Olivarez is a rural community in the lower Rio Grande Valley
Olivarez is in southeastern Hidalgo County in the Rio Grande Valley. Mailing addresses list Weslaco, a city to the south. Country roads and farmland separate residential areas, and the population is about 6,600, according to U.S. Census estimates. "The area is more rural, and you might find more of the colonia feel," says Jennifer Martinez, the broker/owner of Mariposa Realty RGV Inc. Colonias are unincorporated border communities, sometimes with limited infrastructure. Martinez says they are reminiscent of neighborhoods in Mexico. It's about 14 miles from Olivarez to the U.S./Mexico border, where the Progreso-Nuevo Progreso International Bridge crosses the Rio Grande.
Older ranch-style homes and newer developments in Olivarez
Ranch-style homes are among some of the oldest houses in Olivarez, and some are in neighborhoods considered colonias. Martinez says that homes built from scratch and multigenerational ownership are possible aspects of colonias. Due to the relative rarity of older homes on the market, current pricing is unavailable.
Olivarez also has newer developments, with many homes dating to the 2000s or later; a significant number of them are 2020s construction. They are sized from about 1,400 to 3,000 square feet and some lots are a 1/2 acre or larger. Prices range from about $200,000 to $540,000.
Park amenities, a nature center and an assortment of area events
One of the nearest community parks, Judge Gilbert Garza Park, previously known as Weslaco City Park North, is a couple of miles to the south. Amenities include basketball and tennis courts, a splash pad and over a mile of trails. About 6 miles to the south is the Valley Nature Center, with 6 acres of bird and butterfly habitats, trails and plant variety. In April, the center hosts the three-day Spring Chirp Birding Festival. In March, Weslaco has the Texas Onion Festival, and Mercedes hosts the Rio Grande Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Environmental risk factors are high for Olivarez and the county
The FEMA National Risk Index designates Hidalgo County as having relatively high risk ratings for tornadoes, cold waves, heat waves and river flooding. Hurricanes are listed as very high risk. Parts of Olivarez, such as areas near irrigation channels, may be susceptible to flooding.
Some stores and eateries close to home, more in Weslaco and Mercedes
There's a limited number of stores in Olivarez. Los Naranjos Stand LLC has meat, tortillas and fruit. Eateries close to home include Taqueria El Fogon. Among the area's agricultural businesses is Three Kings Poultry. "For shopping, they would go down into Weslaco or Mercedes," Martinez says. Commercial areas of Weslaco are about 5 miles away; it’s about 10 to Mercedes. Supermarkets, big-box stores and a variety of restaurants are available. Among the highlights are a Cinemark movie theater in Weslaco, and the WesMer Drive-in Theatre and the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets in Mercedes.
Weslaco Independent School District and other education options
Olivarez is zoned to the Weslaco Independent School District. Justice Raul A. Gonzalez Elementary covers most of the community and receives a B grade from Niche. The west half of Olivarez is assigned to C-plus-rated Beatriz G. Garza Middle School, and the east to Mary Hoge Middle School, which receives a C. Weslaco High School and Weslaco East High School have B-minus and C-plus grades, respectively. Early college high school programs are offered through Schools of Choice enrollment and in partnerships with South Texas College.
Other options include schools in the South Texas Independent School District, which serves Hidalgo and other valley counties. Additionally, there are two campuses for IDEA Weslaco’s tuition-free charter schools, with all grade levels covered between them.
Highways to the north and south, medical facilities and an airport
Much of Olivarez lacks sidewalks, and residential clusters are separated, so most people drive. Olivarez is between two highways. There's access to state Route 107 and Interstate 2 about 5 miles to the north and south, respectively. Some of the closest medical facilities are South Texas Health System ER Weslaco and Valley Baptist Micro Hospital – Weslaco. It's about a 21-mile trip to McAllen International Airport for passenger flights.
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Robin Silberman
