Section Image

La Villa

La Villa

Neighborhood in Texas

Hidalgo County 78538

$170,069 Average Value
$91 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

A small town with a big heart

Look up La Villa, and one of the first things one will find is a slogan that hints at the pride locals take in this area: “Small City with a Big Heart.” The city’s pride has been forged through time. “A lot of people have lived there for years,” says local Realtor Jeff Walker of Walker Realty, who has been in real estate for over 30 years. “Generation after generation.” The surrounding area is home to some of the nation’s most historically underserved communities, often referred to as “colonias.” The area has been slowly improving with the help of neighboring cities and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg. A $1,000,000 grant was issued recently by the Hidalgo Urban County Program to establish better Water and Sewer facilities. Walker confirms the area is seeing change, reflected by the smattering of new construction, without sacrificing its small-town atmosphere. There’s still only one stop light in town on State Highway 107, and the community really does value their neighbors, new and old. “Tradition is really important to us and the surrounding colonias,” says Alejandro Rios, a representative and activist of Visit McAllen. “We all want to celebrate this even with all the new growth we’ve experienced. Everyone is coming in with different stories – we want everyone to feel welcome.”

La Villa's city population sign.
La Villa's city population sign.
La Villa is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas.
La Villa is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas.
Horses are abundant in this area.
Horses are abundant in this area.
1/3

Modern homes abound in La Villa

A lot of houses in La Villa were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, a mixture of ranch-style homes, bungalows and mobile homes. However, there has also been quite a bit of new construction in the last decade, adding clusters of new traditional homes that fill sidewalk-lined suburban-style residential streets. Some of the newer houses in La Villa push over 2,000 square feet, but the options here stretch about 1,500 square feet on average. Lots in La Villa span anywhere from just over one-tenth of an acre to roughly three-tenths of an acre. Price tags here start at under $100,000 for a home that may need work and climb into the low $200,000s for a recent build.

Row of brick style homes in La Villa, Tx.
Row of brick style homes in La Villa, Tx.
A bungalow-style home located on the northern side of La Villa.
A bungalow-style home located on the northern side of La Villa.
A yellow wood frame style home located in the north side of La Villa.
A yellow wood frame style home located in the north side of La Villa.
1/3

La Villa’s STEAM Center helps students steam into the future

The city has its own school system, the La Villa Independent School District. The district offers a dedicated STEAM instructional facility that every student can visit to supplement their learning in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Students can start at J.B. Munoz Elementary, whose list of extracurricular opportunities currently includes a cheer square and will soon include an eSports team. Students can then advance to La Villa Middle, which shares a C-minus with the elementary school. The middle school offers a career and technical education department with classes in information technology, health, criminal justice, and health and medical terminology. The town’s La Villa Early College High School earns a C Niche grade and offers special programs on topics such as law enforcement, animal science and healthcare diagnostics. La Villa benefits from its proximity to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, whose colonias program aims to provide underserved communities with accessible language and literacy education, student volunteering opportunities and economic support.

Jose Bernabe Munoz Elementary is located in the East side of La Villa.
Jose Bernabe Munoz Elementary is located in the East side of La Villa.
La Villa High School mascot is the cardinal.
La Villa High School mascot is the cardinal.
La Villa High School's field
La Villa High School's field
1/3
Valley Metro is a public transportation service in La Villa, Tx.
Valley Metro is a public transportation service in La Villa, Tx.

Interstate 2 links La Villa with county’s other cities

La Villa also has roots as a farming community, with sugar and cotton as the major crops historically. There’s a sugar mill just about 5 miles outside La Villa via Texas State Route 107. Those in La Villa who may work in some of Hidalgo County’s bigger cities, like Pharr, Mission or McAllen, can drive roughly 20 miles south to reach Interstate 2, which cuts through all three areas. For instance, McAllen — Hidalgo County’s biggest city — is about 30 miles from La Villa total. Most La Villa locals are drivers, as the remote area doesn't have public transit options. The Valley International Airport is in the nearby city of Harlingen for long-distance travel. For immediate healthcare needs, locals must drive roughly 25 miles to nearby Harlingen or Edinburgh.

Chow down at AB’s

For almost all restaurants and shopping, most turn to nearby Edcouch and Elsa. Elsa has an H-E-B and Walmart off East Edinburg Avenue, along with quick eats at both Stars Drive-in and Lee Roy’s Chicken and Burgers. Edcouch offers other local favorites like Los AB’s Restaurant, a spot offering all sorts of Mexican American fare, from burgers to enchiladas to tacos to birria tacos, its Friday lunch special. J & F Taquito Express is another well-liked option, just down the street from AB’s. J&F is known for its various taco options and doubles as a convenience store, full of snacks, drinks and more. La Pasadita Supermarket is a more expansive grocery option near La Villa, and the town also has a Dollar General for other essentials. La Pasadita Supermarket is on the opposite side of Edcouch, with a convenience store setup that's helpful for last-minute stops. In addition to the fast-food restaurants lining the highway, Edcouch has a few well-liked local eateries for a meal away from home, many representing the strong local Latino heritage. Gigi's Restaurant and Café is a town favorite, known for its Southern staples, and Ice Queen Delight is around the corner, with build-your-own raspado, or shaved ice, topped with candy or fruit. La Villa locals can also travel east to Harlingen or west to Edinburgh – each within a half-hour drive – for more shopping and dining.

Los Ab's Restaurant is the only Mexican Restaurant present in La Villa.
Los Ab's Restaurant is the only Mexican Restaurant present in La Villa.
J And F Convenience Store serves multiple Mexican food items.
J And F Convenience Store serves multiple Mexican food items.
Los Ab's Restaurants serves multiple delicious Mexican dishes.
Los Ab's Restaurants serves multiple delicious Mexican dishes.
1/3
La Villa Park consist of multiple walking trails, basketball courts and a playground.
La Villa Park consist of multiple walking trails, basketball courts and a playground.

Catch fresh air right in the middle of town

Locals can take advantage of the city park, La Villa Park, right off East 1st Street. The space features a playground, multiple athletic fields and a public pool. Both the park and pool are around the corner from the La Villa Boys & Girls Youth Center, which hosts everything from youth boxing programs to free back-to-school haircuts. Edinburg Municipal Park is another public park with multiple ball fields, trails and fishing ponds, along with the World Birding Center.

Multiple produce vendors can be found selling at different locations in La Villa
Multiple produce vendors can be found selling at different locations in La Villa

A supportive and festive community

La Villa hosts periodic food distribution events for local residents at the La Villa Boys & Girls Youth Center. The city also gets the opportunity to come together through its annual winter holiday festivities. The schedule includes a parade down Mike Chapa Road, a tree lighting outside the La Villa Volunteer Fire Department and a festival outside of city hall, with food, drinks and a toy giveaway. Residents also often travel to Edinburg for events. The city offers dozens of annual and seasonal activities. Popular events include the Spring Community Garage Sale, the Edinburg Fall Fest and the Fiesta de Noche Buena. Edinburg is also home to the Museum of South Texas History.

Corrine Fizer
Written By
Corrine Fizer
Maurice McNeil
Video By
Maurice McNeil

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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 Mark Cardenas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Valley International

41 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime La Villa US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 9 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$45,000
Median Single Family Price
$161,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$91
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Months of Supply
20.00
Median List Price
$160,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
10%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-64%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
57
Median Year Built
1998
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,446
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,574
Median Age
36
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,156
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,873

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
45.2%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
6.2%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.2%
% Population in Labor Force
45.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
25''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

36 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

28 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the La Villa neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
La Villa