Moving to El Paso, Texas

Quick insights

• Located in a unique tri-state configuration with New Mexico and Mexico, El Paso has a diverse community and is a major hub for the manufacturing industry.
• The average cost of living in El Paso is below the national average, which may make the city attractive for first-time homebuyers.
• Prospective homebuyers may want to prepare for car-reliant commutes and desert-specific home maintenance.

The city of El Paso is one of the largest and most diverse cities in Texas. Situated in the state’s far west corner, the city shares borders with both Mexico and New Mexico, providing residents a unique tri-state cultural experience. If you’re considering a big move, you may be wondering what it’s like to live in El Paso and where to look for a home.

In this article, we’ll cover the average cost of living in El Paso, some of the best neighborhoods in El Paso to know, things to do, and pros and cons for hopeful homeowners to consider.

Living in El Paso, Texas

El Paso’s desert climate is marked by mild winters, hot summers and hundreds of days of sunshine per year (hence the city’s nickname, “Sun City”). Temperatures can vary between 34°F and 97°F, with a few days over 100°F. The interwoven Franklin Mountains add dramatic vistas on the city’s north side, with the rushing Rio Grande serving as a natural border to the east and south.

Culture and events in El Paso

Due to its proximity to the Mexican border, the city presents a rich blend of American and Mexican cultures, with bilingualism common among residents. The city is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which can be found at many local restaurants and annual events, such as the El Paso Downtown Street Fest. Another notable event is the Fiesta de Las Flores, which is among the largest and oldest Hispanic festivals in the El Paso region. El Paso’s Plaza Theatre is also a major fixture for entertainment, hosting both dramatic productions and musical events.

While El Paso does not have its own major league sports teams, it’s minor league baseball team (the El Paso Chihuahuas) and professional soccer team (El Paso Locomotive FC) have many dedicated fans. Locals also root for athletes from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), including the UTEP Miners football, men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, soccer, volleyball and golf teams. Since 1935, El Paso has hosted the annual Sun Bowl for college football games.ec-sunbowl-2024

Getting around El Paso

Although El Paso has many public bus routes, and certain areas are considered walkable, El Paso is a very car-reliant city.

• Driving in El Paso: El Paso’s major highways include I-10, which cuts through the north side of the city diagonally to the southwest; Routes 62 and 85, which travel through the middle of the city; and route 375, which traces the Mexico border.
• Public transportation: El Paso’s Sun Metro system has buses, streetcars and specialty transportation options available for those with disabilities. Key stations include the Bert Williams Downtown Santa Fe Transit Center and the Eastside Transit Center, which each service more than 10 lines of transport.
• Cycling in El Paso: Between the heat and sun in El Paso and the lack of marked bike lanes on roads, it’s not common for residents to commute with a bike. However, for dedicated cyclists, there’s a fair number of bike trails in local parks.
• Catching a flight: The El Paso International Airport is centrally located, near the Cielo Vista area, and provides connectivity to major U.S. cities and global destinations.

Things to know before moving to El Paso

If you’re preparing to buy a home in the El Paso area, you may want to investigate certain geographical concerns for building owners, such as:

• Water restrictions: Certain city-imposed incentives and restrictions exist to encourage conscientious water use. Homeowners in this area often choose to prioritize water-efficient appliances and landscaping with native plants that require less water.
• Weather preparedness: El Paso is known to experience weather extremes, including very high temps in the summer and occasional cold snaps. This makes home features like insulation and efficient HVAC systems extra important in El Paso homes.
• Air quality concerns: The city is known to be somewhat hazy, with the contributing factors being dust storms and pollution. To combat these factors, homeowners may prioritize regular HVAC maintenance or filtration systems to promote better indoor air quality.

Finding the best neighborhood in El Paso for you

Those who are beginning to look for a home may want to add these popular neighborhoods to their search:

• Cielo Vista: Broken up into Cielo Vista North, South and East, this large and popular area of El Paso offers good access to the airport and the Cielo Vista Mall. Cielo Vista is between major arteries of the city, I-10 and route 62. Homes here tend to be single-story, single-family bungalows with garages.
• Kern Place: Two miles north of the downtown area, Kern Place is a walkable neighborhood with a suburban feel and charming homes in the Spanish Revival and ranch style. Residents are near Billy Rogers Arroyo (with trails for biking and hiking), Cincinnati Avenue (for shopping and dining) and the university.
• Mission Hills: Bordering Kern Place in the northeast, this residential El Paso neighborhood is set in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains. With wide streets, cul-de-sacs and great views, Mission Hills may be among the best neighborhoods in El Paso for retirees, families, affluent El Pasoans and outdoor enthusiasts.
• High Ridge/Bear Ridge: Separated horizontally by High Ridge Drive, these side-by-side suburban neighborhoods are dominated by new construction homes in ranch and contemporary styles. Both are known for mountain views and access to spots for hiking, such as the nearby Westside Open Reserve.

Average cost of living in El Paso and employment

The average cost of living in El Paso is 12% lower than the national average, with housing standing out as a low-cost category at 28% below the national average.ec-payscale-elpaso-24 Utilities and groceries also fall below national numbers, making it easier for El Pasoans to purchase everyday necessities.ec-elpaso-eco-dev As a result, the relative affordability of the city has made it an attractive destination for first-time homebuyers.

El Paso is a top 20% performing U.S. economy, with the manufacturing industry dominating the local job market.ec-elpaso-industry-jobs El Paso is part of the “Borderplex” region, a term that refers to a tri-state cooperation including Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and Las Cruces, New Mexico which produces a large amount of consumer goods. Many residents are employed in government jobs (specifically military, with Fort Bliss nearby) as well as transportation, food services and utilities sectors.ec-elpaso-industry-jobs

Resources for homebuyers in El Paso

Homebuyers in El Paso may be eligible for certain region-specific programs to help offset certain costs.

The City of El Paso First Time Homebuyer Program

The city of El Paso offers multiple options for homebuyers to help families within certain income ranges become first-time homeowners. Eligible homebuyers can receive principal reduction assistance on homes within the city’s “Priority Housing Area,” down payment assistance or closing cost assistance. Applicants must attend educational classes and find a home within purchase price, location and characteristic limitations.

Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation programs

This nonprofit organization provides down payment assistance and mortgage loans to qualified homebuyers. Those with certain civically focused professions can participate in the “Homes for Texas Heroes” Program; others can pursue the “Home Sweet Texas” Home Loan Program. Those who are buying their first home may also apply for a mortgage interest tax credit known as a Mortgage Credit Certificate.

Pros and cons of living in El Paso, Texas

As a quick recap, let’s look at some of the benefits and potential considerations of living in El Paso.

Pros of living in El Paso, Texas

• Mild winters and lots of sunshine
• Proximity to natural beauty and outdoor activities
• Low cost of living, with especially low costs for housing.ec-sunbowl-2024
• Diverse cultural environment, with a blend of American and Mexican influences
• Many jobs in manufacturing due to the “Borderplex” location

Cons of living in El Paso, Texas

• Car-dominated commute
• Potential restrictions on water
• Extreme weather, especially heat in the summer
• Hot summers (which may contribute to high cooling costs)

In conclusion

The cost of living in El Paso has made it an attractive destination for many people, especially those looking to buy their first home. The process of buying a home has many steps, and it can be helpful to have support along the way. Whether you’re just starting to gather information about El Paso or quickly approaching a decision to buy, it may be helpful to enlist a trained real estate professional or home lending advisor.