5 Questions about El Paso (Austin, Mart: movies, live, restaurants)

[satxguero]

I am considering a move from Austin to El Paso and some questions i havent seen posted on here"

1. I have seen online that gasoline is higher out in El Paso-are there cheaper gas stations out there?

2. How are the grocery prices out there?-I see that most people shop at Wal-Mart which isnt always cheaper all the time-Does anything exist like HEB stores here in Austin?

3. How are the city parks and bicycle trails in El Paso?

4. What do people do for entertainment on weekends out there?-are there any good flea markets to go to?

5. I have read a lot on the situation in Juarez and talked to friends out there about this-what is the reality and truth about visiting/shopping/eating in Juarez?

Thanks for yalls help on this!

[malamute]

1. Gas is about $1.94 right now, most gas stations run about the same here.

2. Food prices generally are higher here than other places, no HEB stores. We have Albertsons, Walmarts, Lowes and a few other Shur-sav stores.

3. City parks and bicycle trails don't compare with Austin's -- except we have a great state park right in town with some nice hiking and bike trails. We have a few nice bicycle trails in some places, and riding along the river is really nice.

4. People go to bars, movies, outside grilling, parties. A few bicycle, hike, horseback ride -- but El Paso people seem to prefer staying indoors, the hiking and biking trails are uncrowded (nice) and you don't see people outdoors too much. On weekends the Walmarts are jammed packed.

5. The reality is Juarez isn't advisable at this time. People from there are moving over to this side in large numbers, they come here to shop and eat because they're afraid in their own city. It's kind of unbelievable but what you read is only the tip of the iceburg. That said, it's mostly those involved with the cartels that are made victims, I don't think an innocent American tourist has been injured or killed over there yet -- but not many innocent American tourists are going over there any more. The cartels have no reason to target innocent people but who wants to risk it.

[malamute]

And there are many flea markets in El Paso. They must be good because a lot of people go to them. They can be a good substitute for shopping over in Juarez.

[Smooth from ELP]

What is bringing you out of Austin to El Paso if you dont mind me asking? I have been trying to get of here too but cant find the right opportunity.

[Gary Siete]

1) You can compare gas prices at Austin Gas Prices - Find Cheap Gas Prices in Texas vs El Paso Gas Prices - Find Cheap Gas Prices in Texas They appear to be about the same.

2) I doubt that you'll find much difference in food prices. Competition is limited - with Walmart and Alberstons dominating and Lowes/Big8 a distant third.

5) I'm in Juarez frequently but avoid taking my son there and haven't been to a restaurant in ages. The main, but remote, danger to 'innocent Americans' is being too close to a gun fight or ambush/execution. Don't go exploring or off the beaten path and you should be fine. Restaurants are hurting from the drop in customers. The violence has dropped dramatically since the army moved in but I expect it to go back up when they leave in the fall - I don't have much confidence in the new police force thats being trained to take over. If they live locally they will be threaten or coerced to join one gang or another.

[mistabinks]

There is a very large jogging and biking population here. There is a lot to do outside around here. Usually the ones that say there is nothing to do are the ones that don't put any effort into looking. You have to dig a little but there is a lot going on.

[mrsrobinson73]

Originally Posted by mistabinks

There is a very large jogging and biking population here. There is a lot to do outside around here. Usually the ones that say there is nothing to do are the ones that don't put any effort into looking. You have to dig a little but there is a lot going on.

You know I think it would be cool if you listed all the things to do outside here! i'd love to know what they are so i can make plans to get out once we get there and get settled!

[mistabinks]

Originally Posted by mrsrobinson73

You know I think it would be cool if you listed all the things to do outside here! i'd love to know what they are so i can make plans to get out once we get there and get settled!

You just have to keep an ear open. Read the El Tiempo on Fridays and also read the Whats Up newsletter. For example, today there is a children fairs at Washington Park. It is being organized by the El Paso Public Library. Two Saturdays ago there was an event downtown called Kidsapalooza. There are fairs, events, marathons, walks, going on all the time. Anyone who says there is nothing to do here is simply not trying.

Ascarate Park is always an option. The trails near the Border Patrol museum are fun. Little things like this. Hueco Tanks, Red Sands, White Sands. Plenty of stuff!

[danieloneil01]

Originally Posted by malamute

1. Gas is about $1.94 right now, most gas stations run about the same here.

2. Food prices generally are higher here than other places, no HEB stores. We have Albertsons, Walmarts, Lowes and a few other Shur-sav stores.

Quick question, which Lowes sells food?

And to the OP, you won't see press conferences about the city having to cut down 20 trees. And alot of people get DWI's as drinking is one of the main things to do here, sad but true..

[Ken C.]

Originally Posted by satxguero

I am considering a move from Austin to El Paso and some questions i havent seen posted on here"


1. I have seen online that gasoline is higher out in El Paso-are there cheaper gas stations out there?
If you have a Walmart/Sam's club or Costco card you'll save a few pennies off the 1.94 price.

2. How are the grocery prices out there?-I see that most people shop at Wal-Mart which isnt always cheaper all the time-Does anything exist like HEB stores here in Austin?
Walmart offers comparison shopping to match the competition while offering lower prices on several instore items.

3. How are the city parks and bicycle trails in El Paso?
Some are good, but the parks are the safer places to ride (IMHO)

4. What do people do for entertainment on weekends out there?-are there any good flea markets to go to?
As stated by others clubbing is a mainstay as well as various sporting events offered by both UTEP and the private sector.

5. I have read a lot on the situation in Juarez and talked to friends out there about this-what is the reality and truth about visiting/shopping/eating in Juarez?
I'd visit only during the day time and with a group and only on the main streets. Eating over there is okay, but here we offer similar food offerings of authentic south of the border cooking.
Thanks for yalls help on this!

You'll find we are a friendly bunch here.