Moving to El Paso, Texas
$230K median homes, 300+ sunny days, a bilingual community, and the lowest cost of living of any major Texas city. Welcome to the Borderplex.
$230K
Median Home
870K
Metro Population
300+
Sunny Days
$0
Income Tax
Living in El Paso
El Paso is the most underrated city in Texas. Sitting on the US-Mexico border with Las Cruces, NM 45 minutes north and Juárez across the bridge, it's the heart of the Borderplex region — a tri-city metro of 2.5 million people. The cost of living is 15-20% below the national average. A $230K median home price means a 3BR/2BA with a yard is achievable for most buyers. Fort Bliss — one of the largest military installations in the world — anchors the economy alongside healthcare (University Medical Center, El Paso Children's), education (UTEP), and growing logistics/manufacturing sectors. The bilingual community (80%+ Hispanic) creates a unique cultural richness with incredible food, music, and family-centered lifestyle. 300+ sunny days per year, the Franklin Mountains for hiking, and a pace of life that lets you actually enjoy what you earn. This is where your dollar goes the furthest in Texas — period.
Top Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Side | Upper-middle class, newer builds | $280K-$450K | Families, professionals |
| East Side | Established, Fort Bliss adjacent | $180K-$300K | Military, first-time buyers |
| Upper Valley | Rural feel, horse properties | $250K-$500K+ | Space seekers, acreage |
| Central/UTEP Area | Urban, walkable, historic | $150K-$280K | Students, investors, culture |
| Northeast | Suburban, growing | $200K-$350K | Families, new construction |
| Horizon City | Exurban, affordable new builds | $180K-$280K | Budget buyers, commuters |
| Canutillo/Vinton | Northwest corridor, rural-suburban | $200K-$350K | Families wanting space |
Pros & Cons of El Paso
✅ Pros
- ✓ Most affordable major TX city ($230K median)
- ✓ 300+ sunny days — best climate in TX
- ✓ Zero state income tax
- ✓ Bilingual community (EN/ES everywhere)
- ✓ Fort Bliss military economy — stable
- ✓ Low crime compared to perception
- ✓ Borderplex access (2.5M metro)
- ✓ USDA-eligible areas for 0% down
- ✓ Incredible Tex-Mex food culture
- ✓ Franklin Mountains State Park in city limits
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Smaller job market vs DFW/Houston
- ✗ Limited direct flights (ELP airport)
- ✗ Far from other TX cities (5+ hrs to DFW)
- ✗ Summer heat (100°F+ June-Sept)
- ✗ Water scarcity concerns long-term
- ✗ Limited nightlife/entertainment vs larger cities
Financing in El Paso
- USDA-eligible zones in Horizon City, Canutillo, and outer areas — 0% down payment
- VA loans extremely popular — Fort Bliss is one of the largest bases in the US
- FHA loans from 3.5% down — $230K median means ~$8K total down payment
- Texas Veterans Land Board programs available for vets
- Homestead exemption + low home prices = very affordable monthly payments
- A $230K home at 6% with 5% down = ~$1,450/month all-in (PITI)
- Hablamos Español — bilingual service from pre-approval to closing