Locals will tell you Laredo is unlike any city you’ve been to and that you won’t really “get it” unless you visit. For starters, Laredo has the largest Hispanic population out of any city in the US, outside of Puerto Rico, making it technically one of the least ethnically diverse cities in the US. It’s one of the oldest crossing points along the Mexico-United States border and that fact means it’s steeped in history and Hispanic heritage, from the food to the shopping and even the language spoken (a true Spanglish). Grab some mariachis (breakfast tacos, not the band), attend the famous Washington Birthday Celebration throughout February, shop at Mall del Norte, or just walk around and experience it yourself!

Laredo is segregated, economically, especially for a smaller metro area. Most of the wealth of the city is in gated communities, while the areas that are classified as poor have been that way for quite some time. Laredo’s poverty rate is about three times that of the national average, and locals say you can tell when you drive around the city. The good news is that the poverty rates do appear to be dropping if you look at the averages year over year. 

History and Heritage

LookyLOO Review of Laredo

Laredo is a big city with small-town energy. People here love their community, their families, food, and, surprisingly, George Washington! Every year, over 400,000 people attend the George Washington’s Birthday festivities in February. You might be confused as to why a celebration honoring our first president happens on the border and you wouldn’t be the only one! The event, dubbed “GWBA” was originally planned by the patriotic Improved Order of the Red Men, the local chapter of Yaqui Tribe #59. The members were made up of prominent Laredoans from both Mexican and American ancestry. This event highlights the heritage and history of the town and has a huge economic impact on the city. GWBA is just one of the many things that makes Laredo Laredo. It's a town you won’t understand unless you visit.

If you want to see what people do in Laredo check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitlaredo.com/events).

Lifestyle 

Laredo is the largest inland port in the United States and one of the oldest border crossing locations in the country mainly due to its location, benefits from NAFTA, the twin assembly plants across Nuevo Laredo, and the import-export agencies expediting trade. Understandably so, the largest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities closely followed by government and education and health services. Despite having such a large proportion of its population living below the poverty line, the unemployment rates in Laredo have been steadily dropping since the mid-1990s. Despite all of the above, it is important to note that women moving to Laredo are in for a shock when they find out that the city has one of the largest gender pay gaps in the country, according to a study from NerdWallet.


Worklife

Residents of Laredo say that the younger generations of Laredo are steadily revitalizing the city and they’re excited for that change. The city has a chance of becoming an amazing place to live for young professionals and families and is constantly striving to improve. If you’re looking for a town full of heritage, opportunities for affordable housing, and you know a decent amount of Spanish, Laredo might be for you. 


Talkin 'Bout My Generation

Why Move Now?

**K28478**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉


There are a couple here. They're not great but they're good enough.

The schools here are pretty good. The State continues to award our schools with excellent ratings. The private schools here are not particularly expensive and they are also good. The private schools see a lot of very wealthy Mexicans, and you'll be around those folks if you come down here.

Laredo is a very safe city. There is no gang violence here, and we are routinely the FBI considers Laredo one of the safest cities in the nation. It probably has to do with the 4000 federal agents and a very large public sector in our community. Folks respect law enforcement here and it is seen as a goal job. I would not drive across at all, but fly to Monterrey, Mexico and you'll be fine. It's easy to fly and only $100 from San Antonio. We also have over 100 parks in Laredo.

Yes you will, but that's seen as a pretty charming asset here in Laredo. Everyone wants to be friends with someone who is not from here. Laredo is not a pretty city per se, but the people here are what keep folks coming back. Our culture is a lot of fun and very relaxed. Even folks who move away still come back for the friend groups they miss.

In short, Laredo is a great place to raise a family. It is not very pretty but there is almost no crime here, the price of living is very cheap compared to the rest of the US, and the schools here are statistically much better than the rest of the state (per TEA data). Try the Laredo Chamber of Commerce of information or the Laredo Newcomers Facebook page for more personalized info. Good luck!
For more reviews of what living in San Francisco is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/san-francisco/reviews).




Economically segregated

Reviews of Laredo from Locals

Laredo is a great chance for young professionals to purchase their first home and branch out on their own. Laredo offers a lot of amenities close by so you won’t have to travel very far for groceries and daily needs. Check out these neighborhoods that offer great sized homes and even apartments!
- Salinas Key
- Shiloh
- Tiara de San Isidrio


Young Professionals

Salinas Key

In Laredo, there are plenty of planned communities to meet the needs of a growing family. In these areas, you’ll find tree-lined streets, sidewalks for walks with the dogs, stucco architecture and enough room for the whole family!
- Plantation
- Regency
- San Isidro Taos


Young Families

Plantation

If you’re a family looking for a little bit more square footage without sacrificing the yard and garage space, look no further than these neighborhoods. Some of these areas feature the added security of gated driveways or entire neighborhoods. Check out Winfield below if you’re looking to stay close to some great schools!
- Lakeside
- Winfield
- Plantation

Established Families

Lakeside

Laredo

**K28478**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉


There are a couple here. They're not great but they're good enough.

The schools here are pretty good. The State continues to award our schools with excellent ratings. The private schools here are not particularly expensive and they are also good. The private schools see a lot of very wealthy Mexicans, and you'll be around those folks if you come down here.

Laredo is a very safe city. There is no gang violence here, and we are routinely the FBI considers Laredo one of the safest cities in the nation. It probably has to do with the 4000 federal agents and a very large public sector in our community. Folks respect law enforcement here and it is seen as a goal job. I would not drive across at all, but fly to Monterrey, Mexico and you'll be fine. It's easy to fly and only $100 from San Antonio. We also have over 100 parks in Laredo.

Yes you will, but that's seen as a pretty charming asset here in Laredo. Everyone wants to be friends with someone who is not from here. Laredo is not a pretty city per se, but the people here are what keep folks coming back. Our culture is a lot of fun and very relaxed. Even folks who move away still come back for the friend groups they miss.

In short, Laredo is a great place to raise a family. It is not very pretty but there is almost no crime here, the price of living is very cheap compared to the rest of the US, and the schools here are statistically much better than the rest of the state (per TEA data). Try the Laredo Chamber of Commerce of information or the Laredo Newcomers Facebook page for more personalized info. Good luck!

**K28478**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Laredo is a city of people. People here are very friendly and will open up to y'all as much as you open up to them. The friendships you'll make here will be lifelong.

You'll come here and see that perhaps we don't have the incredible sights other cities might have, but we have our fair share of small gems. Like the small hikes and our growing downtown. Checkout the Laredo Newcomers page on Facebook which is very active. You can also considering joining a service organization like the Next Generation Rotary Club. Wishing you the best of luck here. You'll grow to love Laredo in a special way.

**abRachel**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

My husband and I were living in bigger cities and moved here for a job as well. He was living in NY, so you can imagine the difference. The city is not all that bad and I see many positives.

People here are nice in general, housing is not too expensive, almost no traffic, (very) good mexican food, no need to shovel snow or deal with inclement weather, since here it’s hot all year long (with a few exceptions that don’t last more than a week/year). It’s also somewhat close to san antonio and austin and you can definitely go for a weekend if you want a change in scene.

Do you speak spanish? I’m not fluent, and also not hispanic. I’m not gonna lie that this make it hard to make friends, since the community is very homogenous and it’s easier to feel like an outsider. However, we did get to meet some nice people at work and hang out every now and the .

Cons (for me) would be: no mediterranean restaurants and even the sushis here have some sort of mexican touch. In general, most food here is mexican inspired, and they closed a pizza place I liked to open a taco place instead. Also, not much to do on the weekends, unless you have a family or a set group of friends. The weather is HOT, so even my gardening hobby is difficult to keep here, due to the weather. Running outside during summer is also difficult.

**blanca69**
9 months ago
🦉🦉🦉


I am originally from Chicago but moved here 30 years ago after I got married . The public schools are excellent both my kids were in the gifted and talented program and they did very well . They have now have a Batchelor’s degree and one is in process of getting their masters . It’s a great place to raise kids everyone is friendly . Personally I love Laredo . It has blessed us with our own business and a peaceful life . My parents were from here so most of my family live here . We have a variety of big box stores and everything you would need . Remember that your life is what you make of it . I am sad to hear such negative comments about Laredo . We have had nothing but good experiences . My brother just moved here from Chicago because he also loves the family oriented and peaceful environment I think that speaks for itself .

Laredo, Texas