Rural charm and strong community ties in Cotulla
The small town of Cotulla was built around the railroad, cattle farming and agriculture in the late 19th century as part of Texas's Winter Garden, known for its year-round vegetable production. Many residents still farm today, while others escape the summer heat by living here part-time. Regardless, the area is well known for its friendly atmosphere. "My neighbors will come by to check on me and say, 'We've been seeing you outside, and I know it's hot, do you need anything?'" says local author Gerónima Garza, who grew up here and moved back in retirement. "People are very giving here."
Single-family homes with space to garden
Cotulla median home price is about $140,000, lower than San Antonio and Laredo, the largest nearby cities. Brick ranch-style and manufactured homes, often with front porches, fill the small residential grid. They usually have central air conditioning to beat the Texas heat and sit on lots of a quarter-acre or larger. "The only season that's rough is the summer, but other than that, we're growing stuff for the rest of the year," Garza says.
LBJ’s teaching legacy lives on in Cotulla schools
The history of Cotulla's schools is a point of pride around here. Former president Lyndon B. Johnson taught at the former Welhausen School in 1928, which then had a population of impoverished Mexican-American students. The experience helped inform his later civil rights efforts.
Cotulla is served by the Cotulla Independent School District, rated C-plus by Niche. It has an early childhood learning center, two elementary schools, one middle school and a high school.
Frank Newman Middle earns the highest grade with a B-minus and provides a career and college exploration class. The C-plus-rated Cotulla High School offers a dual credit program in partnership with Southwest Texas Junior College. Locals proudly support the Cotulla Cowboys at Friday night football games.
Outdoor recreation at Martinez and Veteran’s parks
Martinez Park is Cotulla's main green space, featuring a sports complex and playground. The sports complex was unveiled in 2016 and features a half-mile walking track with fitness equipment that loops around the baseball fields. Residents of all ages can take swim lessons at the indoor pool. Veteran's Park is a green space with picnic benches in front of the town's Art Deco courthouse and serves as a community event space.
Shopping is centered downtown and along Interstate 35
Downtown Cotulla preserves the town's Old West character in the historic brick and stucco storefronts and Spanish motifs. A few services, restaurants and shops are based here, including a boutique, barbershop, hardware store and event venue in a restored 1880s building. Valdez Bakery specializes in pizza and a variety of sweet breads. The Cotulla Main Street program is focused on downtown preservation and revitalization and coordinates special events such as a Fourth of July parade. Most shopping and dining options are along Interstate 35, including fast food and locally owned restaurants. El Patron is a new favorite for Mexican food. Lowe's Market is a go-to for groceries.
Cotulla’s biggest event celebrates food, family and 4-H pride
As the county seat, Cotulla hosts the LaSalle County Fair and wild hog cook-off in March. It features 4-H competitions, carnival games, live music, and a rodeo with wild hog roping. "It's like a huge family reunion where you can rent a space," Garza says. "You can set up a tent and do your own cooking, and everyone shares."
Interstate 35 connects to Laredo and San Antonio
Located on Interstate 35, Cotulla is connected to the larger cities of Laredo, about 70 miles south, and San Antonio, about 90 miles north. State Highway 97 offers another northeastern route. South Texas Rural Health Services offers primary care, dental and mental health services in town. Frio Regional Hospital is the closest full-service hospital with emergency care, about 30 miles north in Pearsall. Laredo International Airport offers flights within Texas and to Monterrey, Mexico, and San Antonio International Airport has direct flights throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
