Harlingen 73 Excellent
Harlingen Livability #213 ranked city in Texas#5,206 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Harlingen

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Harlingen?

Harlingen, Texas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 66,722 residents. At 86%, the majority of the Harlingen population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Harlingen are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 48% of the population also speak Spanish. With an average age of 31 years old, Harlingen could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Harlingen. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Harlingen could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Texas if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Harlingen and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.

Harlingen has a livability score of 73/100 and is ranked #197 in Texas and #4,846 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Harlingen ranks well for amenities (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Harlingen, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: employment (D-).

Living in Harlingen offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Harlingen provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Harlingen, the cost of living is 21.14% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Harlingen stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Harlingen apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Harlingen. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Harlingen are affordable. Median real estate prices in Harlingen come in at $170,037, which is 33.8% lower than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Harlingen, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 15.6% lower than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Harlingen

See all the best places to live around Harlingen

How Do You Rate The Livability In Harlingen?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Harlingen, TX Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Harlingen transportation information

      Statistic Harlingen Texas National
      Average one way commute17min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home5.8%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Harlingen, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.