Elsa, TX

212 Apartments for Rent

Incorporated as a city in 1927, Elsa was named after Elsie George, the late wife of wealthy local landowner, William George, who moved his family to the area from Scotland.

A short 13 miles east of Edinburg lies the city of Elsa, Texas. Elsa is home to 5,918 residents, who are included in the McAllen-Mission-Edinburg Metropolitan Area. Located at the intersection of State Hwy 107 and Farm Road 88, this south Texas town is only 17 miles northeast of McAllen, which is a stone's throw from the Texas-Mexico border. The area remained rural and was largely used for cattle and sheep ranching as well as for various fruit crops. However, by the 1920s the Texas and New Orleans Railroad was laid through what would become known as Elsa.

Moving to Elsa

There are a few things to consider before moving to Elsa. Location is important, because if you prefer to live further from the center of town, you will need to begin your search for an apt for rent as soon as you know you are moving -- there aren't a ton of rentals outside the center. The outlying areas of Elsa are home to more owners than renters, but you can find property to lease -- it just might take a little more time to find the perfect spot. If you are more comfortable with living in the center of the city, finding condos for rent or an apartment will be easier and there is a larger pool of options. The best time of year to move to Elsa is in the fall or winter, but only because of the heat of the spring and summer. If heat is A-OK with you, then feel free to plan your move any time of year that works for your schedule.

Elsa's Neighborhoods

Elsa may have a total land area of 1.5 square miles, but it does boast two separate neighborhoods.

Cana de Azucar Colonia: If you want your new apartment in Elsa to be in a pedestrian-friendly area, the Cana de Azucar Colonia neighborhood might just be perfect! This is an established (no, that is not code for decrepit) neighborhood featuring medium- to large-sized properties that will make your pocketbook give you a pat on the back after each rent payment.

City Center: For those of you who enjoy being close to -- or smack in the middle of -- downtown, finding a studio for rent will be a cinch! This suburban neighborhood is made up of small- to medium-sized properties that feature studios along with one-, two- and three-bedroom condos or apartments for rent. There are single-family homes in this area as well, so it really just depends on what your preferences are in this area. The city center is also extremely walkable, but you will find your neighbors tend to favor bikes. Although you don't need one, strictly speaking, to get around this downtown area, the residents of Elsa love their automobiles as well!

Living in Elsa

Living in Elsa takes a little getting used to if you aren't from around here. The summers can get extremely hot, usually hovering around 98-102 degrees from June through mid-September. The locals have an excellent solution for such heat, and that solution is called a siesta! This is an agreed upon break during the heat of the day, usually from 1-3 p.m., and then it's back to work. This does not pertain to every single business in Elsa, but if you happen upon one that is closed during that time, come back in about an hour.

For a fun evening out, most head over to Obee's Sports Bar and Grill on E. Edinburg Avenue for a laid-back atmosphere and excellent service. You can catch the game on the big screens while enjoying a pitcher with your friends. Another hometown favorite is Leroy's Chicken and Burgers on Santa Rosa Avenue. The serious magic here is in the burgers -- they're so tasty, you won't even care that you have juice dripping down your fingers. Maybe skip this spot on a first date, though. And if you love to hop on your hog, head to STC Biker Bar and Grill for hot wings and cold beer.

If warm weather, naps, and a laid-back lifestyle are what you're after, Elsa is the place for you!