Firstly why Brownsville, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Brownsville
• State: Texas
• Population: 186,738 people
• Brownsville’s quick summary would be Recognized for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and the historic Brownsville Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 17,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 1,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a border town dynamic attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Brownsville Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $37,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Brownsville is $38,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Brownsville’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,223
• Property Tax %: 2.34%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $880
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Brownsville, Harlingen, San-Benito, Port-Isabel, and probably could include South-Padre-Island
• Avg. Age of Homes in Brownsville: 25 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Brownsville’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Brownsville are  Healthcare, Education, and Retail
• Brownsville Job Scene: moderate job market primarily in local services and agriculture
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech engagement focused on local businesses and services , ,
• Brownsville Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Brownsville: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 16

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Brownsville

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-69 and U.S. Route 83 run through Brownsville
• Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion near the border
• Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Brownsville: 80,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Brownsville: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
• Local Airport: Brownsville/South Padre Island International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Brownsville’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Brownsville is best described as hot summers mild winters dry conditions year-round
• Winter Weather in Brownsville i’d describe as warm and humid
• Spring Weather in Brownsville can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Brownsville are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Brownsville is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Brownsville below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 31 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally preserved with few concerns
• Brownsville Winter Air generally good air quality with minor fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Brownsville Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Brownsville 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Brownsvilles’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Brownsville Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Brownsville Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Brownsville only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Brownsville only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 70/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Brownsville’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Brownsville’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Brownsville’s Water Quality Score: 67

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Brownsville

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse city with a focus on cultural heritage and local events
• You might enjoy concerts at the Brownsville Events Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Brownsville  has a lively nightlife with local establishments offering a mix of dining and entertainment options

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Brownsville

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a mix of local restaurants and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Brownsville
• The Popular Sports Team is Brownsville Chargers
• Top Level Political Climate in Brownsville can be described as politically mixed border city focusing on immigration and social issues
• Brownsville’s Longer standing religious establishment is Brownsville Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Brownsville Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Brownsville has 30 Parks?
• Brownsville Parks is Brownsville’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Brownsville Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and nature viewing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Brownsville Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Brownsville can be described as active urban center with a strong cultural influence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Brownsville hiking local trails beach picnics exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Brownsville are Houston 24 miles away Friendswood 10 miles away Galveston 37 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Brownsville or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion near the border. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Brownsville’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Brownsville are Houston 24 miles away Friendswood 10 miles away Galveston 37 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Brownsville has 0 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Brownsville people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,000 homeless people living in Brownsville. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed border city focusing on immigration and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Brownsville.

Retiree & Senior Life in Brownsville

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for local tax breaks assisting with their housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Pines of Brownsville
• Brownsville Senior Center offers meal programs social activities and wellness workshops for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Brownsville, Texas?

If Brownsville, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Brownsville, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!