El Paso is the biggest city in West Texas, and one of the biggest in the state. This large urban hub is a border town to Juarez, Mexico and is known for its Mexican influences. It is a busy community home to more than 675,000 and has a rugged, mountainous backdrop and surrounding desert. El Paso stands out as an incredible option for those seeking a new home in Texas.
There’s a lot to love about life in El Paso, from the year-round sunshine to the welcoming residents. Let’s explore some characteristics of this major city that make it a premier choice for buyers.
Vibrant Culture
One of the primary reasons to consider moving to El Paso is the city’s vibrant culture. According to the Census Bureau, 82.9% of El Paso County residents are Hispanic or Latino. The Hispanic influence on the city permeates many aspects of El Paso’s culture, including the renowned food scene, which has some of the best Tex-Mex cuisine around. El Paso’s food options are abundant, with an array of delicious restaurants throughout the city.
El Paso also has intriguing museums, including the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, and El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The downtown is filled with lively public areas, such as San Jacinto Plaza, and several artisan and farmers markets throughout the city.
Nearby Scenic Destinations
El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, the biggest desert in North America. It is marked by rugged terrain and has unique biodiversity with incredible native plants and animals. El Paso offers a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to make a home, with scenic parks offering excellent hiking trails and exploration options.
Surrounding El Paso is the picturesque Franklin Mountains State Park, one of the country’s biggest urban parks. It encompasses almost 27,000 acres and has over 100 miles of hiking trails that stretch across gorgeous mountains, with the highest peaks rising above 7,000 feet. El Paso is also just two hours away from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, which has incredible cave systems and gorgeous geology.
Significant Economy and Educational Opportunities
For many people, the reason behind relocating to a new city is to create a better life for themselves and/or their family. El Paso has a powerful economy and a wonderful school system, including a high-quality university, making it ideal for families and young professionals.
El Paso’s Gross Metropolitan Product was estimated to be more than $30 billion, according to the El Paso Times in January 2022. It has an abundance of job opportunities, with major industries, including finance, manufacturing, and logistics in the city. Charles Schwab, ECM International, and ADP all have regional offices there. The University of Texas at El Paso is a renowned school with some of the lowest out-of-pocket costs of any U.S. research institution.
Affordability
Another significant consideration many look for in a new home is affordability. The United States has been dealing with a housing crisis in recent years as a lack of supply impacts prices dramatically, but El Paso is one of the major urban centers where there are still high-quality real estate options that are affordable for the average American.
According to Redfin in January 2023, the median sale price in El Paso was $215,000. This is far below the national average. Not only are homes more affordable than most places, but residents benefit from Texas’s tax laws, where there is no state income tax. With a strong job market and affordable real estate, El Paso residents can benefit from the city’s low cost of living.
