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The main focus of the company has always been great personal service and attention to detail. We differentiate ourselves from other moving companies for the following reasons:
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
Looking for an affordable area with a rich history and great community spirit? You may consider moving to Alamo, Texas.
Living in Alamo, Texas means enjoying a warm, subtropical climate and a strong sense of community. The city is affordable, culturally rich, and conveniently located near McAllen, Edinburg, and the Mexican border. Its small-town charm and growing economy make it an appealing place to call home.
Alamo is known for its gorgeous citrus groves and for being a winter resort and retirement community. Despite its name, the city of Alamo, TX, has no connection to the famous battle that took place at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio in 1836.
The area was originally known as Camp Ebenezer after two entrepreneurs named Peter Ebenezer Blalock and George T. Hawkins acquired 32,000 acres of land in Hidalgo County. They later sold the land to the Alamo Land and Sugar Company, which brought new settlers to the area. The community was formally incorporated as Alamo in 1924.
Today, Alamo, TX, is a good place to live for those who want a warm climate and access to the outdoors. Convinced this may be the perfect place for you? Here's everything you need to know about living in Alamo.
Alamo, TX, is in southern Hidalgo County within the Rio Grande Valley. It's within the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission and Reynosa-McAllen metropolitan areas. It's commonly referred to as the "Gateway to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge," as the nature area is located just south of the city, a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts living in Alamo.
Alamo, Texas, is approximately 20 miles from the Mexican border, which is why it's also known as one of the Rio Grande Valley's Gateways to Mexico. I-2 runs directly through Alamo, connecting to US Route 281 and providing direct access to Mexico and other cities for drivers living in Alamo. It's bordered to the west by the city of San Juan and to the east by the city of Donna.
It's in close proximity to other major cities, including:
The Alamo, TX population is 19,493 as of the 2020 census. Although it's a small city, it's also a growing city, and the number of people living in Alamo went up by 6% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly dense, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2,614 residents per square mile.
Often known as “the Refuge to the Valley”, Alamo has a welcoming spirit that attracts a wide range of people.
It's a predominantly Hispanic community with a large population of young people living in Alamo. The median age is 29.7 years (20% lower than the rest of Texas), and 32% of residents are under 18.
The average number of people per household is 3.3, which is 25% higher than the rest of Texas. This indicates a strong emphasis on large families and multigenerational living, which is a defining cultural characteristic of many Rio Grande Valley communities.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of those living in Alamo is 51.5% white (13.6% white, non-Hispanic), 83.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 40% two or more races. The proud Hispanic identity of those living in Alamo is visible everywhere, from bilingual signs and traditional cuisine to community celebrations of Mexican and Tejano culture.
Other Alamo Texas Demographics
The median household income is $54,234, which is 33% lower than the median income in Texas.
52% of people living in Alamo are female, and 48% are male
67.2% of residents living in Alamo have a high school diploma, and 15.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
The foreign-born population is 23.1%
Is Alamo TX safe? While it does have a tight-knit, family-oriented atmosphere, Alamo TX crime rate is higher than both the statewide and national average.
The total Alamo crime rate is 4,797 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 110% higher than the Texas crime rate and 81% higher than the rest of the country.
The violent crime rate is 60% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 120% higher than the rest of the US. So, make sure to take proper precautions and be aware of your surroundings if you plan on moving to Alamo Texas.
The Alamo Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order in the community, assisted by at least 38 officers.
Cost of Living in Alamo, Texas
The cost of living in Alamo is very affordable. A good way to assess the cost of living in a community is to look at the cost of living index. It contrasts the typical cost of consumer goods with the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area is 85, indicating that the cost of living in McAllen is approximately 15% below the national average. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It shows that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $81,727 to afford the cost of living in Alamo.
Alamo real estate is also very affordable compared to the rest of the US. Redfin indicates that the median listing price of homes for sale in Alamo, Texas is $222,000, which is 48% lower than the median home value in the US.
The median price per square foot of Alamo TX real estate is $140. There are also plenty of renters living in Alamo. According to census data, 73% of homes are owner-occupied, and 27% are rented out.
Rent prices are likewise very affordable. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Alamo is $850 per month. Rent for tenants living in Alamo prices start around $600 for a one-bedroom unit and go up to $ 1,200 for three or more bedrooms.
Alamo Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Alamo
For a small community, living in Alamo offers fantastic neighborhoods offering something enticing and unique. Here are a few communities offering prime Alamo Texas real estate that foster a strong sense of community.
Alamo Country Club is a gated 55+ community known for its gorgeous golf courses and other lifestyle amenities that are popular among "winter Texans" living in Alamo who frequent the area to retire or vacation.
North Alamo Road | A Family-Oriented Community With Affordable Homes
The North Alamo Road area is a peaceful area popular among families living in Alamo with affordable houses for sale in Alamo, TX, starting around $55,000, as well as a weekend farmers market.
South Alamo | A Suburban Community With Access to Shopping and Nature
South Alamo is a suburban community with new homes offering easy access to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. It’s ideal for nature lovers living in Alamo.
Alamo Weather and Climate
Being so close to the Mexican border, you should get ready for the heat if you plan on moving to Alamo Texas. It has a subtropical climate according to the Koppen Classification System, which indicates hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The temperature in Alamo, Texas, typically ranges from 52°F to 97°F, although winters can get down to 39°F and summers can get as hot as 101°F. The best weather in Alamo, Texas, is usually from April to June. It rarely gets cold enough to snow. However, anyone living in Alamo should own an umbrella, as it receives an average of 22 inches of rain each year.
Things to Do in Alamo
Although Alamo is mainly a small, residential town, you'll still find plenty of fun things to do in the surrounding areas. The city hosts many recurring events that attract visitors from around the world, such as the Alamo Watermelon Festival and BBQ Cook-Off.
Residents living in Alamo will find plenty of stores, restaurants, and local businesses at local shopping centers like Alamo Plaza, La Plaza, and the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley. The Alamo Event Center is also a popular local venue that hosts events and niche activities for people living in Alamo. For those in search of more entertainment options, here is a list of other fun things to do in Alamo, Texas.
Located just south of Alamo, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2000+ acre nature area on the banks of the Rio Grande River that's home to over 400 species of birds, making it a popular spot for hikers and bird watchers living in Alamo.
The Gelman Stained Glass Museum is a cultural destination in the nearby town of San Juan that offers an extensive collection of stained glass art, as well as live music and other recurring events. Great for anyone living in Alamo who appreciates culture.
Just outside of Alamo in the neighboring city of Pharr, Aqua Planet is a popular water park featuring slides, pools, BBQ grills, and playgrounds, making it one of the best things to do in Alamo TX with kids.5401 S Jackson Rd, Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 529-2240
Looking for more fun things to do in Alamo, Texas? The Parks and Recreation Department has a list of resources available on its website.
Alamo Restaurants
Hungry for a bite to eat? You'll find a wide range of delicious restaurants in Alamo, TX, offering everything from seafood to Italian. To help you plan your next outing, here are some of the best restaurants in Alamo, TX.
The Landmark Tower is a popular hangout spot and one of the best Alamo TX restaurants if you're in the mood for small bites and recurring events such as car shows, food trucks, live music, and more.
The Bag is a casual seafood spot offering made-to-order dishes, including crab boil bags, shrimp, and other Virginia-inspired plates in a no-frills setting.
Los Originales is one of the best restaurants in Alamo, TX, if you're in the mood for Mexican food and offers a wide selection of classic dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other favorites.
Residents living in Alamo will find steady employment opportunities. The Rio Grande Valley is known for its long-standing agricultural tradition, and the Alamo specifically is famous for its citrus groves and vegetable farming. So you'll find many great jobs in Alamo, TX, in the agribusiness industry.
Eco-tourism, healthcare, and hospitality are also notable industries in Alamo, due in large part to its location near the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Retail is also a dominant industry, with annual sales in the city exceeding $4.5 billion, due to its international seaports, airports, and bridges that connect it to Mexico.
According to Payscale, workers in McAllen are paid an average hourly wage of $16.99. So, anyone living in Alamo should expect the same. From commercial solar sales to procurement specialists, you'll find a wide range of fantastic Alamo jobs available. City of Alamo Texas jobs are also available if you're looking for stable employment and benefits.
Schools in the PSJAISD serving kids living in Alamo include:
Zeferino Farias Elementary
Augusto Guerra Elementary
Santos Livas Elementary
Marcia R. Garza Elementary
John McKeever Elementary
Alamo Middle School
Audie Murphy Middle
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) Early College High School
PSJA High School is highly respected and boasts a 98% graduation rate and a 44% AP participation rate, ranking it among the top 500 high schools in Texas.
Students living in Alamo can apply for charter and magnet schools operated by the South Texas Independent School District and the Idea Public School District. Valley Christian Heritage is also a notable K-12 private school in Alamo. Residents can also stop by the Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Memorial Library for books and community events.
Alamo Statistics & Information
Alamo County: Hidalgo County
Alamo area: 7.51 sq mi
Alamo zip code: 78516
Alamo area code: 956
Alamo elevation: 98 ft
Alamo time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do in Alamo TX with this map.
Ready to Experience First Hand What Living in Alamo Is Really Like?
Thinking about moving to Alamo, Texas? When your moving day finally comes, you can rely on the hardworking Alamo movers at Chapas Moving Express to make it easy and efficient. Call (956) 686-3247 today for a free quote.
Chapa's Moving Service
We are an independently owned moving company based out of McAllen, Texas. In addition to being a full-service moving company serving local and statewide moves, Chapa’s Moving Service offers packaging, loading, and unloading for our clients who prefer to move themselves.
