Known as the “killer bee capital of the world,” Hidalgo sits on the U.S.-Mexico border near Texas’ southernmost point. It got its nickname due to its welcoming of an otherwise unpleasant guest: the Africanized honey bee. The invasive species emerged in the 1950s after some queen bees escaped a breeding program in South America and hybridized with the local bee population. After wreaking havoc in Central and South America, the first U.S. colony of these “killer bees” was found near Hidalgo in 1990. The city government embraced the insects, and now a massive bee statue sits near city hall. The statue is seen by many as a reminder of the town’s resilience, creativity and spirit. "We took it as our pet. We called our hockey team the killer bees, the killer bee drive thru — the name just stuck. We really embraced it," says Charlie Barrios, marketing project manager for the Hidalgo Economic Development Corporation.
The city of Hidalgo is known as the "killer bee capital of the world" it's nickname is derived after an invasive species found in the area.
Monarch butterflies migrate to the area near the city of Hidalgo in the fall.
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Contemporary homes for less than national prices
Homes on the market in Hidalgo are mostly contemporary and single-story, many with steep rooflines and stylized brick. Several of these homes were built in 1990 or later. Vacant lots and new builds come on the market often. Older or smaller homes are more concentrated in the south-central part of town, closer to the border. The median home price is $241,000, more than half the national median.
New construction contemporary homes can be found in the east side of the city of Hidalgo.
Older stucco style homes are concentrated in the south-central part of the city of Hidalgo.
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Borderfest every year since 1976
Memorial Park is a green space in the heart of the town with a pool, splash pad, playground and sports facilities. Those who appreciate nature can check out the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, which offers historical tours, hiking trails and a bird and butterfly habitat. The museum is the site of an early 1900s commercial-scale irrigation system that brought water from the Rio Grande into the desert town’s agricultural efforts. The Payne Arena, which was formerly home to several teams like the NBA G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees ice hockey team, is now host to big-ticket concerts and other sports and entertainment events. Hidalgo is also the site of the yearly Borderfest, a three-day festival celebrating the local border culture with music, dancing, a parade and more. The festivities have expanded to recognizing cultures around the world and has since become one of the largest music festivals in South Texas.
A variety of bird species can be found near Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Park year round in the city of Hidalgo.
The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse was founded in the early-1900s and is now a museum on irrigation & farming history, with a bird habitat on site
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Duty-free goods near the border
Much of the retail options and chains in Hidalgo can be found along U.S. Highway 281 and South International Boulevard, where many items can be bought duty-free closer to the border. Boutiques, thrift stores, and local grocers are focus on the south-central business district area. The restaurant scene has a heavy Mexican influence, but spots like Rock & Roll Sushi and Black Diamond BBQ offer a few other options.
Rock & Roll Sushi is a casual Japanese restaurant serving sushi and other favorites in a nostalgic atmosphere located in south Hidalgo, Tx.
Black Diamond BBQ serves the best smoke baby back ribs in the city of Hidalgo.
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Schools managed by two districts
Hidalgo is partially served by the Hidalgo Independent School District, with some parts of town under Valley View Independent School District jurisdiction. Hidalgo ISD receives a B rating on Niche, and Valley View ISD holds a B-minus rating. The Hidalgo district serves just over 3,000 students at six schools and the Valley View district serves about 3,700 students at seven schools. The South Texas Independent School District manages the magnet schools in the area.
Valley View High School hosts grades 9th to 12th grade in the Las Milpas area.
Valley View North Elementary School
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McAllen International Airport, less than 15 minutes away
International Boulevard and Coma Avenue are two of the major thoroughfares throughout town. The McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge is the primary checkpoint into Mexico for the area, a primary reason for people to come to and stay in Hidalgo, according to Barrios. The nearest airport is McAllen International Airport, less than 15 minutes away. The closest hospitals are South Texas Health System McAllen and Rio Grand Regional Hospital, next to the airport. Hidalgo County has adopted an action plan for the next few years that focuses on transportation, road maintenance and community development. Many residents are employed in the commercial sector, largely in an area just north of town, or at the maquiladoras that made duty-free goods.
Higher crime and hot summers
According to the FBI, incidents of property crime rose 22% from 2022 to 2023, and violent crime incidents doubled in that time period. The area has hot, dry summers and mild winters, with rainfall peaking in September. Average highs in the summer can reach nearly 100 degrees.
Written By
Leilia Magee
Photography Contributed By
Mauricio Atilano
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Hidalgo, TX sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hidalgo, TX over the last 12 months is $253,990, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a lot to build? Lot located in the city of Hidalgo, near parks, downtown area, schools, and in close proximity to the expressway. The two small homes on the property are not included in the pricing. Lots of potential.
Residential lot located in the McColl Estates Subdivision, a newer Hidalgo community that is nearly built out with surrounding new construction homes. This lot offers approximately 6,300 square feet (0.15 acre) and provides an excellent opportunity for builders or buyers looking to design and build a custom home. Situated in a well-established and growing area, the property offers convenient
Welcome to your future Dream Home in a desirable gated subdivision!! This Stunning New Build will offer 4 spacious Bedrooms, 2 modern bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Step inside to discover high decorative ceilings, beautiful tile flooring throughout, and elegant kitchen featuring granite countertops and ample storage. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, with spacious layouts and walking-closet,
Looking for the perfect spot to build your forever home? Valley Heights is your answer! Located between McColl and Jackson Rd. on Military Hwy 281 in Hidalgo, TX, and just minutes from the Reynosa-Hidalgo International Bridge, this premier gated community features a spacious 6,048 sqft lot with a minimum living space requirement of just 1,500 sqft. Enjoy the convenience of walking to the
This home has it all, 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths, open concept floor plan, with a family area upstairs around the bedrooms for the family to enjoy a movie night. Kitchen features granite countertops, an eat-in island, all appliances included, a grand dining room and best of all....a Palapa/Bar for everyone to gather. With exquisite detail on the ceilings, wooden floors, large patio slab, privately
Dulce MascorroCasablanca Real Estate Of Texas, Llc.
Spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home located in Hidalgo offering an open living, dining, and kitchen design. The kitchen features quartz countertops, pantry, and stainless steel applicances. Additional highlights include a unique two-car garage with access on both sides and ample space throughout for comfortable living. A Must See! Schedule your viewing appointment.
Everyone deserves a place to call home! Avanti Valley View was designed for families and active seniors that enjoy high-quality, affordable apartments and a vibrant community. Avanti Valley View offers spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes featuring nine-foot ceiling heights, gourmet kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, and covered patios/balconies. Located near the northwest corner
Welcome to this beautiful home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Designed with modern living in mind, this home offers an open and functional layout perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy outdoor living on the private patio and deck, ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings.Conveniently located near shopping and dining, this home provides easy access to everyday
Welcome to this cozy 2 bed, 2.5 bath apartment located in Hidalgo Tx.Located in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, this apartment provides a peaceful and relaxing environment to unwind and feel right at home. Enjoy a spacious bedroom with a large walk-in closet, offering plenty of room for all your storage needs. The kitchen features sleek countertops and includes all the essential
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home featuring two spacious master suites—one conveniently located downstairs and another upstairs. This property offers exceptional living and entertaining space with high-end finishes throughout. Enjoy a private grilling patio, sparkling pool, and extended parking spaces. An additional maid’s living quarters provides extra flexibility beyond the main
Hackberry ApartmentsApartment Address:2605 E. Hackberry AveHidalgo, TX 785573bed/2bath (1250 square feet): has a Master bedroom and walk in closet with two large adjacent rooms. This apartment has the square footage of an average house. Rent -$1150Deposit - $1150Luxury modern style apartments (on McColl Rd and Dicker Rd) with high end brand new appliances
New Construction Home now available for immediate move in! Spacious 4-bed, 2.5-bath home in a secure gated community featuring an open-concept design, quartz countertops, porcelain tile, and modern finishes throughout. Enjoy energy-efficient windows, custom lighting, built-in cabinetry, high decorative ceilings, and exterior lighting. It includes two private covered patios perfect for
This beautifully maintained 1,068 sq. ft. apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and security in one of Hidalgo’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Located in the first private, gated subdivision in the area, this home provides peace of mind with added security and a quiet, well-kept environment. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and functional floor plan with 3 generous bedrooms
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 1-story home located on a desirable corner lot in Hidalgo, TX. This spacious property offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, delivering comfort and functionality for any lifestyle. Enjoy outdoor living with a detached deck, perfect for gatherings, grilling, or relaxing evenings. Ideally situated near shopping, dining, and the rapidly developing areas of
Now Available! Beautiful New Construction rental home featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a covered patio—perfect for relaxing or hosting get-togethers. This modern home sits on a corner lot and offers a spacious fenced backyard with professional landscaping.Inside, you’ll love the quartz countertops, ceiling designs, frameless glass shower doors, and warm earth-tone finishes throughout. The
Welcome to Las Arboledas de Hidalgo! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open-concept layout with tile floors throughout and plenty of natural light. The kitchen features granite countertops, custom wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a center island that opens to the spacious living and dining areas—perfect for entertaining. The primary suite includes a large walk-in
Now available at 118 East Brazil in Hidalgo, this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers both comfort and convenience. The unit provides washer and dryer connections and includes a refrigerator and stove, making it truly move-in ready. You’ll appreciate two dedicated parking spaces for hassle-free arrivals. Located just minutes from the Hidalgo International Bridge, it's ideal for
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