El Paso, the fourth largest city in Texas, is located on the far western edge of Texas at the border of Mexico. A major transportation hub, El Paso features top-notch medical facilities, renowned education institutions, and vibrant cultural and entertainment options. New residents are attracted to El Paso by its climate, affordable housing, and relatively low cost of living. An important military city, El Paso is home to Fort Bliss, a United State Army Air Defense Center.
1. There’s Plenty of Sunshine
El Paso sits in a flat valley among dry hills with the Rio Grande River running along the southwest border of the city. Aptly nicknamed “The Sun City”, El Paso has an abundance of sunshine year-round with high temperatures in the summer and very low humidity. Winters are relatively mild, with occasional snowfall. This desert landscape only receives around 23 days of rain a year, giving residents plenty of time to spend outdoors hiking the nearby Franklin Mountains or taking the Wyler Aerial Tramway.
2. It’s Affordable
With a cost of living 16.4% lower than the national average, El Paso is an attractive option for families and retirees. Just about everything from grocery prices to utilities (see our guide to El Paso utilities) to gasoline is cheaper in the West Texas town. Median home prices are around $112,500, making home ownership a reality for many. Bolstered by military, business, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors El Paso’s economy is strong. In recent years, the city has experienced job growth and currently enjoys an unemployment rate almost 8% lower than the nationwide rate.
3. You’ll Probably Need a Car
As with other Texas cities, El Paso’s size means you’ll probably need a car for running errands and getting to work. Although traffic is congested at times, it is relatively easy to get around the city; the average commute time is just 20 minutes. Dependable public transportation is available by city bus, and the city is currently working on a streetcar project that will provide service throughout the downtown area.
4. History, Culture, and Entertainment Abound
Downtown El Paso is made up of five distinct districts: Las Plazas Art District, the Office District, Union Plaza, the Government District and El Centro. Each district has its own unique features, brimming with historic landmarks. The Las Plazas Art District is home to the historic Plaza Theatre, which opened its doors in 1930 and continues to operate today. Nearby, you can stop in at the El Paso Museum of History, which covers about 400 years of West Texas history. History buffs will also enjoy the historical architecture at San Jacinto Plaza, which used to be home to live alligators. On weekends, Union Plaza features a local farmer’s market with local artisans and live entertainment. If you enjoy sports, then you’ll have to check out Southwest University Park, which is the home of the Chihuahuas, a triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
A unique oasis in the desert, El Paso is a lively and growing city with stunning landscapes and a warm climate. Its proximity to Mexico makes for a unique cultural blend in this vibrant, active community. The stable economy, affordable housing and relatively low cost of living make El Paso an extremely attractive Texas community to call home.
If you are ready to make the move to West Texas, we’d love to help you get settled in. Apple Moving Company has been serving Texas with reliable and affordable moving services for over 25 years, and has what it takes to make your local or long distance El Paso relocation stress-free. For a free quote from one of the best moving companies in El Paso, give us a call today!