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Harlingen, TX

Frequently asked questions

Harlingen, TX

Harlingen is a city in Cameron County in the central region of the Rio Grande Valley of the southern part of the U.S. state of Texas, about 30 miles (48 km) from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city covers more than 40 square miles (104 km2) and is the second-largest city in Cameron County, as well as the fourth-largest in the Rio Grande Valley. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 71,892. 

Harlingen is a principal city of the Brownsville–Harlingen metropolitan area, which is part of the larger Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville combined statistical area, included in the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan region.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 40.3 square miles (104.4 km2), of which 39.8 square miles (103.1 km2) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2), or 1.22%, is covered by water. Soils in Harlingen range in texture from fine sandy loam to clay. 

They are neutral to moderately alkaline with a pH of 7.2 to 8.5 (most commonly around 8.2), and are moderately well drained or well drained in most cases, with small areas of poorly drained, saline clays.

Harlingen's strategic location at the intersection of U.S. Route 77 and U.S. Route 83, co-designated as Interstate 69 East and Interstate 2, respectively, in northwestern Cameron County, fostered its development as a distribution, shipping, and industrial center. In 1904, Lon C. Hill (a man of Choctaw ancestry) envisioned the Rio Grande as a commercial waterway. He named the town he founded on the north bank after the Frisian city of Harlingen, in the Netherlands. The town's post office was established that year. The first school opened with 15 pupils in 1905 near the Hill home, the first residence built in Harlingen. Harlingen was incorporated on April 15, 1910, when the population totaled 1,126. In 1920, the census listed 1,748. The local economy at first was almost entirely agricultural, with the chief crops being vegetables and cotton.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with facilities like the Harlingen Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center providing comprehensive medical services. The city's dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle is evident through various wellness programs and community events. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Gold's Gym, Gentry Gym, and Training For Warriors. Harlingen boasts diverse attractions, making it an appealing destination for residents and tourists alike such as Arroyo Park. Nature lovers can explore the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, a serene setting for birdwatching and outdoor enjoyment. 

Top sites in Harlingen, TX are Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, and Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.

Population: 72,234 (2024). ZIP codes: 78550-78553. Area Code: 956. Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Area: 40.3 square miles.

FAQs

What is Harlingen, TX known for?

Founded in the early 1900s and named after Harlingen, Netherlands, by its pioneer settler, Lon C. Hill, Sr., it became a station on the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico (now Missouri Pacific) Railroad. The city, modern and well-planned, is located in the center of an intensively cultivated agricultural region. It has food-processing plants and is a major transport and distribution hub for cotton, citrus fruits, and vegetables of the lower Rio Grande Valley.

What is the median home price in Harlingen, TX?

The median home price in Harlingen is $50,000 with a median price per sqft of $37. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Harlingen to be 61.4% of the national average. This makes it one of the least expensive cities in the US.

Is Harlingen, TX a nice place to live?

Living in Harlingen offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Harlingen, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Harlingen and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Harlingen are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Harlingen

Harlingen Medical Center 

Valley Baptist Medical Center

Gold's Gym

Gentry Gym 

Training For Warriors

Arroyo Park

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Britannica

Zero Down

Niche

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