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McAllen, Texas is a charming southern city, conveniently located and family-friendly. With warm weather most of the year, safe neighborhoods, and an affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder McAllen is on so many folks’ radar as a new place to call home. If that’s you, this handy moving guide to McAllen, Texas, put together by the moving experts at NSA Storage, will give you a close-up look at one of Texas’ nicest cities!
McAllen’s Cost of Living is a Big Draw
For many, the biggest draw to McAllen is the city’s affordability. Housing costs are significantly lower in McAllen than many comparable cities. Here are a few other facts about McAllen’s affordability level:
- McAllen’s cost-of-living index stands at 86/100, 15 points lower than the national average. In other words, the city is 14% cheaper than the U.S. average.
- The median cost of a new home is close to $200,000, nearly half the national average.
- Utilities are lower overall, thanks to the city’s warm climate.
- Groceries, healthcare, and other expenses are 7 to 10% lower than the national average.
- A 2-bedroom apartment can be rented for under $1000.00, far lower than other Texas cities.
Year-Round Warm Weather
If affordability is McAllen’s top draw, the weather and climate are a close second! That’s because the city is subtropical, with summers that are hot and dry and winters that are mild and snow-free. Here’s a quick look at McAllen’s typical weather in all four season:
- Spring- The most enjoyable time of year, with dry, warm days and comfortable nights.
- Summer- You’ll need AC to stay comfortable here for a couple of months, with temps hovering in the 90s. Perfect for day trips to the beach!
- Autumn- This is the ideal season for outdoor activities as the heat gives way to milder temperatures.
- Winter- Temperatures in winter stay between 60°F and 70°F, with not a snowflake in sight.
Outdoor Recreation in McAllen
With all the warm weather, it’s no surprise that people spend a lot of time outdoors in McAllen. Even better, the city is well-equipped to help you take advantage of all the sunshine, with activities and attractions to fit a wide range of outdoor interests. For example:
- McAllen has over 30 parks and green spaces scattered around the city.
- There are hiking and biking trails everywhere you look.
- The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive away.
- Fireman’s Park, one of the city’s most popular for families, offers fishing, paddleboats, and playgrounds.
- For pleasant, quiet nature walks and bird-watching, there’s the McAllen Nature Center.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge offers guided tours and bird-watching events throughout the year. If you and your family enjoy nature’s amazing beauty, it will be your go-to destination to relax, unwind, and recharge.
Events and Festivals in McAllen
Festivals and events bring a little fun and excitement to everyone’s life, and McAllen always delivers! There’s something to see, do, taste, and experience practically every month here, with a little for everyone to enjoy. Some of the most notable events around the city include:
- McAllen International Car Fest– If you’re a lover of all things automotive, this massive car show will be right up your alley.
- Taste McAllen– Tastings and demonstrations by the city’s top restaurants and chefs make this festival delicious!
- The McAllen Marathon– This fast, flat marathon, which is USATF-certified, winds through McAllen’s lovely, tree-lined neighborhoods.
- Fiesta de Palmas– A multi-day cultural event with food, music, entertainment, and more.
- IDEA McAllen Annual Fall Festival– Family-friendly fun every fall is what you’ll find at this community-based festival.
- McAllen’s South Pole Illuminated Festival– The city’s annual holiday parade is, in a word, spectacular!
- MXLAN Fest– Celebrates Latino culture, including their phenomenal food, music, and cuisine.
- Sunset Live Concert Series– This concert series provides live performances of every musical genre throughout the year in McAllen.
McAllen’s Food Scene is Diverse and Delicious
With a location this close to Mexico, it’s no wonder that the restaurant and food scene in McAllen is so enjoyable! With a combination of Tex-Mex and Southern flavors, you’re bound to have several favorites! For example, McAllen offers:
- Family-owned restaurants with authentic Mexican cuisine.
- A wide variety of cafes and bakeries.
- Traditional taco shops to die for!
- Fresh seafood
- Mouthwatering BBQ
If you can’t decide, we suggest you try the 17th Street Entertainment District, located downtown. Here you can hit a variety of bars and restaurants all within a few blocks.
Exciting Indoor Activities to Enjoy in McAllen
Even though the weather is usually pleasant, McAllen offers several activities and attractions that are indoors. That makes them perfect for the occasional hot or rainy day, or when the kids get restless. Some of the top indoor attractions in the city include:
- McAllen Public Library– With classes, community workshops and other events, this single-story library, one of the largest in the United States, is a great place to spend an afternoon.
- Quinta Mazatlán– Informative nature programs, lush gardens, and interesting cultural events are found at this historic adobe estate.
- International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)- If your kids are into hands-on science experiences, this will be your go-to activity!
- La Plaza Mall– La Plaza is a good choice if you want to window shop or get the kids out of the house for a while.
Your Kids will Get a Good Educational Start in McAllen
For parents of grade school children or those seeking a teaching position, McAllen is a great place to be. The public school system is diverse and caters to a variety of children’s needs. For example:
- You’ll find several excellent charter schools
- Most public schools offer gifted programs
- The city has several Catholic schools
- South Texas College, which offers a variety of degree programs as well as workforce training, has a campus in McAllen.
Beaches are Close Enough for Day Trips from McAllen
For folks who love the beach and coastal amenities, you’ll be glad to know that beaches are close enough to McAllen for relatively easy day and weekend trips. Most are within 90 miles, which is less than two hours by car. Some of the top beaches for folks who live in McAllen include:
1. South Padre Island (SPI)– One of Texas’s most popular beaches, you’ll find soft sand, warm water, dolphin tours, fishing, parasailing, and family-friendly restaurants here. (75 miles)
2. Boca Chica Beach– A lovely, undeveloped beach near the SpaceX Starbase facility that’s perfect for nature lovers. (90 miles)
3. Isla Blanca Park (on South Padre Island)- Some of the nicest shorelines in the region are what you’ll find here, as well as jetties for fishing and enjoying the views. (75 miles)
4. Port Isabel– The gateway to SPI has water views, boating, fishing, and a lighthouse*, but no beaches for swimming. (65 miles)
* The Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, which is open to the public and offers a catwalk with spectacular views of the coastline. They also offer an informative orientation for groups of ten or more!
Store with NSA Storage While You’re Moving to McAllen, Texas
If lovely weather, a low cost of living, and a family-friendly environment is what you’re looking for in a city, McAllen, TX, would be a great choice! It’s got all of that and much more, empowering you to live your life to the fullest.
Need to store your belongings in McAllen when you arrive? Whether you’re still searching for your new home or just need some extra space while you get settled, NSA Storage offers clean, secure storage units in McAllen to suit your storage needs perfectly.
To reserve storage units in McAllen, choose from our nearly 25 self-storage locations in the city and reserve the size that’s right for you. It’s easy, and once you reserve, your storage unit will be ready to use when you arrive! Until then, we hope your move to McAllen is easy and stress-free!
