The Rio Grande Valley offers a winning combination of warm weather, cultural diversity, affordability, economic prosperity, and natural beauty, making it a desirable destination for individuals and families looking for a high quality of life.

So, if you’re looking to call RGV your permanent home, there shouldn’t be any brownie points for guessing why.

However, building a home requires meticulous planning. And that planning involves selecting a location. As Louis Glickman, America’s real estate mogul, once said, “The three most important factors in real estate are location, location, and location.”

If you’re looking forward to building a custom home in RGV and are unsure about the location, this article is for you. Here, we will list 5 neighborhoods that are perfect for constructing an RGV custom home.

What to Look for in a Neighborhood?

Each neighborhood in RGV is different. There’s a lot of variety and diversity. Thus, before you finalize a location, you need to know what to look for in a neighborhood. This is highly subjective and depends on personal preference.

But to help you decide, here are the things to take into consideration:

1.    Lifestyle preference

Do you crave the convenience of city life with shops, restaurants, and entertainment nearby, or the peace and quiet of a rural setting? The lifestyle you want should decide where your new custom home should be.

If you have growing children, it’s better to be near entertainment zones and family-friendly neighborhoods. Retirees can opt for locations outside the busier part of the city.

When making the decision, also consider your commute to work, errands, and social activities.

2.    Cost

The quality of lifestyle is directly proportional to cost. Therefore, you need to balance your lifestyle considerations with cost considerations.

Prior to constructing your custom home, figure out your total budget and buffer amount. Then, research the cost of home construction in different locations to reach the neighborhood that’s just about right in terms of lifestyle and price.

3.    Plots and regulations

You may find the right neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean you’ll find the desired plot for home construction. Therefore, you need to inspect the plots.

Evaluate the size and shape of the lot. Is it suitable for your desired home design and outdoor space needs? Look at the slope of the land – flat land is easier and cheaper to build on. Consider existing trees and their potential impact on construction and sunlight.

Research zoning regulations to ensure your dream home adheres to building codes and setbacks. Are there limitations on house size, architectural styles, or pool installations?

4.    Market value

Lastly, it’s worth looking at the market trend of the neighborhood you’re investing in, especially if you’re looking to sell the custom home somewhere down the line. You’d want to ensure that the value will appreciate in the future and not depreciate. This gives you a chance to sell the property for a higher price and potentially fund your next dream project.

These four aspects should lead you to your desired neighborhood for custom home construction in RGV.

5 Best Subdivisions for Custom Homes in RGV

The Rio Grande Valley is a large area that encompasses several prominent cities like McAllen and Edinburg. Thus, it’s nearly impossible to prospect every community that exists in this section of Texas. Instead, we’ll recommend the top 5 subdivisions that offer an ideal mix of affordability and amenities.

1.    Eldorado, McAllen

Eldorado is located in one of the most peaceful and sought-after neighborhoods of RGV: Thousand Oaks. It is known for its cleanliness, strong sense of community, and high availability of amenities. In terms of cost, the plots are moderately priced.

New homes in McAllen are arguably the best choice in RGV for families. McAllen offers a relatively low cost of living compared to the national average. Housing, groceries, and transportation tend to be cheaper. Moreover, the city boasts a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a safe place to live.

The Thousand Oaks neighborhood in north McAllen is ideally located and offers easy access to the rest of the city.

2.    Magnolia Park, Mission

Magnolia Park is a gated community that offers spacious homes designed just for you. If you are looking for the peace and quiet of suburban life while still being close to great schools, tasty eateries, and fun activities, Magnolia Park is an excellent option.

Getting around town is a breeze with easy access to major roads. As you’ll be living in Mission, you’ll have the option to lead a diverse life. The city is a few miles away from McAllen, another city ideal for families.

So, if you have friends or families in McAllen, you can make a trip to stay closer to one another.

3.    Encino Ridge, Pharr

Some families opt to live outside of McAllen in search of more affordable living options. Pharr is an excellent choice. It’s neither too far away from McAllen nor closer to inflating prices.

The Encino Ridge community is strategically developed in Pharr to enable easier access to the rest of the city and region. It brings the trademark quality and affordability of Villanueva Homes and is ideal for custom home construction. The available plots are spacious enough to accommodate different designs and layouts.

Pharr enjoys a reputation for being a safe place to live. Crime rates are lower than the national average, making it a secure environment to raise a family. The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District serves the city and generally receives positive marks. There are also several private school options available.

4.    Pearl Estates, Edinburg

17 miles away from McAllen is Edinburg. It is another popular neighborhood in RGV that caters to families looking for affordable custom homes.

Pearl Estates is designed for such families without compromising on livability. Spacious, elegant, and clean; you can expect plots to possess all three desired qualities. Most of the amenities, including public parks, are within walking distance. And the crime rates are lower than the national average, making it safer to live.

Edinburg is home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a public research university. Thus, the region attracts students from all over Texas. It’s an opportunity to give your children the best chance to succeed in life and contribute to the world.

5.    The Fairways, Edinburg

The fifth best subdivision we’d recommend for building custom homes in RGV is The Fairways. It is located in one of the most prominent neighborhoods, Monte Cristo, which is home to The Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club. So, if you’re into golf, you shouldn’t be looking further than the Fairways.

The plots are affordable and designed for single-home families. Ample space accompanies each plot for kids and pets and for customizing your dream home.

Expect all the necessary amenities to be within a few meters. Also, the neighborhood is minutes away from the expressway, offering easy access to the rest of the RGV region. So book your plots today!

Get, Set, Build

Besides the above, there are various other prominent neighborhoods in RGV that are ideal for custom home construction. But these five should give you a head start in your search. Don’t forget to check out our homes for sale in McAllen, TX, for more inspiration on home design and neighborhood selection. For more assistance related to RGV custom homes, contact us today.