La Joya

La Joya

Located in Hidalgo County

$162,312 Average Value
$134 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes For Sale

Welcome to The Jewel of The Valley

La Joya is a small border town nicknamed "The Jewel of The Valley." Local lore says the name comes from the shimmering appearance of two nearby lakes. However, some residents suggest an alternative origin, tracing the name back to ranchers who frequented watering holes known as "jollancas." Located in the Rio Grande Valley, La Joya's economy is still anchored in the farming industry, and the city is experiencing rapid growth due to its location near the Mexican border. “La Joya is a very peaceful, laid-back, relaxing community,” says Leo Olivares, City Manager of La Joya. “The region is growing a lot. We had the U.S 83 Relief Route open just north, and we are going to be developing commercial and residential projects.” Even though La Joya isn't huge, the community has a ton of new construction, two private lakes and several parks where neighbors come together for annual events.

Welcome to the La Joya, jewel of the valley.
Welcome to the La Joya, jewel of the valley.
A shot of how close homes are to the lake.
A shot of how close homes are to the lake.
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Celebrating the holidays at La Joya’s Christmas Parade

Families gather to take photos at City Hall, which decorates its front lawn during events like Valentine's Day and Easter. La Joya Municipal Park has been the site of 5k walks and a Fourth of July Celebration with carnival rides and local vendors. During Halloween, the kids dress up for the La Joya Fire Department Drive Thru Trick-or-Treat. At the end of November, The La Joya Independent School District marks the beginning of the holidays with their annual tree lighting, full of carols, snacks and a visit from Mr. Claus. The spirit continues down Leo Avenue in December, celebrated with a Christmas parade with hand-made floats.

La Joya Municipal Park has many benches and a playground.
La Joya Municipal Park has many benches and a playground.

Easy access to East Expressway 83

La Joya residents can quickly hop on East Expressway 83, which transitions into Interstate 2, to reach McAllen in under 20 miles. The nearby cities of Palmview and Mission are also just about 10 miles away via the expressway and I-2. The trip to Mexico is convenient with a central access point, Anzalduas International Bridge, just 20 miles south. Mission Regional Medical Center is 12 miles east for 24/7 emergency care, and it is 17 miles from McAllen International Airport for travel excursions

A resident on his daily commute.
A resident on his daily commute.

Outdoor recreation at La Joya Municipal Park

La Joya Youth Service Center is near La Joya Municipal Park on Salomon Chapa Street, bridging neighbors together through sports, recreation and outreach. The youth service center is a staple in town, where many kids grow up together playing basketball or romping around on the cheerleading team. La Joya Municipal Park hosts events throughout the year and has a playground, eight picnic pavilions and athletic fields where youth sports leagues practice. Fishing is enjoyed at Walker Lake and La Joya Lake, both requiring memberships. “The lakes are restricted to the homeowner's association, the other La Joya Lake is owned by an irrigation district,” says Olivares. The city is also developing its park system to provide more recreation. “We are in the process of planning a project right now to have more trails and greenspaces,” says Olivares. “We are really excited about that.”

This beautiful island sits in the middle of the lake.
This beautiful island sits in the middle of the lake.

Field trips to the La Joya I.S.D. Aquatic Center

The La Joya Independent School District serves about 25,000 students and earns an overall grade of B-minus on Niche. The district has undergone some changes in 2024. The Texas Education Agency appointed Marcey Sorensen as a new superintendent along with a new 7-member board. Tabasco Elementary School is on Leo Avenue and earns a C-plus grade, while B-minus rated Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School is on North Tabasco Road. La Joya High earns a C-plus grade and has been integrated into a STEM academy with a project-based curriculum. La Joya is also home to the Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High and the Jimmy Carter Early College High, which offer students the chance to earn an associate's degree. Many schools take students on field trips to the La Joya I.S.D.Aquatic Center throughout the year.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School has an estimated student enrollment of 650.
John F. Kennedy Elementary School has an estimated student enrollment of 650.
La Joya High School.
La Joya High School.
Dr. Javier Saenz Middle School has an estimated student population of 828.
Dr. Javier Saenz Middle School has an estimated student population of 828.
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16 miles from La Plaza Mall

East Expressway 83 is a convenient transportation artery and a hub for local businesses. El Pato Mexican Food has several locations throughout the valley, known for its all-day breakfast tacos and drive thru. Further west, El Real 2 has vibrant green and yellow walls adorned with paintings of cacti and an outdoor patio that lights up at night. There are also several chains like Whataburger and Stars Drive-in. There is Dollar General and El Patron Meat Market for groceries, offering fresh beef, chicken and daily food specials. The Palmview Fleamarket is 5 miles away, open on weekends for antiquing. Further east down the expressway is Walmart, and La Joya is just 16 miles from La Plaza Mall, a regional shopping hot spot with nearly 200 stores.

El Patron Meat Market and Convenience Store offers fresh produce and meat.
El Patron Meat Market and Convenience Store offers fresh produce and meat.
Haus Of Brows is located E Expressway 83 in La Joya.
Haus Of Brows is located E Expressway 83 in La Joya.
Capricious Cake Shop makes custom orders of variety of cakes and cupcakes in La Joya.
Capricious Cake Shop makes custom orders of variety of cakes and cupcakes in La Joya.
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Waterfront living around Walker Lake

La Joya's residential areas are south of East Expressway 83 and encompass older and new construction. “It’s mostly long-time locals here, or folks that come to rent who work in McAllen or out west,” Olivares says. Towering palm trees hover over homes surrounding Walker Lake. These waterfront properties are built in Spanish Revival, New Traditional and Contemporary designs, usually with curved driveways or attached garages. Inching west of the lake, houses become smaller and date back to the 1970s, featuring ranch-styles and minimal traditional cottages. La Joya has few sidewalks, but neighbors have spacious yards enclosed by barbed wire and wooden fences. Prices range from $148,000 and under for a fixer-upper with 1,300 square feet to upwards of $345,000 for lakeside properties over 2,500 square feet. Due to the La Joya's location around the lake, the area can be prone to flash flooding.

A home with backyard access to the water.
A home with backyard access to the water.
One of the more unique homes in La Joya.
One of the more unique homes in La Joya.
A row of homes in the neighborhood.
A row of homes in the neighborhood.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Carlos Cordova, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

La Joya Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$194,400
Median Sale Price
$175,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$199,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$169,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$20
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$134

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
26
Months of Supply
9.50

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 8
    12 - 3pm

    205 Mesquite Meadow St, La Joya, TX 78589

    $179,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,250 Sq Ft
    • 205 Mesquite Meadow St

    Excellent new construction home! This home features 3 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms, a dinning area, living area, laundry room, and a spacious backyard perfect for family gatherings . Close to stores, schools and much more. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Schedule your private tour today!!

    Jose Cortez Cordel Real Estate

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

La Joya Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,353
Median Age
31
Population under 18
32.7%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$43,194
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,480

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
71.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
21.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.4%
% Population in Labor Force
54.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
100°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
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.
La Joya