What’s It Like Living in El Paso, TX?

With over 300 days of sunshine per year and favorable warm weather, El Paso is one of the best communities in Texas. It combines affordability and high-quality living with fabulous outdoor recreation opportunities, beautiful neighborhoods, and a lively arts and culture scene. What’s it like living in El Paso? Let’s find out!

Planning a move to El Paso? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

El Paso at a Glance

• The city of El Paso is located on the Rio Grande, just north of the Mexican border.
• El Paso spans over 250 square miles of high desert terrain.
• El Paso has a population of around 869,900, with a median age of roughly 33.5.
• El Paso has coined the nickname of “Sun City,” but it was originally known as the Six Shooter Capital.
• As one of the longest rivers in North America, the Rio Grande River acts as the natural border between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico.

20 Things To Know About Living in El Paso, TX

Considering a move to the Sun City? Here are 20 things you should know about living in El Paso to help you decide if it’s right for you.

1. Cost of Living in El Paso, Texas

A family of four living in El Paso with at least one adult working would need to make around $67,700 annually after taxes to live comfortably, while a couple without children would need to make closer to $49,000. A single young professional, student, or retiree would need to make around $33,000 to live comfortably in El Paso.

Q: What is the average cost of living in El Paso, Texas?
A: With a Cost of Living score of 81.9, El Paso’s cost of living is approximately 18 percent lower than the national average and 13 percent lower than the state average.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in El Paso

Pro: Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts

El Paso is known for its outdoor activities, and the city is not far from the Franklin Mountains, which have plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy a variety of activities such as biking, hiking, and more.

Pro: Friendly and Tight-Knit Community

El Paso is known for its sense of community, and the people living there are welcoming and friendly. There are a variety of events and activities that you can participate in within the area to build friendships with other members of the community.

Pro: Warm Weather Year-Round

With mild winters and hot summers, those seeking an escape from the snow and difficult winter weather will enjoy the overall climate of El Paso.

Con: Extremely Hot Summers

The year-round warmth may be one of El Paso’s major draws; however, the summers can reach temperatures that might just be too extreme for some. During the summer season, the city experiences temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Con: Isolation

El Paso is a bit of an isolated place, with only a few major attractions and cities nearby (Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the closest at 230 miles away). This can be a pro for people who like a more laid-back lifestyle, but it can be a negative for those who seek the excitement of big-city amenities.

Con: Limited Water Resources

El Paso is prone to experiencing drought and water shortages since the city is situated in a desert region. Limited water supply can be caused by low rainfall, and despite the city's efforts to conserve water, it's still important that residents practice responsible water usage.

3. El Paso Real Estate Market

El Paso has some of the most diverse architecture in the entire southwest, which ranges from all of the public buildings to the homes across the community. From adobe structures that are over 300 years old to art deco and more of a modern appeal, the overall architecture El Paso has to offer is quite impressive.

Average home value in El Paso: $224,600

4. El Paso Rental Market

Buying a home may not be realistic for your own personal circumstances when moving to El Paso, but luckily you have options when it comes to rentals. The cost of rent will vary overall depending on how much space you’re looking for and the amenities you might need, but studio apartments will always be the most affordable option, even though they are the smallest.

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Paso: $1,050

5. Best Places To Live in El Paso

• Mission Hills: One of El Paso's most desirable neighborhoods is Mission Hills. It features mature trees, beautiful homes, and various architectural styles ranging from mid-century ranch houses to modern designs. The proximity of schools, including the University of Texas El Paso, makes Mission Hills an ideal place for families who can also enjoy various recreational facilities such as Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Botanical Garden.
• Emory Road/West Sunset Road: The Emory Road and West Sunset Road communities are known for their tranquil environment and modern homes. This area features single-family houses and townhouses with varying architectural styles, and it’s close to various recreational trails and the Lone Star Golf Club. With easy access to major highways, young professionals can also easily commute to work.
• Mountain View: The beautiful Franklin Mountains are a prominent feature of Mountain View, which is a safe neighborhood with a variety of homes for all budgets, including retirees. Some of these include three- and four-bedroom houses as well as larger family homes. One of Mountain View's main attractions is its state park, which features various activities such as camping, biking, and watching wildlife. The park covers over 26,000 acres where residents can feel free to roam around and enjoy its natural beauty.

6. El Paso’s Public Transportation Options

Although it's easy to get around El Paso in a car, it's still possible to travel to your destination if you live in the city without a car. The Sun Metro can provide you with public bus transportation to various parts of Sun City, including downtown, South Central, and more. And if you're looking for more of a unique ride experience, take one of El Paso's six vintage streetcars, which go through Uptown and Downtown.

7. Top-Notch Schools and Higher Education

Residents of El Paso can choose from high-quality public school districts, including the Ysleta Independent School District, which is ranked as the best school district in the El Paso area according to Niche. El Paso offers numerous opportunities for people who want to pursue higher education as well, including The University of Texas at El Paso, where you can learn about subjects such as criminal justice, nursing, and biological sciences. You can also enroll in programs related to healthcare administration, radiology management, and automotive technology at Southwest University.

8. The Local Sports Scene

The sports scene in El Paso does not disappoint, and it’s hard to find just one favorite team to root for! From tailgating at the stadium before a Miners' football game against the Houston Cougars to watching the El Paso Chihuahuas slide across home plate, there’s an exciting sports experience for everyone in the city. You can also catch a USS El Paso Locomotive FC soccer match or watch the El Paso Rhinos destroy the hockey rink. And the women's football team, the Sun City Stealth, are part of the longest running women's tackle football league in the world, the Women’s Football Alliance.

9. El Paso Weather/Climate

Situated in the southwest region of the United States, you will experience hot summers as a resident of El Paso and brief winters. During the year, the temperature ranges from 34 degrees Fahrenheit to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also rarely below 24 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

The hottest month in the city is June, which has an average temperature of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. And the month with the lowest temperature in the city is December, which experiences a low of around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Local Crime Rates

Is El Paso safe? Compared to other cities across America, El Paso's crime rate is significantly higher. Although it is not among the highest in the country, it is still one of the most vulnerable areas in Texas. The FBI's data shows that there is a 1 in 58 chance that a person will be a victim of either property crime or violent crime in El Paso. And the city's crime rate is higher than 69 percent of all the towns and cities in the state overall.

The safest neighborhoods in El Paso include Bear Ridge, High Ridge, and Butterfield.

11. Employment Opportunities

El Paso’s jobs are abundant as the city has a fairly stable economy and is home to a number of major industries and healthcare facilities. You can find employment opportunities at major companies such as Del Sol Healthcare, and some of the other best healthcare organizations in El Paso include El Paso Children's Hospital and Bienvivir. There are also military facilities in the area, such as Fort Bliss and the William Beaumont Medical Center.

12. Dining in El Paso

Although Tex-Mex is a prominent part of El Paso's food scene, there are plenty of other great restaurants in the city. For instance, try the Baklava Pancakes, Midnight Express, or the Croissant French Toast at Salt + Honey Bakery for breakfast, and for dinner, try the Lump Crab & Avocado Tower at Cafe Central. And don’t forget to indulge in some high-quality smoked turkey and jalapeno cornbread at spots like Hallelujah! BBQ.

13. The Culture of El Paso

When it comes to fun things to do in El Paso, visiting Las Plazas Arts District is a great way to explore the culture of El Paso — as there are a variety of permanent exhibits and traveling exhibits that you can see. And you can take a trip to the Chihuahuan Desert to explore its history. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens and the Centennial Museum never disappoint.

The El Paso Museum of Art's African Art Gallery and Western Art Gallery also offer impressive art collections to explore, with other locations such as TecH2O providing interactive experiences regarding water conservation.

14. Things To Do in El Paso

There are plenty of fun things to do in El Paso, and the festivals are where lots of the excitement occurs all year long. Try out some of the best local and regional food, participate in giant games, and sample some of the country's best craft beers at the Sun City Craft Beer Fest. You can also check out local and regional artists at the WayOut West Fest.

You can enjoy a variety of activities at Winterfest as well, such as skating on the ice, checking out holiday lights, and browsing through local vendors. Be sure to catch outdoor screenings, meet local filmmakers, and get a glimpse of stars at the Plaza Classic Film Festival too.

15. The El Paso Nightlife Scene

El Paso's nightlife offers something for everyone! Whether you're looking for a good meal after a long week or a fun night out with friends, there are plenty of places to go. Rockhouse Dive Bar, for instance, serves up fried mushrooms and other bar food favorites, while Little Bit of Texas offers line dancing lessons.

A Texas sunset over the horizon can be seen from the rooftop of INTL as well, where you can enjoy a variety of signature drinks such as the Jamaica Cantarito or the Mezcalarita. You can also try a variety of beverages, such as the Smoke and Mirrors or the Summer Sangria at Hope and Anchor.

16. Exciting Attractions for Families

In El Paso, there are plenty of fun family-friendly activities. You can visit the zoo where you get to view lions, giraffes, and Galapagos tortoises in addition to experiencing the Copper Canyon Ropes Course. And shopaholics can shop for home goods, get some tasty treats at food trucks, and more at the Farmers Market every Saturday morning.

Wondering about popular kid attractions in particular? Bob-O’s Family Fun Center has batting cages, and kids can race around a go-karting track or compete in laser tag. You can also explore the foam factory or try out arts and crafts at Jungle Jaks.

17. The Outdoors

El Paso offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for everyone of all ages, whether you consider yourself to be a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone who simply gets the urge for an outdoor adventure every once in a while. Try mountain biking, camping, and hiking at one of the many state parks in the area, such as the Franklin Mountains State Park. El Paso's Scenic Drive also offers a view of downtown that's both impressive and captivating, and the Municipal Rose Garden is the place to check out some fascinating botanical exhibits.

Q: Why is El Paso so popular?
A: Warm weather year-round and beautiful landscapes make El Paso quite the popular place for outdoor recreation!

Nearby Hueco Tanks State Park is a great spot for bouldering — a popular pastime in El Paso.
(Source: Cave Climbing Co. / The Cave Gym via Facebook)

18. Bouldering

Bouldering is a common pastime among El Paso residents, and there are plenty of spots to do it in the area, such as the Hueco Tanks State Park, which is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys nature and climbing. Large rock basins cover the area and are known as the "Huecos" because they trap rain water despite being located in an arid region. This area is considered one of the best places to go bouldering in the world due to the unique landscape!

19. The Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America, and it's considered to be the border between Mexico and the U.S. During the warm seasons, residents of the community flock to the river to fish, go rafting, and hike. And you may have heard stories about a popular event that used to take place known as the KLAQ Great River Race, which involved people creating their own raft and then coasting downstream in a massive group!

20. The Iconic Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre, which was first established in 1930, is regarded as one of the most prominent landmarks in the entire country — and it’s even one of the oldest continuously running theaters in the nation. After a renovation in the early 2000s, the venue started to garner more popularity as it attracted prominent acts such as Peter Frampton and the Blue Man Group.

The Plaza Theatre features a variety of seating options, including the Kendall Kidd performance hall that seats 2,050 people. It also has lots of other facilities, such as a Sky Garden and a Philanthropy Theater for receptions, parties, and other events.

Make Your Move to El Paso With PODS

The decision to move to El Paso can be very easy, but the process of actually getting there is where you may run into difficulties. Simplify your move by using PODS portable moving containers and have a container delivered right to your driveway. Pack and load the container on your own schedule, or get connected with local packing and loading services if the task requires more hands. You can then keep the container in a secure PODS Storage Center until you are ready to move or have it delivered right to your new home in El Paso.