This lively city is growing quickly and sits right on the Rio Grande. People love its strong economy, diverse cultural scene, and deep history– all of which also make it a great place to buy property whether you plan to live there or rent out for profit. In this article we take a look at what makes Laredo special; we also offer tips if you’re thinking about investing in real estate here.
The Appeal of Laredo
Laredo has a unique and welcoming community because it blends US and Mexican cultures. Although its population is more than 260,000, making it Texas’ second-largest city on the Mexican border, the area offers many things to do– and still feels like a small town!
Life Is Peaceful In Laredo
When considering places with great quality of life, Laredo might not be your top pick. However, the southern city has made progress in making life better for its residents– and it just earned its best rating ever on an annual list: number 19 out of all cities in the US!
Laredo has played a major role in this improvement by working to make the community more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The city has put money into many eco-friendly projects and has won awards for its work to protect the natural world. Laredo has a diverse population, a lively culture– and events such as Borderfest that its international ties.
This city offers a lower cost of living than many other Texas cities, which may make it perfect for young professionals and families. In addition to affordable housing costs, Laredo provides residents with top-notch public schools as well as plenty of outdoor activities, such as boating on area lakes or golfing at one of several courses.
Another thing that people love about this growing community is the food! Lots of tasty Tex-Mex cuisine (and other options, too) can be found throughout town!
Economic Opportunities
Laredo, Texas has a strong economy that offers many financial chances for residents. The main industry in the city is trade and transportation. There are more than 251 freight forwarders, 656 trucking firms and transport providers, and 120 US customs brokers!
Commercial trading with Mexico also provides income: there are four bridges from Tamaulipas state over which goods can travel duty-free into Mexico. This creates employment in not just logistics but also supply chain management. Few big companies that employ locals include names you might recognize, such as FedEx Freight and H-E-B supermarkets, together with healthcare provider Laredo Medical Center, among others.
Although Laredo’s household median income ($65,431) is a tad below the national average ($75,149), the unemployment rate (6%) is almost catching up to the national average of 5.3%. This means employment opportunities will increase exponentially in the coming years!
The Real Estate Market in Laredo is Expanding Rapidly
The real estate market in Laredo is very open, with lots of different types of homes at many price brackets.
According to Zillow, the median value of houses in Laredo is less than in most parts of the US– good news for people buying a home for the first time or investors.
Each neighborhood in Laredo has something special to offer:
La Bota Ranch: If you move to this upmarket area, you can live behind the gates in a big house with a lot of land. The community is also home to some very good schools.
Downtown Laredo: Living here means being close to the city’s history as well as lots of other things like cool bars and places to hear music. There are also museums and art galleries.
North Central: This is a nice place for families who like being near parks where they can play sports. It’s also handy for schools.
Alexander Heights: If you want to live near downtown but don’t have loads of money, this area could be perfect. People who already live here say it’s safe and looks great!
Real Estate Market Insights
Laredo has seen a consistent rise in its real estate market lately. This applies to both properties people are buying and those they rent.
Data from Zillow and other prominent real estate resources show an average home in Laredo, TX is worth $207,838. That figure has dropped by 2.4% over the past year. Typically, it takes just over 7 weeks for homes to go from being listed for sale to having an offer accepted.
People who invest in property see potential in Laredo’s rental market. One reason for this is there are lots of students living here. Another is that many professionals who work at the city’s port stay here too. There has been growth in this part of the housing sector every year– and it has been steady!
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Laredo offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities suitable for all ages. There are several museums to visit, outdoor activities to enjoy, and plenty more– you’ll never be bored in this lively city!
If you find yourself in Laredo, be sure to check out the Republic of Rio Grande Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the area’s culture and heritage through various exhibits on local art, history, and architecture.
For those who love art, a great place to visit is the Laredo Center for the Arts. In addition to displaying art from around the world, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase pieces by artists living right here in town!
For those who want to be in nature, visit Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. You can fish, go out on a boat, or walk around on one of the many hiking trails that all have beautiful views of the lake.
If golf is more your thing, check out El Aguila: its course is not only great for playing golf but also offers some fantastic views– all while being right in the middle of Texas, so you can see what this part of America looks like, too!
Education and Healthcare
Laredo is home to many highly rated schools that offer students a great education from pre-k through college. Some of these include:
- Harmony School of Excellence
- United High School
- John B. Alexander High School
- United South High School
- Lyndon B Johnson
- Bruni High School
In addition to Texas A&M International University and Laredo Community College, there is also TAMIU Early College High School, which provides exceptional academic programs.
Because of the city’s recent economic development, there has been an increase in both the availability and quality of healthcare services; so now residents can rely on top-notch medical facilities such as Doctors Hospital and Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital when they need care.
Community and Lifestyle
Laredo residents have a reputation for being friendly and hospitable, which can help new residents settle in more easily. The city also organizes events and programs that foster community spirit and make it easier for people to get to know each other.
When it comes to eating out, Laredo has lots of choices. You could try Tex-Mex dishes at El Rincon del Viejo or La Gloria; their food is so good it makes your mouth water! Or, if you fancy something different, what about going to Chano’s Tacos for authentic Mexican street food?
And don’t forget– there are always delicious options available too from places like El Manantial and Los Jacales if you prefer traditional Mexican cooking.
Shoppers, too, have the best of both worlds: big-name stores and local boutiques. For the latest looks, head to Mall Del Norte; for something original, try downtown shops owned by residents. And if discounts are your thing, don’t miss the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo!
Transportation and Accessibility
Laredo can be reached easily by car or plane. There are 2 international airports (Laredo International Airport and Quetzalcoatl International Airport) within an hour’s drive.
For those who don’t want to drive, the city has an extensive public bus system called the El Metro Transit that serves the metropolitan area.
Because it sits right on the border with Mexico, Laredo offers some experiences you won’t find anywhere else– plus simple cross-border travel!
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Laredo
In conclusion, residing in Laredo offers numerous advantages to those seeking cost-effective housing, financial reliability, and a tight-knit community.
The city’s expanding property sector and varied neighborhoods mean that purchasing real estate here not only represents good value– it could also turn out to be a savvy investment.
Add in an array of cultural attractions plus chances for lots of different leisure activities (think fishing on Lake Casa Blanca or playing a round of golf), top-notch schools that consistently perform well; oh yeah did we mention there are direct flights from Dallas?
It becomes clear why increasing numbers of people say they’ve found their ideal home!