Texas El Paso
Moving to El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, is a vibrant city that beautifully combines urban energy with the stunning natural landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert. Surrounded by the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande River, El Paso offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, from hiking in the Franklin Mountains State Park to exploring the scenic trails along the Rio Grande. The city’s parks, including the popular Scenic Drive Overlook and the expansive Hueco Tanks State Park, provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, El Paso boasts a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary traditions, and a strong sense of community. The city is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, delicious street food, and vibrant local festivals. From food trucks to fine dining, El Paso’s food scene is a reflection of its multicultural roots, with flavors ranging from traditional Mexican fare to American classics.
El Paso’s commitment to innovation and growth is evident in its expanding tech industry, active business community, and numerous cultural events throughout the year. Whether you're visiting or considering making El Paso your home, the city offers the perfect blend of urban living, cultural experiences, and outdoor exploration.
El Paso by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover El Paso: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
El Paso, Texas, offers a unique blend of local experiences that highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning desert landscapes, and welcoming community. Whether you're exploring the outdoors, indulging in local flavors, or discovering art and history, El Paso has something for every type of explorer.
Franklin Mountains State Park
A local favorite, Franklin Mountains State Park is one of El Paso’s most iconic outdoor spaces. With over 24,000 acres of rugged terrain, this park offers hiking, biking, and scenic drives, as well as breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding desert landscape. The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, whether you're enjoying a peaceful picnic, spotting wildlife, or tackling the challenging trails.
Downtown El Paso
El Paso’s downtown area is filled with a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant cultural spots, and eclectic dining options. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art, stroll through the colorful streets of San Jacinto Plaza, or enjoy a meal at one of the many locally owned restaurants. The area also boasts a variety of shops, from vintage stores to trendy boutiques, making it the ideal place for a day of exploration and discovery.
Food Scene: A Fusion of Flavors
El Paso’s food scene reflects its blend of Mexican, Southwestern, and American influences. The city is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, from sizzling fajitas and cheesy enchiladas to spicy tamales and tacos. Explore the city’s numerous food trucks and restaurants to discover local gems like a chile con queso or a sizzling platter of carne asada. For a true taste of El Paso, be sure to try a classic Mexican dish paired with a refreshing margarita.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
El Paso, Texas, is a city that promotes an active lifestyle year-round, offering a wide range of opportunities for sports, fitness, and outdoor adventure. With abundant sunshine, scenic desert landscapes, and a strong sense of community, El Paso provides a dynamic setting for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike.
Youth & Community Sports
El Paso’s Parks & Recreation Department operates a variety of youth and adult sports leagues throughout the year, including basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and softball. These programs take place at community centers and sports facilities across the city, such as the Don Haskins Recreation Center, Veterans Recreation Center, and San Juan Park. El Paso's commitment to youth development through sports fosters teamwork, fitness, and life skills in a fun, structured environment.
Proximity to Professional Sports
El Paso is home to several professional and semi-professional teams that energize the local sports scene. El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship) brings high-level soccer action to Southwest University Park, which is also home to the El Paso Chihuahuas, a Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The stadium's downtown location makes it a lively destination for family outings and local pride.
College sports fans can support the UTEP Miners across a variety of NCAA Division I sports, including football at the Sun Bowl Stadium and basketball at the Don Haskins Center. These teams are deeply rooted in the local community and draw strong support throughout the season.
Outdoor Recreation
El Paso is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering unparalleled access to desert adventures. Franklin Mountains State Park—located entirely within city limits—is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the U.S. It offers extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and rock climbing with panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Nearby, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is world-renowned for rock climbing and bouldering, attracting athletes from across the globe. The park also features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and centuries-old rock art.
For water activities, Ascarate Park—El Paso’s largest public-use recreation area—offers fishing, pedal boating, and golf. Its 400+ acres include sports fields, a lake, and walking trails, making it a central hub for outdoor activity in the region.
Adventures
Adventures
El Paso, Texas, is a desert city brimming with adventure—from rugged mountain trails and ancient rock formations to scenic desert drives and adrenaline-pumping activities. Nestled between the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande, El Paso offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor exploration for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Mountain Trails & Desert Hikes
El Paso is home to Franklin Mountains State Park, one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the country. This 27,000-acre expanse offers over 100 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Popular hikes include Ron Coleman Trail, known for its stunning ridgelines and challenging climbs, and Tom Mays Unit, which provides easier routes and family-friendly exploration. The desert terrain offers expansive views, striking sunsets, and a chance to spot native wildlife like roadrunners and mule deer.
For a unique historical and geological experience, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is a must-visit. Famous for world-class bouldering, this site also offers guided tours to view ancient pictographs and explore the area's rich Native American history.
Climbing & High-Adrenaline Activities
Adventurers from around the world come to El Paso to climb at Hueco Tanks, one of the most renowned bouldering destinations globally. The area features challenging rock formations, caves, and overhangs for climbers of all skill levels. Reservations and orientation are required due to the site's cultural significance and environmental protection efforts, but the experience is well worth it.
If you're looking to elevate your adventure, try mountain biking through Franklin Mountains, where rugged trails offer a thrilling ride through desert landscapes. For something more relaxed but scenic, Transmountain Road provides a breathtaking drive through the Franklin Mountains, with scenic overlooks perfect for photos or picnics.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
El Paso, Texas, is a city that comes alive year-round with vibrant seasonal events celebrating its rich culture, heritage, and community spirit. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, El Paso offers exciting festivals, outdoor gatherings, and cultural celebrations that reflect the heart of the Borderland.
Fiesta de las Flores
As one of the oldest Hispanic festivals in the Southwest, Fiesta de las Flores is a beloved El Paso tradition held over Labor Day weekend. The three-day event celebrates Hispanic culture with mariachi performances, folklorico dancers, live Tejano music, a parade, food vendors, and family activities. It's a colorful, festive way to honor the city’s multicultural roots and community pride.
Neon Desert Music Festival
Held in downtown El Paso each spring, Neon Desert Music Festival is one of the city’s biggest music events. It features a diverse lineup of artists across genres like hip-hop, EDM, indie rock, and Latin music. The festival draws thousands of attendees and transforms the city center into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and street culture, complete with food trucks, interactive art, and local vendors.
Chalk the Block
Celebrated each October, Chalk the Block is El Paso’s largest public art festival. Downtown streets become a canvas for local and international artists who create stunning chalk art masterpieces. The event also features art installations, live performances, interactive exhibits, and food trucks, making it a fun and inspiring weekend for all ages.
Community Resources
El Paso, Texas, boasts a comprehensive healthcare system that serves as a vital medical hub for West Texas and Southern New Mexico. The city's healthcare infrastructure includes a mix of public hospitals, private medical centers, and specialized facilities, ensuring residents and visitors have access to high-quality medical services.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC)
UMC is a renowned teaching and research hospital affiliated with the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. It stands as the region's only Level I Trauma Center, providing advanced emergency care. UMC also offers specialized services in stroke care and maternal health, being designated as a Level 4 Maternal Care hospital by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC)
The Hospitals of Providence
Serving the El Paso community since 1902, The Hospitals of Providence comprise several campuses, including Sierra Campus and Transmountain Campus. These facilities offer a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments, and are committed to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of the region.
The Hospitals of Providence
El Paso Children's Hospital
Dedicated exclusively to pediatric care, El Paso Children's Hospital provides the highest level of medical services for children in the region. Since its opening in 2012, the hospital has significantly reduced the need for families to seek pediatric subspecialty and surgical care outside the area.
El Paso Children's Hospital
El Paso, Texas, offers a diverse and robust educational landscape, catering to learners from early childhood through higher education. With a blend of public and private institutions, as well as renowned colleges and universities, the city is committed to fostering academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is the largest and oldest school district in the region, established in 1883. Serving over 49,000 students across 91 campuses, EPISD is the 12th largest district in Texas and the 61st largest in the United States . The district emphasizes academic achievement, equity, and community involvement, offering a variety of programs to meet diverse student needs.
Notable public schools in El Paso include:
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Franklin High School: Known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.
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Coronado High School: Offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a reputation for academic excellence.
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El Paso High School: One of the oldest operating high schools in Texas, known for its historic architecture and academic programs.
EPISD also provides magnet programs, dual-language education, and specialized curricula to cater to various student interests and aspirations.
Private Schools
El Paso is home to several esteemed private schools that offer alternative educational approaches and specialized programs:
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Loretto Academy: An all-girls Catholic school known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on leadership and service.
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Immanuel Christian School: Offers a Christ-centered education with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
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Cathedral High School: A Catholic college preparatory school for young men, emphasizing faith, leadership, and academic achievement.
These institutions provide families with options that align with their educational preferences and values.
Higher Education
El Paso hosts several higher education institutions that contribute to the city's academic and economic vitality:
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The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP): A public research university offering nearly 170 degree options across various disciplines, including engineering, business, and health sciences.
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El Paso Community College (EPCC): Provides affordable education with over 130 programs, serving as a gateway to higher education for many residents.
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Southwest University: Offers career-focused programs in fields such as nursing, business, and technology, emphasizing hands-on learning experiences.
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso: Specializes in health-related programs, contributing to the region's medical education and research.
These institutions not only provide educational opportunities but also play a significant role in regional development and innovation.
El Paso, Texas, offers a comprehensive suite of utilities and government services that support a comfortable and efficient lifestyle for residents and businesses alike. From water and energy to vehicle services, the city ensures that essential needs are met with reliability and sustainability in mind.
Utilities:
Water and Sewer Services
El Paso Water, a municipally owned utility, provides the city with high-quality water and wastewater services. Committed to sustainability, El Paso Water is developing the Pure Water Center, a $295 million advanced purification facility that will contribute approximately 10 million gallons per day to the city's water supply, addressing the challenges of a desert environment.
El Paso Water
Electricity and Gas
El Paso Electric (EPE) is the sole electricity provider for the region, serving over 400,000 customers in West Texas and Southern New Mexico. Operating in a regulated market, EPE offers various programs to help customers manage energy consumption and costs, including energy efficiency initiatives and time-of-use plans.
El Paso Electric (EPE)
Texas Gas Service supplies natural gas to El Paso residents and businesses. The company emphasizes safety and energy efficiency, providing resources and programs to help customers reduce consumption and enhance safety.
Texas Gas Service
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Vehicle registration and title services in El Paso are managed by the El Paso County Tax Office. Residents can renew registrations online, by mail, or in person. As of January 1, 2025, Texas no longer requires annual safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles, though emissions testing remains mandatory in certain counties. A $7.50 inspection replacement fee has been added to the annual registration fee.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.