Pharr is a small city in the lower Rio Grande Valley, where the air is sweet with the scent of citrus fruits. Established in the early 1900s, Pharr quickly emerged as a pivotal center for agriculture and trade, only 15 miles north of the Mexican border. But Pharr isn't just about farming and trading. "The city has always had this homey feel despite our neighbors being some of the fastest-growing areas in the country," says Isaac Herrera, co-owner of Pharr Out Records and longtime resident. "The one thing you need to know about Pharr is it's a border town. Our culture and history are extremely important to us. Living in the Rio Grande Valley is a part of our DNA." Central to Pharr's identity is the annual celebration of its agricultural heritage through vibrant festivals that honor the land.
The community of Pharr was named after sugar planter Henry Newton Pharr.
The Pharr/Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding center has multiple trails throughout the park.
1/2
Homes in Pharr are significantly cheaper than the national average
Pharr's residential areas are densely populated among the city's schools, parks and recreational amenities. At $255,000, the median home price in Pharr is roughly 64% less than the national median. Most of Pharr's homes were built after the 1980s, with an influx of new construction in the 2020s to match the area's growth. Spanish Revival houses, minimal traditional cottages, duplexes and ranch-style homes line narrow streetscapes. Palm and oak trees rest in spacious back and front yards, often complemented by paved driveways or detached garages. Stand-out neighborhoods include Buchanan Estates, Canela Estates, a collection of gated luxury mansions that can be priced well over $2 million.
Two story modern style homes are abundant in northern Pharr.
A variety of modern one and two story style homes can be found in the neighborhood Pharr.
1/2
Free internet through the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
Pharr is served by the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District, which offers free fiber broadband internet services so students can work at home. The district earns an overall B on Niche and is notable for its Early College Program, where all high school students can earn an associate degree by graduation. Additionally, all the district's elementary schools offer dual language immersion and STEM programs. Smaller portions of the city are served by Hidalgo and Valley View ISDs.
PSJA Southwest Early College High School serves grades 9th thru 12th grade in the Pharr area.
Kelly Pharr Elementary School serves grades Pre-K to 5th grade in the Pharr area.
1/2
Tejano music and Calaca costumes
Pharr's Fresh on the Border event series highlights the city's thriving produce industry due to its location near the Pharr International Bridge. Pharr's first Avocado Festival was held in October 2023 as a part of this initiative, a free event is filled with lucha libre, local food vendors and live Tejano music. Día De Los Muertos is an annual 10-day long tradition honoring the passing of loved ones, and the city hosts an event to commemorate this with a movie showing and live performances with locals walking around in Calaca costumes. Other festivities include the Annual St. Patrick's Day 5K down South Fir Street, and Movies in the Park, held in various locations throughout the summer.
Near local haunts on 83 and big retailers in McAllen
Pharr is close to plenty of shopping centers, pescaderias and carnicerias for fish and meat. Las Tiendas Shopping Center is on East Expressway 83, with a cluster of big box stores like Target, Sam's Club, Costco and Walmart. Locals also appreciate shopping in local and family-owned shops like Pharr Out Records. This record store was born from a deep appreciation for music and culture shared between three friends. “This is a passion project between four friends. It’s me, my wife Jade Herrera, and our pals Zach and Rebecca Myers,” says Herrera. "We love to promote local music. We are a hole-in-the-wall archive of local legends and culture. Tejano music is native to the valley." Six miles west in McAllen is La Plaza Mall – one of the largest shopping hubs in South Texas – as well as the McAllen Farmers Market, open every Saturday Morning for an assortment of the freshest fruits, farm-raised meats and artisan wares.
HEB Grocery Store offers a variety of fresh produce and everyday items in all it's locations.
Mia Boutique in Pharr offers a grand variety of custom apparel and accessories for woman.
1/2
Finding peace at Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center
The City of Pharr has several places for recreation, including sports complexes, golf courses, an aquatic center and even a birding center. "Pharr has this beautiful and almost hidden birding center, filled with native birds, monarch butterflies and quiet trails," Herrera says. Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center is on South Richmond Road filled with Green Jays and Great Blue Herons. The Tierra De Sol Golf Course is 2 miles from there, a public 18-hole course surrounded by homes. Victor Garcia Municipal Park on West Polk Avenue has a playground, and a skate park decked out in murals. In 2020, $6.44 million was approved to fund the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Hike & Bike Trail, which now spans 7.8 miles and connects bikers and hikers to San Juan and McAllen.
Dr. William Long City/School Park is adjacent to Dr. William Long Elementary.
Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center has multiple gravel walking trails throughout.
1/2
Quick access to the Pharr–Reynosa International Bridge
Pharr provides easy access to the 20-mile trip to Mexico through the Pharr–Reynosa International Bridge on the town's southern edge. Affectionately known as "Bridge with Butterflies" due to its colorful art sculptures, built in 1994 and stretching 3.2 miles, it is the country's 6th largest land port. Major highways include Interstate 2, U.S. 83 and U.S. 281, which runs north to south through the middle of Pharr. Residents can take Valley Metro's Route 30 to get around town and surrounding communities. Pharr is 4 miles from South Texas Health System McAllen for 24/7 emergency care and 5 miles from McAllen International Airport for travel.
Crime and weather safety in Pharr
According to data collected by the FBI, Pharr saw a 15% drop in crime in 2023 from the year prior. The city experiences one-third fewer property and violent crimes than Texas. Pharr has mild, dry winters and hot, oppressive summers, reaching as high as 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Pharr is in Hildago County, which has experienced extreme levels of drought. Residents are encouraged to practice water conservation.
Co-written by Pao Cordero
As a RE/MAX agent, Hector is dedicated to helping his clients find the home of their dreams. Whether they are buying or selling a home or curious about the local market, he would love to offer his support and services. He knows the local community both as an agent and a neighbor and can help guide clients through the nuances of the local market. With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and innovative technology, Hector works hard to make the real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.
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.
