With humble beginnings in a post office, Progreso began to grow when farmers started using the land to grow sugarcane. Now it is home to Progreso International Bridge, which leads directly to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico just a few miles away.
Incorporated in November of 1991, Progreso, Texas has only recently become a city in its own right
View Progreso City GuideWith humble beginnings in a post office, Progreso began to grow when farmers started using the land to grow sugarcane. Now it is home to Progreso International Bridge, which leads directly to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico just a few miles away.
Incorporated in November of 1991, Progreso, Texas has only recently become a city in its own right
With humble beginnings in a post office, Progreso began to grow when farmers started using the land to grow sugarcane. Now it is home to Progreso International Bridge, which leads directly to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico just a few miles away.
Incorporated in November of 1991, Progreso, Texas has only recently become a city in its own right. This doesn't mean that it is any less of a metropolis, though, and since joining the ranks its population has skyrocketed from 1,951 in 1990 to 5,507 in 2010. Progreso is part of Hidalgo County and shares a border with Nuevo Progreso, a small town in Mexico. Much of its 3 mile land area is still devoted to farming and related activity, but it has expanded to include more diverse crops than just sugarcane, including a cotton gin. In recent years, there is continual growth as companies and individuals are purchasing considerable sized lots for development.
The appeal of a city like Progreso can sometimes be lost on a traditional city dweller, but if you're looking for a place where good ole' boys can have a good ole' time, Progreso will certainly deliver. Don't expect to find apartments for rent like you might in a metropolitan area. In fact, if you're looking to move to Progreso, you probably have no desire to rent an apartment in the first place. The average price of a home in Progreso is not only lower than the national average, but also nearly half of the average value in Texas. If you're looking to buy, this means that housing is inexpensive. Also, with land plots being sold, many new residents consider building a new home entirely. This can be especially attractive if you want to purchase some farm land, but is also an option for those who just want to build a traditional home.
Limited Rental Availability
Yes, there is limited rental availability in Progreso. No, you should not worry too much if you plan on renting. Though it may be difficult to find apartments without going to one of the neighboring cities, there are usually rental houses available on the market. Perhaps of more interest is that the future should be brighter for apartment seekers as continued growth of the area is resulting in development of previously untouched land, which means more places to rent should become available. With that said, if you do plan on renting, you better start looking well ahead of time, because the available units are certainly limited. If you are interested in apartments, also consider house rentals, as the price could be just as low.
What You Need
Moving to some cities may be as simple as having your driver's license, proof of employment, and a couple of bank statements. For Progreso, you will want to make sure that you are better prepared before making the move. Don't let this discourage you, because you won't fit in too well into this laid back town if you do. Just remember that since the housing market is a little slim on the pickings, you need to go into your moving decision with a plan of action. One of the best pieces of advice would be to start looking for housing options a good three or four months prior to your move. This will help ensure that you will have a place to sleep. If you go there expecting to quickly find a place you can rent out, you're going to be disappointed. Naturally, you still will want to bring the usual documents required to move anywhere, and don't forget to pack your bags and bring any pets with you as well!
Due to its small land area and limited development, Progreso is not separated into specific neighborhoods. Instead, there are pretty much two options to consider when moving there, but this shouldn't be a concern. The city is well-planned, which means you can base your location on what type of home you intend to live in. You can either look for some open land with a farm house/ranch, or you can get a more traditional home with neighbors directly on either side. Whichever you choose will affect which major road you are closest to.
US Highway 281: This road is at the southern border of the city and runs through much of the farmland and more commercial property.
Farm Road 1015: This road is what leads directly to the Progreso International Bridge. More important for residents, it is the main road around where housing has been developed.
Mile 3 Road West: This road actually splits off and is considered part of Farm Road 1015. It passed by some housing, but mainly runs along the major schools and shopping areas of town.
Though it may be a small city with only just over 5,000 citizens and 3 miles of land, Progreso is perhaps deceivingly well-developed. True, there is still plenty of work going on, but overall the town has all of the local spots you would expect. There are plenty of stores to shop at -- and not just farming equipment stores either! Furthermore, there are actually multiple elementary and high schools in Progreso, which offers a choice to parents. Are you looking for a place with a high crime rate? Hopefully not, and fortunate for you Progreso doesn't have a high crime rate at all. In fact, it is not only below the national average, but below the average crime rate of Texas as a whole. This means that you can feel safe wherever you are in the city.
It may break the mold in some areas, but Progreso does fit into one small town stereotype perfectly; high school sports are a big part of the local entertainment. When football season is in swing, the bleachers of the local field will be full of local residents there to watch their children beat up the competition (at least they always hope that's how it works out). If football isn't in season, baseball is also pretty big and many locals will gather around the baseball diamond to watch the youth swing away.
In their free time, locals can enjoy a good meal at a restaurant, and for a small city there are actually a wide variety of options to choose from. If a drink is on the menu, you will probably want to head down to Horseman's Bar & Grill, one of the only actual bars within city limits. Women (and men) can be seen going to Erika's Beauty & Barber Shop to help get themselves looking and feeling good. If you're looking for more fresh air, head down to the Progreso Municipal Park to enjoy the weather and simply appreciate being outside. For that same outdoor, relaxing feel, there is also an open air market that offers convenient shopping while giving a leisurely experience. Finally, a simple stroll through the town can be a very enjoyable experience, especially if you walk by some of the larger farms. Three miles may be a bit much for some people, but if you're really ambitious you could even walk through the entire city in one afternoon.
Overall, people who move to a city like Progreso are looking to stay away from the grind of a large city. If you do desire that feel on occasion though, a quick car ride can take you to neighboring cities, such as Weslaco, where you can enjoy entertainment like museums or movie theaters. Regardless of your preference, there is plenty to do in Progreso, and once you're there, you'll realize why it enjoys such extraordinary growth.
