McAllen, Border trade center in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States
McAllen is a city in Hidalgo County in southern Texas, close to the border with Mexico. It sits in the Rio Grande Valley and is linked to the neighboring country by several international bridges.
The arrival of the railroad and the construction of irrigation systems in the early 20th century transformed the area from farmland into a center for trade and agriculture. The city grew over the decades as businesses settled here to benefit from border commerce.
Residents often speak both English and Spanish in daily life, and many businesses display signs in both languages. Restaurants serve dishes from Tex-Mex cuisine, which originated in the region and blends elements of both culinary traditions.
A personal vehicle makes getting around easier, as the city is spread out and many shops and facilities are scattered across neighborhoods. Public buses run on multiple routes but are less frequent than in larger metropolitan areas.
Every winter a parade takes place where participants build small floats inside shoeboxes and display them on the streets. This tradition draws families and school groups who craft miniature scenes using simple materials.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
