CBD stands for the central business district, and the majority of the neighborhood reflects that, with few houses fitting between businesses and corner stores. “There’s a large trade industry in the community. Large import, export; it’s our main cash crop, if you will,” says Joe Baeza, who has lived in Laredo most of his adult life and is an investigator and public information officer for the city of Laredo. “Anything you’ve worn or consumed has probably come through here.” CBD sits just west of the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge leading into Mexico, although traffic is rarely an issue. Several city government buildings are also within the neighborhood, including the Laredo City Hall and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. The San Agustín Catholic Cathedral was originally established as a small parish in 1778 before a cathedral was constructed in 1872 and is the second tallest building in Laredo.
Many options lining the streets of CBD
The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo is in the south of the neighborhood. This sprawling outdoor outlet mall has over 50 stores, including Nike, Calvin Klein and Kay Jewelers, alongside smaller restaurants like Titos Burgers and Snacks. The rest of the neighborhood is filled with locally owned businesses, restaurants and corner stores. ALA Burger (Burger and Alitas) has a “build your own burger” option, and all burgers come with garlic parmesan cilantro fries. El Meson De San Agustín is a curbside pickup-only restaurant that serves a different daily menu. In total, there are over 30 restaurants and bars, as well as 40 different clothing stores. Once a month, the El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market sets up within The Outlet Shoppes, where local vendors who live within 200 miles of Laredo can sell seasonal produce and other local goods. Walking along the streets can feel a little crowded, with stores and signs lining the streets as far as the eye can see.
Transportation headquarters for Laredo
The El Metro Transit headquarters are located within CBD, and the system’s 21 buses will begin at Farragut Street before making their way through the city. “There’s not a big traffic presence here, you can leave the house 20, 25 minutes before where you need to be on the opposite side of the city and will probably make it there on time,” Baeza says. Interstate 35 acts as the eastern border of the neighborhood, beginning one stoplight short of the United States-Mexico border and crossing the country before ending at Duluth, Minnesota. “The interstate is our bread and butter to the rest of the country,” says Baeza.
Plaza with paved paths and a park overlooking the river
In front of the San Agustín Catholic Cathedral, the San Agustín Plaza consists of a shaded pavilion and a paved path crossing through. Benches line the path, and a memorial of Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, a Mexican army general. Across from the El Metro Transit headquarters, Jarvis Plaza has a paved walking path under mature trees alongside memorials. In the south, the John Peter and Consuelo Montalvo Los Tres Laredos Park runs alongside the Rio Grande. This 13-acre park has picnic tables and grilling stations scattered along the paved walking path. The park has very little shading.
Museums and art center within and an international festival
The Laredo Center for the Arts hosts the Annual Birds of the Brush competition, where professional and amateur artists can submit artwork showcasing local South Texas birds. Laredo itself has a few events throughout the year, such as the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival in July, featuring an indoor market, or mercado, with artisans from all over Mexico. Several museums sit on Zaragoza Street, including the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum.
Very few homes along the neighborhood border
Most of the neighborhood comprises businesses, but a few homes are tucked between rows of single-story businesses. Most homes, especially around San Agustín, are Spanish-style, single-story homes in muted colors. On-street parking is most common in CBD, owing to the lack of homes within the neighborhood. “The market isn’t flooding with housing,” says Baeza. “And the housing is pretty affordable.” Prices range between $139,000 and $241,000. “As you get closer to the middle of the city, you will get older homes,” Baeza says. Homes were mostly built in the 1950s, with some having the potential to be converted into a commercial space. With the Texas heat, homes in CBD may not have a backyard pool due to the size of lots but an HVAC system is a necessity. Additionally, with the amount of businesses, nights and weekends may be busy and a little loud.
Career and technical education at the high school level
Students begin at Antonio M. Bruni Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade before moving to Memorial Middle School for sixth through eighth grade. Both schools earn a C from Niche. At Raymond and Tirza Martin High School, which earns a B-minus from Niche, students can take courses such as Kinesiology, Computer Technician and Career and Technical Education.
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Large Lot (Over 6,000 SF!). Perfect for New Home Construction, Mobile Home, Duplex, Triplex or Quadplex! R-3 Zoning! Water & Sewer taps in place and available. Corners staked and survey available.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
791
Median Age
57
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$9,381
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$9,500
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
31.5%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
2.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.5%
% Population in Labor Force
34.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
47°F
Average Summer High Temperature
101°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 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.
