Thinking about living in El Paso? Known for its desert landscape and mountain views, Sun City is recognized as one of the best places to live in the Southwest—and offers a growing job market, sunny year-round weather, and fun things to do. If you’re moving to El Paso, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to consider!
Album Park
- Home Price: $135,033 median purchase price; $901 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you want to live somewhere with plenty of local restaurants, parks, and family-friendly activities—check out Album Park! This East El Paso neighborhood has a low crime rate, provides quick commutes via I-10, and is located just 20 minutes away from Downtown El Paso. Families can find incredible schools in this area like East Point Elementary School and Edgemere International School. Plus, you’ll find a variety of housing options in Album Park, including spacious apartments, Spanish and Mission-style homes, modern stucco homes, and new construction.
Things to Do in Album Park
Go for a scenic walk or play a game of tennis on the court at the neighborhood’s namesake, Album Park. Enjoy a family picnic or go for a jog at Palm Grove Park. Or take your furry friend for a walk at Eastwood Dog Park. Shoot some hoops on the indoor basketball court or take a Zumba class at the Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center. Dig into dishes like Hawaiian Chicken, Chilean Sea Bass, and Shrimp Scampi Pasta at Thirty 5ive Tavern & Grill. Try meals made with fresh ingredients like the Turkey Melt Panini, Oriental Wrap, or Chef Salad at The Sandwich Shop. Treat yourself to Mexican favorites like Fajita Tacos, Chile Con Queso Steak, and Cheese Enchiladas at Franky’s Restaurant. Or savor Italian dishes like Tortellini Alla Panna, Baked Ravioli, or Fettuccine Bolognese at Trattoria Bella Sera.
Castner Heights
- Home Price: $150,550 median purchase price; $1,006 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located on the northeast side of El Paso, Castner Heights is the perfect neighborhood for anyone looking for beautiful parks and fun things to do. It’s also a great place for military families because of its close proximity to Fort Bliss! This safe El Paso neighborhood offers quick access to downtown via US-54, as well as affordable housing options that include Mid-Century Modern homes, Spanish-style ranches, and Adobe houses. And with top-rated schools within the El Paso Independent School District like Whitaker Elementary School—and higher education opportunities nearby at El Paso Community College, Castner Heights is a great neighborhood for families with kids to settle down!
Things to Do in Castner Heights
Explore Mesoamerican history exhibits and the expansive 15-acre Chihuahuan Desert Garden and Nature Trails at El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Embark on a scenic hike or go rock climbing at the 27,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park. Spend an afternoon at the splash park or check out the scenic views of the nearby Franklin Mountains at Sue Young Park. Prepare for the day with breakfast foods like Stuffed French Toast, Bananas Foster Pancakes, or Ribeye & Eggs at Butter Smith Kitchen & Pies. Grab a Sofia Salad, Enzo Panini, or Tuna Pasta Salad from Buon Giorno Caffe. Dig into some Chinese food in El Paso with favorites like Chow Mein, Teriyaki Chicken, and Egg Drop Soup at Sam’s China Bistro. Sample classic German dishes with a twist, like Hawaiian Schnitzel or Curryworst, and attend the annual Oktoberfest celebration at Little Bavarian Restaurant. Or satisfy your Southwest food cravings with Tamales, Tacos Suaves, and Burritos Especiales at Hilda’s Tamales.
Cielo Vista
- Home Price: $152,000 median purchase price; $858 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Cielo Vista is a favorite among all ages for its prime location in East El Paso—it even offers a short 12-minute commute to Downtown El Paso! You’ll never be bored when you live in this El Paso neighborhood, thanks to its great shopping areas, variety of restaurants, and nearby parks like Vista Del Valle Park and Ponder Park. Plus, there are excellent schools for families in the area like Cielo Vista Elementary School and Burges High School. Living in Cielo Vista also gives you the chance to settle down in one of its many beautiful Spanish-style homes, Mid-Century Modern ranches, new builds, and contemporary apartments.
Things to Do in Cielo Vista
Spend an afternoon walking on the trail or go for a swim in the indoor pool at Hawkins Park. Shop your way through Cielo Vista Mall, which is home to over 140 popular stores like Dillard’s, Express, Gap, and H&M. Try to hit your personal best golf score at Lone Star Golf Club, recognized as one of El Paso’s easiest golf courses. Attend a cooking book club or let your kids enjoy a fun extracurricular workshop like Learning with LEGOs at the El Paso Public Library’s José Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch. Fuel up with a hearty Southwest-inspired breakfast of Chile Verde and Eggs, Chilaquiles, or Menudo at Gallegos Montana. Feast on filling meals like a West TX Burger, Tomahawk Pork Chop, or Spicy Prawn Brochette at West Texas Chophouse. Grab plates like the Am Track Kabob, Spanky’s Spud Chips, or The Caboose at Track One El Paso, a restaurant comprised of 3 railway cars. Or try the Clay Pot Tofu, Lemongrass Chili Chicken, or Meatball Pho at Pho Tre Bien.
Mesa Hills
- Home Price: $151,060 median purchase price; $978 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Mesa Hills offers a little bit of everything when it comes to El Paso living! Tucked between the Rio Grande and Franklin Mountains, just 15 minutes away from downtown, this quiet El Paso neighborhood provides great views and easy access to the city via I-10. Mesa Hills is full of affordable housing like charming brick ranches, Spanish-style townhomes, traditional single-family homes, and modern new construction. It’s also close to some of El Paso’s top shopping centers, as well as some of the city’s best dining and nightlife spots—making it one of the best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. Plus, you’ll find great schools like IDEA Mesa Hills near this Northwest El Paso neighborhood.
Things to Do in Mesa Hills
Go for a bike ride with the family or take your dog for a walk at Promontory Area Park. Find your new favorite book to curl up with from the collection of rare literature and first editions at Literarity Book Shop. Check out The Shoppes at Solana, home to over 100 stores including Bath & Body Works and Old Navy. Take a leap and try out indoor skydiving at iFLY El Paso. Feast on Italian favorites like Linguine al Pesto, Spaghetti Carbonara, or Fettuccine Boscaiola at Mi Piaci Ristorante Italiano. Treat your tastebuds to Argentinian fare like Beef Empanadas, Lentil Soup, or Lomo Argentino at Garufa. Order a Spicy Chicken Bowl, Spring Rolls, or Shrimp Tempura at the Japanese-inspired Sushi Garden. Or relax with a Mango Margarita or an ice-cold pint of Southern Star Strawberry Blonde alongside some Tejas Fries at Angry Owl Southwest Grill & Cantina.
North Hills
- Home Price: $185,983 median purchase price; $1,208 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Looking for an affordable El Paso neighborhood that is within a 16-minute drive from Downtown El Paso? Consider living in North Hills! Nestled near the Franklin Mountains, North Hills has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and green space with its many parks and trails. This El Paso neighborhood is located near Fort Bliss at the Biggs Army Airfield, which makes it a good place for military families who want to live near the base. North Hills is a quiet neighborhood that offers a variety of housing options, such as mid-rise apartments, condos, and new-construction Mediterranean-styled homes. Plus, residents can easily travel on Route 54 to reach Downtown El Paso to the south or New Mexico to the north.
Things to Do in North Hills
Spend a day mountain biking or hiking along the trails at Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park. Go mountain biking or hiking along the 7-mile El Paso Tin Mines Trail and stop by the featured historical landmark, El Paso Tin Mines. Tee off at the 27-hole Painted Dunes Golf Course, which overlooks the Franklin Mountains. Check out equipment, documents, old photos, and memorabilia that showcases the rich heritage of the U.S. Border Patrol at the National Border Patrol Museum. Grab a seat on the patio and try a Meatball Sandwich, Arugula & Prosciutto Pizza, or a Tuna Melt at Ardovino’s Pizza. Satisfy your cravings with a Chili Cheese Dog, The Big Boss Tenders, or a Chicken Honey BBQ Sandwich at BOSS Tenders, Dogs, & Custard. Indulge in Fish Tacos, a Green Chile Burger, or Smoked Pulled Pork at Chase The Taste. Or watch a sports game while feasting on pub grub like Boneless Wings, Nachos, or Street Tacos at Three Pints Pub.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
