Alton is a growing community in the Rio Grande Valley
With its motto, "Where you belong," the small city of Alton welcomes everyone with open arms. "Alton has grown exponentially since I've been here. We have a lot more people coming into the city now, and in the next couple of years, it's just going to boom," says Steve Peña, CEO of the city's development corporation since 2006. Just like many communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Alton is among the fastest-growing areas in South Texas. Updates to infrastructure, including new housing developments, road improvements and park renovations, have spearheaded Alton's revitalization and brought new life into town. "We have such a young community. Almost 48% of the population is under 45, and I think that's why we've been able to be so progressive. They want it to grow for the kids," Peña says. Within 10 miles of Mission and McAllen, Alton has a friendly essence that permeates its long-standing local businesses and community events.
Youth programming at Alton Recreation Center
With an outdoor pool and extensive programming at the Alton Recreation Center, Sylvia Vela Park is one of Alton's most popular meeting places. Most kids in Alton sign up for youth sports like baseball or the recreation center's summer camp. With so much growth, Alton is updating its park system. Initially encompassing just 10 acres, Josefa Garcia Park was transformed in 2022 into a 50-acre recreational destination. The green space now features an accessible playground, and there's a new splash pad in the works. "We do a little something in these parks every year. We want to promote health," Peña says.
A beautiful mural reflecting the local wildlife and geography.
Sylvias park has multiple walking trails, playground and two basketball courts.
The City of Alton is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
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The 812 Market offers live music on weekends
Despite its growth, Alton still values shopping locally. "It's mostly smaller businesses. The only big box is the supermarket," Peña says, explaining that the Junior's Super Market on West Main Avenue was the first in the franchise and has become the biggest Junior's in the region. On East Main Avenue, Blanca's Market and Restaurant is a favored stop for fresh cuts of meat, while Taqueria Don Felipe gets the nod for its homestyle Mexican favorites. Benji's BBQ has been serving Alton since 2015 with platters of smoked meats. On weekends, locals head down to 812 Market on South Alton Boulevard. This flea market features local music, games of Lotería and thousands of vendors. New commercial developments are on the horizon, with more storefronts expected in coming years. Alton is just 7 miles from Trenton Crossing Shopping Center in McAllen for a handful of big box stores.
Rocha's Restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes everyday of the week.
Rocha's Restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes everyday of the week.
Blanca's Meat Market offers a variety of fresh beef and pork meat.
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New developments on Main Avenue
With the population rising each year, Alton has turned its focus to housing development, increasing the city's capacity while keeping the character of existing modern homes. The east side of Alton is known for slightly larger and more expensive homes, which can cost upwards of $500,000. These residences are close together, designed in Spanish Revival and contemporary styles with attached garages. Homes on the west side of Alton tend to be older, reflecting ranch-styles and cottages, with prices hovering around $300,000. "Over the past two years, it has just been a booming housing market," Peña says, noting that eight new subdivisions of duplexes and single-family homes are already in the works.
A new apartment complex constructed in the south side of Alton, Tx.
A 3 bedroom 2 bath modern style home located in Alton, Tx.
A row of modern style brick homes located in the downtown Alton, Tx area.
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Alton is 13 miles from McAllen International Airport
There isn't any public transit in town, and most residents drive to get around. Alton is within 15 miles of Interstate 69C and Interstate 2. Locals won't even need to get on highways to Mission, less than 6 miles away, and McAllen is 13 miles southeast. These commutes take less than 30 minutes for residents working at Mission Regional Medical Center, the closest hospital. Alton is 13 miles from McAllen International Airport and 23 miles from the Pharr–Reynosa International Bridge, leading to Reynosa in Mexico.
Growing attendance at Christmas on Main
Residents gather at Sylvia Vela Park for an outdoor cinema series during summertime. As winter approaches, the Christmas Parade along Main Avenue is an anticipated event. "It's well attended, and every year you see more and more people coming," Peña says, noting that the same is true for the National Night Out event, hosted by the local police department annually. In 2024, the city hosted Casita Bonita, a community event where volunteers painted houses for disadvantaged residents.
Sylvia Vela Park is a local gathering spot.
STEM based learning through Mission CISD
The Mission Consolidated Independent School District serves around 14,500 students in the community and earns a C-plus on Niche. The district takes pride in its advanced STEM academies offered as early as elementary school. Cavazos Elementary earns a C-minus grade and is home to a Health Science Academy. Alton Memorial Junior High School maintains a grade of C-minus, and Mission Collegiate High School has a B-plus grade. The high school is nationally recognized for its Early College Program and commitment to advanced placement programs and scholarship funds.
Alton Elementary School is located in downtown Alton, Tx.
Students receive a great education at Sharyland Pioneer High School.
It's ranked #16 in McAllen, TX Metro Area High Schools by US News & World Report, 2023-2024.
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