East Valley

I-2 East

The eastern communities of Hidalgo County, stretching along I-2/US-83 from Donna and Alamo east through Weslaco, Mercedes, and beyond. Weslaco (pop. ~41,000) is the anchor city of this corridor and the self-proclaimed 'City with a Vision,' known for its growing retail and the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets in nearby Mercedes. Donna (pop. ~17,000) and Alamo (pop. ~20,000) bridge the gap between the McAllen-Pharr core and the eastern cities. Smaller communities like Elsa, Edcouch, La Villa, and Progreso provide affordable options. This area is more spread out and agricultural than the McAllen core, with citrus groves and farmland between cities.