Moving to El Paso? One of the most affordable cities in the U.S., Sun City offers safe, affordable El Paso neighborhoods, an abundance of outdoor activities, and welcoming communities for families. Check out these five best neighborhoods in El Paso for families!
| Neighborhood | Castner Heights | Cielo Vista | Manhattan Heights | Mesa Hills | Mountain View |
| Median Home Price | $150,550 | $152,000 | $106,829 | $151,060 | $106,767 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,006 | $858 | $844 | $978 | $681 |
| Home Appreciation Rate | 10% | 20% | 9% | 50% | 10% |
| Median Household Income | $58,228 | $51,676 | $39,702 | $39,994 | $46,403 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 71% | 80% | 70% | 73% | 74% |
Castner Heights
Photo via @dreamworkrealty
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with plenty of sidewalks and bike-friendly paths, Castner Heights may be the one for you! This family-friendly neighborhood in El Paso offers families safe recreation, as well as convenient access. Not only does this area offer convenient access to US-54 for downtown commuters—Castner Heights is also close to Fort Bliss, making this a great El Paso neighborhood for military families! And with access to quality education at schools like Whitaker Elementary School, Transmountain Early College High School, and El Paso Community College‘s Transmountain Campus, Castner Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in El Paso for families!
Things to Do in Castner Heights
Learn the prehistory of the surrounding area through engaging exhibits featuring ceramics, stone tools, and ornaments at the El Paso Museum of Archeology. Spend an afternoon with your little ones on the splash pad at Sue Young Park. Hike through the rugged desert terrain, find geocaches, or spot golden eagles, ash-throated flycatchers, and calliope hummingbirds at Franklin Mountains State Park—just a 15-minute drive into the mountains! Practice free throws on the basketball court or play a game of baseball at Skyline Optimist Youth Park. Start your day with an Ultimate Breakfast, Strawberry Crepe Combo, or New Mexico Steak n’ Eggs from Butter Smith. Savor a Shredded Beef Taco, Barbacoa Torta, or Chile Relleno Burrito from El Gallegos. Experience a taste of Germany with dishes like Cordon Blue Vom Schwein, Zigeunerschnitzel, or Roulade from Little Bavarian Restaurant. Devour a Mucho Bacon Burger, Pork Ribs Skillet, or Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich from Pockets Billiards, Wings, & Beer.
Cielo Vista
Photo via @carrera__homes
If you’re considering relocating to El Paso with your family, check out Cielo Vista! This Sun City neighborhood offers affordable single-family homes and apartment complexes in a variety of architectural styles, from Spanish to Mid-Century Modern. Parents can send their kids to highly-rated schools in El Paso like Cielo Vista Elementary School, New World Montessori School, and William H. Burges High School. And with a slower pace of living paired with convenient access to El Paso International Airport and I-10, Cielo Vista is one of the best neighborhoods to live in El Paso.
Things to Do in Cielo Vista
Attend fun family events like Family Storytime, Teen Hangout, or Learning with Legos for All Ages at the Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista branch of El Paso Public Libraries. Play volleyball or enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family at Vista Del Valle Park. Shop ’til you drop and explore over 140 specialty stores at Cielo Vista Mall. Play the 18-hole course that covers over 7000 yards at Lone Star Golf Club. Dig into a delicious Mac & Cheese Burger, T-Bone Steak, or some Rib Eye Tacos at West Texas Chophouse. Devour a plate of Chicharron, Barbacoa Tacos, or Doblados de Deshebrada at El Taquito. Share an appetizer of Shrimp or Pork Spring Rolls and order a bowl of Rare Steak & Brisket Pho at Pho Tre Bien. Or dine in a railroad car while savoring a Pastrami Sandwich, Rio Grande, or Runner Helper at Track One.
Manhattan Heights
Photo via @eptx.realty
Manhattan Heights is an historic neighborhood with a quiet environment, wide streets, great sidewalks, and plenty of things to do with kids. The area is also home to impressive schools like Crockett Elementary School and Austin High School. Homebuyers will find affordable modern and historical houses alike in Manhattan Heights, with classic styles like Spanish-Italian, American bungalow, and Georgian Revival. And with easy access to family-friendly outdoor activities at Memorial Park and Memorial Swimming Pool, it’s easy to see why families love this El Paso neighborhood!
Things to Do in Manhattan Heights
Embark on a 2-mile picturesque jog along rolling hills at Scenic Drive. Walk among 1900 rosebushes of 500 different varieties at El Paso Municipal Rose Garden. Hike a 2.5-mile scenic trail leading into a canyon at McKelligon Canyon Run. Let your little ones learn about animals and experience attractions like the African Star Train, Wildlife Amphitheater, and Copper Canyon Challenge at El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast of Tacos Borrashos, The Salty Sailor, or Avery’s Mac + Cheese at Salt + Honey Bakery Cafe. Enjoy Italian cuisine like Fettuccine Alfredo, Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, or Lasagna Casserole at The Italian Kitchen. Explore unique, mouthwatering rubs and sauces for wings, like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Raspberry Habanero, Cilantro Lime, and more at The El Paso Wing Factory. Or feast on baked goods and home-style Hatch Green Chili Cheese Tamales or Red Chili Tamales with Pork at Gussie’s Tamales and Bakery.
Mesa Hills
Photo via @shawnsellselpaso
This calm and peaceful El Paso neighborhood offers a range of things to do, especially since it’s only 15 minutes away from downtown. Mesa Hills’ close proximity to I-10 makes it a very commuter-friendly neighborhood! Along with a great selection of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment for families, Mesa Hills also offers a variety of homes for any budget, from striking brick ranches to classic Spanish-style single and multi-family homes. Additionally, you’ll find great schools near this neighborhood, such as IDEA Mesa Hills, Dr. Green Elementary School, and Coronado High School.
Things to Do in Mesa Hills
Experience nature’s wonders in the Botanical Gardens and Chihuahuan Desert Experience at Keystone Heritage Park. Have some indoor family fun with Unlimited Laser Tag, Sky Rider, and Basic Trampolines at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. Challenge your friends and family to mini-golf or arcade games at Bob-O’s Family Fun Center. Swim laps in an Olympic-sized swimming pool at Westside Natatorium, a 35,000-square-foot aquatic facility in El Paso. Have your fill of scrumptious dishes like Pasta Primavera, San Andres Quiche, or Wood-Fired Pork Chop at Greenery Restaurant. Treat your tastebuds to Asian fusion cuisine like the Southwestern Roll, Crunch Rock N’ Roll, or Bulgogi Stir Fry at Sushi Garden. Order a plate of Fried Jalapeno Poppers for the table and try the BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich or Beef Sausage Sandwich at 2 Brothers BBQ & Wings. Or slurp on a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen, Killer Ramen, or Tsukemen Tsujita Style Ramen at Umami Ramen House.
Mountain View
Photo via @elpasorealestate
Like Castner Heights, El Paso’s Mountain View neighborhood is in close proximity to Fort Bliss—so this neighborhood is frequently occupied by military personnel and their families. Residents have their pick of affordable Spanish and brick ranches. Though this El Paso neighborhood’s eastern border is spanned by the Fort Bliss Rail Head, with Biggs Army Air Field further east of that—places like Nations Tobin Park help insulate the residential area from the noise. Additionally, parents can send their kids to fantastic El Paso schools nearby, like Sunrise Mountain Elementary School, Magoffin Middle School, and Chapin High School.
Things to Do in Mountain View
Practice your swing or master proper disc golf technique at Underwood Golf Course. Start a recreational game of basketball, hit the pool, or take your little ones to the playground at Nations Tobin Park. Grab your skateboard and practice tricks at Mountain View Skate Park. Feast on Huevos a la Mexicana, the Chimichanga Plate, or the Casita Linda Special at Casita Linda. Taste Chinese favorites like Dan Dan Noodles, Honey Walnut Prawn, Yung Zhou Fried Rice, and more at Sam’s China Bistro. Chow down on American staples like The Big Boss, Boss Dog, or El Patron at Boss Tenders, Dogs & Custard. Savor Mexican dishes like Rancheritos Lonches, Huevo con Chorizo Burrito, or Rajas con Queso Tamales at Los Rancheritos. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with Mangoneada, Sweet Lavender, or Berrylicious ice cream at Aurora Rolling Ice Cream.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
