LIVING IN MCALLEN

Are you thinking about making a move to the Rio Grande Valley but not really sure what to expect? What exactly is the “Rio Grande Valley” and... is it really a valley? Maybe you've been considering the big move to McAllen, Mission, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Edinburg, Harlingen, or anywhere in between, but you’re not really sure where to start. Well, stick around because I’m going to tackle all your questions and so much more by sharing everything there is to know about the Rio Grande Valley.

A Warm Welcome from JC, Your Local Realtor

Hey everybody, I’m JC Cantu! I was born and raised in beautiful South Texas. If this is your first time here and you want to know all about life in and around McAllen, Texas, do me a favor and hit that SUBSCRIBE BUTTON to get notified every time we release a new blog.

I love helping people and I'm passionate about shining a light on my hometown and guiding folks through the process of moving to the Rio Grande Valley. If you’re thinking about moving to the McAllen area—whether it's in 9 days or 90 days—please reach out. I’m super easy to talk to, and I’ve got your back.

Why McAllen is the Heart of the Valley

This blog and my website are called "Living In McAllen" because I see McAllen as the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. But my goal is to take you on a tour of not only McAllen but also its neighboring sister cities: Mission, Edinburg, Donna, Weslaco, Harlingen, and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo: the tri-city known as PSJA.

So, Is the Rio Grande Valley Really a Valley?

First things first: is the Rio Grande Valley really a valley? Well, picture this: you're driving south down the highway, surrounded by flat land as far as the eye can see, and suddenly, bam! You're in the Rio Grande Valley. But wait, where’s the valley? Where are the majestic mountains and canyons?

Okay, so calling it a valley might be a bit of a stretch. Back in the early 1900s, people started calling it the "Magic Valley" to attract settlers to the area. Eventually, the "Magic" was dropped, and it became the Rio Grande Valley, named for its proximity to the Rio Grande River. We’ll dive more into this history in future blogs.

Why McAllen Is a Great Place to Live

Today, let’s focus on why McAllen is such a fantastic place to live. As I mentioned earlier, I was born in McAllen, raised in PSJA, went to college in Missouri, lived in NYC for a few years, and then Los Angeles for 15 years. I’ve been back home for the last seven years, and I can't say enough about how much this city—and the entire area—has grown.

McAllen is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and was recently recognized as one of the top 10 boomtowns in the U.S., based on population, housing, workforce growth, and business development over the past five years. With a population of about 1,081,000 in 2023 and a growth rate of 76%, McAllen is projected to become the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Texas.

Dynamic Economy and Business Growth

McAllen is a dynamic city offering job growth, business opportunities, exciting activities, and a rich culture. Its economy is driven by agriculture, healthcare, retail, and education. Cross-border trade with Mexico also plays a huge role, thanks to the area’s strategic location.

A Blend of American and Mexican Culture

Life here offers a unique blend of American and Mexican cultures, which you can see in the local music scene, festivals, super-friendly people, and most importantly, the food. Let's talk about the food! If you want to sample some of the best Mexican food in the world, McAllen is the place to be. You’ll find authentic Mexican cuisine—no, I’m not talking about Taco Bell. McAllen’s local restaurants serve dishes made with love, fresh ingredients, and all the flavors of Mexico you crave.

Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, a Mexican plate, margaritas, or the best botana in town from my favorite spot, Costa Mesa, McAllen has it all.

"Wait, JC, what’s a botana?" Oh, let me explain! A botana is a South Texas dish with crispy nachos, beans, cheese, guacamole, and fajitas, quesadillas, and envueltos piled on top. Trust me, we’ll dedicate a whole episode to botanas soon.

The Housing Market and New Construction Boom

While many parts of the U.S. are experiencing a housing shortage, McAllen has seen the second-highest jump in new construction homes, up 25% from last year. The entire region, from McAllen to Mission, Edinburg, and PSJA, is building more homes than almost anywhere else in the country.

If you’re interested in new construction, there are fantastic local builders offering incentives and home warranties to buyers. You can learn more on my site, www.livinginmcallen.com.

Safety in McAllen

In addition to its growth, McAllen has consistently ranked among the top 10 safest cities in the U.S. While many cities are seeing rising crime rates, McAllen’s crime rate continues to decline. This isn’t a surprise to locals—we've always known McAllen is a safe, wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Weather: A Love-Hate Relationship

Lastly, let’s talk about the blessing—and the curse—of living in McAllen: the weather. If you love hot weather, this is the place for you. On average, McAllen enjoys about 300 sunny days per year. During summer, temperatures average around 97º, but it’s not unusual for the mercury to climb above 100º. Winter? A mild 72º. 

As for rain, expect it mostly between April and October, with September being the rainiest month—typically, a whopping nine days of rain. Snow? Well, we’ve had one day of snow in 20 years, and we made the most of it! Tiny snowmen everywhere that melted before anyone could say "Cheese".

Final Thoughts: Why McAllen is the Place to Be

McAllen is a city that offers a unique blend of rapid growth, cultural richness, safety, and vibrant opportunities. From the food and housing boom to the family-friendly environment and dynamic economy, there’s no doubt McAllen is a city on the rise. If you're thinking about moving to the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen should be at the top of your list. Stick around for more episodes where we dive even deeper into life here, including the best botanas in town!