10 Best El Paso Neighborhoods for Your New Sun City Life

Nicknamed “Sun City” because of 300 days of sunny weather each year, El Paso is an exuberant Texas city full of countless outdoor activities, cultural entertainment, great food, and a friendly community vibe. With a strong economy, you may be considering a move to the Sun City for a job position. Or perhaps you’re wanting to further your education at a top-notch local school such as Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center or the University of Texas at El Paso. Regardless of what brings you to the city, there are plenty of great options when it comes to El Paso neighborhoods that add to the city’s charm and provide great environments to meet new people, raise a family, and so much more. 

Planning a move to El Paso? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

El Paso is situated just 20 minutes away from the magnificent Franklin Mountains, which provides a great location to take part in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The city commonly holds events and festivals, as well, and because of the thriving arts and culture scene, you can explore a number of museums, galleries, and theaters. The El Paso Museum of Art and Plaza Theatre are just a couple of the city’s hot spots.

El Paso at a Glance

• The population of El Paso is approximately 679,000.
• There’s a mix of all walks of life living in El Paso, with more than 25 percent of the population under the age of 18.
• The average home value in El Paso is around $224,600, compared to the national average of around $363,400 and the state average of around $308,100.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Paso is around $1,050, compared to the national average of around $1,700 and the state average of around $1,450.
• El Paso is great for outdoor recreation activities, affordability, shopping, dining, family-friendly fun, and nightlife — and that just scratches the surface!

10 Best El Paso Neighborhoods 

There are plenty of options for lovely neighborhoods to settle down in El Paso, and it can feel overwhelming trying to narrow down one specific area on an El Paso neighborhoods map. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re a student, young professional starting out your career, raising a family, or enjoying retired life, there’s a place for everyone in the Sun City. Here’s an overview of some of our top picks for the best neighborhoods in El Paso to check out.

Residents of Castner Heights enjoy easy access to the Franklin Mountains State Park, which is only 15 minutes away.
(Source: Real Estate In El Paso TX via Facebook)

1. Castner Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $975
• Average home value: $226,100
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 15 minutes

Castner Heights is a great neighborhood for active residents, as it has plenty of bike-friendly paths and sidewalks. It’s also convenient for downtown commuters.

When the whole family is in the mood for a fun day outdoors, take your kids to the Sue Young Park splash pad for a fun afternoon. Then explore the desert landscape and discover geocaches, golden eagles, and flycatchers at the Franklin Mountains State Park, which is only 15 minutes away.

For top dining options in the area, try some of Germany's favorite dishes at Little Bavarian Restaurant. You can also enjoy a variety of sandwiches and burgers at Pockets Billiards, Wings and Beer.

2. Mountain View

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $166,250
• Great for: Military families, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 15 minutes

The Mountain View neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods in El Paso that’s most notable for its increased military presence, as many residents who live here are active-duty soldiers stationed at the Fort Bliss Army base nearby. 

The whole family can easily stay active outdoors, as there are seven local parks and two lakes to enjoy in the area. The Nations Tobin Park in Mountain View, for example, features various facilities such as a basketball court and a covered playground. The recreation center of the park, Nations Tobin Recreation Center, also features a swimming pool and is even home to the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association. And if you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll love visiting the Underwood Golf Complex at Fort Bliss.

The Plaza Theatre (pictured) is just one of many downtown attractions conveniently located near El Paso’s Rim Area neighborhood.
(Source: Visit El Paso via Facebook)

3. Rim Area

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $363,900
• Great for: Families, young professionals, entertainment, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 10 minutes

The Rim Area community of El Paso is situated right near the University of Texas, which is also close to the Providence Children's Hospital and Las Palmas Medical Centers.

Billy Rogers Arroyo Park is a great place for nature lovers to enjoy mountain biking and hiking nearby, as it offers some pretty spectacular views of the local cacti and desert plants. And Tom Lea Upper Park, which is next to Billy Rogers Arroyo Park, is a bit closer to the Rim Area itself and offers amazing views of the city and mountains, as well.

The community is close to downtown El Paso, and residents of the Rim Area can easily enjoy the best of the city's dining, entertainment, and shopping. It’s also close to the El Paso Museum of Art, as well as the Plaza Theatre and the El Paso Convention Center.

Q: What is the richest part of El Paso? A: While the richest parts of El Paso include areas like High Ride and Stonehaven, the home prices in the Rim Area are certainly higher than the city average and other neighborhoods on this list!

4. Cielo Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $950
• Average home value: $235,300
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, dining, traveling
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 10 minutes

The Cielo Vista neighborhood is located in eastern El Paso, and it's easy to reach other parts of the city with its location off major highways. It features several attractions, such as the Cielo Vista Mall, which is a popular area for dining and shopping. 

You can try a variety of food items at top local restaurants such as the mac & cheese burgers or rib eye tacos at West Texas Chophouse or the chicharron or doblados de deshebrada at El Taquito.

The Cielo Vista East neighborhood is also conveniently located near El Paso International Airport. This area has plenty of affordable apartments for rent, and you can also feel safe while living in this neighborhood as it’s ranked as one of the top five safest neighborhoods in El Paso, TX, according to AreaVibes.

Q: What is the safest area in El Paso? A: When looking for the area with the lowest crime rates in El Paso, look no further than a neighborhood like Cielo Vista!

The city’s Las Palmas neighborhood features Las Palmas marketplace, which is considered the heart of the retail market in El Paso.
(Source: Visit El Paso)

5. Las Palmas

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $263,100
• Great for: Retirees, families, young professionals, dining, shopping, commuting
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 20 minutes

The neighborhood of Las Palmas is one of the best neighborhoods in El Paso conveniently located close to Interstate 10, which provides easy access to the city and beyond. This community features a variety of amenities, such as restaurants and shopping centers, including the Las Palmas marketplace, which is considered the heart of the retail market in El Paso. The residents of Las Palmas are also very close to Eastwood Park, the largest park in El Paso. 

Las Palmas is only a 20-minute drive away from downtown El Paso; however, there are other establishments that are popular with families in the neighboring communities that include the Cielo Vista Mall and Premier Cinemas for a fun movie night out.

6. Golden Hills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $875
• Average home value: $193,600
• Great for: Young professionals, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 10 minutes

The Golden Hills neighborhood, situated between Interstate 10 and Mesa Street, is one of the nicest neighborhoods in El Paso known for its tranquil setting and historic architecture. Not to mention the Franklin Mountains provide incredible views, and you can take advantage of top-notch dining establishments such as Nature’s Delight and Puerto Vallarta Grill. 

The residents of Golden Hills can enjoy various cultural and entertainment activities since it's close to downtown El Paso. And those who want to get active can head over to the Franklin Mountains for miles of hiking trails that provide amazing views of the city and the surrounding area. Ideally situated between the city and the mountains, life in Golden Hill offers both accessibility and serenity!

Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in El Paso? A: Golden Hills is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in El Paso due to the incredible local beauty, affordability, and highly regarded dining establishments!

The location of Sunset Heights makes it a great choice for workers in the downtown area and for students and faculty members at Texas A&M University Agrilife Center - El Paso.

7. Sunset Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $875
• Average home value: $231,100
• Great for: College students, young professionals, shopping, outdoor recreation, entertainment
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 5 minutes

Located between downtown El Paso and Texas A&M University at El Paso, Sunset Heights is a charming community of historic homes and structures. In fact, this area has a wide variety of rental properties and houses that date back to the 1890s. They even have an annual tour of homes.

The location of Sunset Heights makes it a great choice for workers in the downtown area and for students and faculty members at Texas A&M University Agrilife Center - El Paso. It also offers residents easy access to Interstate 10.

Some of the best parks and recreation located close to Sunset Heights include the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens and the Magoffin Home State Historic Site. 

8. Union Plaza

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: N/A
• Great for: Young professionals, nightlife scene, entertainment
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 5 minutes

The area surrounding the Union Plaza neighborhood has been transformed by the development of local businesses, and the district is known for its vibrant nightlife. Every Saturday, the Farmers Market and the Downtown Artist and Market are held on Anthony Street. The Mix, which is located nearby, features boutique shops and renovated living spaces.

Various establishments, such as bars, restaurants, and art galleries, can be found in Union Plaza. Other attractions include the El Paso Union Depot, the Visitors Center of El Paso and the Railroad & Transportation Museum.

This area is known for its peaceful and laid-back feel most ideal for retirees, as well as its close proximity to the Coronado Country Club.
(Source: Coronado Country Club via Facebook)

9. Coronado

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $248,800
• Great for: Retirees, young professionals, outdoor recreation, dining, country club amenities
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 15 minutes

The Coronado neighborhood is a diverse community with great proximity to Route 375 and Interstate 10. This area is known for its peaceful and laid-back feel most ideal for retirees, as well as its close proximity to the Coronado Country Club.

The residents of Coronado Hills can enjoy living in a community that's close to Sunland Park Mall. It's also a short drive from Resler Canyon, which is a beautiful natural area. Downtown El Paso is easily accessible via Interstate 10; however, there are a variety of cultural attractions and eateries right there in the area that give it its unique charm, such as the Thyme Restaurant and Lola Rose.

10. Houston Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $875
• Average home value: $189,200
• Great for: Families, young professionals, dining, shopping, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown El Paso: 5 minutes

Situated close to downtown El Paso, Houston Park is home to several great restaurants, including One Grub Community and Kikas Kitchen, along with lots of shopping options nearby such as The Gypsy Den. 

Besides the shopping and dining, though, residents of Houston Park can enjoy some relaxing outdoor time at the actual Houston Park. This park offers lots of green space and picnic areas, along with beautiful views of the trees and mountains.

Q: Is El Paso a nice city to live in? A: Without a doubt, El Paso is not only one of the nicest but also one of the most affordable, warm, and friendly cities that Texas has to offer!

PODS can make your move to El Paso a flexible one, with a month of storage built into every move.

Let PODS Help With Your Move to One of the Best El Paso Neighborhoods

After finding your perfect El Paso neighborhood, give PODS a call to help with the move. They will deliver a portable moving and storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load it at your own pace. The container will then be picked up and taken to your new home when you’re ready. One month of storage is included in each move, so you can easily unload your belongings without feeling rushed, as well.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.