Rio Grande Valley, Texas

What It Is Like to Retire in Rio grande valley

Rio Grande Valley Texas is actually a region rather than one specific town. This popular community for retirement comprises many towns; Harlingen, McAllen, and Brownsville are some of the larger ones. Edinburg, Weslaco, and Mission are 3 others. The area is made up of the extreme southern tip of Texas - one side is bordered by the Rio Grande and the other by the Gulf of Mexico. The region contains four counties - Starr County, Hidalgo County, Cameron County and Willacy County.

Although there are many historical attractions here the Padre Island beaches are the biggest draw for this area. The area has a very warm climate and the cost of living is below average. There is a strong Hispanic influence here which most visitors and residents find a pleasant mix of diversity and charm. The warm weather (average high of 73), low cost of living, and the area's many attractions make the lower Rio Grande Valley a prime retirement location.

Where to Retire in Rio grande valley and Home Prices

There are many small towns and planned communities in the region that make it popular with active adults 55+ looking for a great retirement. Prices can differ by area and town, particularly near the Gulf, but the average price of a home is well below the national average. Prices can differ by area and town, particularly near the Gulf, but the average price of a Harlingen home in 2020 was slightly more than $111,000. In McCallen, a larger town, the price was about $145,568.

The Rio Grande Valley consists of 4 counties spanning the border between the United States and Mexico. Each specific area has many towns and retirement options to suit almost any retiree's budget or preference. From RV resorts to Mobile Home communities, the 55+ crowd is important. The Rio Grande Valley fully appreciates it's "Winter Texan" community and strives to ensure the location will continue to attract guests.

What Is Special about Rio grande valley

Padre Island beaches. World class birding and outdoor recreation. Warm climate in winter. Lower than average cost of living. Many planned retirement communities and small towns.

What Is Not Special about Rio grande valley

It is hot in the summertime and parts of it are very remote.

Who Will Like Retirement in Rio grande valley

People looking for a warm climate in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The majority of the people who live here are Hispanic.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism (from spring breakers, birders, and wealthy Mexicans), retirement communities, manufacturing along the Mexican border.

Climate and Physical Environment

This is a huge and diverse area - ranging from the mountains of Big Bend to the beaches of Padre Island. It is dry and hot in the summertime.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Culturally it is not the richest part of the world, although its proximity to San Antonio helps.  The recreational opportunities are outstanding.

Crime

The crime rate will differ by town and neighborhood, with the larger cities usually having higher crime rates.

Medical facilities

The larger cities like Brownsville have extensive medical facilities

Transportation

There are airports in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen that serve the region.

Valuable Links

Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce