Safety

Brownsville Texas is a safe, confortable community. In the last year the number of overall crimes has actually decreased by 5%. And this 5% overall decrease in crime is not an isolated incident, but part of an overall trend in the reduction of crime that started in 2003. In fact, Brownsville citizens are less likely than the average U.S. citizen to be robbed or be a victim of auto theft.

Homes

The housing market in Brownsville has weathered the country's housing debacle well. You can get a beautiful house for a good price in Brownsville. The Median home price in the Brownsville area is $100,500. That is roughly 33% less than the average price in Texas, and almost half of the average home price in the United States. There are several neighborhoods that cater to people of all income levels. Whether you need a picturesque 3 bedroom middleclass home for you and your family, or a country club palace on the water, Brownsville has a community to fit your needs.

The cost of living in Brownsville is reasonable as well. Housing costs, Food and Grocery items, Health care and miscellaneous goods and services are all below the national average. This low cost of living has enticed many people to move to the Brownsville area, adding to the diversity of the region.

Schools

BISD is a state accredited, nationally recognized school district that provides a quality education for all Brownsville students. BISD participates in advanced learning programs through magnet school programs and early college programs, and also provide bilingual education through a second language program. Their advanced education programs gives every Brownsville student the chance to not only succeed, but to excel.

In addition, Brownsville hosts the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, a fully fledged, 17,000 student, university that provides Associate, Baccalaureate and Graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Brownsville is also home to the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute where students can go to get training in technical and vocational fields. Other educational institutions include The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston-Brownsville Regional Campus and several private and parochial schools.

Lifestyle

Brownsville has a mixture of cultures drawn from two countries that rest on either side of the Rio Grande. This blend of Mexican and American Heritage has created a culture unlike any other in the world. A proud history, strong family values, honest people and great food are all hallmarks of what makes Brownsville special.

In addition to a unique cultural experience, Brownsville offers great shopping opportunities, natural diversity, museums, a robust selection of outdoor activities and a laid back atmosphere. And in the winter time, Brownsville welcomes a large population of winter visitors; retired people who escape the frozen winters of the north to bask in the year round sunshine. These “Winter Texans,” as they are affectionately known, have discovered just how pleasant the Brownsville area really is.

Activities

Golf – Brownsville boasts seven golf courses, and the tropical environment to make enjoying them year round possible. And if that is not enough golf for you, there are additional golf courses in the surrounding communities.

Birding – Brownsville is one of the premier birding destinations in the country. The meeting of several different climate zones coupled with a network of resacas (oxbow lakes and tributaries of the Rio Grande) provides a variety in the local bird population virtually unmatched anywhere else in the country. Add in the fact that Brownsville sits in the middle of several species migratory routes, and you have a true birders paradise.

Fishing – Brownsville and the surrounding areas are packed with places to fish. The Brownsville Ship Channel, Falcon Lake, resacas around town , the Arroyo Colorado, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico are all excellent places to catch a wide variety of fish. Or, if deep sea fishing is more your flavor, Brownsville is a quick 20 mile drive away from South Padre Island, one of the best deep-sea fishing destinations in the country.

Tennis – The City of Brownsville maintains 15 fully lighted, all weather, courts at the Brownsville Tennis Center. Professional instruction and competitions are available.

Gladys Porter Zoo – A 31 acre zoological preserve, the Gladys Porter Zoo boasts over 1,600 specimens, 464 different species and 47 endangered species. Most of the animals live in open exhibits, making Gladys Porter Zoo a must see location.

South Padre Island – Brownsville is only 20 miles away from South Padre Island, a barrier reef island beach resort town. White sand beaches, gentle surf and resort atmosphere make South Padre Island one of the nation’s favorite vacation destinations.

Weather

The weather in Brownsville Texas is sub tropical. Summers are hot and winters are mild. Year round, the weather is comfortable and usually suited to outdoor activities. Highs average 92 in the summers, and lows average 50 in the winters.

The days are generally bright and sunny even in the winter, and severe weather is rare. The close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico keeps things cooler in Brownsville then it does in most of the surrounding communities.