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McAllen, Texas, is a gem tucked away in the southern part of the state, right in the heart of Hidalgo County. Known as the “City of Palms,” McAllen blends affordability, opportunity, and a rich cultural tapestry.

McAllen is a perfect standout destination for anyone looking to build their custom home. Whether you’re a retiree seeking a peaceful yet vibrant community, a young professional eager to kickstart your career, or a family in search of a welcoming place to grow, the city has something for everyone.

If you plan to settle and build a home, McAllen could be a great place to put down roots. Here is why moving to McAllen is a great idea.

Affordable Living in McAllen

Housing in McAllen is especially affordable. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, you’ll find options that fit your budget. The median home price hovers around $289,900, significantly lower than the Texas average of $342,400 and the national median.

And it’s not just about the cost – McAllen offers a variety of homes, from cozy apartments to spacious family houses.

Beyond housing, daily expenses like food, transportation, and utilities are all easier on the wallet here. According to a study, McAllen is one of the most affordable cities in the United States. The overall cost of living in McAllen is approximately 13% lower than the Texas average and 21% below the national average.

The absence of a state income tax further enhances McAllen’s financial appeal. Combined with the city’s abundant amenities and job opportunities, McAllen offers a compelling package for those looking to make the most of their income while enjoying a rich, fulfilling lifestyle.

A Thriving Economy and Job Market

McAllen’s economy is as diverse as it is robust, offering a stable environment for job seekers and entrepreneurs alike. The city’s strategic location near the Mexican border plays a big role in its economic success, facilitating international trade and boosting key industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

If you’re in retail, McAllen’s bustling shopping centers and outlets are not just places to shop – they’re employment hubs. Healthcare is another major employer, with numerous hospitals and medical centers offering a wide range of services and plenty of job opportunities.

The supportive infrastructure, including well-maintained roads and proximity to the McAllen-Miller International Airport, only adds to its appeal.

Cultural and Recreational Riches

McAllen isn’t just about work and affordability. It’s also a city that knows how to live. The cultural richness here is something to behold, largely due to the city’s diverse population. With a strong Mexican influence, the city is a vibrant mix of traditions, flavors, and celebrations that make everyday life in McAllen a cultural experience.

In McAllen, the blend of Spanish and English creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. This rich cultural diversity isn’t just a feature of the city—it’s the heart of what makes McAllen special. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a career, or enjoying retirement, McAllen’s welcoming vibe and wide range of amenities offer a quality of life that’s hard to beat.

And let’s not forget the food. McAllen is a food lover’s paradise. The city’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, with options ranging from Tex-Mex to international cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty steak or want to explore new flavors at one of the five international markets, McAllen’s dining scene never disappoints.

Educational Excellence

For families and lifelong learners, McAllen is a city that values education. South Texas College is a standout institution, offering a range of programs that cater to the evolving job market. The college plays a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers, ensuring that the local workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a growing economy.

The city is also home to the award-winning McAllen Public Library, a community gem known for its innovative design and extensive resources. It’s more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a hub of learning and engagement for residents of all ages.

Healthcare And Well-Being

Health and well-being are priorities in McAllen, where residents have access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the region. The city is home to several top-tier hospitals, including McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart Hospital, offering a wide range of services from routine care to specialized treatments.

McAllen also promotes an active lifestyle, with numerous parks, golf courses, and recreational opportunities that encourage residents to stay healthy and fit. Whether you’re taking a jog in one of the city’s many parks, playing a round of golf, or participating in the annual marathon, McAllen offers plenty of ways to keep your body and mind in top shape.

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

Recreation is plentiful in McAllen. With enough parks, the city offers countless green spaces where you can unwind, play, or simply enjoy nature. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted by the nearly 20 golf courses, including disc golf, that cater to all skill levels. If you’re into running or community events, the annual McAllen Marathon is a highlight, bringing people together in the spirit of health and fun.

A true gem of the city is the Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center. This historic mansion and nature sanctuary is a dream for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of wildlife, observing a wide array of bird species in their natural surroundings. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates nature and conservation.

All in all, McAllen’s outdoor activities will keep you occupied year-round.

Safety in McAllen

McAllen, Texas, is one of the safest places to live in the United States, ranked as the third safest city in 2023. With notably low crime rates, residents can feel at ease in their daily lives. This isn’t just by chance. McAllen’s local government has made safety a top priority, investing in stronger police presence, community policing, and building trust between law enforcement and residents.

The city’s focus on safety means quick emergency responses and a secure environment, making McAllen a great place for families, individuals, and businesses alike. If safety is a key factor for you, McAllen offers the peace of mind you’re looking for.

Move to McAllen Now!

Ready to experience the charm of McAllen? The best RGV home builders can help you build or renovate your dream home in this vibrant city.

Liongate Builders is dedicated to crafting homes that reflect your unique style and needs, ensuring top-quality design and construction. Contact us today to learn more.

McAllen, Texas, is located on Texas’s southern tip, near the US-Mexico border, on the Rio Grande Valley. It is an excellent location for both living and commerce. A once rural and agricultural city, McAllen has become a metropolitan area in the Southernmost part.

The History of McAllen

The City of McAllen was named after a man named John McAllen, who donated the land to the Brownsville and Mexico Railway to guarantee that the train would come through the area. In 1904, the McAllen Townsite Company was founded, and they established a railroad depot in the new town. The place was initially comprised of an East and West McAllen. However, in 1911 the two areas were incorporated as an official town called McAllen. After an economic boom that resulted from the Mexican Civil War, the city was chartered in 1927.

A lot of agricultural items were grown and produced in McAllen over the early decades. Cotton, citrus fruit, corn, and grapes were just some of the crops that came off the land. From there, canning factories, tortilla plants, wineries, and citrus juice distilleries were built. Even oil was discovered in the rural town.

The industrial boom created a population boom. The citizens who resided in McAllen grew from around 1,000 people when it was first founded to nearly 12,000 in the 1940s. Workers and their families and tourists flocked to the town, searching for jobs, money, and pleasant weather. The area became a winter tourist destination for those from the colder North parts of the country and a point of entry to and from Mexico.

Due to its oil and industry supply, in the 1970s, McAllen built the first school in the United States with on-site power generated by natural gas-powered turbines. By 1980 there were over 66,000 people in the city.

The 1980s were a challenging decade for McAllen. The city had troubles with Mexico, a recession, and a killer freeze that decimated the citrus crop. But by the 1990s, McAllen was booming once again.

Today, McAllen grapples with daily border crossings of illegal immigrants from Mexico and an influx of border patrol agents who have attempted to stop undocumented people’s entry into the United States. Controlling drug trafficking has also become a daily occurrence. But that does not mean the city is not safe. It has very little crime.

The Climate in McAllen

If you enjoy a subtropical climate, McAllen is the place for you. Daily temperatures average from 50 in January to 98 degrees in July. It is not uncommon for the temperatures in the summer to sore above 100 degrees. There are two distinct seasons of wet and dry, as droughts are common from November to April, and hurricane season tends to impact the area from May to October. The city has only seen snow once in the last 80 years, where just over one-and-a-half inches accumulated on Christmas Day of 2004.

Why Should You Buy a Home in McAllen?

McAllen is a fantastic metropolis in Texas. There is a wide range of homes available for sale, with most falling into the contemporary-style category.

The crime rate is low in McAllen, and for the last two years, it has been named a Safe City in the United States. In 2019 it ranked number four out of 294 cities across the country. McAllen had one-fourth of violent crimes as the national average and zero homicides in 2018. Considering its proximity to the Mexican border, these statistics are quite impressive.

In 2019, there were over 149,000 residents in the city. The median home price was $123,900 and is rising.

There are plenty of jobs in the city, with the average travel time to work being under 20 minutes. The median household income is over $47,000; it is $59,700 in the state. Therefore, McAllen is considered a middle-class community.

With the median age being just under 33, McAllen is a young community, as well. Less than 13% of people are over the age of 65.

What does all of this mean? If you are looking for an affordable, safe and growing community, McAllen is the place to be!

It is also a great place to visit on vacation. There are unique museums and destinations to give you a taste of the city’s culture and people. Quinta Mazatlan, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, the International Museum of Art and Science, and Palm View Golf Course are just a few things you can enjoy while visiting or living in the city.

McAllen has been an up-and-coming city for decades. The destination has had a steady increase in employers, homeowners, and people since it was founded. To boot, it is one of the safest communities in the nation! Being just off the Rio Grande is a bonus.

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Building Your Dream Home? Move to McAllen!