Alton is a growing community in the Rio Grande Valley
With its motto, "Where you belong," the small city of Alton welcomes everyone with open arms. "Alton has grown exponentially since I've been here. We have a lot more people coming into the city now, and in the next couple of years, it's just going to boom," says Steve Peña, CEO of the city's development corporation since 2006. Just like many communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Alton is among the fastest-growing areas in South Texas. Updates to infrastructure, including new housing developments, road improvements and park renovations, have spearheaded Alton's revitalization and brought new life into town. "We have such a young community. Almost 48% of the population is under 45, and I think that's why we've been able to be so progressive. They want it to grow for the kids," Peña says. Within 10 miles of Mission and McAllen, Alton has a friendly essence that permeates its long-standing local businesses and community events.
Youth programming at Alton Recreation Center
With an outdoor pool and extensive programming at the Alton Recreation Center, Sylvia Vela Park is one of Alton's most popular meeting places. Most kids in Alton sign up for youth sports like baseball or the recreation center's summer camp. With so much growth, Alton is updating its park system. Initially totaling just 10 acres, in 2022, Josefa Garcia Park was transformed into a 50-acre recreational destination. The green space now features an accessible playground, and a new splash pad is in the works. "We do a little something in these parks every year. We want to promote health," Peña says.
A beautiful mural reflecting the local wildlife and geography.
Sylvias park has multiple walking trails, playground and two basketball courts.
The City of Alton is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
1/3
The 812 Market offers live music on weekends
Despite its growth, Alton still values shopping locally. "It's mostly smaller businesses. The only big box is the supermarket," Peña says, explaining that the Junior's Super Market on West Main Avenue was the first in the franchise and has become the biggest Junior's in the region. On East Main Avenue, Blanca's Market and Restaurant is a favored stop for fresh cuts of meat, while Taqueria Don Felipe gets the nod for its homestyle Mexican favorites. Benji's BBQ has been serving Alton since 2015 with platters of smoked meats. On weekends, locals head down to 812 Market on South Alton Boulevard. This flea market is entertaining with local music, games of Lotería and thousands of vendors. New commercial developments are on the horizon, with more storefronts expected in coming years. Alton is just 7 miles from Trenton Crossing Shopping Center in McAllen for a handful of big box stores.
Rocha's Restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes everyday of the week.
Rocha's Restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes everyday of the week.
Blanca's Meat Market offers a variety of fresh beef and pork meat.
1/3
New developments on Main Avenue
With the population rising each year, Alton has turned its focus to housing development, increasing the city's capacity while keeping the character of existing modern homes. The east side of Alton is known for slightly larger and more expensive homes, which can cost upwards of $500,000. These residences are close together, designed in Spanish Revival and Contemporary designs with attached garages. Homes on the west side of Alton tend to be older, reflecting ranch-styles and cottages, with prices hovering around $300,000. "Over the past two years, it has just been a booming housing market," Peña says, noting that eight new subdivisions of duplexes and single-family homes are already in the works.
A new apartment complex constructed in the south side of Alton, Tx.
A 3 bedroom 2 bath modern style home located in Alton, Tx.
A row of modern style brick homes located in the downtown Alton, Tx area.
1/3
Alton is 13 miles from McAllen International Airport
There isn't any public transit in town, and most residents drive to get around. Alton is within 15 miles of Interstate 69C and Interstate 2. Locals won't even need to get on highways to Mission, less than 6 miles away, and McAllen is 13 miles southeast. These commutes take less than 30 minutes for residents working at Mission Regional Medical Center, the closest hospital. Alton is 13 miles from McAllen International Airport and 23 miles from the Pharr–Reynosa International Bridge, leading to Reynosa in Mexico.
Sylvia Vela Park is a local gathering spot.
Growing attendance at Christmas on Main
Residents gather at Sylvia Vela Park for an outdoor cinema series during summertime. As winter approaches, locals prepare for a Christmas Parade along Main Avenue. "It's well attended, and every year you see more and more people coming," Peña says, noting that the same is true for the National Night Out event, hosted by the local police department annually. In 2024, the city hosted Casita Bonita, a community event where volunteers painted houses for disadvantaged residents.
STEM based learning through Mission CISD
The Mission Consolidated Independent School District educates around 14,500 students in the community and earns a C-plus on Niche. The district prides itself on its advanced STEM academies offered as early as elementary school. Cavazos Elementary earns a C-minus grade and is home to a Health Science Academy. Alton Memorial Junior High School maintains a grade of C-minus, and Mission Collegiate High School has a B-plus grade. The high school is nationally recognized for its Early College Program and commitment to advanced placement programs and scholarship funds.
Alton Elementary School is located in downtown Alton, Tx.
Students receive a great education at Sharyland Pioneer High School.
It's ranked #16 in McAllen, TX Metro Area High Schools by US News & World Report, 2023-2024.
1/3
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Mauricio Atilano
Video By
Jessica Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hector Guerra,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Alton, TX sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Alton, TX over the last 12 months is $258,850, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime residential development opportunity on this 56-acre tract. Zoned Mission ISD with sewer and water available. Located in a fast-growing area off of Stewart and Lark Mission, TX.
Beautiful House - Like New! Features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage 1,590 square feet (HCAD) Lot is 6,000 square feet (HCAD) All tile floors with high decorative ceilings with fans. Quartz countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Beautifully landscaped with sprinkler system. Move In Ready!
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!!!Discover the perfect blend of style and high-performance engineering in this stunning, newly listed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom in the Sharyland School District. The open-concept layout creates an inviting atmosphere that flows seamlessly into a luxury kitchen, boasting abundant counter space and a massive center island perfect for entertaining. The spacious primary suite serves
Welcome to this well-maintained two-story home offering approximately 2,220 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The functional layout provides plenty of room for comfortable living, entertaining, and growing families. The upstairs offers spacious bedrooms and privacy, while the main level provides inviting common areas for everyday living. Step
Great investment opportunity in the growing area of Alton, TX! This multi-unit property features four apartment complexes, Conveniently located at 2605 E. Franklin Avenue, the property provides easy access to nearby schools, shopping, and major roadways. Whether you're expanding your portfolio or just getting started, this is a solid income-producing asset in an area with high rental demand.
Cozy Modern Farmhouse with white picket fence and an inviting ambiance ready to create memories. Home features 3 Bedroom, 2 baths and 2 car garage with a back covered patio. Home features an inviting open concept that will convey stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and microwave.
Lot for Sale in Mission, TX — Great Price, Great Location, Great Subdivision! This residential lot is a fantastic opportunity to build your dream home or secure your next investment in a rapidly growing area of the Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy the value of a desirable neighborhood with the space and flexibility to create the home you’ve always wanted. Bonus: the home next door is also for sale (MLS
Charming single-story home in Alton featuring an open layout with high ceilings and decorative tray ceiling details. Interior offers wood-look flooring in main living areas, tile in kitchen and wet areas, and plenty of natural light. Kitchen includes ample cabinetry and an interior laundry area with washer and dryer connections. Spacious yard with mature trees provides privacy and room for
Investment opportunity in Alton, TX! This modern fourplex, built in 2023, features four spacious units, each offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 899 square feet of living space. Designed with contemporary finishes, the units include open-concept layouts, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, tile flooring throughout, and in-unit laundry areas. The
10 Acres of land available in Mission, Tx!! OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE! This property has so much to offer, excellent to build your dream home, suitable for subdividing, development, and livestock is allowed for ranching. Excellent location close to FM 107. Enjoy the tranquility of nature in this piece of land that has so much potential. This property is a must-see, schedule a showing today.
Country living inside the city limits! This 1.12-acre property in Alton offers space, privacy, and room to grow. The 3BR/1.5BA home features tile flooring, granite countertops, ceiling fans, and a covered patio surrounded by mature trees. A bonus room adds flexible space for an office, playroom, or den.This property also features a second entrance to the back portion of the land — ideal for
Fall in love with this stunning Craftsman-style ranchette on 3⁄4 of an acre in the peaceful outskirts of Mission, near Alton. The main home offers a newly remodeled en-suite, and an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, dishwasher, and electric stove. Step outside to your private oasis featuring a sparkling 3ft–6ft pool, a spacious covered patio, and a bar area perfect for hosting. The master
Built in 2023 and located in Shary Estates PH 2, this beautifully maintained home combines modern design, functional living space, and thoughtful details throughout. High ceilings and an open-concept layout create a bright, welcoming atmosphere ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the main living area, providing plenty of room to gather with
Looking for a new place to call home? Check out this amazing apartment for Rent. 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms Apartment for Rent! The Living room is spacious and has plenty of natural light. Primary Bedroom has a nice on-suite bathroom and a very large walk-in closet. The two additional bedrooms are a good size and share a bathroom. The Kitchen is graced with granite counters and stainless-steel
??Welcome Home to La Villa de Alton Apartments!??Looking for an affordable place to call home? La Villa de Alton Apartments offers spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes in a peaceful, welcoming community designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.Our income-restricted community is conveniently located in the heart of Alton, giving you easy access to everything you
Cozy Modern Farmhouse with white picket fence and an inviting ambiance ready to create memories. Home features 3 Bedroom, 2 baths and 2 car garage with a back covered patio. Home features an inviting open concept that comes with stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and microwave.
Nestled in the heart of Alton, TX, Bella Vista Apartments is a vibrant community offering affordable housing options. Our community combines classic design with modern conveniences, providing residents with a warm and inviting atmosphere. At Bella Vista Apartments, we offer thoughtfully designed two and three-bedroom floor plans to suit your lifestyle. Each apartment features modern amenities and
1 FREE WEEK.... Now available for lease! Located at 2605 E Franklin Ave in Alton, TX, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment offers a blend of comfort and convenience in a quiet residential area. The unit features an open-concept living space with tile flooring throughout, a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet storage, and a dining area ideal for everyday living. The master bedroom
1st Month Free with 13 Month LeaseWelcome to 2704 E Franklin, a premier living destination in Alton, TX. Our spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are designed with an open floor plan that boasts condo-quality finishes. The interiors feature hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and walk-in closets. The master bath adds a touch of luxury, while the kitchen is equipped
1 FREE WEEK... Now available for lease! Located at 2605 E Franklin Ave in Alton, TX, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment offers a blend of comfort and convenience in a quiet residential area. The unit features an open-concept living space with tile flooring throughout, a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet storage, and a dining area ideal for everyday living. The master bedroom
1st Month Free with 13 Month LeaseDiscover 2609 Franklin, this condo-quality 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment in Alton, TX with an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. The unit features hardwood floors, modern fixtures, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, microwave and stove/oven, plus washer and dryer included. The primary suite offers a master bath
You're going to love this luxury 2 bed 2 bath apartment style living. Large open floor plan with lots of natural light. The kitchen comes equipped with a large stainless-steel fridge built in microwave, and flat surface stainless steel oven/stove combo. Beautiful dark cabinets in the kitchen area for a high lux appeal. Backsplash and tile flooring gives you that feel of a luxury downtown condo
Property Id: 1755906 Enjoy A 3BR 2BA Comfortable Home In Prime Location Close To Major Hospitals And Essentials. This modern, comfortable home offers a warm and inviting space designed for easy everyday living in a prime location. The living area welcomes you with an open, bright layout that flows naturally into the dining and kitchen spaces, creating a connected environment perfect for
BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS!! 2 Bedroom , 2 Bath spacious apartments with ceiling fans and tile floors, granite countertops, include all the appliances. THE APARTMENT IS GOING TO BE READY TO SHOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 18TH.To apply please use the RentSpree link:
1st Month Free with 13 Month Lease2605 Garfield offers a 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit in Alton, TX with condo-quality finishes and an open floor plan. The home features hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, microwave and stove/oven, and a master bath plus walk-in closet. In-unit washer and dryer are included,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.