Other Texas cities people in El Paso most identify with and why (Dallas: violent crime, unemployment rate)

[Texicandude15]

El paso doesn't compare to any of those cities. I was born in el paso but moved to Leander Texas right away. So i consider Leander my hometown. I am a Texican and familiar with Mexican traditions.. I live in El Paso currently again but it feels like Mexico and no damn Texas..

[thenewtexan]

If I had to choose, I would probably say it's somewhere in between the likes of San Antonio and Laredo. ..with mountains. McAllen and Brownsville seem too tropical/humid. In all honesty, El Paso seems like its own animal, though.

[Chelito23]

I think most people here identify with San Antonio out of those choices. Lots of similarities in culture and a lot of people seem to have family there. There is also a lot of people who seem as equally drawn to AQB, Phoenix and LA. Moreso than Dallas or Houston IMO.

[Seoid]

Originally Posted by salazama

I'm originally from EP but have been living in Austin or almost 20 yrs and one thing i notice is how El Paso seems detached from the rest of the state. If you live anywhere in or around the triangle between DFW, SA, and Houston you feel like you have much in common with people from all those cities. We all have that Texan attitude, sometimes brash, full of state pride. I met a couple from Toronto visiting Texas for the first time, the husband asked me If I thought of myself as a Texan or an American first. Odd question to ask to anyone from any other state except Texas. I don't get that sense coming back to El Paso, Don't know if it's the distance thing or what. Sometimes it seems people Identify more with California or Arizona.
Politics wise, El Paso doesn't go the way the rest of the state does either, but than again neither does Austin.

I'm EP born and raised but have been living away for 18 years. I lived 13 of those years in Austin and now live in Houston. I agree very much with your post.

I have to say though, I have found parts of EP in Austin, in Houston, in San Antonio so there's always a little "home" no matter where I am. In fact, when I feel homesick, I drive through those areas of town. I don't really feel like any of the large cities have an entirely EP feel.

[Neo45]

I never understood why so many el Paso residents identify with and love LA/California so much. I guess because its so far from any other TX cities so the TX pride isn't an influence on them. Hell ep is a mystery to most people in other TX cities because you literally have to drive all day to get there

[unnativeelpasoan]

Originally Posted by Neo45

I never understood why so many el Paso residents identify with and love LA/California so much. I guess because its so far from any other TX cities so the TX pride isn't an influence on them. Hell ep is a mystery to most people in other TX cities because you literally have to drive all day to get there

It seems to me that a lot of El Pasoans have family in the LA area, so it is probably that. Also, I think LA is closer to EP than Houston - or at least about the same distance.

[Chelito23]

Also, the border culture is stronger in Southern California where there are lots of seasonal workers in the inland areas....so they do the circuit depending on what crop is in season.

Then for many years, El Paso had KTLA as a UPN tv affiliate I believe, so many people here saw the LA news...that kind of reinforced the connection....sports teams...awareness, etc. Plus, Socal has been more Hispanic dominated for a longer time tan DFW or Houston I believe, which EP can readily identify with.

Then there is the plain and simple geography...EP is reminiscento of LA from it's night time views in Sunset Heights and Scenic Drive. The weather is more desert SW than plains or gulf coast...

I think all these factors play a role. But I also think EP is evenly divided by other SW cities and TX cities. There isn't a clear winner IMO. LA is just one of several.

[lipbalm]

Originally Posted by unnativeelpasoan

It seems to me that a lot of El Pasoans have family in the LA area, so it is probably that. Also, I think LA is closer to EP than Houston - or at least about the same distance.

I also grew up in EP and about 80% of my mom's side of the family lives in and around southern California. We always vacationed there growing up and my sister even moved there after college. I am the odd man out that moved to Houston area and the rest of my family was like WTF???? why you going there?

[kidicarus89]

El Paso's history with Juarez makes it unlike any other city in the country. It seems like a shared city between Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua. There's no place like it on earth.

[mistabinks]

Denver