Harlingen 73 Excellent
Harlingen Livability #197 ranked city in Texas#4,846 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Harlingen

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

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What's it like Living in Harlingen?

Harlingen is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Texas. The city has a population of 65,028 residents. The majority of Harlingen residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Harlingen are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 48% of the population also speak Spanish. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Harlingen residents is 31. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Harlingen offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Harlingen can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Texas, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Harlingen and in the areas around Harlingen is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Harlingen has received a livability score of 71 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Harlingen scores well for amenities (A+) and housing (A-) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Harlingen. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (D-) and employment (F).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Harlingen, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Harlingen undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Harlingen, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 25.15% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Harlingen an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Harlingen apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Harlingen is actually affordable. The median home price for Harlingen homes is $92,000, which is 35.5% lower than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Harlingen, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 19.2% lower than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Harlingen

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Compare Harlingen, TX Livability

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      Harlingen transportation information

      Statistic Harlingen Texas National
      Average one way commute17min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home5.8%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Harlingen, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).