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.
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
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.
One of the many advantages of living in the area is that the cost of living in the state, especially in the tropical Rio Grande Valley, is relatively low. Your American dream can very well become a reality once you establish your roots in the area.
Another advantage of 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.
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.
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.
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.
Make Your Move to Harlingen Today!
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.
