Living in El Paso 

Are you considering moving to El Paso, TX? Keep reading to find out what it is like to live in El Paso! 

Ranked as one of the best places to live in the country, the city of El Paso, Texas, is located on the western edge of Texas in El Paso County. With a current population of 678,049 people, El Paso is the sixth-largest city in Texas and the 23rd-largest city in the United States by population. Nicknamed "the Sun City," El Paso is surrounded by desert and gorgeous natural scenery.

Attracting many college students, young professionals, and couples to the area, the city has plenty to offer its residents. While El Paso may often be overlooked as a notable city in Texas, it is undoubtedly on its way to becoming one of the best places to live in Texas due to its many great qualities. Known for its excellent Tex-Mex cuisine, fantastic sunny weather, affordable housing, and excellent quality of life, it is no wonder why El Paso is such an excellent place to live.

If you decide to move to El Paso, Texas, you have come to the right place. While driving, in general, is often stressful and overwhelming, this guide was created to help your big move to Texas go as smoothly as possible.

Keep reading to learn more about life in El Paso, TX.

El Paso is a border city.

El Paso is located on the Mexican border and alongside the Rio Grande. Only minutes away from the Mexico city of Ciudad Juarez, taking a day trip outside the country could be a lot of work. Home to many fabulous beaches and historical sites, experience Mexican culture just minutes away from home.

While living in a border city may have cons and harmful stereotypes, El Paso is ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States. The city is consistently praised for its low crime rate and low levels of violence. Many Americans can be seen traveling from El Paso to Cuidad Juarez regularly.

Low cost of living.

One of the best reasons to move to El Paso is its low cost of living. If you are looking for a place to get more bang for your buck, you don't need to look any further. The cost of living in El Paso is 10% lower than that of the national average. All expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities, are all below average. Plus, residents can save even more money with no state income tax.

Compared to other major cities in Texas, living in Dallas is 23% more expensive than living in El Paso, and living in Austin is 46.6% more expensive. The average income of an El Paso resident is $20,050 per year. Still, to live comfortably in El Paso, residents must make a median annual salary of at least $50,150. The average wage in El Paso for top earners is around $36 per hour, while the minimum is $7.25.

Affordable housing.

Not only is the cost of living low, but housing prices are affordable. The housing prices in El Paso are 22% lower than the national average. Known for its low-interest rates and outstanding fees, the El Paso real estate market is super competitive and in high demand. Considered a seller's market over the past few years, there seem to be insufficient houses available to keep up with market trends. 

As more and more people move into town from out of state, it is more than likely that future residents will find themselves in a bidding war to get the house of their dreams. As of 2021, the current average home price in El Paso is $170,000, which is far more affordable than buying a home when moving to San Francisco or Los Angeles. New homes in El Paso are selling in under 62 days on average as of this year.

Check out the best neighborhoods in El Paso, Texas to find the best places to live in the city. 

The economy is thriving.

Are you moving to El Paso and searching for a new job? Then you are in luck! El Paso is known to have a diverse economy and a steady job market. Even though the city may have taken a big hit during the COVID-19 Pandemic, like the rest of the country and the world, El Paso is now experiencing a surge of growth and resurgence.

The local economy is home to various sectors and has multiple leading industries, including manufacturing, financial services, military, transportation, logistics, and retail. Home to more than 70 Fortune 500 companies, the most popular companies in the area are AT&T, Walmart, Verizon, and Wells Fargo. T&T Staff Management and The University of Texas at El Paso are the largest employers. For those interested in working for the military, Fort Bliss is located here and is only nine miles from the Mexican border.

The weather is hot and sunny.

Considered to have a desert climate, residents of El Paso can expect hot and dry summers alongside short and cold winters. The month of June is the hottest month during the year, with an average high temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Texas. Meanwhile, the coldest month of the year is January, with a low average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Due to their mild temperatures and sunny weather, April, May, and October are considered the most comfortable months. El Paso experiences 297 sunny days a year on average, which is way more than the national average, and the city only receives around 10 inches of rain per year on average. In contrast, the national average is 38 inches of rain per year. While the area may not receive a lot of snowfall, El Paso gets three inches of snow on average during the winter months. Make sure to pack your snow gear! 

So that you know, the weather in El Paso can be super unpredictable. Since El Paso is in a desert climate, dust storms can happen during spring and summer. On the contrary, flooding can occur during the wet season, most notably during June. Due to this, it is essential to invest in flood insurance.

Even though the weather may call for no rain, it may still rain randomly and in large amounts. Always bring a rain jacket or umbrella with you, just in case. Hail storms are also known to occur during the winter months, which can cause significant property damage. Always be aware of weather conditions to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Tex-Mex is everywhere.

Due to its location right next to the border, it is a given that El Paso is a celebrated Tex-Mex destination. Even though San Antonio may be nicknamed the "Tex-Mex Capital," El Paso is a close rival of this title, and the locals can attest to that. El Paso has mastered the art of genuine Tex-Mex cuisine by mixing cultural flavors with beloved Texan dishes. Plus, with access to authentic Mexican cuisine, El Paso has a fantastic flavor profile without traveling far from the border. From locally-owned casual eateries to cute taco shops, you have access to only the best Tex-Mex when living in El Paso.

Check out some of these local favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in El Paso, Texas! 

• Kiki's Mexican Restaurant: This Tex-Mex restaurant has been open since the 1970s and remains a favorite among the locals. Serving up classic favorites with hefty portions and tons of cheese. Make sure to try the green crab enchiladas or the brisket machaca! 

• Chico's Tacos: This counter-service taco shop is worth the hype. Serving up burritos, tacos, burgers, hotdogs, and fries. Remember that there is minimal parking, and the restaurant only accepts cash. 

• Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey's: This eccentric and fun eatery is popular with residents. It features giant margaritas, live mariachi music during the week and the best food in town. The shredded beef enchilada is a must-try! 

• L & J Cafe: Since 1927, this restaurant has been family-owned and operated and arguably serves the best Tex-Mex. Order burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and authentic Mexican beer. 

• Andale Mexican Restaurant and Cantina: The place for authentic Mexican food. With large portions served alongside craft cocktails and live music, the atmosphere at this restaurant and cantina is hard to beat.

Spend time outdoors.

If you love spending time outside and exploring the great outdoors, look no further than El Paso, Texas. Most people may not realize that the city has plenty of outdoor parks and wilderness areas spread throughout this desert destination. El Paso is also home to the most significant urban wilderness area in the United States, Franklin Mountains State Park. This state park is a 23-mile mountain range that is a fantastic place to rock climb.

Whether you love to scale mountains, hike, or bike, El Paso has plenty of cool recreational areas. Plus, there is no better place to be if you love admiring nature and wildlife. Many wild animals, such as mountain lions, coyotes, and bears, live in El Paso and can be spotted in parks and natural areas. 

Check out these favorite local parks and rock climbing destinations in El Paso, Texas! 

• Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site: This desert park is a popular rock climbing destination near the Franklin Mountains. 

• McKelligon Canyon: A hot spot for rock climbing, hiking, biking, walking, and running. 

• Mammoth Rock: This local landmark offers fantastic views of the city and an even better hike. 

• Lost Dog Trailhead: This is an excellent place to hike, ride your bike, walk the dog, or get a great workout. Bring water and wear your hiking boots on this 7.7-mile trail. 

• Ron Coleman Trailhead: While this trail can get treacherous in certain areas, it is an excellent spot and a great hike for moderate levels. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat!

You might want to learn Spanish.

Did you know that 83% of El Paso residents are Hispanic? While it may be optional to be fluent in Spanish when living in El Paso, it may be a good idea. Before moving, take the time to learn some common phrases. Since it is a border city, many residents are from Mexico or travel to and from Mexico frequently. Due to this, many locals tend to communicate by mixing English and Spanish in day-to-day conversations.

El Paso loves margaritas.

Legend has it that the margarita was invented in 1942 in a bar called Tommy’s Place in the El Paso area. No one knows how the margarita came to be, but there is no denying that it is one of the most incredible drinks in the world. In El Paso, order a margarita to pay homage to its creation.

The city embraces art and culture.

Since El Paso is a culturally diverse city home to a large Spanish population, the area is lined with multiple museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Many events and festivals that reflect this rich heritage occur throughout the year. 

Check out these museums and cultural sites in El Paso, Texas! 

• El Paso Museum of Art: Located in Downtown El Paso, this museum has been open since 1959 and features over 7,000 works of art. 

• El Paso Museum of History: Learn about the past 400 years and the history of El Paso through interactive exhibits. 

• The Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center: This center features galleries, exhibits, a theater, and a museum. 

Pros and Cons - El Paso

Pros:

• Tons of local arts and culture
• Affordability
• Weather
• Outdoor activities

Cons:

• High property tax
• High poverty taxes
• Hot weather
• Dry weather

FAQS

Is it worth moving to El Paso?

El Paso offers a unique blend of history, cultures, affordable cost of living, and many activities, especially outdoors, that make this an attractive place to live. 

What is a good salary in El Paso, TX?

Most salaries in El Paso range between $32,250 to $59,451 annually. 

Is El Paso an expensive place to live?

The cost of living in El Paso is 3% lower than the state average as well as 11% lower than the national average, with many categories being lower than averages. 

Moving to El Paso, TX - The Bottom Line

Whether you are moving to El Paso, Texas, for a job or simply for a change of scenery, the city has much to offer its residents. Not only is El Paso safe, but it is full of many things for all ages to do. Known as the largest metropolitan area along the border, El Paso is a friendly city with many significant sites to explore and neighborhoods to call home.

Before moving, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to answer any questions and guide you through the home-buying process. Our team is here to help you through every step of the way. Contact us today to find your dream home in El Paso, Texas!