Mexican Border Cities

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My most interesting experience has been Juarez/El Paso.

First up, the area has an absolutely fascinating history which likely colors the experience. It's the home of a vibrant desert culture. And, frankly, I think El Paso is pretty cool. It's my favourite town in Texas. The desert landscape is a big part of that, as is the city itself, which is and feels old.

But equally important in the overall experience is Juarez, which changes the entire vibe of the area, IMO. Juarez is only a few hundred metres from its sister and it rises up in full visibility. You simply can't ignore it.

I've only actually been over the border once, which was a couple of years back. I was staying in downtown El Paso and walked over the bridge (Santa Fe st, if I recall correctly), then down the street into the center of town. Got lunch, had a drink, did some shopping and came home while the sun was still hot. It was really quite fascinating. (I never felt uncomfortable, but that could just be naivety.)

All I got was a taste, but I really wish the city could be safer. Aside from the obvious benefits for the locals, tourists could spend more time there, especially to experience the nightlife. There's just so much depth and breadth to the culture that suffuses the area. It feels entirely unpasteurised. And after my little walk into Juarez, I must say that sticking to El Paso gives a lop-sided experience.

And with that, I'm going to get political: since Americans are hell-bent on getting high, it'd be nice if the drug trade was nixed by legalization and Juarez given a chance to shake off the damned cartels. But since America is dominated by pearl-clutching fools who like to pretend we can somehow defeat the vice market, think about this next time you rack up a line of white powder: your purchase is contributing to the horror and terror inflicted by criminals in Mexico.

[Mandalorian]

They have a reputation of being extraordinarily violent. I have a cousin who is as Texan as it gets, he will not under any circumstance go to Laredo or McAllen. This is an eight generation Texan whole has spent his who life there.

[RadicalAtheist]

And that's how fear of Mexico (even Americanized resort areas) was spread.

[KingstonBob]

Originally Posted by sav858

San Diego and El Paso are two of the safest large cities in the US.

I've noticed that two of the safest large cities in the US are on the Mexican border, and conversely, two of the most dangerous US cities (Detroit and Buffalo) are on the Canadian border.