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McAllen, TX

Frequently asked questions

McAllen, TX

McAllen is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Hidalgo County. It is located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley, on the Mexico–United States border. The city limits extend south to the Rio Grande, across from the Mexican city of Reynosa. McAllen is about 70 mi (110 km) west of the Gulf of Mexico. As of the 2020 census, McAllen's population was 142,210, making it the 23rd-most populous city in Texas. It is the fifth-most populous metropolitan area (McAllen–Edinburg–Mission) in the state of Texas, and the binational Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan area counts a population of more than 1.5 million. 

From its settlement in 1904, the area around McAllen was largely rural and agricultural, but the latter half of the 20th century had steady growth, which has continued in the 21st century in the metropolitan area. The introduction of the maquiladora economy and the North American Free Trade Association led to an increase in cross-border trading with Mexico.

McAllen is located in southern Hidalgo County at 26°12′59″N 98°14′11″W (26.216263, −98.236385). It is bordered to the southwest by Granjeno; to the west by Mission, Palmhurst, and Alton; to the north by Edinburg, the Hidalgo county seat; to the east by Pharr; and the south by Hidalgo. The McAllen city limits extend to the southwest as far as the Rio Grande, directly north of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, in Mexico. The Anzalduas International Bridge crosses the Rio Grande at this point, 11 mi (18 km) southwest of downtown McAllen. McAllen is 238 mi (383 km) south of San Antonio, 148 mi (238 km) southeast of Laredo, 60 mi (97 km) northwest of Brownsville, and 150 mi (240 km) northeast of Monterrey.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 48.6 square miles (126.0 km2), of which 48.3 square miles (125.2 km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 km2), or 0.62%, is covered by water.

Although McAllen is named the "City of Palms", tropical vegetation is only locally dominant. Many thorny shrubs and deciduous trees occur in the area, such as the Rio Grande ash (Fraxinus berlandieriana), cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), and honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa).

In terms of health and wellness, McAllen offers various resources to promote a healthy lifestyle. The McAllen Nature Center, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities, is a key highlight. The city actively promotes health initiatives, organizing events like fitness programs and wellness fairs to engage residents in maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle. Parks such as the Municipal Park and Pool, Firemen's Park, and Bill Schupp Park provide spaces for recreation and physical activity. McAllen boasts top-tier healthcare facilities, with the McAllen Medical Center and the Rio Grande Regional Hospital catering to the city's medical needs. 

Top sites in McAllen, TX are National Butterfly Center, Museum of South Texas History, and International Museum of Art & Science. 

Population: 146,593 (2023). ZIP code: 78501. Area code: 956. Elevation: 121.4 ft (37.1 m). Area: 48.6 square miles (126.0 km2).

FAQs

Why is McAllen, TX famous?

McAllen has developed from a farming community to a visitor’s delight. Known for its mild winter weather, tropical breezes, brightly colored birds, and low cost of living, it’s also a shopping mecca drawing millions of visitors annually to its many shopping districts. Today, McAllen is one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

Is McAllen, TX a good place to live?

McAllen is in Hidalgo County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in McAllen offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In McAllen, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in McAllen and residents tend to be liberal. 

Is McAllen TX, safe?

The crime rate in McAllen is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in McAllen is 1 in 46. Based on FBI crime data, McAllen is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, McAllen has a crime rate that is higher than 80% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of McAllen

McAllen Nature Center

Municipal Park and Pool 

Bill Schupp Park 

McAllen Medical Center 

Rio Grande Regional Hospital 

Firemen's Park

McAllen Convention Center

Quinta Mazatlan

International Museum of Art & Science

McAllen Performing Arts Center

McAllen Heritage Center

National Butterfly Center

Museum of South Texas History

International Museum of Art & Science

About McAllen

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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