What is El Paso known for? (Houston, San Antonio: college, vs., shop)

[SA2EP?]

What do you say to somebody when they ask you this question?

[Gary Siete]

I've found that it's mainly known as The Gateway to Juarez. Tell someone that you are from El Paso and they'll tell you about the time they went drinking in Juarez.

If someone asked the question I'd say Mexican food & hot dry climate.

[SA2EP?]

From what I have learned, most youth's teen years invovled going down to Juarez for a little fun. I think most people would probably say the same thing you did Gary: Mexican food/good weather

However, wouldn't it be nice to tell them that El Paso is known for its emerging technology companies, breakthrough educational programs, and top notch health care research?

I'm just wondering what it will take for El Paso to be known for more than its food and climate.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Don't mistake for what reasons people like El Paso, for what El Paso is renown for. Unfortunately, El Paso is not renowned for anything significant out of El Paso itself. It is too bad too, at one time in her early days, El Paso was a vibrant top notch western city; you can look at the vintage photos of El Paso and see that it was not too different from other major cities at the same time period.

El Paso was bustling, growing, and had influence in the space and defense industries in the 40s and 50s. Then the politics changed, and have stayed the same since the early sixties, going on three generations.

Many are happy with the "laid back" attitude and "weather". So what? Throw a dart anywhere in the world and you would get the same thing. El Paso needs more than "laid back", "weather", and "friendly" to succeed, though those are important dynamics also. But not for Ft. Bliss, I'd hate to see what my hometown would be.

My 2 cents...

[gairetjax]

I would usually say that you can't beat the mexican food in El Paso to somebody who asked me this question, but I quickly learned that people for other areas of Texas (Ex: San Antonio, Houston) don't like El Paso mexican food.

Juarez night life would be the next thing that I would mention, but seeing as how the danger level has increased I would never recommend this to anyone. I remember going to Juarez as a child and being scared. I can't imagine what it would be like now.

[SA2EP?]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

Don't mistake for what reasons people like El Paso, for what El Paso is renown for. Unfortunately, El Paso is not renowned for anything significant out of El Paso itself. It is too bad too, at one time in her early days, El Paso was a vibrant top notch western city; you can look at the vintage photos of El Paso and see that it was not too different from other major cities at the same time period.

El Paso was bustling, growing, and had influence in the space and defense industries in the 40s and 50s. Then the politics changed, and have stayed the same since the early sixties, going on three generations.

I have heard other people talk about the El Paso of old and how great it was and where it was headed. It would be interesting to go back in time and see what the perception of the city was by citizens and outsiders. El Paso needs to get its mojo back

[Caltep]

The El Paso song and Rosie's Cantina. UTEP and to some degree now more than before, the '66 team and Glory Road movie. The founder of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry. For die hards, Chico's Tacos.

[Gary Siete]

Originally Posted by SA2EP?

I have heard other people talk about the El Paso of old and how great it was and where it was headed. It would be interesting to go back in time and see what the perception of the city was by citizens and outsiders. El Paso needs to get its mojo back

Part of mojo-loss was due to the business and shopping exodus to the suburbs and the decline of downtown as a destination. This happened to cities across North America in the 70's including the hollowing out of Juarez.
I'd also add the loss of local businesses (The Popular, The White House, Texas Commerce...) and their head offices and the rise of national chains that reduce local 'character' & traditions.

[Caltep]

But several cities have reclaimed their downtown areas. From what I have read, there is resistance to the downtown re-emergence if it affects the Segundo Barrio. I have not been in EP long enough to know much about Segundo, but when I first moved here I read folks were opposed to downtown redevelopment b/c it would displace all of the stores that Juarez citizens liked to patronize. I may be off base with this, but it seems the latest is that it is an "elitist" affluent small group that folks are resisting. I understand that the on-going argument here is the status quo vs. development.

[mistabinks]

Something that I am glad that is slowly fading away is the vast differences in opinion from different parts of town. Specifically, west side and northeast residents. More and more the city is gelling together and I am happy for that.

You can see differences in opinion from generation to generation and from part of town to part of town.

I am grew up in the Bel Air and Hanks area. Most of my family was in that area. As far as entertainment, Juarez was nothing to me. There was far too much going on for me to bother with Juarez. I don't represent every teenager at that time but that was my experience.

As far as what I think El Paso is known for (nationally):

-The Sun Bowl. Hit up any college football forum. The Sun Bowl gets a lot of kudos.
-The 1966 Championship. The common fan may have learned about it with the movie Glory Road. Athletes world wide knew the story very well for many decades though. Did you know Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wanted to coach at UTEP after The Bear retired? Why? Because of UTEP's basketball history.
-Chicos Tacos. Personal opinions aside, they are very well known.
-Friendliness. After a trip through central Texas, I am very grateful for this.