Home to the Festival of Lights, Hidalgo is filled with fun and exciting adventures for those who are new to the area as well as longtime residents.
With a population of just over 11,000, Hidalgo, Texas is a city of historical intricacy. First settled by Jose` de Escandon (the man who led the Spanish colonists), this city was incorporated as a town in 1876 under the name of Edinburgh, making changes to the name Hidalgo in 1885. Hidalgo is also known for its brick-style architecture. A lot of former buildings, such as the Catholic Church and the old Hidalgo school were all structures from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The historical intimacy of Hidalgo makes it a wonder to live in and recognize. It's no wonder someone might want to move here, as it holds a certain awe-inspiring aspect to it's age-old buildings and past.
Moving to Hidalgo
If you're planning on moving to Hidalgo or are a new resident, there are many different living options to choose from: apartments, homes, and town homes. Below, you'll find some helpful information on cost, what you should look for when moving to the area, and more information about different neighborhoods within the town.
If you're looking for rental properties such as apartments and town homes, costs vary greatly depending on how exactly you want to live. Recent college graduates and retirees can all find an affordable place to live here! Apartments within Hidalgo are few, but the ones that are located in Hidalgo vary greatly in quality and price, meaning that everyone will be able to find their residential cup of tea! If you plan to purchase a home, prices also vary immensely, with many over well under and over six figures. There's something for everyone here. If you are looking for rental condos or high-rise apartments, it is important to remember that they are a considerable investment, so make sure your finances are in order before taking the plunge.
In order to find sure all your living needs are met., local real estate facilities are always more than happy to consult you on your new home. Rio Largo Estates is a local office that you can visit or call in advance to moving.
On another note, be sure to make arrangements with the local DMV to have your ID changed. You can be fined for having an out-of-state ID, and it's never any fun stressing over something that could have been avoided.
Neighborhoods
While Hidalgo may not be made up of neighborhoods the way that most of us were brought up to believe, there is a clear distinction between the City Center south of 281 and the business district to the north.
City Center: For all intents and purposes, this is the heart of the town-the downtown, if you will. Here you will find numerous stores, such as Payless and EZPawn. The majority of stores are located south of Old Military Rd. Just west of International Boulevard, Esperanza Ave has a good selection of fast-food joints, while the east side has a few more formal dining establishments.
North of 281: While the area south of 281 contains mostly residences with a few businesses thrown into the mix, once you head north of 281, you'll find mostly businesses with some residences thrown in the mix. Up north, you will find businesses dealing in industries such as automobiles and transportation, providing a much different vibe than the city center south of 281.
Living in Hidalgo
Hidalgo offers pretty much any amenity a new resident might want! Here, read more about what the town has to offer.
Emergency Services
There are no hospitals present within the town limits of Hidalgo. However, numerous medical facilities are present in McAllen, which is just north of town, including the Rio Grande Regional Hospital and the McAllen Heart Hospital.
Located on the corner of Esperanza and 2nd, the Hidalgo Police Department is just a short drive away from pretty much any location within the town, ensuring a quick response to any unsavory situations.
Museums and Events
Hidalgo is home to a good number of historical landmarks. Visit the Hidalgo Post Office, the Hidalgo County Jail, or the Hidalgo County Courthouse, all dating to the year 1886. Even their "Killer Bee" statue has been visited for years by journalists to be photographed and written about.
If you're looking for some non-historical fun, check out any of Hidalgo's amazing festivals and community events, among these the Festival of Lights. This festive display happens at sunset every night through the entire month of December. Showcasing more than 3,000,000 lights and 900 displays, this lights tour is free if you provide your own vehicle, and is quite inexpensive if you choose instead to ride the trolley or train or a horse-drawn wagon.
Residents also love visiting the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum. This building dates back to 1910, where it was established in Rio Grande. This pump house was used to irrigate acres of the thousands. Crops included were sugar cane, vegetables, and even sugar cane. The original pump house was closed in 1983 due to the pumps getting electrified. However, it was preserved as this tourist attraction museum. Tourists can go inside the building to view old machinery. The tours are inexpensive and fun for visitors of all ages.
Parks
The community of Hidalgo is quite beautiful, making living here a great experience if you pride yourself on living in a vibrant area. There are several places residents can explore:
For those who enjoy simply jogging or throwing a few tubesteaks on the barbie, Municipal and Memorial Parks are both excellent places to relax outside and have fun with friends.
McAllen Park, located just north of town, has a playground that makes it a hit with the youngsters. During the summer, residents love to cool off or swim a few laps at the Municipal Swimming Pool. Don't forget the SPF 50: The sun here can be unforgiving.
