Brownsville, the 16th largest city in the state of Texas, is one of the fastest growing urban areas in the United States. The city boasts a warm sub-tropical climate, close proximity to some of Texas' most beautiful beaches, and low cost of living. Local attractions include the Gladys Porter Zoo, the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Camille Lightner Playhouse, a historical downtown with buildings over 150 years old, the Port of Brownsville, and the Children's Museum of Brownsville. There is also easy access to South Padre Island and the Mexican city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Brownsville has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, though the nearby ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico help keep Brownsville cooler during the summer relative to cities further inland. Thus, temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C) are uncommon. At the other extreme, there may be only a few nights per year with freezing temperatures.

Brownsville has its own city-owned airport, the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. The airport is used for general aviation and is served by Continental Airlines (service to Houston-Intercontinental) AeroMexico (service to Monterrey, NL, Mexico) and American Eagle Airlines (service to Dallas-Fort Worth).