Moving to El Paso, TX
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Bienvenidos! We hope you find the following information about moving to El Paso helpful.
General Information ~ Neighborhoods
Central ~ East ~ Mission Valley ~ Northwest ~ Northeast ~ Suburbs
El Paso rests on the border of Mexico and the United States and is within walking distance of Juarez, Mexico. As a border community, El Paso truly is unique. The two cities share an economic basis; many businesses utilize the international border to expand their operations. El Paso, with Juarez, comprises the largest metropolitan area of the United States-Mexico border. Various cultures – American, Hispanic, Native American, and more – pervade the cities; people who visit El Paso may come for the “authentic” Mexican food, but they also find Broadway showings of Cabaret and Porgy and Bess.
The El Paso area was inhabited by Native Americans long before the Spaniards arrived and claimed the area as their own in the late 1500’s. In the 1800’s, Mexico declared its independence from Spain, and the El Paso area became part of the Mexican nation. The El Paso area did not remain in Mexico’s control; by the mid-8150’s, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, putting most of the El Paso area under American ownership. During this time period, the railway came to the El Paso area, turning the sleepy village of several hundred inhabitants into a bustling frontier community. Border conflicts continued to pervade the area; these were eventually resolved in the 1960’s with the conclusion of the Chamizal Dispute.
El Paso is the sixth largest city in Texas with a population of 550,000+ residents. With Juarez’ population, the number is probably double; however, El Paso still retains its small-town atmosphere. El Paso is nestled within the Rio Grande Valley, which supports the agricultural businesses in the area, and is surrounded by the Franklin Mountains. El Paso has very few cloudy days. The city receives a moderate amount of rain each year, but the climate has very little humidity. The average temperatures range from the low forties in the winter to the high nineties in the summer.
Would you like more information about El Paso’s history or attractions? Visit the Texas State Historical Association or El Paso’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Central El Paso contains some of the oldest and most historical neighborhoods. The area includes downtown El Paso and Sunset Heights. It is located in the heart of El Paso – hence the “central” – and is home to approximately 130,000 people. Development in central El Paso began in the late 1800’s. Many historical sites, such as the Plaza Theatre, can be found here as well as very diverse residential living arrangements and neighborhoods. Since the 1800's, Central El Paso has grown into an economic center and a thriving urban community. Central El Paso is close to the El Paso International Airport, the international border, and Fort Bliss. The community is served by the El Paso Independent School District and is home to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Central El Paso also features numerous activities, including the El Paso Zoo, the El Paso Coliseum, and the Chamizal National Memorial.
East El Paso is the fastest growing neighborhood in the city. With an approximate population of 150,000 and growing, it also is the largest neighborhood in the city. Its growth and population has led to the development of a new neighborhood known as far east El Paso, which features attractions such as Tinseltown, the largest movie theatre in town, and the Socorro Athletics and Aquatics Centers. East El Paso includes communities such as Ysleta, Cielo Vista, and Pebble Hills. East El Paso is predominately comprised of middle-class communities, but several affluent ones exist. East El Paso is served by three school districts: El Paso Independent School District, Socorro Independent School District, and Ysleta Independent School District. East El Paso is self-sustaining; it has many shopping areas, such as Cielo Vista Mall and Bassett Place Mall, and entertainment venues. Other areas of El Paso can usually be reached within fifteen to twenty-five minutes, and the international border is easily accessible.
Mission Valley, or Lower Valley, is the third largest neighborhood in El Paso. It includes portions of east El Paso and all Lower Valley districts. It is a blend or urban and rural, industrial and pastoral, with one international border crossing, several historic missions, and a number of large parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 10 and the Border Highway. Mission Valley is one of the oldest areas in El Paso and is appreciated for its agricultural heritage and long-established local businesses and restaurants. Mission Valley is home to the Tigua Indian tribe, the Ysleta Mission, Speaking Rock Casino, and the Mission Trail. Mission Valley is served by the Ysleta Independent School District.
Northwest El Paso is typically referred to as “west El Paso,” "Westside," or the “Upper Valley.” The neighborhood is located on the northwest side of the Franklin Mountains. It is home to some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city. Many magnificent homes are perched upon the mountains, although equally amazing homes can be found throughout the Upper Valley. Like East El Paso, the neighborhood is one of the fastest-growing areas of the city. The Upper Valley is served by the El Paso Independent School District; however, the northward development of the community is expanding into the Canutillo Independent School District. The westside features many retail establishments and restaurants as well as the El Paso Country Club, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, and Keystone Heritage Park. The area also features many riverfront bicycle and running paths that attract El Pasoan enthusiasts. These westside attractions are easily accessible; west El Paso is approximately fifteen minutes from the downtown area and twenty minutes from the airport.
Northeast El Paso is located north of central El Paso and east of the Franklin Mountains. Residents of the northeast boast that they have the best view of the mountains, and they take particular pride in the annual blooming of the poppies that cover the mountainside during the spring. Development in this area began in the 1950’s when many homes were demolished during the construction of Interstate 10. While the northeast has not seen the same rate of growth as other El Pasoan neighborhoods, growth is expected in the future due to the population growth resulting from the troop increase at Fort Bliss. This area of El Paso is ethnically diverse; the community is mainly comprised of retired military personnel and young families who are German, Asian-American, African-American, and Hispanic. The area is also known for its schools, including Andress, Chapin, and Irvin, because of their outstanding athletic programs. Northeast El Paso is served by the El Paso Independent School District and the Socorro Independent School District. The northeast is almost a city in and of itself. It features a multi-plex movie theatre, Cohen Stadium, the Wilderness Park Museum, and several shopping centers; however, residents still have to travel into the El Paso metro area to gain access to major shopping malls or the business center.
In addition to a number of neighborhoods, El Paso has many suburbs. Suburbs include: Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, Fabens, Homestead Meadows, Horizon City, Montana Vista, San Elizario, Socorro, Sparks, Tornillo, Vinton, and Westway. El Paso’s suburbs are served by various school districts.
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Neighborhoods:
Mission 
Northwest El Paso
Northeast El Paso
