Overview of El Paso

El Paso is surrounded by the Franklin Mountains and shares a fenced border with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. El Paso is known as Sun City for its windy springs, sweltering summers and mild winters. The city endures a few annual snowstorms, but they do not last long. Keeping layers and sunscreen accessible is recommended.

EL Paso Neighborhoods

El Paso is splint into five areas. Those neighborhoods are Central, Eastside, Northeast Side, Lower Valley and Westside/Upper Valley. Each are unique and contribute to the overall beauty of El Paso. 

Central is the oldest and most historic neighborhood in the city. Although the multicultural district is home to many colorful and vibrant homes, the neglected areas stand out. The property value of Central El Paso is lower than modern areas of the city. 

Eastside is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods, because of its topographic location. The flat desert land is consisting primarily of suburban housing complexes and subdivisions. It is boarded by Interstate 10, US 10 and US 16. Many homes are appraised as high as $200,000. Most homes range 30 years and younger. 

Northeast Side appeals to people that relocated to El Paso for its natural beauty. The Franklin Mountain horseshoe El Paso. Northeast Side is one of the closest neighborhoods to Franklin Mountains, Transmountain Road and Fort Bliss. Many families and retirees reside here. Due to its proximity to Central El Paso, the average value of a home in this area fluctuates between $122,000 and $225,000. Regardless, the area is conveniently located near many shopping centers, churches, grocery stores and restaurants. 

Lower Valley has a unique combination of rural and urban vibes. It is very close to Downtown El Paso but is home to many family farms. Homes here are priced below $70,000. Due to the areas demographic, the neighborhood is deeply rooted Native American and Mexican culture. Lower Valley is home to Tigue Indian Reservation, a popular tourist attraction. 

Westside/Upper Valley encompasses north and west of downtown. It has the highest property value of all five neighborhoods. The average estate range is $300,000 to $400,000, but homes are valued as high as $600,000. Compared to East Side, subdivisions are less compact and crowded. Modern homes, state of the art shopping centers and restaurants make it one of the fastest growing real estate areas in El Paso. 

Getting Around the City

Sun Metro is the local bus transportation for the city. It offers military discount, as well as pre-paid fair cards. Select buses travels between El Paso, Texas and Sunland Park, New Mexico. However, personal vehicles and rentals cars are the best way to get in and around El Paso, because it has plenty parking. Meter parking and SMART Cards are available. Preloaded SMART Cards may be used to pay meters. Although the city is walkable, it is not biker friendly. There are a few dotted roads designated for cyclist. Couple interested in biking should consider utilizing mountain trails or parks. 

Internet Providers 

At this point in time, society is heavily reliant on wireless connectivity. Cellphone service is very spotty in El Paso. Internet providers give couples another way to stay in contact with one another. The top five high-speed internet providers are Spectrum, AT&T, CenturyLink, EarthLink, Viasat and EIN. After closing on a home with PCS El Paso, be sure to identify high-speed internet options for that neighborhood.

Utilities

El Paso Electric has served El Paso for over 100 years. It is located at 100 N Stanton St. The regional electric company is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Future customers may reach a representative at 915-543-5970. Although the electric company has deep roots in the city, El Paso Water roots run deeper. 

About a decade after El Paso was incorporated in 1873, the areas first area water works was established by Sylvester. Today, El Paso Water is located at 6400 Boeing Drive. The water company is open Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Future clients may speak with a representative at 915-594-5500 or email customer.service@epwater.org. 

Future homeowners that need natural gas service may visit Texas Gas Service at 6400 Pollard Street or 4600 Pollard Street. It is not the oldest utility provider in the city. Texas Gas Service is the third largest natural gas distribution company in Texas that serves 100 communities. The local number is 915-562-2003. Customers may contact 800-700-2443 as well. Both locations are northwest of Fort Bliss. 

City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD) is responsible for collecting trash and recyclables. ESD is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 7968 San Paulo Drive. A customer representative may be reached at 915-212-6048.

https://www.epelectric.com/ 

https://www.epwater.org/

https://www.texasgasservice.com/

Grocery Stores 

looking for grocery stores with a wide variety, you do not have to go to Walmart for everything. There are three regional grocery stores in El Paso. Two grocery stores have several sites throughout El Paso. Although El Paso is home to a diverse restaurant scene, eating out every meal adds up quickly. 

FT Bliss Commissary

The on-post grocery store is located at 1620 Marshall Road The phone number is 915-568-6688. Store Hours are Sunday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Soldier Gate and Chaffee Gate are the closest. If couples are not ready to see what El Paso has to offer, Freedom Crossing is right next door. Freedom Crossings is the world’s first open-air shopping center.

Food King 

Food King is a family-owned grocery store with four sites in El Paso. The locations are as follows: 8201 Dyer St, 6021 N. Mesa St., 7945 N. Mesa St. and 9480 Alamanda Ave. The Southwestern chain has over 151 grocery stores in Texas. Shoppers can Connect with Food King on Facebook and shop via Instacart. 

Alberston 

Alberston Grocery is the American Dream. It was started in 1939 by Joe Alberston and L.S. Skaggos. Today, it is one of the largest grocery stores and pharmacies in the U.S. The El Paso locations are as follows: 5200 Montana Ave., 7022 N. Mesa St., 5630 N. Desert Blvd., 3100 Mesa St., 2200 Yarbrough Dr. and 11320 Mountwood Dr. Instore, delivery and pick up are available.

Do you have a Sam’s Club or Costco’s membership? Both national stores are in El Paso. There are 3 Sam’s Clubs in El Paso. They are located at 7001 Gateway Blvd W. 9498 Gateway N Blvd and 7970 N Mesa St. Costco Wholesale is located at 6101 Gateway Blvd W A -1. 

Public Education

Plan to raise children in El Paso? ZIP codes determine what district and schools a home falls under. Potential homebuyers, whose purchase is impacted by area schools, should explore local districts options for pre-K through secondary education. 

El Paso Independent School District (ISD) is the largest district in the Texas Education Agency’s Educational Service Center. The public school district consists of 84 campuses; to include 10 traditional high schools, 15 middle schools and 50 elementary schools. The district is one of El Paso’s highest employers with a starting salary of $52,750. 

The second largest school district and third largest employer in El Paso is Ysleta ISD. The district consists of 7 high schools, 11 middle schools and 38 elementary school. They are encompassed in 7 Districts. Ysleta has a community learning center for adults as well. 

While you are looking for a place to call home, remember your favorite real estate team, PCS El Paso, www.pcselpaso.com/915-873-2772/chasity@pcselpaso.com

Lifestyle post written by Patricia Streeter, lifestyle blogger.

https://coe.utep.edu/tjf2020/documents/episd/20-21_District_Snapshot.pdf

https://coe.utep.edu/tjf2020/index.php/district-explorer/el-paso-independent-school-district