Portal:Texas/Cities/24

McAllen is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas. It is located at the very southern tip of Texas in an area known as the Rio Grande Valley. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 106,414. Its southern boundary is located about five miles from the United States-Mexico border, the Rio Grande River.

McAllen is known as the “City of Palms” for the thousands of palm trees that dot the local landscape. A center for international commerce and trade, McAllen is a major gateway to Mexico and the countries of Central America. The city’s population nearly doubled from October through March, as retirees descend upon the area. These “Winter Texans” come to enjoy the tropical climate, Mexican culture, square dancing, golf courses and other unique recreational outdoor opportunities.