McAllen, Texas, is a medium-sized city that sits along the border of Reynosa, Mexico, and the Rio Grande at the southern tip of Texas.
Long-time residents love living in the city due to its affordable cost of living, relatively low crime rate, and ease of access to the neighboring country of Mexico.
If you are thinking about moving to or visiting the city of McAllen, Texas — this is the guide for you — our guide provides an overview of some of the positives and negatives of living in McAllen.
Contents
- Pros of Living in McAllen, Texas
- 1. Affordable Cost of Living Increases Housing Options
- 2. Warm Climate Year Round Means More Time for Outdoor Adventures
- 3. McAllen’s Proximity to Mexico Makes it Easy to Travel Between Countries
- 4. A Variety of Education Options Give Families Freedom of Choice
- 5. Access to Quality Health Care Services Improves Quality of Life
- 6. A Family Friendly City Offering a Variety of Outdoor Adventures
- 7. Low Property Taxes Lead to More Disposable Income
- 8. Variety of Community Festivals and Events Make Life More Exciting for Locals
- Cons of Living in McAllen, Texas
- 1. Extreme Heat Can Reach Triple Digit Numbers in Summer
- 2. Increased Hurricane Risk Leaves Some Coastal Residents on Edge
- 3. Increasing Border Security Concerns Can Impact Local Resources and Crime Rates
- 4. High Levels of Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating
- 5. Limited Access to Public Services Can Reduce Quality of Life
- 6. Distance From Major Cities Leads to Limited Local Opportunities
- 7. McAllens Small Airport Offers Limited Flights and Exorbitant Fees
- 8. Limited Nightlife Options for Younger People and Singles Can Lead to Boredom
- Pros and Cons of Living in McAllen, Texas – Summary Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pros of Living in McAllen, Texas
Many local residents say they were attracted to the city of McAllen because of its low property tax rates, its affordable cost of living, and its relatively low rates of crime.
There are even more reasons why so many people love living, working, and visiting this Mexican border town.
Below, we provide an overview of some of the pros of living in McAllen.
1. Affordable Cost of Living Increases Housing Options
One of the primary upsides of living in McAllen is the city’s affordable cost of living.
Online reports from BestPlaces show that residents of McAllen pay lower costs for housing, healthcare, transportation, and food.
Housing reports show that living in McAllen as a homeowner or renter is less expensive than almost 40% of other similar-sized cities in the US.
Lower costs of living make it possible for residents to choose larger and more comfortable housing options that they wouldn’t be able to afford in higher-priced cities.
2. Warm Climate Year Round Means More Time for Outdoor Adventures
People who enjoy living in a warm climate for most of the year live in McAllen for its subtropical climate.
The city has relatively little rainfall and a warm environment, which means that residents can enjoy warm temperatures and outdoor activities year-round.
Year-round sunshine can lead to an improved mood and positively impact the mental health of local residents who experience few dreary or rainy days and rarely any snow.
3. McAllen’s Proximity to Mexico Makes it Easy to Travel Between Countries
Adventurous residents of McAllen appreciate living in this southern city that borders Reyano, Mexico.
Living in such close proximity to Mexico allows residents unique opportunities to experience Mexican culture through cuisines, cultural events, and shopping opportunities.
People living in McAllen can easily take day trips or weekend excursions to Mexico without spending a lot of time or money on transportation.
4. A Variety of Education Options Give Families Freedom of Choice
Student families in McAllen have access to a variety of educational choices and opportunities that make it easier for them to find learning environments and support resources that meet their learner’s needs.
Increased choice and flexibility in education can lead to enhanced learning opportunities and an increase in academic excellence for local families.
5. Access to Quality Health Care Services Improves Quality of Life
Education and healthcare are two primary economic drivers in McAllen.
Having access to quality healthcare services can lead to better health outcomes and reduced mortality rates for residents and seniors who take advantage of the variety of preventative care and wellness services available in the immediate area.
6. A Family Friendly City Offering a Variety of Outdoor Adventures
Families living in the Mexican border town of McAllen take pride in its family-friendly environment that offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities and facilities for locals.
The city is home to tons of bike trails, kayaking entry points at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, the Lower Rio Grand Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and several coastal beaches where families have fun in the sun.
7. Low Property Taxes Lead to More Disposable Income
McAllen’s residents enjoy an affordable cost of living partially offset by the city’s low property taxes.
Paying lower property taxes provides homeowners and other residents with more disposable income to take care of their everyday necessities, increase household savings, and enjoy outside entertainment.
8. Variety of Community Festivals and Events Make Life More Exciting for Locals
The city of McAllen proudly celebrates the influences of American, Hispanic, and Mexican culture all year round.
As such they host a variety of exciting cultural festivals and local celebrations that highlight different cultural music, dance, art, and cuisine.
Cons of Living in McAllen, Texas
The city of McAllen boasts a variety of upsides that keep its long-term residents as loyal members of the community.
Like most other American cities, McAllen also has its downsides.
We highlight a few downsides reported by local residents and visitors below.
1. Extreme Heat Can Reach Triple Digit Numbers in Summer
In most cases, residents and visitors of McAllen appreciate the city’s warm climate.
However, the subtropical climate in the city can be unbearably hot during the summer months.
Research shows that the average daily temperature in the summer is around 95 degrees.
High heat can rise into the triple digits in the summer months, which can make venturing outside dangerous and unbearable.
2. Increased Hurricane Risk Leaves Some Coastal Residents on Edge
This coastal Texas town belongs to a portion of the country known as America’s hurricane belt.
Its coastal location means residents face the risks of tumultuous hurricane seasons when they occur.
Hurricane season can bring direct landfall of hurricanes or indirect impacts from these cyclonic storms, such as heavy rains, high winds, and storm surges.
3. Increasing Border Security Concerns Can Impact Local Resources and Crime Rates
As a US border town, the city of McAllen is subject to border security concerns that can impact feelings of safety and well-being of visitors and local residents.
The city has historically been a central crossing point for illegal immigrants coming from Mexico.
Large influxes of immigrants can place a noticeable strain on local resources, including hospitals, schools, and community services, and lead to an increased crime rate.
4. High Levels of Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating
Being located along the border of Mexico in the Rio Grande Valley can contribute to high levels of traffic congestion in McAllen.
The US Census Bureau reports that the city is home to over one hundred forty thousand residents and hosts loads of tourists each year without adequate public transportation.
High congestion causes increased commute times and traffic snags that last for miles during rush hours.
5. Limited Access to Public Services Can Reduce Quality of Life
A major downside of living in McAllen, TX, for some residents, is its limited access to public services.
The city has limited public transportation options, which can make it difficult for some residents without adequate transportation to reach essential destinations like work, school, and grocery stores.
Limited access to adequate public transport also makes it difficult for locals to travel around the area as the distance to other major cities is extreme.
6. Distance From Major Cities Leads to Limited Local Opportunities
Its location at the very southern tip of the state of Texas means that McAllen is geographically distant from most of the area’s other major cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
Limited access to public transportation combined with the distance to other major cities means that McAllen locals have limited access to specialized medical care, educational opportunities, and employment opportunities.
7. McAllens Small Airport Offers Limited Flights and Exorbitant Fees
McAllen International Airport in McAllen serves as the primary airport for the local metropolitan area.
Although MFE is a full-service public airport, its small size and only two runways limit the number of flight options in the area.
The airport’s small size and limited flight options mean that airline fares for travelers seeking to leave the city for leisure or business travel are incredibly high.
8. Limited Nightlife Options for Younger People and Singles Can Lead to Boredom
Residents and tourists visiting McAllen find a few nightlife options in the downtown area.
People in the area seeking a variety of nightlife options will find that the majority of its bars and clubs offer limited opportunities for different types of music or comedy venues, which all close earlier than they do in nearby cities of similar sizes.
Pros and Cons of Living in McAllen, Texas – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in McAllen, Texas | Cons of Living in McAllen, Texas |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Cost of Living Increases Housing Options | 1. Extreme Heat Can Reach Triple Digit Numbers in Summer |
| 2. Warm Climate Year Round Means More Time for Outdoor Adventures | 2. Increased Hurricane Risk Leaves Some Coastal Residents on Edge |
| 3. McAllen's Proximity to Mexico Makes it Easy to Travel Between Countries | 3. Increasing Border Security Concerns Can Impact Local Resources and Crime Rates |
| 4. A Variety of Education Options Give Families Freedom of Choice | 4. High Levels of Traffic Congestion Can Be Frustrating |
| 5. Access to Quality Health Care Services Improves Quality of Life | 5. Limited Access to Public Services Can Reduce Quality of Life |
| 6. A Family Friendly City Offering a Variety of Outdoor Adventures | 6. Distance From Major Cities Leads to Limited Local Opportunities |
| 7. Low Property Taxes Lead to More Disposable Income | 7. McAllens Small Airport Offers Limited Flights and Exorbitant Fees |
| 8. Variety of Community Festivals and Events Make Life More Exciting for Locals | 8. Limited Nightlife Options for Younger People and Singles Can Lead to Boredom |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Job Market Like in McAllen, Texas?
People seeking to relocate to McAllen to take advantage of the local job market will find that the city’s largest employers are in education and healthcare
The largest employers in the area include the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the South Texas Health System, and the Rio Grande Regional Hospital.
What is McAllen, Texas, Known For?
We know McAllen, Texas, as a southern border town with warm weather year-round.
McAllen is also known for its breathtaking scenery, which includes one-of-a-kind views of the Rio Grande, and the Gulf of Mexico, and a rich cultural heritage representing Hispanic, American, and Mexican influences.
What is the School System Like in McAllen, Texas?
The overall school system in McAllen is considered to be good.
High schools boast high graduation rates reported at over ninety percent, and the MISD local school district has a proven track record of academic excellence.
On the flip side, the limited availability of resources and high poverty rates can pose scholastic challenges for economically deprived students.
Does McAllen, Texas, Have Serious Issues with Border Security?
Online reports show that the border security situation in McAllen continues to be complex and challenging for local law enforcement officials as they attempt to secure the border and prevent illegal immigrants from streaming into the country near Reynosa and surrounding cities, which is the second-largest Mexican city in the region.
How do McAllen, Texas, Residents Cope with the Extreme Heat?
McAllen’s warm temperatures can skyrocket to over one hundred degrees during the height of summer.
Residents combat the heat by adhering to local heat advisories and staying indoors during dangerous heat waves.
Local residents equip their homes with the latest central air technology, along with using ceiling fans and blackout curtains to maintain a temperate indoor climate.
