Proximity to the border and bigger cities defines life in Progreso
Progreso offers low housing costs and a rural environment on the U.S.-Mexico border. Truck drivers and tourists pass through town as they travel along International Boulevard into the Mexican city of Nuevo Progreso. While this can cause heavy traffic on some streets, most of Progreso maintains a quiet atmosphere, with acres of farmland, easy access to nature preserves and only about 5,000 residents. “It’s a small town where not a whole lot happens,” says Jennifer Martinez, the broker-owner of Mariposa Realty RGV Inc., who has sold several homes in the area. About 8 miles south of Weslaco and 25 miles east of McAllen, Progreso is conveniently located near places other than the border. “A lot of families moved here when they first left Mexico, and they’ve ended up staying because it’s near those bigger cities,” Martinez says.
Progreso’s median house price is less than Weslaco’s and McAllen’s
Four homes have sold here in the past 5 years, with prices ranging from $140,000 to $250,000. Progreso’s median single-family home price of $165,000 is less than Weslaco’s $255,000 and McAllen’s $371,000. Bungalows, ranch styles and contemporary homes are all common. Live oak and palm trees often dot small lots near the town’s core, while houses on the outskirts typically sit on farmland with grain crops or cattle. Heavy rainfall and tropical storms can put some properties at risk of flooding.
Traffic can back up at the Progreso Port of Entry
International Boulevard crosses the Progreso Port of Entry into Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas. The town is a popular day-trip spot, known for its dental clinics, pharmacies and tourist shops. Pedestrians and cars can cross the border, which often becomes congested. “There are separate lanes for cargo trucks and passenger vehicles, but sometimes traffic still gets backed up because of long inspections or people switching lanes,” Martinez says. In Progreso, semitrucks are only allowed to drive on International Boulevard and U.S. 281 Military Highway. “Massive trucks don’t drive on residential streets, so that helps the area stay quiet,” Martinez says. McAllen International Airport and Valley International Airport are both less than 30 miles north.
Shopping and dining include Mexican grocery stores and restaurants
Progreso has several gas stations, car repair shops and farm supply stores. A few Mexican supermarkets and a Dollar General are also in town. Locals can go out to eat at classic taquerias, like El Merendero, or fast-food places, including Stars Drive-In. The Mission Revival-style Holy Spirit Catholic Church is one of several houses of worship here that offer services in English and Spanish. Weslaco is home to a Walmart Supercenter, an H-E-B and the closest hospital, Knapp Medical Center. McAllen has several other shopping centers, including La Plaza, an indoor mall with over 170 stores ranging from Foot Locker to Zara.
The local school district has a Migrant Education Program
Progreso Independent School District serves the community. Kids can attend Progreso Elementary and Dorothy Thompson Middle, both of which earn C grades from Niche. They may continue to C-plus-rated Progreso High, home of the Red Ants. The district’s Migrant Education Program offers dual language classes at the elementary level and several college scholarships. South Texas College has campuses in Weslaco and McAllen.
A state park, golf course and hunting grounds are nearby
The 18-acre Progreso City Park has playgrounds, picnic pavilions and a baseball diamond. Government officials plan to update the park with more sports facilities, trails and a splash pad. Estero Llano Grande State Park, about 3 miles north, is a 230-acre green space along Arroyo Colorado. The park's hiking trails pass through thorn woodland and cattail-covered wetlands, home to American alligators and the roseate spoonbill. The 18-hole Tierra Santa Golf Course and several wildlife management areas known for deer and dove hunting are within 10 miles. South Padre Island’s lively tourist beach is about 60 miles east.
