Whether it’s a temporary or permanent stay, you will find that McAllen is a pleasant place. Whether you are sure about moving to McAllen or are still deciding, it’s essential to know as much as possible about the area, especially if you’re moving to Texas from out-of-state.
You probably know McAllen as a Texas border town, but it is also a vibrant metropolitan area, home to major retail centers, international trade, tourism, and manufacturing facilities. Additionally, McAllen is an affordable home for workers, students, retirees, and tourists.
Before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), McAllen was primarily an agriculture and petroleum industry area. With the foreign trade zone designation and its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, the city has become a significant hub for international trade and distribution.
This progression turned McAllen into a vibrant town with a lot to offer, including education, jobs, shopping, tourism, investment, and catering to those with a taste for a quiet life. so, moving to McAllen is a choice many.
Things You Should Know Before Moving To McAllen
There are a bunch of things you need to know before moving to McAllen. For example, the weather, neighborhood, schools, colleges, employment, hospitals should be some of your primary concerns before moving to McAllen.
For your information, here is some great information to give you an elaborate picture of McAllen.
1. It’s One of Texas’s Safest Cities:
McAllen is within 70 miles of the Mexican border, and some feel this proximity increases the likelihood that the city is dangerous, but this is incorrect.
According to recent crime statistics, McAllen is no more dangerous than the average American city. The misconception is mainly due to media reports and political manipulation on border issues. It
Border crossings have been increasing, but they don’t add to local crime. Most border crossings are legal and add to the vibrance and economy of the town. If you want a better understanding of the area, ask locals and check out the city’s culture for yourself. That way, you can make a better decision about moving to McAllen.
On the other hand, if you have no time to visit the place before moving in, you can also research more information about McAllen online. There are probably many websites that tackle this Texas border town as a safe place to live in.
2. Moving To McAllen, You Can Do A Lot
Do you have a taste for art, culture, nature, adventure, and family fun? Whatever your interests, McAllen has a range of activities, venues, and attractions that will appeal to you.
As a resident or visitor, you can enjoy the international Museum of Art and Science (IMAS), McAllen Nature Center, McAllen Performing Arts Center, and the McAllen Farmers Market, to mention a few.
The city is always bringing new attractions to the town, like the Dinos and Dragons Park hosted at the McAllen Convention Center that will be open from April 15 and run until May 15. If you miss it, you can rest easy knowing there will be something new in the area when you visit.
3. The Weather Is Ideal (With the Occasional Storm):
McAllen is close to the Gulf of Mexico, so the climate is subtropical. On average, McAllen’s yearly temperature is around 85 degrees.
The warm environment regularly draws tourists escaping cold winters elsewhere (especially Texans), which bolsters the local economy and keeps up a constant flow of cultural exchange with other parts of the state, country, and even globe.
4. You May Encounter Pests:
Like any large city, McAllen does have its fair share of pests. As in much of Texas, you will find some roaches, rodents, and ants. Homeowners are less likely to deal with roaches, but those who are renting apartments or units in multi-unit buildings can find themselves with an infestation.
Pests are not only a nuisance, but they can also be a health risk. To protect yourself and your family, get professional help to get rid of pests. No matter your situation, you can find professional pest control in McAllen, TX, to solve your pest problem.
5. It’s An Education Hub:
If you’re looking to continue your education or have children looking at colleges or will be soon, McAllen is near many great colleges and universities. Some of these are the:
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley:
An institution that boasts over 700 international students from more than 60 countries.
Texas Southmost College:
A public junior college in Brownsville, Texas. Among its many achievements, it has one of the nation’s strongest chess teams.
Texas State Technical College:
A college that teaches students technical skills from its 10 locations, including one nearby McAllen.
South Texas College:
A school that boasts a 95% Hispanic student population.
It’s not just the proximity to colleges that makes McAllen great for students; it’s also the city’s peaceful nature and affordable housing.
After finishing their education and skills training, students will have access to some of America’s most advanced, well-paying industrial jobs.
McAllen, Texas: Is It the Best Place for the Middle Class?
McAllen is one of the best places to live for middle-class Americans. This is because it is easier to buy affordable homes in the place. According to various reports, close to 60% of homes in McAllen are affordable for the middle-class population.
This is because McAllen has a welcoming and inviting community, and families of all income levels can stay in the palace.
According to Javier Villalobos (the Mayor of McAllen, Texas), “Homeownership is the American dream. McAllen has created a community that is welcoming, inviting and affordable for families of every income level. Middle-class families are the backbone of the economy and help spur growth and development, while demanding an affordable quality of life. McAllen offers that and so much more.” (source)
The average annual income of McAllen is $72,000, while the average price of homes in the place is up to $280,000. Hence, such numbers are quite affordable for the middle-class population in the area. Home prices at McAllen are almost 38% less than the national average of $450,000.
Furthermore, as per reports from Realtor.com, homeowners do not need to spend more than 30% of their annual income before housing taxes. This number amounts to $1,800 per month. Moreover, the report also found out that there is more affordable housing in the South and Midwest areas of McAllen, Texas.
Culture and Population at McAllen, Texas
McAllen is known for its family-friendly environment and likes to boast families from different cultures. In the past decade, the multicultural community in McAllen increased by 9%. Furthermore, interestingly, more than 30% of the residents of the city are less than 18 years old.
Earlier, McAllen was known to be one of the best places for shopping. However, it is now growing to be one of the fastest growing cities in the United States of America.
Recently, McAllen also received an accolade for the benefits it provides to the local population. According to reports, McAllen is also ranked as the best place for people planning to retire on Social Security only.
This is because the average rent in McAllen is $613 per month. It is one of the lowest rates in the South. Furthermore, the livability score of McAllen is at 81, and is the only city that has a score over 80.
In addition to that, apart from good food and outdoor activities, McAllen is also known for its art and entertainment exhibitions. Additionally, the city hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, as it showcases local artists and talents from all parts. Hence, whether you are visiting McAllen, TX, or moving to the city, do not miss the diverse cultural tapestry the city has to offer.
Weather at McAllen, Texas
McAllen is located in an area where there is mild weather all round the year. You will not come across any harsh and extreme weather conditions in the city. Hence, it is one of the best places to stay in terms of weather conditions.
McAllen is Waiting for You
Moving isn’t an easy decision, but moving to McAllen, Texas, is a great choice. Whether it’s to work, invest, unwind, or study, you can find what you are looking for in this friendly town. Take the plunge and start your new life.
But before doing that, you need to plan and prepare your relocation beforehand. Doing so can help you make your moving day more seamless and stress-free. So, to help you ensure a successful move, you need to consider some important things. For instance, you need to set up a budget to make sure you have enough money to cover the moving costs.
Additionally, it’s also best to set up your utilities in your city prior to the big day so you’ll have water, electricity, gas, or a phone line when you arrive. You can contact your utility service providers to find out their rates and how they’re going to install your utilities. If you’re setting up a new electrical line, you can talk to the electrical company and ask about their electricity rates. That way, you can have your power source installed before the moving day.
But aside from the ones mentioned above, relocating to McAllen Texas from out of state can be challenging. Unless you already know how moving works, you can hire a professional moving company to help you with the process. They can assist you in the packing, loading, and unloading of your stuff, and other related tasks to ensure a successful move.
FAQ
Here are some popular questions that people ask about McAllen.
Where Is McAllen, Texas?
McAllen is located in the southern tip of Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. It is the largest city in Texas and is very close to Mexico.
What County Is McAllen Texas In?
McAllen is the largest city in the Hidalgo Country, United States. McAllen takes its name after a Scottish settler John McAllen. The town was founded in 1905 and is within the Rio Grande valley. The city is very close to Mexico.
What Is the Temperature In McAllen, Texas?
McAllen has sweltering and oppressive weather in the summer. The weather in winter is cold, dry. The temperature stays between 52°F to 97°F. It hardly goes anywhere below 39°F or above 102°F.
