Laredo vs. El Paso

[NewTexico76]

El Paso is the top border city by far for some of the reasons that are already mentioned, it has history, a variety of activities in and around the city, a growing array of restaurants and nightlife, and fairly frequent concerts (though a lot of tours bypass the city). I'd place McAllen at number two as it has a prosperous vibe (the poverty is mostly in colonias in adjacent areas). However, it is on the bland side - it is the least "Mexican" of the Texas border cities in terms of its architecture and layout. Brownsville is three - it does have a university, some parks and history, and is close to the shore, but it also has more poverty than even El Paso. Laredo is a distant fourth...it has a history, and it is closer to San Antonio via I-35, but it lacks a major university and even a full bookstore, and is governed by an old fashioned oligarchy. It does have an interesting festival for Washington's birthday - even that is mainly a showcase for the local elite.

[atrabilius]

Well, Laredo has a university...Texas A&M International, which has an enrollment of about 7500. Not every city can host Harvard or UT Austin.

[lcarmo]

El Paso is by far the best border town.
It is the safest city in the U.S.,
has a lot of great Mexican food,
has a strong military presence,
great outdoor activities,
is a big city,
great education,
great nightlife,
Downtown is finally being renovated,
amazing neighborhoods (especially on the east side and the west side of town)
cheap housing....
(I can really go on and on)

The only thing that sucks is the climate (especially during June and July)
and also the fact that Juarez sets a bad reputation to El Paso

[banal]

I personally would never live in a border town ever again, except for maybe San Diego. With the whole "constitution free zone," recent human rights violations by CBP (see: NM women and UMC, 1 year ago), and the fact that this place is absolutely desolate and worsened by the view of Juarez slums (driving on i-10 is really depressing). I find living here is a dead end (career wise and lifestyle wise) and each day spent here is another 24 hours I will never get back and forever regret.

But I suppose some people like that whole atmosphere. So to each his own.

[ocean2026]

El Paso is diverse in that the mountain separates different cultures. IN the Northest you have a community influenced by military- including retired military. It could be any SQ City. The Eastside in middle class - the Lower Valley more Hispanic and farming. West Side in more Angle and professional and My old neighborhoods Sunset Heights and Arizona Rio_Grande ( El Paso High) are historic and scenic and not too far from any of the other places.

[lipbalm]

Originally Posted by banal

I personally would never live in a border town ever again, except for maybe San Diego. With the whole "constitution free zone," recent human rights violations by CBP (see: NM women and UMC, 1 year ago), and the fact that this place is absolutely desolate and worsened by the view of Juarez slums (driving on i-10 is really depressing). I find living here is a dead end (career wise and lifestyle wise) and each day spent here is another 24 hours I will never get back and forever regret.

But I suppose some people like that whole atmosphere. So to each his own.

You mean the port of entry? ummm...yes, it has always been that way since I can remember. Same thing happens at the airport when arriving from overseas so not really sure why this made your list.

[unnativeelpasoan]

Originally Posted by lipbalm

You mean the port of entry? ummm...yes, it has always been that way since I can remember. Same thing happens at the airport when arriving from overseas so not really sure why this made your list.

I think he/she is referring to the so-called "100 Mile Constitution-Free Zone", which consists of an area in which about two-thirds of the US population lives.

[unnativeelpasoan]

Originally Posted by banal

I personally would never live in a border town ever again, except for maybe San Diego. With the whole "constitution free zone," recent human rights violations by CBP (see: NM women and UMC, 1 year ago).

Despite it's location I wouldn't count San Diego as really being a border town (you know, like in the cultural sense) but it would be included in the "Constitution-Free Zone", as well as a lot of other major US cities, like NYC, LA, and DC. But none of this would even affect you at all if you are not crossing the border and/or leaving the country.

[lipbalm]

Originally Posted by unnativeelpasoan

Despite it's location I wouldn't count San Diego as really being a border town (you know, like in the cultural sense) but it would be included in the "Constitution-Free Zone", as well as a lot of other major US cities, like NYC, LA, and DC. But none of this would even affect you at all if you are not crossing the border and/or leaving the country.

This. Back in the INS days an agent flat out told me that when you cross the border you practically have no rights as far as search of your person and/or vehicle.

[Bron_Brodir]

If I had to choose between Laredo and El Paso, I would choose El Paso every time.