Firstly why Laredo, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Laredo
• State: Texas
• Population: 261,132 people
• Laredo’s quick summary would be Known for its rich Hispanic culture, historic downtown, and the annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 23,000 annually
• Net Migration: -8000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a bustling border economy attracting trade professionals and families

Perk #1: Laredo Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $36,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Laredo is $44,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $8000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Laredo’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 75 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,786
• Property Tax %: 1.95%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $900
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Laredo
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Laredo, Nuevo-Laredo, Zapata, Rio-Grande-City, and probably could include Carrizo-Springs
• Avg. Age of Homes in Laredo: 34 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Laredo’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Laredo are  Trade, Retail, and Manufacturing
• Laredo Job Scene: limited job market primarily in transportation and services
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene primarily in logistics and border trade sectors , ,
• Laredo Resident’s pay $900 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Laredo: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 75 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Laredo

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-35 connects Laredo to the border and San Antonio
• Commute Time: 21 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on I-35
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Laredo: 150,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Laredo: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Laredo International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Laredo’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Laredo is best described as hot summers mild winters very low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Laredo i’d describe as warm and dry
• Spring Weather in Laredo can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Laredo are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Laredo is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 46 days in summer
• Days in a row in Laredo below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 21 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by local efforts
• Laredo Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution issues

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Laredo Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Laredo 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Laredos’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Laredo Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Laredo Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Laredo only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Laredo only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 70/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Laredo’s Monthly utility bill average is $80
• Laredo’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Laredo’s Water Quality Score: 62

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Laredo

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its cultural ties and proximity to the border
• You might enjoy shows at the Laredo Energy Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Laredo  offers a vibrant nightlife scene with local music restaurants and bars reflecting both cultures of the region

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Laredo

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local dining options and a variety of Mexican cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Laredo
• The Popular Sports Team is Laredo Lemurs
• Top Level Political Climate in Laredo can be described as diverse city with a focus on border issues and community engagement
• Laredo’s Longer standing religious establishment is Laredo United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Laredo Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Laredo has 20 Parks?
• Laredo Parks is Laredo’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Laredo Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and cultural activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Laredo Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Laredo can be described as moderate pace influenced by a strong cross-border culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Laredo hiking trails community picnics attending local fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Laredo are Matamoros 6 miles away Los-Indios 28 miles away Harlingen 34 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Laredo or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on I-35. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Laredo’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Laredo is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Laredo are Matamoros 6 miles away Los-Indios 28 miles away Harlingen 34 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Laredo has 0 days in a row below freezing and 46 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Laredo people have an average (positive or negative) $8000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Laredo. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse city with a focus on border issues and community engagement could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Laredo.

Retiree & Senior Life in Laredo

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for property tax relief enhancing financial stability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens
• Laredo Senior Center features wellness programs meal services and community engagement for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Laredo, Texas?

If Laredo, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Laredo, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!