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Roma, TX

Frequently asked questions

Roma, TX

Roma is a city in Starr County, Texas, United States. Its population was 11,561 at the 2020 census. The city is located along the Rio Grande, across from Ciudad Miguel Alemán in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The city is also popularly known as Roma-Los Saenz since the incorporated city also took the area known as Los Saenz. It serves as a port of entry from Mexico into the U.S. via the Roma–Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge.

Roma is located at 26°24′22″N 99°0′20″W (26.406101, −99.005644).

The city gained area before the 2010 census giving it a total area of 4.2 square miles (11.0 km²), of which 0.1 square mile (0.3 km²) (4.50%) is covered by water.

The City of Roma is located along the Rio Grande, which is the frontier between the United States and Mexico.

Roma was established in 1821 in what had been the Spanish province of Nuevo Santander. Before Texas's independence from Mexico in 1836, the town was listed as under the jurisdiction of the town of Mier, Tamaulipas, and before Mexican independence existed under Spanish rule.

The site offered a convenient crossing on the Rio Grande, which became known as El Paso de la Mula (Pass of the Mule). The area was notable for a salt trade from the Roma area to Monterrey. The Roma area became the Mexican state of Tamaulipas with the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Texas claimed Roma with the establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1835, but Mexico continued to control this area. A Texan force sought to take Roma in the Mier Expedition of 1842, which resulted in the death, capture, or execution of many volunteers.

After the Mexican–American War established U.S. control over the northern bank of the Rio Grande in 1846, Texas governed Roma. During the American Civil War, the region became wealthy on the cotton trade, which was transshipped via Mexico to Europe. While steamboats were able to access Roma through the mid-19th century, lowering water levels as a result of development upstream ended river shipment by the 1880s. Bypassed by railroads, Roma stagnated and inadvertently preserved itself from development.

The health and wellness of Roma's residents are prioritized through various community initiatives and healthcare facilities. The Roma Community Hospital, a key healthcare provider in the area, ensures access to quality medical services. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Roma, such as the Whitebrush Nature Trail, Verdin and Roadrunner Nature Trail, and Falcon State Park Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature. Roma boasts a range of top sites and activities that showcase its cultural and natural attractions. The Roma Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, invites visitors to explore the city's architectural heritage with well-preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century. The Roma Bluffs World Birding Center is a haven for bird enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to observe a diverse array of bird species in their natural habitat.

Top sites in Roma, TX include Roma Municipal Park, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, and Falcon State Park.

Population: 10,510 (2021). Elevation: 141 ft (43 m). Area: 6.00 sq mi (15.55 km²). ZIP Code: 78584. Area code(s): 956.

FAQs

Who founded Roma, TX?

The border town of Roma, founded in 1765 by Spanish colonists from Mexico, offers bicultural architecture preserved in a 15-block historic district. In an ongoing effort, the community — so far — has rejuvenated 38 residential, commercial and church buildings in the downtown area. One of Roma's primary architects in the late 1800s was Heinrich Portscheller, a German master brick mason.

Is Roma, TX a good place to live?

Roma is in Starr County. Living in Roma offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Roma and residents tend to be liberal.

What is the poverty rate in Roma, TX?

In 2022, the median household income of Roma households was $26,951. Roma households made slightly more than Indian Hills households ($26,557) and Rule households ($26,797). However, 32.3% of Roma families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Roma

Roma Community Hospital

Whitebrush Nature Trail

Verdin and Roadrunner Nature Trail 

Falcon State Park Loop

Roma Historic District

Roma Bluffs World Birding Center

Roma Municipal Park

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church

Falcon State Park

Kera News

Niche

Texas Demographics

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