The Valley and the river counties
The Rio Grande Valley & Border
The Rio Grande Valley and the border counties — cross-border trade, resacas and flood risk, subtropical heat, and world-class birding.
17 counties · 199 local notes
Cities & towns
Counties
A taste of the notes
Brooks County · Property tax
How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill in Brooks County
If you own and live in your home in Brooks County, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your property tax bill.
Cameron County · Hurricane Preparedness
Know Your Hurricane Evacuation Zone Before Storm Season
Cameron County has defined evacuation zones for hurricanes — knowing yours before a storm arrives can save your life.
Cameron County · Climate / Weather
Cameron County Has a Subtropical Climate — Hot, Humid, and Hurricane-Prone
Cameron County's subtropical climate means mild winters, very hot summers, about 27 inches of rain per year, and direct exposure to Gulf of Mexico hurricanes.
Hidalgo County · Property Tax Basics
Two Separate Offices Handle Your Property Taxes
Hidalgo County has one office that values your property and a different office that collects the taxes—you need to know which to contact.
Hidalgo County · Hunting
Javelina Can Be Hunted Year-Round in the Southern Region
Hidalgo County is in the Southern Region for javelina, where the season is open year-round with a limit of 2 per license year.
Jim Hogg County · Oil and Gas History
Oil Changed Jim Hogg County in 1921
The first commercial oil well in Jim Hogg County came in on April 17, 1921, and set off an economic shift that still shapes the county today.
Kenedy County · Property Tax
Who Handles Property Tax in Kenedy County
Kenedy County has its own appraisal district and a separate county tax office, both located in Sarita.
La Salle County · Local History
Ranching Built La Salle County
Cattle ranching has driven the economy of La Salle County since the 1870s and still dominates today.
Starr County · Homestead Exemption
How the homestead exemption works in Starr County
If your home here is your main residence, a Texas homestead exemption can lower the taxable value — and Starr County has boosted its local exemption for seniors and disabled residents.
Val Verde County · Fishing
Amistad Reservoir: Fishing on a Large International Lake
Amistad Reservoir sits on the Rio Grande near Del Rio and is one of Texas's largest lakes, with good fishing for bass and catfish year-round.
Webb County · Hunting
Dove and Turkey Seasons in Webb County
Webb County has open dove and turkey seasons — know the limits before you hunt.
Webb County · History
Webb County Had a Coal Mining Era
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, coal mining was a major industry in Webb County, a fact largely unknown outside the region.
Keep exploring