Firstly why McAllen, Texas?

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

• City: McAllen
• State: Texas
• Population: 142,210 people
• McAllen’s quick summary would be Famous for its vibrant cultural scene, the McAllen Performing Arts Center, and proximity to the Rio Grande.

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: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,200
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a vibrant community and cultural diversity attracting families

Perk #1: McAllen Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in McAllen is $45,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative 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 & McAllen’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,340
• Property Tax %: 2.58%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: McAllen
• Top 5 Growing Areas: McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, and probably could include San-Juan
• Avg. Age of Homes in McAllen: 25 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.1%

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 & McAllen’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in McAllen are  Healthcare, Retail, and Education
• McAllen Job Scene: limited job market focused on local services and retail
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community primarily focused on healthcare and local business development , ,
• McAllen Resident’s pay $900 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in McAllen: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 70 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

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 McAllen

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 83 connects McAllen to the broader regional area
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on 10th Street
• Transportation Score: 35 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in McAllen: 60,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for McAllen: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: McAllen 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: McAllen’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in McAllen is best described as hot summers mild winters low precipitation year-round
• Winter Weather in McAllen i’d describe as warm and humid
• Spring Weather in McAllen can be described as warm with humidity
• Summer’s in McAllen are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in McAllen is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 105 days in summer
• Days in a row in McAllen below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 22 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality primarily due to local environmental efforts
• McAllen Winter Air generally good air quality occasional spikes from pollution

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: McAllen Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in McAllen 4
• While the number of trade schools inside McAllens’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the McAllen 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 & McAllen Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time McAllen only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time McAllen only Police Officers is about 180
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

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

• McAllen’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• McAllen’s Monthly Gym Membership: $34
• McAllen’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 McAllen

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area known for its cultural diversity and shopping
• You might enjoy concerts at the McAllen Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), McAllen  features family-friendly venues and local bars creating an inviting atmosphere for social interactions

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 McAllen

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local dining options and a mix of casual eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around McAllen
• The Popular Sports Team is McAllen High School
• Top Level Political Climate in McAllen can be described as politically mixed border city focusing on immigration issues
• McAllen’s Longer standing religious establishment is McAllen First Assembly of God

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: McAllen Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know McAllen has 15 Parks?
• Palm View Park is McAllen’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is McAllen Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor events

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: McAllen Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in McAllen can be described as rapidly growing urban area focused on commerce and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in McAllen visiting local events picnicking exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from McAllen are Houston 26 miles away Friendswood 8 miles away Texas-City 39 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 McAllen 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 jams on 10th Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   McAllen’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If McAllen is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby McAllen are Houston 26 miles away Friendswood 8 miles away Texas-City 39 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   McAllen has 0 days in a row below freezing and 105 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 McAllen people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in McAllen. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed border city focusing on immigration 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 McAllen.

Retiree & Senior Life in McAllen

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive financial assistance related to property taxes ensuring stability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waterford
• McAllen Senior Center offers recreational activities health programs and community engagement for older residents

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 McAllen, Texas?

If McAllen, 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 McAllen, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!