Living in El Paso / Local Government

Living in El Paso

As the largest border city in the U.S., El Paso is in a unique position as a metropolitan area that straddles Texas and the city of Juarez, Mexico. The U.S. population of the metro center is about 700,000 people, and the city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains on nearly all sides, from the Franklin Mountains in the north, to the Hueco Mountain in the east, to the Juarez Mountains in the south.

El Paso Skyline

Not surprisingly, El Paso is an active, outdoors city. Residents enjoy balmy arid weather year round. Popular outdoor recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing and birdwatching.

As the fourth largest city in Texas, El Paso's economy relies heavily on agriculture, manufacturing and defense. Fort Bliss creates a strong military presence and injects much economic support into the city.

A relatively low cost of living and warm weather draw a large number of retirees and temporary winter residents to the area.

The city is home to the University of Texas at El Paso and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

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