Sign In Register
Scarlett Brown moving

Relocating to McAllen, TX — pros and cons?

First post here. You can expect to pay around $1,017 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
7 upvotes

4 Replies

Zoey Jackson
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in North area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Paul W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 8 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Addison Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a project manager who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.

Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community

Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options

Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.

Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
desert_violet27
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
← Back to McAllen Community