Sitting in the central part of the Rio Grande Valley, Donna is a community of 17,000 residents known for its location. In the 1940s, it even used the motto 'The City with a Heart in the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley.' "Since it is centrally located, a lot of residents will commute to McAllen or Harlingen for work," says Margiee Fender, a Realtor with Medina Real Estate. The community is smaller than nearby Weslaco and McAllen; however, the community is seeing commercial growth. "There is a lot of land for industry and growth," Fender says. "Always opportunities for bigger companies to come in." The school district is the city's primary employer, with Fender noting that there are lots of teachers.
Donna is a historic small town in proximity to larger cities like Harlingen and McAllen.
Donna is known as "The Heart of the Valley".
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New subdivisions and move-in ready lots
Donna's median home sale price is $203,000, lower than nearby Weslaco at $245,000 and the national median. Modest investment properties can range from $50,000 to $100,000. Larger, pricier houses on a spacious lot cost between $300,000 and $700,000. "A lot of builders are making new subdivisions and homes," Fender says. "Bigger homes and subdivisions that have ½ an acre." The Salamanca Estates subdivision has move-in ready lots near the Expressway.
Three bedroom manufactured style homes are common in south Donna.
Manufactured homes and empty lots are available in central Donna.
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High marks for Macedonian Christian Academy
Children are zoned for the Donna Independent School District, serving 13,000 students and receiving a C from Niche. The district has two high schools, Donna High and Donna North High, 13 elementary schools and four middle schools. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College are nearby institutions for students looking to continue their education after high school, offering several two- and four-year programs. For private schools, Macedonian Christian Academy serves Pre-K through 12th grades and gets an A-minus from Niche.
Donna High School prepares students for higher education.
Donna High School serves the community's teens.
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Big-box stores near Interstate 2
Donna is considered a quieter community in the valley compared to some larger cities, but it is getting more industrial. "It's smaller, so everyone just ends up at Weslaco for the restaurants, movies etc.," Fender says. "They are growing and getting new plazas and shopping centers." Business 83 roadway runs through downtown, with several local restaurants and local shops. Near Interstate 2 are the commercial corridors, with big-box department stores, chain restaurants and national brands.
Big box stores such as Burlington and Ross are located along Interstate 2 in Donna.
Isabella's Boutique in downtown Donna offers apparel and accessories.
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Little-league baseball games at Boyce Memorial Park
Boyce Memorial Park has two baseball fields where local little-league teams play. Parents watch from the rows of bleacher seats and pick up snacks from the concession stands. The park also has an open green field and a playground next to the fields. Donna Main Square Park sits near the city's center, with paved paths that attract runners and walkers. The park also has soccer fields and covered shelters to relax in the shade.
The historic Chisolm Trail is located on the Donna City Square Park courtyard.
Donna City Square Park has various playgrounds and pavilions located throughout.
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Bull riding and rodeo at Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
The biggest local event in the Rio Grande Valley is the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo, which takes place a few miles away in Mercedes. The 11-day event includes a carnival, live music and PRCA Xtreme bull riding and rodeo. It occurs every March and attracts thousands of visitors and over 80 food vendors.
The annual RGV Livestock Show in Mercedes draws Donna residents and other visitors.
The RGV Livestock Show draws visitors from all over Texas to nearby Mercedes.
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Access to the international bridge into Mexico
Interstate 2 is the main thoroughfare in and out of Donna, leading 4 miles east to Weslaco and 14 miles west to McAllen. The Valley Metro bus lines offer daily public transportation for the city and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley. Valley Baptist Micro Hospital is a few miles away, on the western edge of Weslaco. McAllen International Airport is 14 miles west of Donna, offering nonstop flights to Dallas and Houston. The Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge, also known as the Alliance International Bridge, is an international bridge connecting Donna with Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas.
Donna crime rates and environmental factors
According to FBI crime statistics, Donna's violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average. Violent crime rates have fluctuated up and down in the last few years, while property crime rates have shown an increase.
Severe weather, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, is less common in Donna than in the rest of Texas. The area is prone to excessive heat, with some of the highest temperatures surpassing 105 degrees.
Written By
DJ Stewart
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Mauricio Atilano
Video By
Drew Webster
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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.
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On average, homes in Donna, TX sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Donna, TX over the last 12 months is $195,800, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Recently remodeled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home in the heart of Donna! This move-in ready home features a brand new roof, new windows, and comes complete with all appliances. Enjoy a spacious layout with modern updates throughout, plus a large backyard perfect for gatherings—complete with a storage shed. Conveniently located near Interstate 2, major stores, and popular restaurants.
Excellent property completely remodeled, ready to move in. House has two bedrooms and bonus room that can be used as a bedroom or office, spacious and bright kitchen, front and back patio with enough space for family gatherings and creation of family memories. Completely fenced. "OWNER FINANCIAL AVAILABLE"
Excellent opportunity on South Main Street! This versatile property is ready for immediate occupancy and also offers strong potential for renovation or investment. Situated on half an acre along the main corridor, it’s ideal for a business location or redevelopment project. With a recently replaced roof, the property is well-positioned for its next chapter in a prime, central location.
Welcome to Hacienda San Miguel, a brand new, beautifully constructed community! Choose from our expertly designed One, Two or Three-bedroom apartment homes decked out with modern and luxurious finishes! Our Brand-New Apartment Homes are sure to impress with sleek and modern finishes. Our amenity package includes a stunning resort style pool, clubhouse and hi-tech fitness center. Our
2 bedroom 2 bath Home, fresh paint located in the mid valley area. Utilities such as water, light and trash and yard maintenance will also have to be included for an additional 200.00 for a total of 1,000.00. Landlord Broker. Schedule your showing today.
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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.
