Longtime residents and strong community ties in San Carlos
San Carlos is a rural area in the Lower Rio Grande Valley offering community-focused services and assistance to residents. “San Carlos is a very close, active community. Everyone knows each other and they’ve been here forever,” says Florinda Garcia, with St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in San Carlos. “It’s a great community. I love it because they can get together even though they don’t know each other.” Locals are supported through a network of organizations and county departments that provide essential services and events. “We help people with their utility bills. I heard of a lot of people who come through [St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church] and give a lot of donations because they want to help each other out,” Garcia says.
Mix of farmland and residential blocks with varied lot sizes
Swaths of farmland are to the north of San Carlos, while the western side consists of residential blocks. The eastern side of the community features more fields and smaller pockets of homes. Many properties have carports and paved driveways behind chain link fences. Some parcels are large enough for storage units and workshops. Lots can range from 5,000 square feet to over 4 acres. The area mainly contains ranch-style houses, some of which have pier and beam foundations. A few New Traditional homes from the last 10 years are sprinkled throughout the streets. Houses in San Carlos typically cost between $80,000 and $375,000, depending on the build date and acreage.
Sunflower Memorial Park has a center, splash pad and sports fields
“There are a lot of things going on and a lot of activities for people to do,” Garcia says. “We have a local park, and they do a lot of activities. There is a community center where they give different classes to people for free.” Sunflower Memorial Park is a premier outdoor space featuring paved walking paths, a splash pad and play equipment. The grounds also include athletic fields and a basketball court. The Endowment Center San Carlos, found inside the green space, provides backpack giveaways for kids and wellness workshops. The center also holds weekly Zumba and yoga classes. For over 25 years, residents have gathered at the park for the San Carlos Kite Fun Fly, a family-friendly event open to the public. A fall festival is held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church every year.
Small businesses and church programs help meet daily needs
San Carlos’s commerce includes the local Villarreal Hardware, car dealerships and auto repair shops. Saenz Produce sells fresh fruits and vegetables during the week. Residents pick up groceries nearby at Border Town Market off Highway 107. The community leans toward locally run restaurants, including Taquería Campos and the seafood option Mariscos Los Dos Carnales. According to Garcia, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church offers monthly food distribution services.
Learning in the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District serves students and offers restricted school choice options. Young children living in the western corridor attend San Carlos Elementary; the remaining students enroll in John F. Kennedy Elementary. The two schools sit side by side and have A-minus and B ratings, respectively, from Niche. Memorial Middle has a B, while Edinburg High receives a B-minus.
Residents reach key services about 10 to 20 miles away
Although Valley Metro operates a limited public transit route in San Carlos, most locals commute by car. Highway 107 runs through the center of the area. South Texas Health System Edinburg offers emergency services roughly 10 miles away. McAllen International Airport stands around 15 miles from the community. Driving south about 20 miles leads to the Donna–Río Bravo International Bridge.
Severe storms bring hail, strong winds and heavy rain
The region is prone to severe weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms can result in hail, strong winds and flash flooding. The county recently made drainage improvements along Mile 17 North Road. Hurricane season typically lasts from summer through late fall.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
