Pros and Cons of Living in El Paso, Texas
An honest look at what makes El Paso great and what newcomers should know before moving to the Sun City.
El Paso offers one of the most affordable, safest, and sunniest lifestyles of any large U.S. city - but it comes with real trade-offs. The cost of living runs 12% below the national average, crime rates are 14% lower than the national rate, and you'll get 297 days of sunshine per year. The downsides are equally concrete: summer heat regularly exceeds 100°F, public transportation is limited, the city is geographically isolated from other major metros, and the job market leans heavily on the military and healthcare sectors. Here's an honest, data-driven breakdown from a team that's helped hundreds of families make this decision.
The Pros: Why People Love Living in El Paso
1. One of the Most Affordable Large Cities in America
El Paso's cost of living is 12% below the national average, with the biggest savings in housing. The median home price is approximately $265,000 according to GEPAR MLS data, compared to a national median above $400,000. Rent is similarly affordable - the median sits around $1,189 per month, 13% below the U.S. average.
Texas has no state income tax, which boosts take-home pay further. A household earning $75,000 in El Paso has roughly the same purchasing power as one earning $90,000 in Denver or $105,000 in San Diego, based on cost-of-living comparison data from BestPlaces. For military families, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Fort Bliss stretches further than at most duty stations - an E-5 with dependents receives approximately $1,773 per month, which comfortably covers a mortgage on a median-priced home.
2. Consistently One of the Safest Large Cities in the U.S.
Despite being a border city, El Paso has ranked among the safest large cities in America for over two decades. Crime rates run 14% below the national average, and the city has earned top-five placements in multiple national safety studies, including AdvisorSmith's ranking of the safest large cities in the country.
This isn't a recent trend - it's a long-standing characteristic. El Paso's strong community ties, family-oriented culture, and significant law enforcement presence (including federal agencies along the border) all contribute to the safety profile. For newcomers, especially those with families, this is often the single biggest factor in choosing El Paso over other cities.
For neighborhood-level safety data, see our El Paso Neighborhood Guide, which includes crime scores for every area.
3. 297 Days of Sunshine and Year-Round Outdoor Access
El Paso averages 297 sunny days per year - more than nearly any major U.S. city. Annual rainfall is just 8.8 inches, and snowfall averages roughly 3 inches. If you're coming from the Midwest, Southeast, or Pacific Northwest, the consistent sunshine is a lifestyle upgrade that affects everything from your mood to your electric bill.
The outdoor access is exceptional. Franklin Mountains State Park sits within the city limits - it's the largest urban park in the contiguous United States at over 24,000 acres. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site offers world-class rock climbing. Trail running, mountain biking, and hiking are available year-round, and the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park provides surprisingly green space in the desert.
4. Strong, Recession-Resistant Economy Anchored by Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss supports approximately 127,000 jobs and contributes $27.9 billion annually to the Texas economy. That military economic floor means El Paso weathers national recessions better than most mid-size cities. During the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic downturn, El Paso's unemployment rate stayed below the national average.
Beyond the military, El Paso's economy benefits from international trade (it's one of the largest U.S.-Mexico ports of entry), healthcare (University Medical Center, The Hospitals of Providence, Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare), and education (UTEP, El Paso Community College). The median household income is approximately $59,745, and the unemployment rate consistently tracks near national averages.
5. Tight-Knit Community with Rich Bicultural Identity
El Paso's culture is genuinely unique in the United States. The city is over 80% Hispanic, and the blending of American and Mexican cultures creates a food scene, arts community, and family-centered way of life that people who move here consistently cite as one of their favorite things about the city.
The community is welcoming and family-oriented. Average commute times are 22.7 minutes - below the national average of 26.4 minutes - which means more time at home and in your neighborhood. People here know their neighbors, attend local festivals like the Sun City Music Festival and Chalk the Block, and support local businesses. For families, this smaller-city feel within a metro of nearly 700,000 is a rare combination.
"As someone who had just moved from California, John was very helpful in getting me oriented with the city and the different neighborhoods. I am so happy with my purchase."
- Chris M., Relocated from California, Google Review
The Cons: What You Should Know Before Moving
1. Summer Heat Is Intense
El Paso is in the Chihuahuan Desert at 3,740 feet elevation, and summers are hot. Roughly 27 days per year exceed 100°F, June through August highs regularly reach the mid-90s to low 100s, and afternoon temperatures can make outdoor activity uncomfortable from roughly noon to 6 PM during peak summer.
The saving grace is the low humidity - typically 10–20% during summer days, compared to 60–80% in Houston or Atlanta. Dry heat is genuinely more tolerable, shade actually works, and evenings cool down significantly. Most residents adjust within one or two summers, and air conditioning costs remain reasonable thanks to the dry climate. But if you love lush green landscapes and mild summers, El Paso's climate requires a mindset shift.
For a month-by-month breakdown, see our Complete Guide to Moving to El Paso, which covers climate month by month.
2. Geographic Isolation from Other Major Cities
El Paso is closer to Phoenix (430 miles) than to Houston (747 miles), Dallas (571 miles), or San Antonio (548 miles). The nearest major metro is Albuquerque at 268 miles. If you're used to weekend trips to other cities, the distances are a significant adjustment.
El Paso International Airport offers direct flights to major hubs including Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, but the options are more limited than what you'd find at a DFW or Houston hub. For travelers who fly frequently, this can be a real inconvenience. The flip side: once you settle in, El Paso's self-contained community means most of what you need is within a 20-minute drive.
3. Limited Public Transportation
El Paso scores a 28 out of 100 on transit accessibility. Sun Metro operates the city's bus system, and there are limited streetcar routes in the downtown corridor, but the reality is that you need a car to live comfortably here. The city stretches roughly 30 miles from the far west side to the far east, and most errands, commutes, and activities require driving.
For car-free newcomers or those accustomed to subway or light rail systems, this is a meaningful lifestyle change. Ride-sharing services are available but less ubiquitous than in larger metros. If walkability matters to you, neighborhoods like Kern Place, Sunset Heights, and parts of downtown offer the most pedestrian-friendly layouts - but even there, a car is essentially necessary for daily life.
4. Lower Salary Ranges and Limited Industry Diversity
El Paso's median household income of $59,745 falls below the national median of approximately $75,000. High-paying tech, finance, and corporate headquarters jobs that drive salaries in Austin, Dallas, or Denver are scarce here. The economy leans on the military, government, healthcare, education, and trade/logistics - stable sectors, but not typically high-salary ones.
The counter-argument is purchasing power. That $59,745 buys significantly more in El Paso than $75,000 does in Austin or $90,000 in a coastal city, because housing and living costs are so much lower. Remote workers earning out-of-market salaries find El Paso especially attractive for this reason. But if you're seeking a local career in tech, finance, or corporate management, the options are limited compared to larger Texas metros.
For detailed employment data, see our Complete Guide to Moving to El Paso, which covers the local job market in detail.
5. Entertainment and Nightlife Are More Limited
El Paso doesn't have the dining, nightlife, or entertainment density of Austin, San Antonio, or Dallas. There are no professional major-league sports teams (though the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team has a fantastic stadium downtown, and the El Paso Locomotive FC draw passionate crowds). The bar and restaurant scene is growing but more concentrated than spread out - downtown, Cincinnati Avenue in Kern Place, and scattered pockets across the city carry most of the weight.
That said, El Paso's entertainment culture is evolving. The Plaza Theatre hosts national touring acts, the food scene (especially Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine) is world-class and authentically rooted in the border culture, and weekend trips to Ruidoso (2 hours) or White Sands National Park (1.5 hours) offer mountain and nature getaways. Ciudad Juárez - just across the border - has its own vibrant dining and nightlife scene. But if you need a new restaurant every weekend or live music every night, El Paso may feel limited.
The Bottom Line: Who Thrives in El Paso?
El Paso is an excellent fit for families, military members, remote workers, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize affordability, safety, sunshine, and community over nightlife, career diversity, and proximity to other cities. The people who love it here tend to value quality of life over quantity of options.
From our experience helping hundreds of families make the move through Peña El Paso Realty Group, the relocations that go best are the ones where people arrive with realistic expectations about the trade-offs - and then discover that the pros far outweigh the cons for their specific lifestyle.
"I came across John and Alejandro on YouTube while researching El Paso. Their videos were the most informative I found. We encountered several delays while waiting to transition jobs. I kept in touch with John prior to moving. As a first time home buyer they made the process extremely easy."
- Brian B., relocated to El Paso, Google Review, 2025
We cover neighborhood tours, cost-of-living breakdowns, and local lifestyle content on our YouTube channel, Living in El Paso Texas - it's the best way to get a feel for the city before you visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso a good place to live?
El Paso is one of the safest, most affordable, and sunniest large cities in the U.S. It's an excellent fit for families, military members, and retirees who value low cost of living, community, and outdoor access. The main trade-offs are summer heat, geographic isolation, and limited industry diversity. Most people who move here find the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
What is the biggest downside of living in El Paso?
The most commonly cited challenge is geographic isolation. El Paso is 268 miles from Albuquerque (the nearest major metro) and over 500 miles from other major Texas cities. If you frequently travel to other cities or rely on a wide range of direct flight options, the distance is a real factor. Summer heat (27 days above 100°F) is the second most common concern.
Is El Paso safe to live in?
Yes. El Paso has ranked among the safest large cities in America for over 20 years, with crime rates 14% below the national average. Despite its border location, the city consistently outperforms most U.S. metros of similar size on safety metrics. For neighborhood-specific data, see our El Paso Neighborhood Guide, which includes crime scores for every area.
Is El Paso good for families?
El Paso is consistently rated as one of the most family-friendly large cities in Texas. The combination of affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, good schools across multiple ISDs, short commute times (22.7-minute average), and abundant outdoor recreation makes it especially appealing for families with children. The strong military community at Fort Bliss also creates a welcoming environment for families who relocate frequently.
What are the pros of living in El Paso?
The five biggest advantages are: affordable cost of living (12% below national average), safety (14% below national crime rates), sunshine (297 days per year), a strong recession-resistant economy anchored by Fort Bliss ($27.9 billion annual impact), and a tight-knit bicultural community with short commute times. Texas also has no state income tax.
What are the cons of living in El Paso?
The five main drawbacks are: intense summer heat (27+ days above 100°F), geographic isolation from other major cities, limited public transportation (car required), lower salary ranges and limited industry diversity compared to larger Texas metros, and a smaller entertainment and nightlife scene. These are real trade-offs, though most residents find the affordability and quality of life compensate.