"In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town, sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around./ And all the girls from there to Austin, were slippin' away from home and puttin' jewelry in hock./ To take the trip, to go and listen." ("Flat-Top Box" by Johnny Cash)
Just 50 miles from the Mexican border, Raymondville is a gateway to Matamoros, Reynosa and South Padre Island on the U.S. side. However, Raymondville is far more than a stop along the way; it's a South Texas ranch town with 100 years of history and a vibrant culture of its own. With a population of 11,284 people, Raymondville is a quickly expanding community surrounded by endless expanses of farmland, and is just a day-trip away from world-class fishing and snow-white Gulf beaches.
Summers in Raymondville are sweltering
"In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town, sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around./ And all the girls from there to Austin, were slippin' away from home and puttin' jewelry in hock./ To take the trip, to go and listen." ("Flat-Top Box" by Johnny Cash)
Just 50 miles from the Mexican border, Raymondville is a gateway to Matamoros, Reynosa and South Padre Island on the U.S. side. However, Raymondville is far more than a stop along the way; it's a South Texas ranch town with 100 years of history and a vibrant culture of its own. With a population of 11,284 people, Raymondville is a quickly expanding community surrounded by endless expanses of farmland, and is just a day-trip away from world-class fishing and snow-white Gulf beaches.
Moving to Raymondville
Summers in Raymondville are sweltering. The average June and July temperature is 97 degrees, and frequently crosses into the 100s. These high temperatures combined with sub-tropical humidity make a midsummer move a sweaty affair. If possible, plan a move during the fall or winter months. No snow falls in this part of Texas, and the moderate temperatures will mean a safer move.
When you begin your search for places to live in Raymondville, pay special attention to the availability and quality of the central air conditioning in your prospective rental apt. Examine the size, quality, and condition of the unit, and take into account the direction of windows and sun exposure. It's not uncommon for Northerners, unaccustomed to these considerations, to find themselves baking when the valley starts to heat up. You're going to appreciate that frosty breeze after coming in from the sun on a hot South Texas day!
The application requirements for apartments and rental houses will be the same as in any state. Landlords in Raymondville will require a U.S.-issued government ID, proof of income, and funds to cover a deposit and the first month's rent. If you are relocating to Raymondville and beginning a new job, most landlords will accept a letter from the future employer or a job offer as proof of employment. Apartments for rent are more common than rental homes in Raymondville, but there are several developments that offer single story, two and three-bedroom apartments located along Goyo Garcia.
Raymondville Neighborhoods
Now that you've decided to move to Raymondville, it's time to explore the neighborhoods to find your perfect fit.
Northeast and the Los Angeles Subdivision: The northeast quadrant of town consists of smaller, and affordable homes and apartments. This region feeds to L.C Smith Elementary, and contains the Swimming Pool park and the Pony League park.
Central Raymondville: Apartments and homes of all kinds are situated along Hidalgo Ave. Most of the shopping, restaurants and apartments stretch along this main avenue.
Far South: The most spacious pads in town are located south along 7th Street, near the Raymondville Golf Course and Country Club.
Top Apartment Communities
North Star Apartments: If you're looking for a two or three-bedroom apartment, then North Star is for you. There's 24-hour maintenance, which means that when your air conditions breaks down, you won't have to worry about baking overnight. And if it ever does get too hot, you can take a dip in the sparkling pool! El Farero is just down the street, so be sure to stop by for some grub after you spend some time on the greens since the golf course is just a few blocks away. Proximity to Route 77 also lets you get away whenever you're tired of sitting at home.
La Luz Apartments: If you like being near amenities then this is the spot to be. Smiley Face Park and Swimming Pool Park are nearby, and after a day at the park, you can chow down at Antojitos Mexiucanos or grab a drink at Boot Co Bar & Grill.
Living in Raymondville
Here's a handy phrase to know: "TrÌÁeme una michelada." In English, this is, "Bring me a Michelada." Stroll into one of the sports bars or cantinas along Hidalgo Avenue and sample this refreshing import from Mexico. Believed to be the ideal remedy for a hangover, the Michelada combines beer, lime, salt and hot sauce to create a fizzy and peppery cocktail that has the right stuff to combat the scorching South Texas sun. On Saturday afternoons, these bars like Double J's Sports Bar will fill up with passionate locals ruthlessly cheering for their favorite soccer club. It's a lively and friendly scene, but some fans take their devotion seriously, so be sure to root for the correct team!
Twenty miles to the east of Raymondville lies Redfish Bay, one of the most popular saltwater fishing areas in Texas. Anglers from around the state flock to these saltwater marshes island channels and shallow flats and are joined by Raymondville locals on their days off. Despite the name, Redfish Bay houses primarily drum, flounder and sea-trout. From 1975 to 1987, the bay was regularly stocked with red drum, and their populations remain strong in the bay shallows. Although there are plentiful locations and choices for fishing in the bay, most locals simply head to the Ancel Brundrett Fishing Pier at the terminus of Redfish Road.
A few miles farther south along the coast brings South Padre Island, a well-renowned beach-side party location and spring break mecca. Because it is such a short trek, South Padre is the choice vacation spot for Raymondville residents. Though the thump of the parties' ebbs and flows throughout the seasons like the coming and going of the tide, the allure of the white sand and crystal blue water remains constant and immutable. The best times to visit the Island are during the fall and spring, when the vacationing crowds and college partiers have departed and left the expanses of white beaches to the locals.
When it comes to restaurants, Raymondville has a ton of options for you. Stop by Pescaderia Y Restaurant, Mananitas Mexican Restaurant Las or Casa Blanca Restaurant for their shrimp ceviche tostada.
