Brownsville, TX, known as "The City with a Historic Past," offers a rich cultural heritage and vibrant community life. Located in the southern tip of Texas along the Rio Grande, Brownsville is approximately 70 miles southeast of McAllen and 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. This medium-sized city is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance.
Brownsville's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, providing ideal conditions for year-round outdoor activities. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including the scenic Gladys Porter Zoo and the expansive Resaca de la Palma State Park, which offer trails, gardens, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
The cultural scene in Brownsville is vibrant, with attractions like the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, the Historic Brownsville Museum, and the Camille Lightner Playhouse. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Charro Days Fiesta and the Sombrero Festival, celebrating the city's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Brownsville, with institutions like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Brownsville an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Valley Baptist Medical Center, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Brownsville combines the benefits of a vibrant cultural scene with a high quality of life. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its historical richness, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Brownsville offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Brownsville, Texas is a medium-sized city with a population of 182,230 people. According to the most recent Census, 85% of Brownsville residents are White, 1% Asian and 0% Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Brownsville are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 85% of the population also speak Spanish. The median age of all Brownsville residents is 31, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Brownsville offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Brownsville is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Brownsville and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Brownsville has received a livability score of 78/100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Brownsville would be considered a very livable city! Brownsville has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Brownsville ranks well for housing (B+) On a less positive note, Brownsville does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (D) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Managing monthly expenses, from grocery bills to never-ending utility costs, can swiftly accumulate. Fortunately, we're delighted to share that the cost of living in Brownsville is 25.42% lower than the national average. This translates to a tangible reduction in those persistent monthly expenditures, making Brownsville a city where you can anticipate lower costs across the board when compared to many other urban areas. This financial advantage not only eases the burden of day-to-day living but also allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle, ensuring that your hard-earned money goes further and providing an appealing incentive for those seeking to improve their financial well-being in a world where expenses continue to rise.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Brownsville can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Brownsville is real estate affordability. The median home price for Brownsville homes is $92,400, which is 35.2% lower than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Brownsville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 11.5% lower than the Texas average.
| Statistic | Brownsville | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.8% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.6% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Texas
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Texas
See the best places to live in Brownsville