La Joya, TX

Located in the Rio Grande Valley just west of Mission, La Joya offers a quiet small-town setting with direct access to the rest of Hidalgo County along Interstate 2. Spanish for "the jewel," the town got its name from an old natural lake that shone in the South Texas sun. Today, it remains a close-knit community with deep ranching roots and a relaxed pace. Families are served by the local La Joya school district, with Walker Lake nearby and an easy commute to shopping, dining, and jobs across the greater McAllen area.