Living in McAllen
The City of McAllen has been a growing force in the Rio Grande Valley thanks to its flourishing arts culture, strong business climate that intensely supports entrepreneurship and education options that have contributed to the city’s strong reputation. Thanks to all of these and more, the city has become one of the most desirable locations in South Texas to live and grow. Its convenient location nestled within the heart of Rio Grande Valley, low cost of living and culture supporting expression have all proven why this city is one that you will not forget.
The Community
As we said, McAllen’s community is one of the most open and supportive of growth and expression. With so many events held throughout the year, each catered to different interests and lifestyles, it’s no wonder that the numbers of residents and visitors grow each year. In fact, since 1990, the city has grown at an average rate of 22% each year.
The great thing about McAllen is that, although it’s growing and affords an environment similar to a metropolitan area, it still manages to retain a small-town feel. Here, you won’t have trouble finding new things to do or meet new, unforgettable people. Our close-knit community has witnessed the rapid expansion and diversity that will continue to grow in the future, and we want to share it with you!
Arts and Entertainment
Our arts and entertainment scene is one that isn’t matched elsewhere in the region. Our countless museums, art galleries and live music venues are almost all within walking distance of each other, making accessibility to each as easy as can be. With events like the McAllen Art Walk, which is held on the first Friday of each month between September and May, citizens and visitors can explore new displays and familiarize themselves with new ideas, techniques and artistic tastes.
The McAllen Performance Arts Center is another option where music and performances shine along with the McAllen Creative Incubator. The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is also known to draw big crowds thanks to its numerous events throughout the year. The bottom line is that, when it comes to artistic expression, McAllen is unparalleled.
Education
McAllen is home to one of the strongest and most dedicated workforces in the country. This is thanks to the city’s convenient location near some of the best education establishments in the state. This includes the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, Texas State Technical College, Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M Health Science Center. The city also boasts an exceptional array of charter schools that include Idea Quest Academy, Lamar Academy, South Texas I.S.D. and various others.
Business Development
McAllen breathes entrepreneurship. From blueprint sharing to ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the city sees many occasions where businesses establish themselves for success. The McAllen Development Center oversees this very intricate but important process in tandem with the case manager program, city engineers, planning departments and many others. Our Chamber of Commerce also conducts various studies to see what works and what doesn’t, which includes market analysis research, mentoring programs, business plan development and more. If you love contributing to locally-owned business, then McAllen is the place to be!