Roma is sister cities with Ciudad Miguel Alemán, separated only by a stretch of the Rio Grande, and connected by one of the last surviving suspension bridges between Mexico and the United States. Colorful taquerias lining the highways and neighborhoods flourishing with stucco homes make both words feel even closer. So does the Spanish-Colonial and Mexican architecture grounding Roma’s nearly 300-year-old downtown. Around 9,000 people live in this small city, 25 miles from the larger Rio Grande City. Many work in education, health care, and construction. “It’s a lot of families that have lived there for a really long time,” says Jesus Gonzalez, a Realtor of 8 years who works for Texas Star Realty. “And it still gives you the hometown vibes just because it’s not so commercialized.”
Roma has investment properties and some new homes
Stucco walls, red-tiled roofs and arched doorways and windows are common in Roma. The city’s median home price is $230,000, significantly lower than the state’s median, and the average price per square foot is $98. “Even new construction is very affordable,” Gonzalez says. Most homes are resale properties, and many could be considered investment properties, however, there is a selection of newer custom builds. Lots tend to be around 8,000 square feet or less but some homes on the outskirts settle on acres. There is a generous amount of land for sale, ranging from less than a quarter of an acre to over 400 acres.
Roma ISD earns a B on Niche
The Roma Independent School District enrolls nearly 6,000 students. The district earns a B on Niche, an A rating for its teachers and a B-plus for academics and college prep. There are 11 colleges within a 200-mile radius, the closest being South Texas College, less than 50 miles away.
Authentic taquerias along U.S. Highway 83 in Roma
Residents can find authentic Mexican cuisine at local eateries up and down U.S. Highway 83, as well as a few fast-food chains and businesses, including Dollar Tree and Ace Hardware. The Roma Economic Development Corporation oversees downtown’s historic structures and is actively working to revitalize them through business partnerships. One of the newest establishments is Ancestral Craft Distillery, which opened in 2021.
A small park for live music along the Rio Grande
According to Trust for Public Land, nearly a quarter of Roma's residents can walk to a park in 10 minutes or less. Roma Municipal Park and the more informal, grassroots community space called "El rio party place" are on the city's southern side. El rio party place is on the banks of the Rio Grande with a covered patio for impromptu music nights. Roma Municipal Park has lighted sports courts and soccer fields. However, residents have complained about its location near the city's sewer system. World Birding Center's Roma Bluffs is just north of the park, offering a shelter for tropical birds and a three-acre nature area for residents.
Falcon State Park, an over 500-acre expanse 15 miles north of the city, surrounds a large lake, considered one of the best freshwater fishing spots in the area.
To and from Roma
U.S. Route 83 flows east to west through the city. Roma Transit Station offers a greyhound option in town. McAllen International Airport is the closest major airport, within 60 miles.
Roma's crime and weather
Roma experiences extreme heat during the summer and can be prone to drought. In Starr County, overall crime was up by 6% from 2023 to 2024, as reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Margiee Fender is realtor with Medina Real Estate in Weslaco, TX and the nearby area, providing homebuyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home, so it sells? Give Margie a call! She is eager to help and would love to talk to you!
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