Moving anywhere can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right kind of information and proper direction, moving to a place like Harlingen is a breeze if you get to know it before hitting the road.
SRC Land has been in land development for over 20 years, and throughout our time doing business in Harlingen by providing seller-financing options to individuals looking to start living the American dream, we’ve learned much about what makes this South Texas jewel special.
Check out our guide, and if Harlingen sounds like the right place for you, consider our affordable properties in Harlingen.
Harlingen has a Rich History
Lon C. Hill had a grand vision for the Rio Grande area to become a commercial waterway, and thus founded the City of Harlingen in 1904. He would ultimately name this new area of opportunity “Harlingen” after a picturesque town in the Netherlands.
Very shortly after the city was founded, Harlingen earned its first post office, and a year after the city was founded, it built its first school that taught a total of 15 students. Mr. Hill had so much confidence in this growing city that he built his residence here, the first residential property built in Harlingen’s history. A restored version of his house can be seen at the Rio Grande Valley Museum including more artifacts and documents about the area’s history.
World War II happened and many military installations were built in Harlingen, increasing the local population to around 23,000 people by 1950. When these places were abandoned, entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to build a strong economy in their place.
Now, the growing city is bustling with a variety of entertainment and restaurants, pieces of South Texas history, and tradition and culture as big as the Lone Star State.
Harlingen has Plenty of Advantages
While the median household income may be below average, there are countless reasons to consider Harlingen if you’re looking for a new city to call home. Whether you’re following a cost of living calculator or you’re looking for the peak of Texas character, you’ve found the right place.
Growing Population
With a population of 70,000 and growing, Harlingen welcomes the modern luxuries of life with a mix of traditional treasures typically found in South Texas. Labor statistics show the health of the Harlingen economy, with unemployment rates below the national data. Economic development, organization involvement in the community, and plenty to see and explore make Harlingen a great place to live.
Low Cost of Living in Harlingen, TX
One of the many advantages of living in the area is the cost of living. Harlingen, TX, and the entire Rio Grande Valley, are known for relatively low living costs compared to the national average, according to community and economic research. Things like bread and a dozen eggs typically cost less in Harlingen, basic expenses from food costs and movie tickets to public transportation being more affordable. Your American dream can very well become a reality once you establish your roots in the area.
Low Housing Costs and Median Home Value
Compared to the national average, housing in Harlingen is far more cost effective. The median home value in Harlingen is just $155,614, compared to the national average of $370,489. With the average price of homes being so affordable, it’s easy to find home prices in Harlingen that fit your budget. You can calculate costs for land before deciding on the right place to put down roots.
Convenient Location
Near the center of the Rio Grande Valley, you can save on transportation expenses and cut down your commute with easy access to nearby metropolitan areas. You can expect all the city conveniences and essentials without the city-life’s reputation for chaos. Thanks to affordable South Texas and Harlingen costs, companies large and small have made their headquarters in the Rio Grande Valley, with access to competitive salaries and healthy lifestyle balance.
Harlingen Has Southern Charm
Another thing to look forward to about life in the Rio Grande Valley, or the “The Valley” as locals call it, is that despite its growing population, family and southern hospitality are still the most important facets of life in the area. Neighbors become family, and you will never meet a stranger. From market days to festivals, there’s countless ways to experience the unique character of this special city. It’s worth a stop, even if just for a visit.
While being an up-and coming city in TX, Harlingen has maintained its southern charm and peaceful atmosphere. You can escape the hustle and bustle of your current city, all while saving money on food prices and gas.
Harlingen has a Recognized Education System
The education system in Harlingen is nothing short of abundant with 17 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 7 high schools within the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, with the student-to-teacher ratio being better than the state average.
Football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and even a swim team make up the extracurricular activities that will keep you and your family cheering from the stands as you watch your loved one have fun on the court or the field.
Do you have a family member about to graduate high school? Their journey can begin at Texas State Technical College, which offers a variety of technical college programs and introductory courses sure to get anybody well on their way to their higher education degree.
Harlingen is a Friend of Outdoor Enthusiasts
There are also a variety of parks and greenspaces across the city with playgrounds, monuments, and waterfronts to sit next to and take in the warm temperature that calls the tip of Texas home for most of the year. The Harlingen Thicket and its long trail will give you an up close and personal experience with brush native to this part of the state, and the Arroyo Park boasts a trail of its own with gorgeous scenery as the sun sets.
Feeling a little more adventurous? You can take a short drive down to the coast and rent a kayak or go parasailing in beautiful South Padre Island, a nationally renowned hotspot for Spring Break, home to the iconic Queen Isabella Causeway, and the brightest fireworks displays you will ever see during the summertime.
Harlingen has a Growing Nightlife
Do you enjoy a robust nightlife? The beauty about living in Harlingen is that you are never too far away from it. From culinary delights you would see in metropolitan areas to delicious beverages and bedazzling entertainment venues, there is always something to do in Harlingen. Plus, the median age in Harlingen is about 33, lower than the state and national average.
If you’re looking for indoor entertainment, you can head to the movie theater to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster, or even find yourself entertained by the liveliness that historic downtown has to offer. A mix of classic sandwich shops and brand-new restaurants with an atmosphere for those with a more refined palette are also available via the selections at Sir’s Martini Lounge or Jackson Street Cork N Craft.
From Low Housing Costs to Southern Charm, See the Benefits of a Move to Harlingen!
The City of Harlingen is one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most cherished towns, and with its rich history and uniquely abundant list of things to do, it is easy to see why. Harlingen is more than just a place to work and sleep: it’s a place to build connections with your community while taking advantage of opportunities for growth.
With its competitive cost of living index and unbeatable charm, Harlingen is the perfect place to create your dream home. If you’re interested in calling Harlingen home, check out our Harlingen, TX, properties for sale!
Here at SRC Land, we can help you follow a smooth transition to being a Texas landowner, and you can count on our seller financing services to make your dream of owning land a reality. Our land development professionals have the experience needed to support your home construction plans, connecting you with land opportunities that meet your needs. You can focus on checking off the boxes on new-home wishlist while we make sure the right utilities and zoning are in place for you.
