Thinking about living in El Paso? Sun City is recognized as one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. and offers a growing job market, sunny weather all year, and fun things to do. Nestled up against the Rio Grande to the west and Mexico border to the south, El Paso is known for its desert landscapes and mountain views. If you’re moving to El Paso, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to consider!
Album Park
Photo via @elpasorunningrealtor
- Home Price: $128,610 median purchase price; $783 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. Stop by Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center to play a game of indoor basketball with the family or take a Zumba class. Take your furry friend for a walk at Eastwood Dog Park. Enjoy a family picnic or go for a jog at Palm Grove Park. Dig into dishes like Hawaiian Chicken, Chilean Sea Bass, or Shrimp Scampi Pasta at Thirty 5ive Tavern & Grill. Try the BLT Sandwich, Grilled Cheese Panini, or Eastwood Club Sandwich at The Sandwich Shop. Treat yourself to Mexican favorites like Fajita Tacos, Chile Con Queso Steak, or Cheese Enchiladas at Franky’s Restaurant. Or savor Italian dishes like Tortellini Alla Panna or Fettuccine Bolognese at Trattoria Bella Sera.
Castner Heights
Photo via @timothyrealtor
- Home Price: $135,250 median purchase price; $838 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 good walkability, beautiful parks, and fun things to do. It’s also a great place for military families to live 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 place for families 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. Play a round of golf on the 27-hole course at Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, which is recognized as one of the best courses in Texas. Spend an afternoon at the splash park or check out the scenic views of the nearby Franklin Mountains at Sue Young Park. Grab a Sofia Salad, Enzo Panini, or Albacore Tuna Sandwich from Buon Giorno Caffe. Dig into Chinese favorites like Teriyaki Chicken, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, or Egg Drop Soup at Sam’s China Bistro. Sample classic German dishes with a twist like Hawaiian Schnitzel or Pork Cordon Bleu at Little Bavarian Restaurant. Or satisfy your Southwest food cravings with a Chicharron Burrito, Carne Asada Tortas, or Barbacoa Tacos at Hilda’s Tamales.
Cielo Vista
Photo via @shawnsellselpaso
- Home Price: $122,240 median purchase price; $560 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 live in one of its many beautiful Spanish-style homes, new builds, contemporary apartments, and Mid-Century Modern ranches.
Things to Do in Cielo Vista
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 El Paso Public Library 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 hearty meals like a West TX Burger, Tomahawk Pork Chop, or Spicy Prawn Brochette at West Texas Chophouse. Or try the Clay Pot Chicken, Lemongrass Tofu, or Meatball Pho at Pho Tre Bien.
Mesa Hills
Photo via @thetuscanyatmesahills
- Home Price: $74,871 median purchase price; $723 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 El Paso’s top shopping centers, as well as some of the city’s best dining and nightlife spots. Plus, you’ll find great schools like IDEA Mesa Hills nearby in this Northwest El Paso neighborhood.
Things to Do in Mesa Hills
Find your new favorite book to curl up with from the collection of rare literature and first editions at Literarity Book Shop. Check out Sunland Park Mall, home to over 100 stores including Bath & Body Works and Old Navy. 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, Chilean Sea Bass, Lomo Argentino, or Beurre Blanc Salmon at Garufa. Save room for a delectable dessert like a Banana Split, Brownie Delight, or any of the daily rotating gelato flavors at Gufo Di Milano. 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.
Montoya Heights
Photo via @therealtor.anadelarosa
- Home Price: $135,700 median purchase price; $808 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 51% of El Paso neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Searching for an affordable El Paso neighborhood with good food and easy access to the downtown area? Montoya Heights might be right for you! This El Paso neighborhood is conveniently located right along I-10, so you can make it to Downtown El Paso within 20 minutes. With the Rio Grande about a mile to the west and several family-friendly parks nearby, residents also have access to fun outdoor recreation and beautiful views without going far. Not to mention, Montoya Heights is home to great schools like Herrera Elementary School and offers housing options ranging from Adobe homes to Spanish-style ranches.
Things to Do in Montoya Heights
Take on the escape room, race on the go-kart track, play 36 holes of mini golf, or get your game on at the arcade at Adventure Zone. Spend an afternoon with your furry friend at the dog park or let the kids play on the splash pad at Westside Community Recreation Center & Dog Park. Fill up with a Farm Omelet, Shakshuka, or Chicken & Waffles for brunch at Grove Brunch Cafe. Chow down on some of the finest cuts of steak like Filet Mignon, Prime Cut Rib Eye, or a Tornado Tenderloin at Corralito Steak House. Enjoy Mexican cuisine like Tacos de Carnitas or a Buche Burrito at Barbacoa los Primos. Order Chinese American classics like Pork Hunan Style, Egg Drop Soup, or Shrimp Fried Rice at Hongda Chinese Restaurant. Or sip on local craft beers like Pride of Derbyshire Milk Stout or Road to Riches Hazy IPA at Aurellia’s Bottle Shop & Brewhouse.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
