Texas is synonymous with big things. Big living, expansive farms and ever-bigger cities. The real estate industry is exceptionally vibrant on the heels of the California boom in the west. However, there are a few rare niches that present attractive options for the home buyer.
The city is business friendly with the possibility of free trade status. It is close to a host of favorite holiday destinations. Contrary to popular belief, the cost of living is unbelievably low, and the winters are pleasant.
Highlights
For those who love wide-open urban spaces and the outdoors, there is plenty of free space, water sports, and recreation spots just close to the city. It is ideally located midway between two bigger cities, McAllen and Brownsville. Unlike the rest of Texas urban areas, there is light traffic on the roads, and an average commute will take you less than half an hour. It is an excellent destination to spend your winters.
The population is still below the hundred thousand mark with the majority being Hispanic. The people are incredibly nice and helpful. The diverse culture brings with it a global cuisine including some world-famous Buffalo wings joints.
Think proximity to the Gulf Coast and the numerous attractions there. For example, you are less than forty minutes away from South Padre Island, one of the best beaches in the continental US. There are numerous benefits to owning a home so close to a world-famous beach, top of which is the beach weather. It consists of a tropical climate with low rainfall and a southwestern feel to it. In like manner, you are also an hour from Mexico.
Harlingen is a brilliant spot to own a retirement home. It is famous throughout Texas for its warmth and hospitality to the senior citizens. There is an international airport right in the city enabling you to connect to global destinations quickly. There is plenty of fresh produce with seafood a primary staple. It is also home to the largest shrimp farms in the country. Harlingen is rated as one of the cheapest places to live in the country.
The city also has a vibrant economy with services such as healthcare, education, social amenities and the retail sector contributing the biggest chunk. The Jackson Street district is considered the city’s hub. The international airport, as well as the seaport of Harlingen, ensures a busy transport industry. Additionally, it is right next to the Free Trade International Bridge.
Development advantages
Harlingen is rapidly growing. Numerous companies are opening up manufacturing facilities in the area. This is driven by readily available labor, the free trade framework and proximity to cheaper ocean shipping from the international seaport. Diverse ranges of industries including food processors, petrochemical manufacturers as well textiles have found a new home here. The local real estate market is opening up to new investors in every corner.
The home market
Harlingen is one of the few gems worth snapping up in Texas for those looking for unique opportunities away from the beaten path. Financial services have also become readily available. For example, Tweed Financial Services provides comprehensive financial advisory you can leverage to secure a home.
You can get a modest place in the city at under two hundred thousand dollars. Trulia places the median home price at seventy thousand. The bulk of the homes in the city are in the $50-$100 range.
The typical home has a fitted kitchen with a snack bar that is perfect for family meals such as breakfast. They also have indoor laundry facilities as well as swimming pools for the mid-market homes in the city. Tweed Financial Services will help you choose a sustainable mortgage plan from a range of fixed and flexible rates to fixed-term options.