$124,274Average Value$763Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
One of Laredo's oldest, most historic neighborhoods
As one of Laredo's oldest intact residential neighborhoods, El Azteca’s homes, buildings and community weave a rich tapestry of its culture and history. Sitting on a high bluff overlooking the Rio Grande east of downtown Laredo, the historic district’s residents take pride in preserving its past, family-owned businesses and traditions. “A lot of older people in Laredo trace their origins back to this neighborhood; there’s a lot of memories here, and it’s a tight-knit community,” says Jesús Najar, Architectural Programs Manager for Preservation Texas. Serving the state since 1985, the non-profit works to preserve the heritage, cultural landscape and historic buildings of some of Texas’ most endangered places. El Azteca takes its name from the now-demolished El Azteca Theatre, an institution in the community that opened for vaudeville performances in 1922 and later Mexican films, zarzuelas and live entertainment. However, the neighborhood’s history dates back to the 1870s and flourished from the growth in downtown Laredo, the arrival of the railroad in 1881 and ranching. For Najar, this has been one of the non-profit’s passion projects. “Laredo is a very historic town, founded in 1755, and El Azteca was on the outskirts of town where a lot of people had their ranch homes,” he says. “It consolidated as a more residential neighborhood later on, and it became this really thriving community.”
It continued to thrive until around the late 1970s when the construction of Interstate 35 and the international border station demolished 13 city blocks and put up a barrier between downtown Laredo and El Azteca. “They used to be connected, and that’s when things sort of went downhill for the neighborhood,” Najar says. Despite these setbacks, Najar says El Azteca has managed to hold on to its historical roots and preserve its heritage, buildings and culture. It even earned a designation as the Barrio Azteca Historic District in 2003 from the National Register of Historic Places. “It’s still retained its character. It’s a combination of Mexican American and Anglo-American cultures, which is also reflected in the architectural traditions of the neighborhood,” he says. It’s why I got involved in these campaigns here, to bring awareness of this neighborhood, put it on the map and give it an identity.” The vibrant “Colors de Mi Barrio” mural painted across the Azteca Economic Development and Preservation building is a testament to that renewed life, bringing the community's spirit, culture and story to life. Painted in 2004 by student artists, the mural depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe, a police officer, a firefighter, a folklore dancer, a college graduate, a healthcare worker and a guitar player. A neighborhood on the rise for a revitalization effort from the city, the historic El Azteca neighborhood is a piece of the past newcomers will want to look into for their future.
Historic homes dating back to the 1870s
The housing landscape is an architectural treasure trove unique to the borderlands region of south Texas. Narrow grid streets are lined with over 300 historic properties and buildings, many dating back to the 1870s. Newcomers will find Texas-Mexican vernacular architecture, stone Mission-style cottages, shotgun-style houses and a mix of other historic styles with Spanish influences. “We have buildings from the late 1700s; they’re still made out of the native sandstone, which is remarkable,” says Najar. “You’ll also find 1800s Mexican-style stone dwellings next to full Victorian houses. We have older dwellings all the way to the mid-20th century. It’s interesting in terms of architecture; you have a blend of styles and cultures meeting.”
Joey Ferguson, Realtor for NAI Swisher & Martin Realty, says most homes go for between $190,000 to $230,000, and while homes here are some of the more affordable ones in the Laredo area, they can be hard to come by – but for good reason. “It’s a neighborhood where people have migrated and passed on properties to their siblings; there’s not a lot of resales,” says Ferguson, who now focuses on commercial but has served the Laredo area for over 20 years. “It’s safe and walkable, but people don’t want to sell; either their parents are old, or they have lived there all their life, and they don’t ever want to leave. It stays within their family members.” Homebuyers can find quaint one-bedroom cottages starting at approximately $110,000 up to four-bedroom homes to around $280,000 for a four-bedroom home for around 2,000 square feet. The median lot size is 12,000 square feet but can span much larger. “There are nice big lots and older style construction,” Ferguson says. Most lot sizes are 5,000 square feet but can stretch up to a quarter acre.
Mexican-American mom and pops abound
The neighborhood's shopping and dining options are somewhat limited, but small businesses thrive here, like Adri’s Ropa Usada, a children’s clothing store, Aurelio Shoe Doctor and Casanova Automotive. “There are also quite a few tortillerias where people can get their fresh made tortillas,” Najar says. “We have nice businesses and little grocery stores, so you have that community aspect.” Residents can easily reach restaurants and retailers along Highway 83 and Interstate 35. “We’re a small community; everything is really close. Most of the commercial activity happens on the edge of the neighborhood on the main thoroughfares,” says Ferguson. “For people who live in Azteca, if they want a nice dinner, they can go to Palenque Grill. It’s affordable, but you get that nice experience of Mexican culture.” Off the main highway is Lira’s Restaurant, a small Mexican joint known for its barbacoa, breakfast tacos and menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. Asador Las Palmas is another popular spot that locals love for its enchiladas, flautas and chilaquiles. La Reynera Bakery, 2 miles north of Highway 83, has been a staple in the area since 1928, serving breakfast tacos, sweet breads and other baked goods. Residents can get basics at Los Perez Meat Market or Marisol’s Convenience Store within the neighborhood or shop a bigger selection at H-E-B, 1 mile east on Guadalupe Street. The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo and Streets of Laredo Urban Mall are both less than one mile west of the neighborhood. They offer a variety of dining options, department stores, boutiques and big-box retailers.
For a night out, residents can play a round of pool and enjoy a cold pint at the no-frills Iturbide Pool House or take the 2-mile drive west to downtown Laredo, where more shopping, dining and entertainment await. “Many people will go to downtown Laredo or the Heights on the west side of town,” Ferguson says. Downtown Laredo also offers a monthly farmers market. Held on Saturdays, El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market features farmers and vendors within a 200-mile radius of Laredo.
Community parks and a 22-acre greenbelt
Taking its name from the neighborhood, Azteca Park sits in the heart of the community and offers splash pads, a covered playground and walking trails. Most residents can easily walk to this quaint park from their homes. Gateway Park is weaved between two major roads on the neighborhood's west side and separated into four well-kept green spaces and pathways popular for strolling and picnicking. In the center of one of the green spaces is a statue of Don Tomas Sanchez, the founder of Laredo. A 22-acre greenbelt that winds around the Zacate Creek sprawls along the neighborhood’s eastern edge. “It’s a really nice linear park that connects the entire city,” says Najar. “Las Palmas Trail is very popular and a spectacular site for bird watching.” It’s also the site of a significant part of history. The Battle of Laredo was the only Civil War fight in Laredo between Confederate and Union troops, which resulted in a Confederate victory over 4,000 cotton bales, which were exported into Mexico. The greenbelt is filled with several parks, including Scott Street Park and Seven Flags Park, both within El Azteca. Seven Flags Park is fun for the young and young-at-heart, equipped with a basketball court, soccer and baseball fields, a playground and a skatepark.
Home to one of the first high schools in Laredo
Laredo Independent School District serves the area, and while there are no schools within the neighborhood, students can attend Bruni Elementary in the La Guadalupe community, Memorial Middle in El Trompe next door, and Martin High School in the Los Amores neighborhood. “It’s one of the first high schools in Laredo,” says Ferguson. Bruni Elementary, which earned a C on Niche, offers a science fair, and the middle school also earned a C. Earning a B-minus on Niche, Martin High offers cross-country and volleyball teams and a robotics club.
Celebrations for the young and young at heart
Residents of all ages have events and celebrations to enjoy. The Boys & Girls Club of Laredo sits over the northern edge of El Azteca and offers music lessons, arts and crafts classes and youth sports leagues. Downtown Laredo also hosts events for the area, including the annual Jamboozie, a music festival held in March, and the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival, held every July. The three-day celebration transforms the Sames Auto Arena into an indoor mercado with artisans from Mexico selling various hand-made jewelry, clothing, food and other items. Its biggest and oldest, however, is the George Washington Birthday Celebration. One of the largest in the country, the festival has been a tradition for over 100 years and features over 25 events, two parades, an air show, a jalapeno festival and a two-week carnival.
A neighborhood on the rise
While El Azteca is somewhat economically depressed, the city is working on revitalization efforts. Najar says that with Preservation Texas’s efforts, the neighborhood can return to the vibrancy and glory of its heyday. “We get a lot of support from past residents with our campaigns,” says Najar. “It’s because of our programs that we can gather support and restore places like this.” Najar says the city’s vision for the Zacate Creek greenbelt will also make a tremendous impact on improving life safety and the economy in El Azteca. “The city is working to redevelop the Zacate Creek Park area, so that will become a nice piece of infrastructure and green space,” he says. Zacate Creek and the surrounding area, which runs 10 miles southwest from the city limits to the Rio Grande, received $7.6 million in funding to renovate the area in April 2024 through an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program grant. The City of Laredo and Webb County covered part of the funding. The Zacate Creek District Corridor, as it will be called, will include new trails, an open-air visitor center and places to rent kayaks and bikes. An existing amphitheater will also be restored; additional bridges, bike repair stations, a community garden and picnic tables will be added.
Two miles from downtown Laredo
The neighborhood’s proximity to Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 83 makes getting around a breeze. Residents can reach downtown Laredo within 2 miles and Laredo International Airport within 6 miles. Public transportation is available through El Metro Transit, and bus stops are conveniently located throughout El Azteca, along Iturbide, Farragut and Matamoros streets.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vicky Pineda,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Barrio Azteca Park
Transit
Airport
Laredo International
13 min drive
Azteca Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Azteca, Laredo sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Azteca, Laredo over the last 12 months is $2,400,000, up 118% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Historic-Stlye property offers a spacious patio area with a timeless feel-perfect for outdoor gatherings or gardening. The additional sqft includes a detached single-car garage with ample storage, half bath, and a separate office. This versatile space can serve as a workshop, warehouse, or even a small storefront- the possibilities are endless. The adjacent vacant lot at 511 Lincoln St is
Opportunity knocks at 410 Hidalgo St! This R3-zoned property offers a total of 6,728 sq ft under roof, including 2,508 sq ft of main living area and an attached 4,220 sq ft warehouse-style structure—all on a residential lot with immense development potential. Perfect for investors, builders, or visionaries, this property is primed for transformation. The existing structure offers a strong
Benjamin EsquivelWeichert Realtors-Nash & Associates
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ZONE B-1 , CORNER LOT , EXCELLENT LOCATION , INVESTMENT PROPERTY , MAIN HOUSE HAS 3 APARTMENTS PLUS AND OTHER TWO HOUSES SEPARETE..... OCUPANCY RATE 95% OWNER FINANCE AVAIBLE
This updated efficiency/studio apartment in the El Azteca neighborhood features an open-concept layout, ideal for up to two occupants seeking simple, comfortable living. A gas stove and window unit is provided by the landlord. Please note: washer/dryer units are not allowed on the premises—tenants must use a nearby laundromat. Water utility and Gas included. Standard size refrigerator allowed
This compact and efficient 1-room apartment is perfect for two adults seeking a simple and affordable living space. 1 bathroom Open-concept living/sleeping area Water bill included in rent Off-site laundry required standard size refrigerator allowed No AC or window unit provided – tenants are welcome to bring their own cooling solution Please note: Due to the layout and amenities,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vicky Pineda,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,060
Median Age
33
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$22,372
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$29,912
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
35.9%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
1.7%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.9%
% Population in Labor Force
55.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
47°F
Average Summer High Temperature
101°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
