Zeb’s Concrete Service Area

McAllen, Texas

McAllen is a vibrant city in the southernmost part of Texas, positioned in the Rio Grande Valley near the U.S.–Mexico border. Its geography reflects a blend of cultural heritage, physical landscapes, and modern metropolitan development.

States and Provinces

McAllen is located in the state of Texas, within the southern region of the United States. To the south, it directly borders the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, with Reynosa as its sister city across the Rio Grande.

Indigenous Lands

Historically, the land McAllen occupies was home to the Coahuiltecan peoples, a group of small, nomadic tribes native to South Texas and Northern Mexico. Later, Karankawa and Lipan Apache groups influenced the region, before Spanish and Anglo settlement reshaped the area.

Regions

McAllen sits in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), often referred to simply as “the Valley.” This region includes four counties (Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy) and is known for its subtropical climate, rich agricultural lands, and strong binational economy tied to cross-border trade.

Physical Geographic Areas

• Rio Grande River: The river runs south of McAllen, serving as both a natural and international border with Mexico.

• South Texas Plains: McAllen lies within this eco-region, characterized by flat, fertile lands with mesquite, cactus, and brush vegetation.

• Gulf Coastal Plain Influence: The flatness extends eastward toward the Gulf of Mexico, less than 70 miles away.

Counties

McAllen is part of Hidalgo County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The county seat is Edinburg, just north of McAllen.

Metropolitan Areas

McAllen is the anchor city of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This metro is among the largest in South Texas, with over 900,000 residents. It is also part of the larger cross-border Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan area, combining U.S. and Mexican populations into a major international trade hub.

Wards and Precincts

Hidalgo County, which governs McAllen, is divided into precincts for administrative and election purposes:

• Precinct 1 – McAllen/Mission area

• Precinct 2 – Edinburg area

• Precinct 3 – Western Hidalgo

• Precinct 4 – Southeastern Hidalgo

McAllen itself is governed by a city commission with a mayor and six district commissioners.

Zip Codes and Postal Codes

McAllen’s zip codes include:

• 78501 – Central McAllen

• 78502 – P.O. Box area

• 78503 – South McAllen near airport and border

• 78504 – North McAllen and suburban areas

• 78505 – Northern growth corridor

Neighborhoods and Districts

McAllen has a mix of historic neighborhoods, suburban areas, and business districts. Key ones include:

• Downtown McAllen – Centered around Main Street, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

• Trenton Crossing – Retail and residential district in North McAllen.

• Las Villas – Upscale gated neighborhoods.

• Sharyland Plantation – A large master-planned community extending westward.

• South McAllen – Known for its proximity to the international bridge and strong cultural ties to Mexico.

Protected Areas

McAllen features natural and wildlife preserves:

• Quinta Mazatlán – A historic adobe estate and urban sanctuary for birds and wildlife.

• McAllen Nature Center – Preserves native brushland and trails.

• Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (nearby in Alamo) – A world-renowned birding destination.

Cities, Towns, and Villages Nearby

• Mission (west)

• Edinburg (north)

• Pharr (east)

• Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico (south, across the border)

Together, these cities form a dense urban corridor within the Rio Grande Valley.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

While McAllen does not have an official U.S. SEZ, it benefits from:

• Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 (Hidalgo County/McAllen) – Supports cross-border commerce with Mexico.

• McAllen–Reynosa International Trade Zone – A binational economic engine with maquiladora industries in Reynosa.

Summary

The geography of McAllen, Texas, is shaped by its location on the U.S.–Mexico border, its roots in indigenous and Spanish colonial history, and its place in the Rio Grande Valley. With its unique mix of neighborhoods, zip codes, protected areas, and economic zones, McAllen plays a vital role as both a regional and international hub.