What You’ll Love About Living in McAllen TX 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 | Moving to McAllen Guide - Chapa's Moving Service (2024)

While once a small rural area, McAllen has seen exponential growth in recent years; its population is increasing by 0.75% annually. So many people are moving to McAllen, likely for its climate, attractions, and economy! Despite its expansion, you can still expect friendly faces and safe neighborhoods when living in this now urban city.

There are many pros and cons of living in McAllen, Texas. U.S. News named McAllen the 9th best place to retire in the Lone Star State, and Travel & Leisure Magazine recognized The City of Palms (McAllen’s nickname) as one of Texas’s hidden gems for retirement. U.S. News rated living in McAllen a 6.4/10, making it the second-best city to live in Texas. Some people adore its vibrant culture and diverse population, while others prefer slower-growing, less populated Texas cities. Learn if McAllen is right for you with our moving-to guide.

History of McAllen Texas

McAllen has a rich history dating back to 1905, when John McAllen, a Scottish settler and rancher, owned the land. While Mexican ranchers were the city’s main inhabitants for many years, tensions rose as White settlers began farms of their own. Today, McAllen is one of the main ports for American and Mexican trading; the Mexican population remains high, with 87% of residents boasting Hispanic or Latino descent.

What Is McAllen Texas Known For?

McAllen, Texas, is known for its mild winters, proximity to Mexico, beautiful wildlife, ample shopping opportunities, and for being an oil and gas production hub. McAllen is also considered a very walkable city, according to WalkScore, especially if you reside in the city’s downtown area.

In short, McAllen is a very nice place to live, boasting diverse demographics, beautiful weather, plenty to do, and a strong economy. Young families, natural enthusiasts, and CEOs alike all find this Texas city an excellent place to call home.

Where Is McAllen Texas?

McAllen, TX, is located in Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley at the US-Mexico border. This city borders Mexico, and Reynosa is a Mexican city located directly across from McAllen. McAllen is 81 miles from the Ocean, and the most popular beaches near the city are found in South Padre Island. Its Texas border town is Edinburg, but Raymondville and Santa Elena are notable nearby cities.

If you’re interested in exploring more of TX, San Antonio is 240 miles north, and Galveston is 340 miles northeast.

Other Cities We Service in The Rio Grande Valley

Chapa’s Moving Service provides relocating services to many cities in the Rio Grande Valley, including, but not limited to, Brownsville, Harlingen, Hidalgo, and Rio Grande City.

McAllen Information

• McAllen County: Hidalgo County
• McAllen area: 62.73 square miles
• McAllen zip code(s): 78501, 78502, 78503, 78504, 78505, 78539, 78557, 78572

• McAllen area code: 956
• McAllen elevation: 121 feet
• McAllen time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
• Closest airport to McAllen: McAllen International Airport is located within McAllen city limits

McAllen Population, Demographics, Racial Makeup, etc.

McAllen is a mid-sized city with a population of 142,210, which has increased by 3.1% since 2010. The city’s growth is attributed to the McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa International Bridge, its low cost of living, and its many attractions. McAllen’s population is diverse; the majority race is Hispanic or Latino: 87% Hispanic or Latino, 52.2% White (8.2% non-Hispanic or Latino), 26.0% two or more races, 2.8% Asian, 1% Black or African American, and 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native.

84.3% of McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA residents speak Spanish, so if you’re not Spanish-speaking, a language barrier with other residents may be an issue. Of the 759,143 residents over the age of five living in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA, only 15.7% speak only English.

Additional McAllen TX Demographics

• Structure types: 69% single family homes, 27% multi-unit, and 4% mobile homes
• Median household income: $56,326 (US $75,149)
• Poverty rate: 21%
• Median age: 34.4 years old
• Educational attainment: 81.4% have high school diplomas or higher, and 33.7% have bachelors degrees or higher
• Sex ratio: 50 males to 50 females
• Foreign-born population: 23.8%

Who Is Famous From McAllen Texas?

• Cristela Alonzo
• Abraham Ancer
• Viola Canales
• Jorge Cantú

Transportation - Major Highways, Public Transit, Walkable Roads

Three major highways serve people living in McAllen, Texas.

• Interstate 2/U.S. Highway 83 runs alongside the Rio Grande River starting at Laredo and enters the Rio Grande Valley at Rio Grande City. This portion of I-2 is the longest-numbered highway in Texas, spanning 906 miles from the US-Mexico border to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.
• Interstate 69C/U.S. 281 travels north-south through South Texas, connecting San Manuel-Linn to Edinburg, McAllen, and Pharr. Upon completion, I-69C will link with Federal Highway 97 and terminate at I-69W/US 59 in George West.
• You can hop on U.S. Route 83 Business in Harlingen and use it to pass through La Feria, Mercedes, Weslaco, Donna, Alamo, San Juan, and Pharr before entering McAllen.
• If you want to see Mexico, you should utilize the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge.

McAllen Public Transportation

The McAllen Metro provides public bus transportation to people living in McAllen, TX. The base rate to ride is $1 per person per trip. You can find the McAllen public transportation routes on their website.

Air Transat

McAllen International Airport (MFE) serves 2.4 million guests annually and partners with American Airlines, United, and Allegiant.

Cost of Living in McAllen TX Compared to State & National Average

McAllen is an affordable place to call home! PayScale states that housing is 45% more affordable than the average US city, and grocery costs are 17% lower. McAllen is a very cheap place to live thanks to its low housing cost and no state income tax.

Cost of Living Index

McAllen boasts excellent affordability, especially compared to other popular Texas cities. Its cost of living index is 79, making it 21% less expensive than the average US city.

Typical McAllen Living Expenses

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $12.00
• Gallon of milk: $3.52
• Pound of white rice: $1.39
• Loaf of white bread: $2.36
• Pound of local cheese: $4.25
• Average McAllen utilities per month: $375 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

Can You Afford to Live in McAllen?

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four residing in the McAllen/Edinburg/Mission metro area must earn $77,990 annually to live comfortably, making this city an affordable place to call home.

The living wage calculation for McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, explains one adult working full time (with no children) would have to earn $18.14 per hour to live above poverty; two adults (one working) with one child must earn $30.36 per hour. A family of four—two adults (both working) with two children—would have to earn $20.95 per hour to live above poverty.

Taxes

After moving to McAllen, TX, you’ll be expected to pay taxes. Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the country; the average effective property tax rate in the Lone Star State is 1.60%.

• Property Tax: The property tax in Hidalgo County, Texas, is $0.57500 per $100 of assessed property value, putting the property rate at 0.575%. This is before your homestead is accounted for. If you owned a home assessed at the median home price in Hidable County ($240,000), you would pay $1,380 per year in property taxes or $115 per month.

• Sales Tax: The sales tax rate in Texas is 6.25%; McAllen’s is 2%, making the minimum sales tax rate 8.25%.

• Income Tax: There is no state income tax in Texas.

McAllen TX Real Estate

Housing costs in McAllen are low; the average home price in McAllen, TX, is $286,000, which is well below the US median home price of $420,800. According to RedFin, the housing market is only somewhat competitive as homes will sit on the market for a median of 53 days, and only 3% sell above listing price. Homes for sale in McAllen, TX, have an average price per square foot of $142, which is down 2.7% since last year.

Rent in McAllen TX

Renting here is affordable compared to other popular Texas cities. According to RentCafe, the average rent in McAllen, TX, is $949 per month for a 909-square-foot unit. People renting in Austin pay $1,707 per month for an 863-foot unit.

Best Places to Live in McAllen TX | Safest Neighborhoods in McAllen TX

Here are the top McAllen neighborhoods you should consider calling home.

Arts District - Culturally Rich Area

If you’re moving to McAllen for its rich culture, then the city’s arts district is the place to be. The district is a hub for creativity and artistic expression, offering a plethora of galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions. It is home to the McAllen Creative Incubator, where artists and entrepreneurs can collaborate and showcase their work.

You have access to virtually all basic amenities, as it's a very walkable area near plenty of shops, parks, and activities. Its low cost of living is another attractive attribute that sets it apart.

Downtown McAllen - Ideal for Young Professionals

Downtown McAllen, TX, is home to ample entertainment, restaurants, bars, and commercial activities. This area is ideal for young professionals interested in exploring a new city and its offerings.

Basic amenities are easily accessible, as most anything is within walking distance. Most people in the downtown area rent, but some homes and condos are available to purchase.

Royal Oak Estates - Family-Friendly McAllen Community

Royal Oak Estates in McAllen is a luxurious gated community known for its custom-built homes and upscale amenities. Residents enjoy a private clubhouse, fitness center, and landscaped parks. With 24/7 security and a prime location near top-rated schools, shopping, and dining, it offers a blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience.

Honorable Mentions

• Fairway Grande - Borders McAllen’s airport
• Tuscan Estates - Upscale private community and one of the safest neighborhoods in McAllen, TX
• Country Club Terrace - Country club living with premier golfing facilities
• London Court - Easy highway accessibility

McAllen Weather & Climate | Low Hurricane Risk But High Temperatures

Living in McAllen, you will experience a hot semiarid climate (Bsh), according to the Koppen classification. McAllen experiences hot summers and mild winters. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The average high in the warmest month (August) is 97 degrees.

Winter Texans adore the year-round great weather; however, hurricanes are a factor to consider due to the city’s location near the ocean. Hurricane Dolly (2008) and Hurricane Hanna (2020) are recent storms the area has experienced.

McAllen has an average annual rainfall of 22 inches and snowfall of 0 inches. Residents experience around 223 sunny days per year. In short, the weather in McAllen is great, but the best time to visit is mid-April to mid-June; this way, you can enjoy warm weather activities at the nearby beach.

McAllen Restaurants - Best Places to Eat in McAllen TX

Unlike the rest of Texas, McAllen is known less for its BBQ and more for its diverse cultural offerings. You will find American, Mexican, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean eateries to enjoy. However, Tex-Mex is the most notable dining option here. After moving to McAllen, you’ll have over 700 restaurants to try!

Don Pepe's

Don Pepe’s offers classical Mexican favorites, great service, and a friendly atmosphere. Popular menu items are thechile relleno and parrilladas. This long-standing eatery is one of the best restaurants in McAllen and is a must-try after relocating here.

306 N McColl Rd, McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 631-8516

Black Bear Diner

Black Bear Diner is a popular chain that spans many western US states. Popular menu items are their chicken fried steak, french toast, cornbread muffins, and sweet cream pancakes. Although it's one of the most popular restaurants in McAllen, TX, it has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for families.

600 W Expy 83, McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 468 - 2935

Il Forno a Legna

Il Forno a Legna is one of the best restaurants in McAllen, credit to its wood-fired pizzas and modern spin on traditional favorites. It boasts a full liquor bar, an extensive wine list, and a diverse menu; its most popular dishes are chicken marsala, calamari, and lamb marsala.

3817 N 10th St #5, McAllen, TX 78501, (956) 688 - 9528

Things to Do in McAllen - What McAllen Residents Love to Do

Explore the top things to do in McAllen, Texas, below.

Top Attractions in McAllen

• McAllen Nature Center - commonly referred to as the McAllen Botanical Gardens, you can enjoy walking trails, birding areas, and its various educational programs.

• Municipal Park - This area features sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for family outings and community events and is one of the top McAllen attractions.

• Sky Park Kids - This fantastic place for children to stay active and engaged in a safe setting features trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses.

• McAllen Municipal Pool - A community pool for swimming and aquatic activities that offers swim lessons, lap swimming, and recreational swim times, making it a popular destination for families and fitness enthusiasts.

• Quinta Mazatlan - Stunning estate highlighting the rich heritage and ecological diversity of the region. This tour is one of the top things to do in McAllen for history buffs.

• Kids Wonderland - Let your kiddos expend some energy at this indoor play center. It’s one of the most fun things to do in McAllen, TX, as it provides a fun and safe environment for children to explore and play.

• Veteran's War Memorial of Texas - Looking for free family things to do in McAllen TX? You can honor the brave men and women who served the country at the Veteran's War Memorial of Texas. This poignant site offers a place for reflection and remembrance, with beautifully designed monuments and informative displays.

McAllen Entertainment & Art

• Nuevo Santander Gallery - One of the most popular art galleries in the city. It features local artists and an exquisite collection of fine art and historical artifacts.

• McAllen Performing Arts Center - Experience world-class entertainment at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art venue hosting a variety of performances, from Broadway shows and concerts to dance recitals and theatrical productions. It can be a romantic outing or fun for the whole family!

• McAllen Creative Incubator - A creative incubator that offers a dynamic space where artists can collaborate and innovate.

Museums in McAllen

• McAllen Heritage Center - Explore the city’s past at this local museum, which showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight its rich cultural heritage.
• International Museum of Art & Science - Here, you can enjoy contemporary art collections and interactive science exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages.
• Play Street Museum - If you’re looking for cheap things to do in McAllen, Texas, bring the kids to Play Street Museum, an engaging play space with themed exhibits and hands-on activities. Children 1 - 8 years old cost $14 per visit.
• La Placita - Located in 1936 post office, explore the old photos and artifacts at La Placita, a beloved McAllen museum.

McAllen Parks & Outdoor Activities

• Fireman’s Park - One of the best McAllen, Texas, parks offering a playground, picnic areas, and a serene pond, perfect for kids or a and relaxing afternoons with your s/o.

• Archer Park - This charming historic site provides walking trails, green spaces, and a beautiful gazebo for community events.

• Zinnia Park - This McAllen park features lush greenery, a splash pad, and sports courts, making it a favorite for outdoor activities and family fun.

• Bill Schupp Park - You will find an expansive playground, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths here. It’s family-friendly and cheap, making it a staple for many people living in McAllen.

Shopping in McAllen Texas - Top Shopping Centers in the RGV

• La Plaza Mall - La Plaza Mall is one of the best shopping centers in the Rio Grande Valley. Popular stores include JC Penny, Dillards, Macy's, Foot Locker, and Sephora.
• Palms Crossing - A 389,620 square foot outdoor shopping mall in McAllen with countless stores to choose from; 7.2 million visitors shop at Palms Cross annually, and most are frequent flyers!

• Shops at 29 - Offering a laidback experience and go-to stores like Burlington and Ulta.

Map of Things to Do in McAllen TX

Explore more things to do in McAllen with this handy map!

McAllen Sports

McAllen provides a handful of professional sports team. Texas Thunder is a professional baseball team that is part of an independent baseball league. The McAllen Packers is a minor league baseball team tthat’s part of the Texas Valley League.

Is McAllen Texas Safe?

According to the FBI, crime in McAllen is low:

• McAllen, Texas crime rate per 100k people: 2,016
• Texas crime rate per 100k people: 2,691
• US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346

• McAllen violent crime rate per 100k people: 85
• Texas violent crime rate per 100k people: 447
• US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388

• McAllen property crime rate per 100k people: 1,931
• Texas property crime rate per 100k people: 2,245
• US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958

The homicide rate in McAllen is 2 per 100k people, compared to Texas’s 6.6 and the nation’s 6.5.

McAllen is safer than most cities of similar size in Texas:

Waco, TX, sees 67.8899% more crime than McAllen, and Midland experiences 18.9086% more crime. McAllen is 1.72117% safer than Lewisville.

McAllen boasts an extremely low crime rate compared to Texas and the US. Property crimes and violent crimes are sparse; the City of Palms experiences 81% less violent crime than its state and 14% less property crime. The McAllen Police Department has 286 award-winning officers protecting the lovely individuals living in McAllen!

Economy & Jobs in McAllen TX - Poverty Rate, Employment Opportunities, & More

While McAllen does have a poverty rate of 20.98% and an unemployment rate that’s 1.9% higher than the US average of 6%, there are still many career opportunities for people living in McAllen.

According to the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the Mcallen-Edinburg-Mission Region has 20.9 billion MSA GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and employs 359,780 people. McAllen produces over 3 billion in gross retail sales tax annually.

McAllen’s leading industries are international trade, health services (medical trade), and retail; food and beverage production and transportation are prominent in the region. Duro Bag Manufacturing, Frito-Lay, Inc., H-E-B, Hi-Tech Plastics, Inc., Mission Paving, Mission Shippers, T-Mobile USA, and Texas Citrus Exchange are top employers.

Explore the data regarding the top-traded industries by employment. You’ll see that telemarketing bureaus and other contact centers employ 4,337 residents, and general freight trucking, long-distance, and truckload companies employ 2,628 people. McAllen has a major market for young professionals seeking careers in international trade, as its border city is Mexico.

McAllen, Texas, experienced a recent economic boom as its population expanded. Its diverse job market offers plenty of high-paying jobs. CNBC named McAllen the #1 US city for earning increases. The average salary in McAllen, TX, is $60,000, and the average hourly rate is $16.29.

Before relocating here, your job search will likely feel like a breeze! Nearly 1,000 McAllen jobs are hiring, and if you’re willing to commute just 25 miles outside of the city limits, you will gain access to over 2,500 career opportunities. If you work in the public sector, you should consider city of McAllen jobs—they provide security, great benefits, and competitive salaries.

Healthcare

With its low cost of living and crime rate, McAllen is a popular place for seniors on a budget to retire. Its healthcare facilities offer support to elderly people who frequent the doctors.

Nearby South Texas Health System-Edinburg is ranked the 29th-best hospital in Texas and is high-performing in seven procedures/conditions. Rio Grande Regional Hospital is located in McAllen and is high-performing in five procedures/conditions.

McAllen Schools

McAllen Independent School District serves public school students (K-12) who live in McAllen. The student-to-teach ratio is 14:1; the district has 20,410 and 30 schools. Its minority enrollment is 100%, and 50.5% of students are economically disadvantaged. 92.8% of teachers boasts at least three years of experience and all are certified. There are 36 full-time counselors available to students and staff.

37% of elementary students, 39% of middle school students, and 60% of high school students tested above the proficient level for reading and writing.

The MISD is known for its high-quality education. The district has Achieved Early College High School, ranked 21st in Texas and 130th nationally, and is a 2021 Blue Ribbon Award nominee. It offers robust programs like STEAM, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement. Achieve Early College enables students to earn an Associate’s Degree (no cost), and Lamar Academy offers the IB Diploma. These accomplishments highlight McAllen ISD's commitment to educational excellence.

U.S. News & World Report nationally recognizes all of McAllen's high schools for their high testing scores and graduation rates.

McAllen high schools:

• Achieve Early College High School
• McAllen Memorial High School
• James “Nikki” Rowe High
• McAllen High School
• Lamar Academy

Middle and Elementary schools in McAllen:

• Michael E. Fossum Middle School
• Gonzalez Elementary School
• Cathey Middle School.
• Milam Elementary School

Private Schools in McAllen TX

The most popular private schools serving people living in McAllen are South Texas Christian Academy, Harvest Christian Academy, and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School.

Colleges in McAllen TX

Notable colleges in and near McAllen are South Texas College and Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen.

McAllen Utilities & DMV Change of Address

Moving to McAllen requires changing your address and setting up your utilities.

You can change your address online, via mail, or in person. To do so online, start by creating an account with Texas By Texas. If you prefer to mail in your information, fill out this form and review the eligibility requirements. In-person applicants can visit their nearby DMV with a completed Application for Change of Address.

McAllen has 11 electric providers with varying service areas:

• Gexa Energy
• Frontier Utilities
• Express Energy
• 4Change Energy
• Veteran Energy
• Constellation
• TXU Energy
• TriEagle Energy
• BKV Energy
• Rhythm Energy
• Payless Power

McAllen Public Utilities is the city’s main water provider. You can apply in person for service setup or fill out an application online. For online set-up, you will submit the completed form to [emailprotected] with a scanned copy of your identification (ID or driver's license).

Moving to McAllen With Chapa’s Moving Services

McAllen is a vibrant city with much to offer. People are moving here primarily because of its low crime rate, bustling economy, and affordable housing. Knowing Spanish is a plus, but that does not mean English-speaking residents can’t enjoy its diverse cultures.

If you’ve decided living in McAllen is for you, let Chapa’s Moving Service provide you with the care and moving services you need! We offer local, long distance, storage solutions, and more;

contact us at (956) 686-3247 for a free moving estimate for your relocation.