El Santander — Income-Restricted Housing in Brownsville, TX 78521
3604 Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521
56 units · 1–3 BR
Leasing office: (956) 546-5588Directions
How to apply
- Call the leasing office at (956) 546-5588 to ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Opened
- 1972
- Bedrooms
- 8 1 bedroom · 28 2 bedrooms · 20 3 bedrooms
- HUD inspection
- HUD inspection score: 94/100 (Aug 2026) HUD inspects subsidized buildings on a 0–100 scale. This is a snapshot, not a pass/fail grade.
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Nearby income-restricted buildings
Rosemont of El Dorado
185 Robindale Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
0.6 mi away
146 units · 124 income-restricted
La Villita Apartments Phase 2
529 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, TX 78521
1.1 mi away
72 units · 1–3 BR
Tangelo Quarters
2225 Roosevelt St Apt 1, Brownsville, TX 78521
1.2 mi away
18 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville
- Residents waited about 27 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Tangelo Quarters Phase II
2305 Roosevelt St, Brownsville, TX 78521
1.2 mi away
5 units
- Apply through Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville
Rockwell Manor
2735 Rockwell Cir, Brownsville, TX 78521
1.4 mi away
125 units · 1–4+ BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
Rents and income limits in 78521
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,050/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $42,000/yr
- Renters in 78521 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 48%
Income limits (2026)
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area · median family income $64,600. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,900 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $33,500 | $53,600 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,700 | $60,300 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,850 | $66,950 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $45,200 | $72,350 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $51,900 | $83,050 |
| 8 | $55,250 | $55,250 | $88,400 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 78521 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $830 | $827 |
| 1 bedroom | $890 | $884 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,050 | $1,042 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,400 | $1,393 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,510 | $1,496 |
Wider area = Brownsville-Harlingen, TX. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 4 nearby ZIPs range from $1,010 (78578) to $1,230 (78526).
Census figures for 78521 (2020–2024 average): median rent $889. Median household income $44,509. 40% of homes are rented. 48% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 27% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 78521's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 78521Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to El Santander?
Call (956) 546-5588 and ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists at El Santander in Brownsville, TX 78521. These records do not show openings.
Is El Santander Section 8 housing?
El Santander is listed with a HUD-assisted or project-based Section 8 contract. The subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different — you apply with the housing authority. Confirm the program when you call.
How many units are at El Santander?
Public records list 56 units at El Santander in Brownsville, TX 78521. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near El Santander?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 78521 and nearby ZIP codes. Open a nearby card for the address and phone. Lists still do not show vacancies.
People Also Ask
How do I get into El Santander?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at El Santander in Brownsville, TX 78521. Public housing is through the housing authority. Bring ID and income documents when they tell you to. This site cannot submit an application for you.
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Brownsville, TX 78521?
Most income-restricted buildings in Brownsville, TX 78521 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $29,300, and $41,850 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($46,900 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Brownsville, TX 78521?
For many programs in Brownsville, TX 78521, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $29,300 a year for 1 person and $41,850 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $46,900 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Brownsville, TX 78521?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Brownsville, TX 78521, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Brownsville, TX 78521 is $1,050 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Does El Santander take Section 8 vouchers?
El Santander is listed with project-based Section 8 or HUD assistance — the subsidy is on the unit, so you usually apply at the building rather than bringing a tenant voucher. Ask when you call whether they also accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying. Report a correction.