AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in McAllen, TX — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every McAllen neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$900/mo
Median Rent
142,213
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
South Texas Health System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why McAllen? What Renters Need to Know

McAllen averages around $900 per month for rentals, making it one of the most affordable cities in Texas. The Sharyland area on the north side commands $1,100-$1,200 for newer construction, while south McAllen offers options under $800.

Quick Facts

Population 142,213
Median Rent $900/mo
Top Employer South Texas Health System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$900 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

McAllen median rent is $600 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in McAllen is South Texas Health System, making the North McAllen area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in McAllen

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

North McAllen

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 7/10
#2

Downtown McAllen

Score: 72/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $850
Schools 5/10
#3

Sharyland

Score: 87/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 9/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Las Palmas

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $900
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

South McAllen

Score: 68/100
Safety C
Walk Score 45
Avg Rent $750
Schools 4/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

Trenton Road Area

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $950
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Nolana Loop

Score: 74/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $880
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Palm View

Score: 75/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $900
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 McAllen Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores McAllen Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every McAllen renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for McAllen.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with McAllen properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About McAllen

What is the average rent in McAllen?

McAllen averages around $900 per month for rentals, making it one of the most affordable cities in Texas. The Sharyland area on the north side commands $1,100-$1,200 for newer construction, while south McAllen offers options under $800.

What is special about living in McAllen?

McAllen is known as the retail capital of South Texas, drawing shoppers from across the Rio Grande Valley and from Mexico. The city boasts excellent Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, a vibrant arts scene anchored by the International Museum of Art & Science, and a very low cost of living.

How is the job market in McAllen?

Healthcare is the dominant employer, led by South Texas Health System and DHR Health. International trade with Mexico, retail, and government (including border enforcement agencies) provide additional employment. The Valley's maquiladora industry supports logistics and warehousing jobs.

Is McAllen safe?

McAllen has improved its safety profile significantly in recent years and is generally considered one of the safer large cities on the Texas border. North McAllen and Sharyland are particularly safe. The city benefits from a strong community identity and active local governance.

What is the weather like in McAllen?

McAllen has a subtropical climate with very hot summers regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters that rarely see frost. The city averages very little rainfall and has long, sunny growing seasons. The heat can be oppressive from May through September, making air conditioning essential.

Ready to Find Your McAllen Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of McAllen apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.