Combes, Texas, is a rural community located less than 5 miles north of Harlingen, one of the Rio Grande Valley’s largest cities. Residents often commute to Harlingen for work via U.S. Route 77 or Interstate 69E, which both run through the town. Combes is home to around 3,000 people and is known for its agricultural roots, with many locals engaged in farming. The town features a mix of bungalows, ranch-style homes, and contemporary houses, some with Mediterranean influences like terracotta roofs and stucco exteriors. Live oak and palm trees are common, and the outskirts are dotted with corn crops. Sunshine Country Club Estates, a 55+ community, offers a resident-only 9-hole golf course. Although commercial development is limited, the upcoming Combes Uptown District promises to add shopping and dining options to the area. Currently, residents head to Harlingen for major stores and restaurants, including Bass Pro Shops, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Combes has a Dollar General, a post office, auto repair shops, and a recently opened Love’s Travel Stop. The community is served by Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Behind city hall, built in 2013, there is a park with playground equipment, picnic shelters, and a soccer field. The adjacent community center hosts events like weddings and quinceañeras, food banks, and free haircuts. Alejandro Martinez Baseball Academy offers indoor batting lessons, and several houses of worship provide services in Spanish and English. For additional recreation, locals visit Harlingen’s Hugh Ramsey Nature Park or drive 51 miles southeast to South Padre Island’s beach.
