Presidio is a scenic and remote Texas border city on the Rio Grande
Presidio is a remote Texas border city in the Chihuahuan Desert, about 250 miles southeast of El Paso . Most of its 3,000 residents share Hispanic heritage, and the Mexican city of Ojinaga is just across the river. Since Presidio sits at the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Rio Conchos, its flood plain has long made it ideal for farming. These days, jobs in government and border protection drive the local economy. “The largest presence is going to be U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and affiliated entities,” says Clay Braden, a real estate agent with Mountain View Properties who’s been selling in the area for nearly four years. “They also have the public school district, and people do work on ranches in the area.” As the region changed over the years, Presidio’s population declined more than 25 percent between 2010 and 2020. “Livestock ranching is somewhat of a dying practice,” Braden says, “and there’s a little bit of a lack of commerce in general. It is extremely remote, you have to recognize that. But it’s pretty scenic as well. You’re surrounded by mountains along the Rio Grande.”
Homes range from adobe bungalows to large desert ranches
Many of Presidio’s cottages and bungalows feature adobe construction to protect against the desert heat. Homes on the main residential grid are built closely together on lots measuring under a quarter acre, but it’s common for ranches and land parcels on the outskirts to measure 10 acres or more. Some roads are unpaved, and most properties offer little grass or shade. Houses linger on the market for an average of 115 days — more than twice the national average — and sales are infrequent. “You don’t have a lot of people looking,” Braden says. “A lot of people aren’t trying to move there, and a lot of people aren’t selling, so there’s a very low inventory and low turnover.” Recent sales include a cottage that sold for $175,000 and a four-bedroom ranch-style home that went for $350,000.
Conveniently located Presidio schools offer bilingual support
Students start at Presidio Elementary School, which receives a Niche grade of C, before moving on to Lucy Rede Franco Middle School, rated C-plus, and Presidio High School, rated B-minus. All three schools are in Presidio, but the middle school is outside the main residential area. The district supports bilingual students and their families through its English as a Second Language program. The Texas Education Freedom Act, signed in 2025, allows students to apply to public schools outside their residential district.
Hiking, rafting and history at nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park
A scenic 30-mile drive leads to Big Bend Ranch State Park. More than 200 miles of hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails weave through mountains and canyons, and the Rio Grande offers rafting and boating opportunities. Drive-up and hike-in campsites are available for multiday trips. Many hikes feature drastic elevation changes, and summer temperatures often spike over 100 degrees. The Fort Leaton Historic Site, a popular tourist destination featuring a 19th-century fort and homestead, sits at the park’s western entrance. The Presidio International Raceway features a quarter-mile track that draws drag racers and spectators year-round. The playground and picnic areas at Daly Park are close to Presidio’s downtown. While some areas are shaded, the ground is mostly hard-packed dirt without much grass, so it’s easy for kids to get dirty.
Mexican cuisine and household essentials on O’Reilly Street
Mexican and Latin American restaurants line O’Reilly Street, Presidio’s main drag. El Patio Restaurant serves huevos rancheros at breakfast and shifts to burritos and tacos in the afternoon. Diners start with micheladas and freshly made chips and guac at The Bean Cafe, and Casa Agave is tucked into a warehouse-like space with a family-friendly patio. DG Market, Dollar Tree and Harper Hardware are on hand for the basics. The Presidio Farmers Market sets up every Saturday across from Dollar Tree with fresh produce, artisan goods and birria tacos.
Bus routes link Presidio to Mexico and major Texas cities
U.S. Highway 67 is the lifeline connecting Presidio to Texas cities and Ojinaga on the Mexican side of the border. “You’ll pass some towns like Pecos and Fort Stockton that’ll have Walmart and a little more retail, but if you want your large city offerings, it’s going to be El Paso or Odessa ,” Braden says. The closest major airports are in Midland and El Paso, each about 250 miles away. All Aboard America provides bus service to Midland International Air and Space Port twice a day, with stops that include Greyhound bus stations in Odessa and Fort Stockton. Travelers can also hop on buses to Chihuahua, Mexico and major Texas cities like Austin and Dallas through Noroeste USA. For 24-hour medical care, residents head to Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine , about 90 miles away.
Historic church and holiday events celebrate Presidio’s heritage
The first recorded Christmas celebration in Texas took place near Presidio in 1683, and the Presidio Pasada event carries on the tradition with a tree lighting and parade on the first weekend of December. Santa Maria de Jesus Catholic Church also dates to the 1600s. The congregation honors its history and heritage with a two-day fiesta every October. Celebrants enjoy authentic cuisine, music and dancing, plus a raffle that raises funds for the church.
