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Harlingen is located in the Rio Grande Valley region of southern Texas, about 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. This city has a little over 70,000 residents, 15% of whom are at least 65 years old. It’s among the most affordable places to live in Texas, with an overall cost of living that’s over 30% below the national average. This, combined with the state’s lack of income tax, makes the city a budget-friendly option for retirees. The city has a warm climate that’s ideal for those who enjoy therapeutic outdoor activities, and it’s good air quality supports seniors’ health and comfort.
Seniors who are largely independent but need help with some daily living activities have several assisted living facilities to choose from in the Harlingen region. These residential facilities provide personalized care services, daily meals and social and recreational activities. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey indicates that seniors in Harlingen pay $4,000 per month for care, which is consistent with rates in other Texas cities but several hundred dollars below the national average.
This guide provides more information on local care cost data and an overview of resources that help seniors navigate their care options.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Texas. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Harlingen pay $4,000 per month for assisted living.
In Harlingen, assisted living facilities charge an estimated $4,000 per month for services. This is consistent with the statewide median rate of $3,998, and it’s $500 below the national average of $4,500.
In McAllen, monthly care costs are considerably higher than in Harlingen at $4,850, and in Austin, care costs are the highest recorded in Texas at $5,345. In Odessa, assisted living facilities charge $4,398 per month, and in Houston, rates exceed Harlingen’s average by over $200 at $4,245. Care costs in San Antonio are considerably more affordable than in Harlingen, with older adults paying $3,413 for assisted living. In Corpus Christi and Waco, assisted living rates are among the lowest in the state at $3,388 and $2,800, respectively.
Note: Data for Harlingen was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Brownsville, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Texas.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Senior Activity Center | (956) 365-4732 | The Senior Activity Center is operated by a nonprofit organization and is open to area residents aged 60 and over. At this center, seniors participate in a range of exercise and dance classes, arts and crafts and educational seminars. The center is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Area Agency on Aging of the Lower Rio Grande Valley | (956) 682-3481 | The Area Agency on Aging has options counselors who help older adults assess their care needs and find assisted living facilities in the Harlingen region. The agency also houses the long-term care ombudsman for the region to ensure access to high-quality care for all seniors in local assisted living facilities. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (888) 882-4026 | RSVP is a volunteer program for those aged 55 and over. Seniors can donate their time to nonprofit organizations and charities, such as hospitals, schools, libraries and parks. Volunteers get free placement assistance and training, as well as benefits, such as supplemental insurance and invitations to annual recognition events. |
| Texas RioGrande Legal Aid | (833) 329-8752 | Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is a regional nonprofit organization that specializes in civil legal services for those aged 60 and over. Through this agency, seniors get help with resolving legal issues related to long-term care, including unfair billing or discharge procedures. The office also helps seniors apply for public benefits. |
| Veterans Service Office | (956) 247-3550 | The Cameron County Veterans Service office has a San Benito location, providing easy access to assistance for older veterans in the Harlingen region. At this location, veterans and their families get one-on-one assistance with applying for Aid and Attendance and other benefits that may help fund assisted living. |
| Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 252-9240 | HICAP is a free program that provides free, unbiased health insurance information and assistance to seniors. Older adults can call the helpline to speak with a trained volunteer who can help them understand their Medicare coverage and apply for public benefits that may help pay for assisted living. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Harlingen area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
