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Historic Brownsville

Historic Brownsville

Suburban Neighborhood in Brownsville, Texas

Cameron County 78520

$180,088 Average Value
$130 Average Price per Sq Ft
31 Homes For Sale
Brownsville is ranked No.4 as one of the best affordable places to retire.
Brownsville is ranked No.4 as one of the best affordable places to retire.

A vibrant culture and story of growth on the Mexican border

Home to the Consulate General of Mexico, Historic Brownsville sits right on the border of Texas and Mexico. With nearly 200 years of storied development, the area has several preserved sites from its early days as a rough western trading post on the Mexican border to its smuggling days during the Civil War. Residents and tourists can now view Brownville's carefully conserved lineage through its many museums. The area also has its fair share of modern attractions, such as the Gladys Porter Zoo and Sams Memorial Stadium. Historic Brownsville experienced tremendous population growth in 2021, credited to the building of SpaceX Starbase, an aerospace manufacturing company founded by Elon Musk. "Prices and new developments have gone up all over the city, but downtown has had the biggest boom," says Bruno Zavaleta, owner of Zavaleta Realty and native of Brownsville. "People actually know about our city now. Sometimes we miss our sleepy vibes, but it's all good. It's what happens when Elon Musk sends out a tweet and says, 'Hey everyone, move to Brownsville.'"

Historic Brownsville’s booming development

The Brownsville area is exploding with new construction due to an influx of residents. "Like in every city, we've got older established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions that are experiencing tremendous growth," says Azeneth Badiola, broker and owner of Badiola Real Estate in Brownsville for the last 10 years. Large, new Spanish-style homes along Historic Palm Boulevard can cost between $400,000 and $500,000, but bungalows west of Lakeside Boulevard are often priced between $150,000 and $275,000. Homes in the Mitte Cultural District, where most community events are held, have historically sold for below $150,000. Badiola points out that those prices are expected to increase as the area grows. Modern housing here has recently become a development and investment opportunity, with many ranch-style homes and bungalows needing TLC.

This beautiful Spanish revival home is located inside the Brownsville's Historic district.
This beautiful Spanish revival home is located inside the Brownsville's Historic district.
Newer construction wood frame style homes are located in east Historical Brownsville.
Newer construction wood frame style homes are located in east Historical Brownsville.
You can find a variety of architectural styles in Historic Brownsville.
You can find a variety of architectural styles in Historic Brownsville.
Another ranch style home is found inside the Historic Brownsville district.
Another ranch style home is found inside the Historic Brownsville district.
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Creativity at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art

The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art offers kids' and adults' programs with exhibits by local and international artists. Historic Brownsville Market Square, opened in 1852, is a pop-up event area with occasional tents and vendors, performances and cultural festivals to celebrate the area's heritage. Dean Porter Park hosts the annual December Holiday Village, where residents can stroll around scaled-down Christmas cottages and watch choir, mariachi and dance performances.

The Market Square in Brownsville first opened as an open air market in 1852.
The Market Square in Brownsville first opened as an open air market in 1852.
The McNair Home in Historic Brownsville is a good example of a Monterey style home.
The McNair Home in Historic Brownsville is a good example of a Monterey style home.
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions year-round.
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions year-round.
Unique artwork can be found through out the Historic Brownsville community.
Unique artwork can be found through out the Historic Brownsville community.
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Historic Brownsville sips and bites

Of the growth in Historic Brownsville and the downtown area, the food industry has surprisingly done some of the most evolving. "We have a ton of new restaurants that have opened since our city got more popular. It's really good for us, from both a revitalization and economy viewpoint," says Zavaleta. Chilmoli Steakhouse and Boquerón Taps and Wine on Washington Street may be new, but Rutledge Hamburgers has been serving its signature small burgers there for more than 100 years. At the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts, Crepe Town serves sweets like almond flour pancakes and pistachio cheesecake, while 7th & Park is known for spiced Mexican mochas. The community has two convenient H-E-B supermarkets, and the nearest Walmart and Home Depot are just 3 miles away.

Rutledge Hamburgers is an iconic restaurant in Brownsville's Historic district.
Rutledge Hamburgers is an iconic restaurant in Brownsville's Historic district.
Crepe Town is located in the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts and is a popular spot for lunch.
Crepe Town is located in the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts and is a popular spot for lunch.
The HEB grocery stores are quite popular amongst the Brownsville residents.
The HEB grocery stores are quite popular amongst the Brownsville residents.
A local barista makes a delicious latte at Brownsville's 7th & Park Coffee shop.
A local barista makes a delicious latte at Brownsville's 7th & Park Coffee shop.
Shoppers come from Mexico every day to shop in downtown Brownsville, Texas.
Shoppers come from Mexico every day to shop in downtown Brownsville, Texas.
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Dean Porter Park and community attractions

Dean Porter Park is a community hub in the Mitte Cultural District, which promotes historical, cultural and educational activities. Dean Porter Park also has a public swimming pool, the Children's Museum of Brownsville and the Camille Lightner Playhouse, a spot for community theater. Adjoining the park is Gladys Porter Zoo, which has hundreds of animal species, an aquarium and a reptile house. Many area schools take their students on field trips to the zoo to educate them on conservation and wildlife. Residents can view local artifacts in the Historic Brownsville Museum, built inside the 1928 Southern Pacific Railroad train depot.

Located across from the Gladys Porter Zoo is Brownsville's Dean Porter Park.
Located across from the Gladys Porter Zoo is Brownsville's Dean Porter Park.
The green, open field at Dean Porter Park is great for an evening game of soccer.
The green, open field at Dean Porter Park is great for an evening game of soccer.
Dean Porter Park offers plenty of space for everyone to play in Brownsville's Historic district.
Dean Porter Park offers plenty of space for everyone to play in Brownsville's Historic district.
Bougainvilleas can be seen throughout the city of Brownsville.
Bougainvilleas can be seen throughout the city of Brownsville.
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Varsity football at Sams Memorial Stadium

Historic Brownsville falls within the Brownsville Independent School District. Russell Elementary School and Stell Middle School both score a C on Niche. James Pace Early College High School earns a B rating and opened in the mid-1970s. Their Varsity football games draw crowds to the Sams Memorial Stadium. Catholic private schools like Saint Joseph Academy, which scores an A-plus, are also available in Historic Brownsville.

Russell Elementary School was built in 1916 and named after Emaline B. Russell.
Russell Elementary School was built in 1916 and named after Emaline B. Russell.
Porter High School is a 5A public high school in Brownsville and home to the Porter Cowboys.
Porter High School is a 5A public high school in Brownsville and home to the Porter Cowboys.
Sam's Memorial Stadium first opened in 1957 and has a seating capacity of 10,300 spectators.
Sam's Memorial Stadium first opened in 1957 and has a seating capacity of 10,300 spectators.
Originally named Los Ebanos School, Sharp Elementary was named after Gertrude Sharp in 1963.
Originally named Los Ebanos School, Sharp Elementary was named after Gertrude Sharp in 1963.
James Pace High School was part of the second generation of Brownsville high schools.
James Pace High School was part of the second generation of Brownsville high schools.
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Historic Brownsville Metro has various routes throughout that are active every hour.
Historic Brownsville Metro has various routes throughout that are active every hour.

Brownsville Metro bus lines for getting around the city

Though most downtown strolls happen on Washington Street, the Brownsville Metro bus line is available to those who need it for further travel, and the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is only about 6 miles away. Residents can get there by hopping on and off Highway 77, the area’s main artery, and onto International Boulevard.

Heat and heavy rain in Brownsville

As with many Texas neighborhoods, it’s not unusual for summer temperatures to soar into the triple digits, with high humidity and heavy air. Since Brownsville is only 30 miles from the Gulf Coast, heavy rainfall is possible.

Kaitie Lamb
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Mauricio Atilano
Photography Contributed By
Mauricio Atilano
Jacob Cardwell
Video By
Jacob Cardwell

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ADRIANA BARRERA, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Brownsville/South Padre Island International

11 min drive

Bus

Brownsville Bus Station

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic Brownsville US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$164,900
Median Single Family Price
$200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$86,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$130
Number of Homes for Sale
31
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Months of Supply
11.30
Median List Price
$207,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
917
Median Year Built
1960
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,752
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,540
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,006
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
704
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ADRIANA BARRERA, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
16,295
Median Age
35
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$29,798
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,946

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
56.3%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.4%
% Population in Labor Force
50.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
27''
Average Winter Low Temperature
54°F
Average Summer High Temperature
96°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

66 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Historic Brownsville