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A Complete El Paso Relocation Guide for 2025
Welcome to the Sun City
If you’re considering moving to El Paso, Texas, you’re not alone. This dynamic border city—known fondly as the Sun City for its 300+ days of sunshine a year—continues to attract newcomers seeking affordable housing, rich culture, and a welcoming community.
Located at the western tip of Texas and bordered by New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico, El Paso offers a unique blend of American and Mexican culture, unmatched desert scenery, and a cost of living well below the national average.
Whether you’re buying, renting, or selling, this El Paso relocation guide covers everything you need to know about making this vibrant city your new home.
Cost of Living in El Paso
El Paso boasts one of the lowest costs of living in Texas, and about 12% lower than the national average.
Median home price: Around $361,000
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $900–$1,100/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,100–$1,400/month
Utilities tend to be slightly higher in the summer months due to air conditioning use, but groceries, healthcare, and transportation remain affordable. And remember—Texas has no state income tax, which means your paycheck goes further.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in El Paso?
A family can live comfortably on $55,000–$65,000 per year, while singles often thrive on $40,000–$45,000 thanks to the city’s low cost of living.
Why People Are Moving to El Paso
- Affordable real estate and low property taxes
- Strong job market with growth in trade, defense, and healthcare
- Excellent weather and outdoor recreation in the Franklin Mountains State Park
- Rich cultural scene blending Texas and Mexican heritage
- Friendly communities with small-town warmth and big-city amenities
Best Neighborhoods in El Paso
Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburb or a walkable city vibe, there’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
For Families
- East El Paso: New developments and convenient shopping at Cielo Vista Mall.
- West Side: Scenic mountain views and easy access to I-10 and The Hospitals of Providence.
- Mission Hills & Kern Place: Historic homes, close to Downtown El Paso.
For Professionals
- Downtown El Paso TX: A walkable area near South El Paso Street, filled with cafes, art galleries, and the Plaza Theatre.
- Sunset Heights: Bohemian charm and close proximity to El Paso Museum of Art and the El Paso Museum of History.
For Military Families
- Northeast El Paso: Minutes from Fort Bliss, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community.
Jobs and the Economy
El Paso’s economy thrives on defense, trade, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Major employers include:
- Fort Bliss (U.S. Army)
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- University Medical Center of El Paso
- City of El Paso
Average salary: Around $52,000 per year
Top industries: Logistics, manufacturing, defense, education, and customer support
Many residents also enjoy remote work thanks to affordable housing, reliable internet, and easy access to the El Paso International Airport (ELP).
Weather: The Bright Side of Desert Living
El Paso enjoys a desert climate—plenty of sun, mild winters, and low humidity.
Average highs:
- Summer: 95–100°F
- Winter: 55–60°F
Average rainfall: 9 inches per year
Average humidity: 41% average yearly relative humidity, the lowest of all major Texas cities
Dust storms occasionally occur, but they’re short-lived and manageable with basic precautions. If you love sunshine and scenic mountain sunsets, you’ll feel right at home.
Lifestyle
Risks to consider:
- Occasional dust storms
- Extreme summer heat (stay hydrated!)
- Limited public transportation if you don’t drive
Is Spanish necessary?
While many residents are bilingual, you can comfortably live in El Paso speaking only English—though knowing a few Spanish phrases definitely helps build connections.
Getting Around El Paso
Public transportation is limited, so most residents rely on cars. Sun Metro buses cover major routes, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
- Traffic: Generally light compared to other Texas cities.
- Highways: I-10, U.S. 54, and Loop 375 connect all parts of the city.
- Airport: El Paso International Airport offers direct flights to Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Denver.
How far is El Paso from major cities?
- Austin: 570 miles, about 8 hours (a one day drive to check out ACL Music Festival)
- Dallas: 635 miles, about 9 hours
- Tucson, AZ: 320 miles, about 5 hours
Food, Fun, and Things to Do
El Paso’s food scene is a delicious reflection of its cross-border culture.
Best local restaurants:
- Crave – delicious hamburgers, tuna tostadas, and the the ambiance and atmosphere is great for a date night or fun with friends
- Chilaquiles Mexican Restaurant – amazing chilaquiles, with a side of country potatoes is the perfect breakfast
- Elemi – authentic Mexican flavors, ambiance is also excellent and pepinos are a tasty appetizer, only downside is not open on Sundays
- Juarez Dogs – you haven’t had a hotdog until you’ve tried one topped with chili beans, nacho cheese, onions, relish Chiles Toreados, crushed Doritos or Hot Cheetos topped with mayo, mustard and ketchup.
Things to do in El Paso:
- Hike the Franklin Mountains State Park or explore nearby trails.
- Visit the El Paso Zoo with the kids.
- Catch a El Paso Locomotive FC soccer game or a Chihuahuas Baseball match downtown, be sure to get a picture with Chico!
- Enjoy concerts and events at Southwest University Park and Plaza Theatre.
- Explore historic missions on the Mission Trail or learn local history at the El Paso Museum of History.
Family & Community
El Paso is a pet-friendly city with dog parks, pet-friendly patios, and access to outdoor trails on Hiking Project.
Families love weekend outings to Ascarate Park, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, and Keystone Heritage Park for birdwatching. Sometimes you don’t have to go far for bird watching, humming birds can be seen in neighborhoods from spring to autumn if you have a feeder.
Best time to move:
Spring or fall (March–May or September–November) for cooler weather and smoother transitions.
Why You’ll Love Living in El Paso
El Paso offers everything you need to live well—affordable homes, delicious food, and warm-hearted people. With its desert beauty, bilingual culture, and easygoing pace, this corner of West Texas is the perfect place to call home.
Ready to Make El Paso Home?
If you’re planning to buy, sell, or rent in El Paso, I can guide you every step of the way. Just contact me today to schedule a free relocation consultation or home search tour, or view available homes and rentals in El Paso. Let’s find your place in the Sun City—where every sunset feels like home.
