE:   28.8
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:  7.9%
AVG. ANNUAL SALARY:  $43,810
AVG. MONTHLY RENT:  $661
AVG. HIGH/LOW TEMPS:  85.9/65.2
AVG. ANNUAL RAINFALL: 22.2 inches   
AVG. COMMUTE TIME: 22.1 min.

What's the cost of living in McAllen, TX?

McAllen is considered one of the least expensive metro areas to live throughout the nation. Residents well ussually spend way less than the national average on everything from home purchases, monthly rents, as well as everyday expenses like food, transportation and heath care.

 

 

 

What's the weather like in McAllen, TX?

McAllen experiences great year-round sunshine, rain, and even an occassional snow occurence (2 times in the last 25 years , but it does happen). Texans can enjoy the 80+degree winters. On the flip side, the summers can be a perfect time for a cooldown in a nice pool. High humidity is also prevalent throughout the year and winters can be quite pleasant here in South Texas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's the best way to get around McAllen, TX?

 

 

McAllen residents rely heavily on cars to get around. Even so, the median commute time from home to work is just 22 minutes. For those who don't own a car or live near the city center, the Metro McAllen public transportation intracity buses run on seven routes throughout the metro area and offer paratransit services. The metro region has emphasized its green agenda by introducing a couple electric buses. The buses feature a zero-emission propulsion system and charge wirelessly. The buses are the first of their kind in Texas.Plus, the metro area's bike-share program, BCycle, is a low-cost public transit option for citizens. Eighty bicycles are stationed in eight locations around the region, providing a convenient and healthy transportation option.The McAllen Miller International Airport, which recently underwent a major expansion, is just 2 miles from the city center. The airport is serviced by major airlines like American Airlines and United, which offer daily flights to both national and international destinations including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas and Mexico City. Ground transport is provided by charter bus companies like Greyhound.

 

 

 

Who lives in McAllen, TX?

 

 

McAllen's population is young, with a median age of about 28. Close to 80 percent of McAllen residents are part of family households, and nearly 40 percent of households in McAllen are comprised of families with children under 18 years old. Additionally, thanks to the metro area's location along the U.S.-Mexico border, the community is largely bilingual and bicultural.However, the region is also one of the poorest and most densely populated in Texas. Nearly 27 percent of people in McAllen fall below the poverty level, which is much higher than the statewide average of 17.6 percent.Overall, Hidalgo County, in which the metro area is situated, is largely Democratic, but has an emerging number of voters registering Republican. Catholicism is the predominant religion in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is there to do in McAllen, TX?

 

Located 70 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, McAllen attracts those who enjoy the water. Weekend pastimes range from pedal boating or kayaking in the metro area's Town Lake at Fireman's Park to taking day trips to the beach. But there are other ways in McAllen to enjoy the outdoors. Since the Rio Grande Valley is a major bird migration corridor, bird-watching is a popular activity too.McAllen is often referred to as the retail center of Southern Texas and Northern Mexico. In fact, the region's La Plaza Mall makes the most sales per square foot than any other shopping mall in the country. McAllen also has the largest single-floor public library in the nation, offering everything from a children's play area to an art gallery to a cafe. And the metro area's International Museum of Art & Science is an interesting excursion for adults and kids alike.Annual festivals, including the state's biggest lighted holiday parade and the Palmfest International Folklife Celebration in the fall, draw residents together. As far as nightlife goes, a mix of nightclubs, pubs and trendy restaurants comprise the metro region's entertainment district on 17th Street.