Are you moving to El Paso sometime soon? If so, the information below should be extremely helpful. It’s a list of the reasons why El Paso, Texas, is a good place to live, including its beautiful scenery, affordable housing, excellent education, and thriving job market. To learn more about El Paso before you arrive, read on!
El Paso, Texas, is a unique city located in the westernmost corner of the state. Thanks to its many sunshine-filled days, El Paso is often called Sun City. The city is also close to Mexico’s border, giving it a rich cultural heritage and a distinctive way of life.
The Best Reasons to Live in El Paso, Texas
Year-round Sunshine
If you’re a sun-worshiper, you’ll be glad to know that El Paso has just over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the United States. If you prefer a sunny, predictable climate, you’ll find it in El Paso.
El Paso is an Affordable City
El Paso is surprisingly affordable, with an overall cost-of-living index of 82/100. That’s 18 points less than the US average and 12 points less than the Texas average. Every single cost index in El Paso is under the national average, including groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. As we’ll see next, housing in El Paso is also quite affordable.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is one of the best reasons to live in El Paso. With a median home cost of $195,600, purchasing a home for you and your family will be much easier in El Paso.
Beautiful Desert Scenery
El Paso’s scenery is phenomenal, with its picturesque desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and vast, arid expenses. It’s a stunning backdrop that will make your life in El Paso more enjoyable and appealing.
Thriving Job Market
Another reason El Paso is an excellent place to live is its thriving job market. The job market in the city has been steadily growing over the last decade, thanks to its proximity to Mexico and the trade and commerce this proximity brings. Fort Bliss, the University of Texas, El Paso, and several healthcare institutions are the major employers in El Paso.
Excellent Opportunities for Higher Education
The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) is a prominent school in El Paso that offers a wide range of academic programs. The University also contributes to the city’s intellectual vibrancy and provides many opportunities for residents to get a degree.
Cultural Diversity
Few US cities are as culturally diverse as El Paso, thanks to its proximity to the Mexican border. As a resident, you’ll enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, music, art, and a dynamic blend of other cultural influences.
Some Drawbacks of El Paso
While El Paso is a fantastic city, but it does have a few drawbacks. Below, we’ll briefly examine them (keep in mind they are minor drawbacks).
Extremely Hot Summers
The summers in El Paso can be sweltering, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). For most people, that means it’s essential to be prepared for the heat. Always have water on hand, for example, and keep a good supply of sunblock.
Isolation from other US Cities
El Paso is relatively isolated from other major Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Traveling long distances may be necessary for specific amenities and activities, which makes El Paso’s isolation one of the most significant issues you’ll face when living there.
A Lack of Rainfall and Water
The desert climate in El Paso results in limited rainfall, which can lead to drought conditions in some years. Water conservation in this part of the United States is critical and might impact you in specific ways. You might be limited in washing your car, watering your lawn and garden, and engaging in other water-demanding activities.
What makes El Paso So interesting?
As you’ve undoubtedly seen, many things make El Paso an exciting city. The influence of Mexico on the city’s cultural richness is apparent and allows one to enjoy authentic Mexican traditions, cuisine, and festivals. Speaking of festivals, there are many, including the Sun City Music Festival and Dia de los Muertos celebrations, which showcase the city’s diversity and creativity.
The military presence in El Paso also makes it interesting. For example, Fort Bliss, one of the US Army’s largest, is located in El Paso and has a significant impact on the community and the local economy. El Paso also has a rich and fascinating history, including its role in the Old West, the Mexican Revolution, and more. San Elizario Presidio Chapel and the Magoffin Home State Historic Site also glimpse the city’s interesting past.
Lastly, El Paso offers Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the United States. With hiking, biking, stunning views of the city, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, the park will be your go-to place, especially if you have children.
Store Your Things in El Paso Safely with SecurCare
With 5 self storage locations in El Paso, TX, SecurCare is your top choice when storing your belongings safely and affordably. With first class features and amenities, SecurCare is one of the top storage facilities in the United States. For example, we offer on-site security cameras, electronic front gates, drive-up storage units, and climate controlled storage units. Many local businesses use our climate controlled storage units to store their overstock, supplies, gear, and tools, protecting them from El Paso’s intense heat.
You can rent a storage unit in El Paso in under five minutes when ready using our easy online reservation forms. There’s no deposit necessary, and your El Paso storage unit will be waiting when you and your movers arrive. Until then, we hope that the information we’ve provided today has proven that El Paso is a great place to live in Texas!