Nice areas in El Paso to live? (Houston, Dallas: car insurance, new home)

[bily4]

Hey all, I was looking at a possible job in El Paso. I only drove through 1 time and from the interstate...not too impressive. I lived for several years in Tucson and enjoyed it there, so I am "in" for the desert. Can anybody provide any nice neighborhoods where it is a little more scenic and away from the industry? Are there any nice areas at all close to the border...I would need to go into Mexico quite a bit for the job. Or would it be an awful commute? Say around $200k house range? Any feedback is appreciated!

[nixau27]

The Upper Valley (or west side) is a good place to live. The schools are good (if you have kids) and the people are diverse. I would think twice abt. moving here though. I've lived here for 6 yrs.now and if i have a choice I won't be here at all. Finally moving , just waiting to sell my house! Property taxes are ridiculously high considering the quality of life is bad. I have a 150K house and paying almost 4K in property taxes, car insurance is high as well. Good luck though!

[Muhnay]

I have to second what NIXAU27 said.. I'm outta here as soon as I can.. Telling my family that if they want my help to move to where I am.. I am not coming back again.. I'll be homeless before I come back here ever again.

STAY AWAY FROM EL PASO! You have been warned.

[bily4]

Hmmm, well, thanks??

[holmes]

Hehe, I'm of the sentiment it's not that bad. You just have to understand the pros and cons of this city. The westside/upper valley is always a good choice for new comers. Unfortunately I wouldn't envy you if you'd be working across the border. The wait times on the bridge are especially bad lately.

[Muhnay]

Holmes Traffic is getting as bad as Dallas and Houston, and it will be much worse in just a years time 40 thousand new people here and thats not counting the spouses, the kids and the other people who will move here to support the expanding military.. this city still thinks its a small border town... and not the mega city it is becoming.

[El Passeaux]

Upper Valley and West El Paso.

[Desert Raven]

I'm no El Paso fan either (okay, I hate it), but there are some wonderful, safe, clean neighborhoods other than the on the Westside and the Upper Valley.

My absolute favorite area of the city for residential living is Central El Paso, EAST of U.S. Highway 54. The Radford Hills and Austin Terrace neighborhoods are so lovely and safe, with lots of dog-walking and jogging. Radford Hills, along Radford Street, runs north and south from the Pershing Gate extrance/exit of Fort Bliss and connects with the Austin Terrace Historical District.

Beginning north at the Pershing Gate, the area includes Roger Bacon Seminary (recently refurbished - looks amazing), Radford School, the mansions (yes, REALLY!) of Austin Terrace, along with smaller homes. Head east a couple of blocks to Loretto Academy, and back north to Pennsylvania Circle (a must-see at Christmas), and across Hastings Drive to St. Anthony's Seminary.

It's gorgeous, it's safe, and while many covet the area, only a few buy there - those who know about it. Sky-high property taxes, though. New homes are being built on what used to be an empty lot and/or bird trail where elder residents went for nature walks back in the day. The lot is directly across from Radford School.

My parents' neighbor, a 40-something single father, lives in a lovey and large home. His daughter recently graduated from one of the private schools mentioned, and he works in Juarez with no more than an eight or ten minute drive to the bridge.

The public elementary school and the high school (Burges not Austin!) are very good. However, what used to be a great junior high is now a middle school with a horrible reputation, since creating alternative classrooms for the city's thugs. Other than that, the area is a precious diamond in the rough.

[canelarow]

Right on, that area is a fine area & centralized.

[holmes]

If you like old homes with a lot of character, then yes, the city's got 'em. There are other nice areas in central. I admit, austin terrace is nice. My neighborhood, sunset heights, is to the northwest of downtown and is still in a transitional period. But hey, we got our share of mansions over here too. If you're willing to invest in a fixer upper you can still get very good deals on homes over here. I also know of some very nice, fixed-up homes on the market that are already move-in ready. I know not everybody's into the old house thing, but they do deserve a second glance. I love how we're centrally located to the rest of the city and just minutes from downtown & the kern area. I suggest taking a look around the older neighborhoods. You just might find something that you fall in love with.