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Real Estate & Homes in Laredo - Texas - Laredo, Texas homes and communities LaredoLaredo BackgroundCombining the rich cultural heritage of Mexico with the proud independence of Texas, Laredo has taken advantage of the best of both worlds. One of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Laredo has embraced its multicultural roots while keeping an eye on its future. The warm, inviting climate; aggressive business posture; superb recreational opportunities; and splendid variety of cultural events lure new residents and visitors to this exciting city.Laredo HistoryCaptain Tomas Sanchez and three families who started a ranch on the Rio Grande founded Laredo in 1755. The town was named after a city in northern Spain and was established along with several other towns along the Rio Grande. By 1757, 11 families lived on the Sanchez ranch, raising cattle, sheep and other livestock. Ranching remained the basis of Laredo’s economy for many years, and the city became an important stop on the cattle drive route from Saltillo, Mexico, to Los Adaes.Originally, Laredo was a Mexican city, and an active trade developed between Laredo and Mexican cities to the south. Indian raids took a toll on the trading activities, but the Mexican government did nothing to assist the residents of Laredo. When the Republic of the Rio Grande was formed in 1840, Laredo joined the Republic and became the capital. For several months, the Republic tried to survive resistance from the Mexican government. The Republic lasted less than a year, and the settlement reverted to Mexican rule. In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States, and the Rio Grande became the boundary between the United States and Mexico. Because Laredo was on the north side of the Rio Grande, it became a U.S. city. Laredo residents were given a choice to retain their Mexican citizenship, and those who elected to do so moved across the river to an area known as Nuevo Laredo. The cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo have maintained a lasting bond separated only by a river and a bridge. The coming of the railroads was the most important factor that spurred the growth and development of Laredo in the late 1800s. In 1881, construction began on the railroad from Monterrey, Mexico, to Nuevo Laredo, setting the stage for the twin Laredo cities to become major international ports. Their role in the marketplace between Mexico and the United States has not changed; these cities remain important ports today. The coming of the railroads also spurred the construction of the first international bridge spanning the Rio Grande. The first bridge was constructed in 1881 as a railroad bridge. In 1922, a second bridge was constructed for pedestrians. The second bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1954 but has since been reconstructed and serves more than 7 million pedestrians annually. In the 20th century, the city expanded northward, and Flores Avenue became the main business street. The Mexican architecture and influence is evident throughout the city, with its plazas and strong neighborhoods with independent business districts. El Azteca, one of the neighborhoods east of downtown, has more than 140 buildings eligible for the National Historic Register. Laredo Fast FactsLocation: Laredo is located near the Mexican border, about 145 miles west of Corpus Christi*Total area: 79.55 square miles *Population: 176,576 *Housing units: 50,319 Average annual rainfall: 21.53 inches Average temperatures: 89ºF in summer, 56ºF in winter *Information provided by 2000 Census EconomyThe major players in Laredo’s economy are international trade, transportation, banking, logistical services, retail trade, oil and gas, medical services, tourism, manufacturing, meat packing, railroads. and government services. The percentage of people employed in the various economic sectors is widely spread, with trade, transportation and utilities employing the largest share of workers. Government services are next in importance, followed by educational and health services, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and construction.Laredo’s economy is closely tied to the strength of the Mexican peso, as 44.1 percent of Laredo’s retail sales comes from Mexican shoppers. The Milken Institute ranked Laredo as the seventh-ranking city in the nation when it comes to creating jobs. Strong trade between the United States and Mexico has fueled Laredo’s growth. Trade between the two countries exceeds $225 billion annually, and Laredo handles about 40 percent of this trade. Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, trade between the United States and Mexico has increased by 200 percent, and Laredo boasts one-third of the overland truck and rail merchandise trade from Mexico. Transportation forms the backbone of the Laredo economy; nearly 17 percent of the city’s working population is involved in transportation and warehousing industries. Laredo’s economy shows no signs of slowing. Since 2000, commercial, warehouse and residential construction have steadily increased, as have retail investments. Quality of LifeLaredo’s biculturalism adds richness to the texture of life in this fascinating Texas town. There is a constant interplay between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, and the exchange of Texas and Mexican cultures creates a colorful backdrop for events and activities. There are fine arts and music to enjoy; beautiful beaches are in close proximity; and shopping is superb. The city's warm, friendly climate enables its residents to take advantage of the outdoor venues year-round.ActivitiesBeaches and Fresh-Water RecreationA few hours to the east lies South Padre Island, a popular destination for college kids. Isla Blanca County Park has two beachfront pavilions, a 1,000-foot sea walk, marina, gift shops and other recreational activities. The 26-acre Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark recreates a Brazilian beach with Latin American food and music. For nearby freshwater activities, Lake Casa Blanca provides camping, skiing, fishing and boating. Events and Festivals Arts and Culture Sports and Recreation Historical and Cultural Sites Dining and Nightlife SchoolsThere are 67 public schools in Laredo. Institutes of higher education are Laredo Community College and Laredo Community College.Where is Laredo?
Written exclusively by Margaret Bowles for HomesParadise.com.
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