Firstly why El-Paso, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: El-Paso
• State: Texas
• Population: 678,815 people
• El-Paso’s quick summary would be Renowned for its unique blend of Mexican and American cultures, the scenic Franklin Mountains, and the vibrant Sunset Station entertainment district.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 25,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 26,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 9,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a rich cultural tapestry as a border town attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: El-Paso Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 57%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in El-Paso is $50,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & El-Paso’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,241
• Property Tax %: 2.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: West Side
• Top 5 Growing Areas: El-Paso, Fort-Bliss, Socorro, Horizon-City, and probably could include Canutillo
• Avg. Age of Homes in El-Paso: 53 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & El-Paso’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in El-Paso are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare
• El-Paso Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on military and local services
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with focus on logistics, manufacturing, and cross-border trade
• El-Paso Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in El-Paso: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 250 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 23

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in El-Paso

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-10 runs through El Paso facilitating travel across the border
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on I-10
• Transportation Score: 44 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in El-Paso: 600,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 12 in and around the city
• DMV Website for El-Paso: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: El Paso International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: El-Paso’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Extreme Heat
• General Weather in El-Paso is best described as hot summers mild winters with dry conditions
• Winter Weather in El-Paso i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in El-Paso can be described as warm with dry conditions
• Summer’s in El-Paso are mostly very hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in El-Paso is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 195 days in summer
• Days in a row in El-Paso below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained generally with low pollution levels
• El-Paso Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: El-Paso Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in El-Paso 6
• While the number of trade schools inside El-Pasos’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the El Paso Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & El-Paso Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
• Registered Full-Time El-Paso only Doctors is about 190
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time El-Paso only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• El-Paso’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• El-Paso’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• El-Paso’s Water Quality Score: 69

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in El-Paso

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city with strong Mexican influence and a rich history
• You might enjoy concerts at The Plaza Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), El-Paso  offers a lively nightlife with clubs and restaurants highlighting the unique culture of the border region

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of El-Paso

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a rich blend of Mexican and American cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around El-Paso
• The Popular Sports Team is El Paso Chihuahuas
• Top Level Political Climate in El-Paso can be described as diverse city with significant progressive and advocacy issues
• El-Paso’s Longer standing religious establishment is El Paso First Assembly of God

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: El-Paso Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know El-Paso has 50 Parks?
• El Paso Parks is El-Paso’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is El Paso Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and cultural events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: El-Paso Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in El-Paso can be described as active urban lifestyle with a diverse cultural landscape
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in El-Paso hiking local trails attending community events picnics
• The Cities people commute to from El-Paso are Abilene 83 miles away Odessa 86 miles away Ballinger 40 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about El-Paso or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on I-10. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   El-Paso’s Extreme Heat risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If West Side is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby El-Paso are Abilene 83 miles away Odessa 86 miles away Ballinger 40 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   El-Paso has 0 days in a row below freezing and 195 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in El-Paso people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,200 homeless people living in El-Paso. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse city with significant progressive and advocacy issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to El-Paso.

Retiree & Senior Life in El-Paso

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax breaks focused on income and financial needs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Grind
• El Paso Senior Center features wellness programs health workshops and social gatherings for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to El-Paso, Texas?

If El-Paso, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around El-Paso, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!