Located just next to the Mexican border, McAllen is a southern Texas city known for its safety and affordability. The fast-growing city is home to 143,268 people and has a slightly lower senior population than the national average, at 13.2%. McAllen’s hot summers and warm, snowless winters make it easily accessible for seniors and mobility-impaired adults. Residents can take in the sun at world-class natural attractions like the National Butterfly Center or the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center. McAllen also has a range of cultural and historic attractions, including the Museum of South Texas History and the International Museum of Art & Science, where visitors can admire international art and learn about the region’s past.
In McAllen, assisted living costs an average of $5,075 per month, although actual prices can vary depending on the location and care plan.
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 >
In McAllen, assisted living costs $5,075, which is higher than the Texas average of $3,998 and the national average of $4,300. Texas has some of the highest assisted living prices in the region, with Oklahoma at $3,750, Arkansas at $3,500 and Louisiana at $3,639. New Mexico, however, is more expensive, at $4,050.
Compared to the rest of the state, assisted living costs in McAllen are relatively high. Central city College Station is more expensive, at $5,355 per month. Nearby Victoria is the most expensive retirement destination in the state, at $5,525. At $4,400, Dallas is more affordable. In Austin, costs are even lower, at $4,250 per month. Texarkana has the lowest assisted living prices in the state, at $2,600. El Paso is similarly affordable, at $2,950 per month.
In McAllen, seniors 65 and over can apply for STAR+PLUS, Texas’ Medicaid managed care program. It can pay for a wide range of medical and personal care services, including assisted living, nursing care and rehabilitative therapy. To learn more about the STAR+PLUS program and its application process, visit our Assisted Living in Texas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council | (956) 682-3481 | This Area Agency on Aging offers supportive services to older adults, including health insurance counseling and case management services. It also runs the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which helps residents of assisted living communities resolve concerns about their treatment. A resource center can connect seniors with trusted local services and a legal awareness program helps elders access benefits, long-term care and health programs. |
| Las Palmas Community Center | (956) 681-3350 | Formerly named the McAllen Senior Center, this community center offers a lively calendar of activities for older adults. Adults ages 50 and up can participate in low-impact exercise classes such as yoga and line dancing. This senior center also offers language classes, games and crafting workshops. |
| McAllen Vet Center | (956) 631-2147 | This federal veteran center offers mental health care and community outreach services. Service members can access pensions, disability benefits and financial aid for housing and health care. This body can also provide referrals to the VA health care system, which offers laboratory services, rehabilitation, physician visits and specialist care. |
| United Way of South Texas | (956) 686-6331 | This nonprofit organization offers several services of use to seniors, including a free tax preparation program. Seniors can also access transportation vouchers to help them get to pharmacies and physician appointments. In addition, the United Way offers prescription drug discount cards at no cost. |
| Texas RioGrande Legal Aid | (956) 447-4800 | Seniors and low-income adults can access free legal representation from this law firm. Its lawyers can help with financial matters, housing disputes and adult welfare cases. A medical legal partnership helps ensure equal access to health care and free legal clinics offer self-help information and resources. |
In McAllen, assisted living communities are governed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, which upholds the welfare of residents with strict regulations. Read more about these laws and regulations on our Assisted Living in Texas page.