Time-honored traditions define La Ladrillera in Laredo
Cradling the U.S./Mexico border, La Ladrillera may be a small community, but its culture and history are rich and deep. Two miles northwest of downtown Laredo, the barrio has its roots in a ritual dance troupe known as Los Matachines de la Santa Cruz de La Ladrillera. It’s one of five active groups in Laredo, but this one dates back to the turn of the century in the mining town Las Minas, a municipality in Veracruz, Mexico. Families and workers relocated to Delores, Texas, to work in the coal mines, and after the mines closed in the late 1930s, they settled in what is now La Ladrillera — bringing the tradition with them. "Everybody in the neighborhood participates, embraces it and looks forward to it," says Dr. Norma Cantú, Ph.D., a Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Trinity University in San Antonio. She lived in the barrio community Las Cruces, 3 miles east of the neighborhood, and graduated from Martin High School. “When you're from Laredo, when you meet people, the first two things they ask you are what high school you graduated from and what barrio you grew up in,” Cantú says. Beyond rich cultural traditions, La Ladrillera is not far from Laredo’s most vibrant shopping district, and with convenient access to Interstate 35, residents can easily reach all the attractions and amenities south Texas has to offer.
Santa Cruz Mission Church is located at the heart of La Ladrillera.
The statue of Ignacio Zaragoza is located 5 minutes from La Ladrillera.
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Cozy homes for under $200,000
Stone and brick cottages, Mexican vernacular architecture and other Spanish-style homes line the narrow grid streets in La Ladrillera. While the earliest houses were constructed in the 1940s, most were built in the 1970s and range from approximately $100,000 for a two-bedroom home around 600 square feet to around $140,000 for a three-bedroom home a little over 1,600 square feet. Sidewalks are limited, but residents enjoy spacious driveways, fenced-in yards and carports. Residents can easily walk to two parks in the neighborhood, an elementary school, several locally owned markets and a church.
One bedroom wood frame style homes are popular in central La Ladrillera.
La Ladrillera has an abundance of spanish style homes.
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A stone's throw from the San Bernardo Shopping District
While a few sweet shops are located within La Ladrillera, most shopping and dining options can be found east of the neighborhood in the Los Amores community's bustling San Bernardo Shopping District, located on the avenue of the same name. “Whatever you can imagine, you can find on this avenue,” says Ana Reyna Arzate, marketing coordinator for the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau and a 20-year Laredo resident. Residents will find giant, colorful metal artwork for gardens and patios at The Blue Goat, Mexican candies at Dulceria Laredo, clay chimineas at Basket and Pottery Alley and a variety of knick-knacks and handmade home goods at Mexican Mercado. Spanning 40 city blocks, the district is also home to some of the area’s best taquerias, like Taqueria Coyulta and Tacos Mais, as well as La Reynera Bakery, a staple on San Bernardo Avenue since 1928 that's loved for its breakfast tacos, sweetbreads and biscuits.
Clothing stores Lacentral and Los Amigos Distribution are within the neighborhood, but La Ladrillera residents will find a bigger selection of clothes, toys and electronics at the Flea Market directly east. It’s also the place where locals can cut a rug and enjoy a meal on the weekends at their covered pavilion, which has regular live music. Lowe’s Market, north of the neighborhood, provides basics, and H-E-B is a 3-mile drive northwest for groceries and other essentials. Downtown Laredo sits 2 miles south, where residents can get fresh produce at the monthly farmers market and shop at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo.
Pano's Bakery serves a grand variety of authentic Mexican sweet bread near La Ladrillera.
Bruce Pottery located just 5 minutes from La Ladrillera, sells imported Mexican decorations.
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Soccer fields, trails and state parks
To enjoy the outdoors, residents can easily reach La Ladrillera Park, which offers a splash pad, a playground and plenty of green space. Jose Ortiz-Elida Valdez Park is next door, with a playground and covered basketball courts. Soccer players can work on their game at the park’s San Ignacio Soccer Field. Ladrillera Senior Center also serves the community, providing fitness classes, dances and bowling for senior members. The free center also offers monthly “Bolsa Days,” where grocery items are distributed to members. Hikers and cyclists can explore the nearby Paso Del Indio Nature Trail to the west. With views of the Rio Grande, the trail’s history dates back to the 1740s, when it was used by Native Americans and later soldiers and settlers. The 2-mile riverside trail can be accessed through the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center. Lake Casa Blanca International State Park is a 6-mile drive east for a deeper dive into nature. The large park is popular for boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. “I have many memories growing up of going there with my parents and siblings and friends,” Cantú says. “It used to be the only place you could go to hike.”
San Ignacio Soccer field is used daily by residents of La Ladrillera.
Jose Ortiz Elida Valdez Park has a quarter mile long trail for jogging or biking.
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Walking distance to Laredo College
Laredo Independent School District serves the area, and local students can attend Dovalina Elementary within the neighborhood, followed by Christen Middle School and Martin High School in Los Amores. The elementary school, which offers a volleyball team and choir, earned a C-plus on Niche, and Christen Middle scored a C-minus. With a B-minus on Niche, Martin High offers cross-country and volleyball teams and a robotics club. College-bound students who want to stay close to home can attend Laredo College, easily walkable from the neighborhood or a 1-mile drive south. Niche ranked the two-year institution the fourth-best community college in Texas.
Laredo College is a public community college located just outside of La Ladrillera.
Martin High School is part of the Laredo Independent School District in Laredo, Tx.
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The spirit of Matachines de la Santa Cruz
Made up of approximately 50 dancers, all descendants of founding members, and over 200 people celebrating, Matachines de la Santa Cruz de La Ladrillera brings the barrio streets to life every May and December. The tradition honors the Holy Cross on May 3 and the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. Marching toward the Holy Redeemer Church on Garcia Street, dancers wear traditional handmade vests and embroidered skirts known as nagüillas adorned with bells and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe. “They use red and yellow as their colors, and they decorate the nagüillas with reed cane that they cut from the river,” Cantú says. “Some put their name in sequins.” The ceremony starts with a large cross on a pedestal outside the chapel. Dancers carry rattles, known as “sonajas,” drums, guitars and accordions as they perform 12 different intricately choreographed “sones,” or dance rituals, in front of the cross. The event culminates in a feast, usually women making chicken mole or brisket. In 2020, the group received the prestigious National Heritage Fellow award from The National Endowment of the Arts. Los Matachines de Santa Cruz de la Ladrillera has also performed at the American Folklife Festival, sponsored by the Smithsonian, and the Texas Folklife Festival, held in San Antonio.
Downtown events like the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival
Beyond the Matachines tradition, downtown Laredo hosts several highly attended events, including the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival. Held in July at the Sames Auto Arena, the three-day event showcases hundreds of Mexican artisans selling handmade jewelry, clothing, food and other items. “We have 200 booths operated by people coming from Mexico and Latin America to sell their products,” Arzate says. "We have food and cultural entertainment from Mexico, and this year, we had 20,000 people attend over the three days.”
The biggest and oldest gathering, however, is the George Washington Birthday Celebration, a tradition for over 100 years. It features over 25 events, two parades, an air show, a carnival and a debutante ball where attendees dress in full U.S. Colonial garb. “They also have a jalapeno-eating contest,” Cantú says. “It goes on for three weeks. It’s a city-wide celebration.”
Two miles from downtown Laredo
La Ladrillera is 2 miles east of Highway 83 and Interstate 35, providing easy access to the rest of the area. Residents can reach downtown Laredo in 2 miles, and Laredo International Airport is 7 miles away. Public transportation is convenient via El Metro Transit, and bus stops are scattered throughout the neighborhood, primarily along Pinder Avenue. The nearest hospital is Laredo Medical Center, 4 miles east.
Residents of La Ladrillera can reach downtown Laredo in 2 miles.
Welcome to Laredo International Airport in Laredo Texas.
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Prime Opportunity for Development. Discover the potential an exceptional piece of land zoned R-3, for either single-family or multi-family structures. It can be purchased individually or combined with the adjacent lot, offering even more space and potential for larger projects.
Martha Wright-MartinezColdwell Banker Ana Ochoa & Co
Prime Opportunity for Development. Discover the potential an exceptional piece of land zoned R-3, for either single-family or multi-family structures. It can be purchased individually or combined with the adjacent lot, offering even more space and potential for larger projects.
Martha Wright-MartinezColdwell Banker Ana Ochoa & Co
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,128
Median Age
32
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$30,385
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,919
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
55%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7.2%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.9%
% Population in Labor Force
57.2%
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®
46/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
29/ 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.
