El Paso Tower (ELP)

📍 About ELP & El Paso

El Paso Tower (ELP) is located at El Paso International Airport in the westernmost part of Texas. Nestled along the U.S.–Mexico border, El Paso offers desert beauty, a rich cultural blend, low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. With scenic views, sunny weather year-round, and proximity to mountains and Mexico, it’s a unique and affordable place to live and work.

🏡 Where to Live

Popular El Paso Neighborhoods

• East El Paso – Newer developments, shopping, family-friendly
• Westside – Scenic mountain views, established communities
• Northeast – Affordable housing, growing retail areas
• Downtown – Revitalized, walkable, cultural amenities
• Mission Valley – Historic area, quiet and spacious lots

Nearby Communities

• Horizon City – Growing suburb, newer housing, affordable
• Socorro – Small-town feel, rural charm, lower cost of living
• Canutillo – Westside access, schools nearby, more space
• Sunland Park, NM – Just across the border, convenient for West El Paso

🚗 Commute Times to ELP Tower

• 5–15 min: East El Paso, Mission Valley, Horizon City
• 15–25 min: Westside, Downtown El Paso, Socorro
• 25–35 min: Canutillo, Sunland Park (NM), Upper Valley

🎓 Top School Districts

• Socorro ISD – Highly rated, covers East El Paso
• El Paso ISD – Large district, strong magnet programs
• Canutillo ISD – Smaller district, growing reputation
• Clint ISD – Serves Horizon City and Mission Valley

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Franklin Mountains State Park: Hiking, biking, rock climbing, scenic views
• Hueco Tanks State Historic Site: Rock formations, ancient pictographs, guided tours
• El Paso Zoo: Family-friendly with regional and exotic animals
• Scenic Drive–Overlook: Panoramic views of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez
• White Sands National Park: Day trip (~1.5 hrs), surreal sand dunes and hiking

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• El Paso Museum of Art: Free admission, rotating exhibits
• Plaza Theatre: Historic venue for concerts, shows, and movies
• Downtown Arts District: Galleries, murals, festivals, restaurants
• Breweries: DeadBeach Brewery, Old Sheepdog Brewery, Blazing Tree Brewery
• Shopping: The Fountains at Farah, Cielo Vista Mall, Outlet Shoppes at El Paso

✈️ Nearby Airports

• El Paso International Airport (ELP): On-site – regional and national flights
• Abraham González International Airport (CJS): Ciudad Juárez – international flights (requires border crossing)
• Las Cruces International Airport (LRU): ~1 hr – general aviation

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of El Paso
• Visit El Paso – Events, Attractions, Things to Do
• El Paso County Government
• Sun Metro – Public Transit System
• EPISD Newcomer Resources

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites

• East & West El Paso: Generally safe, especially near schools and newer developments
• Downtown: Active revitalization; safe but more urban
• Suburbs: Horizon City, Canutillo, and Socorro are low-crime communities

🔗 Town Websites

• El Paso, TX
• Horizon City, TX
• Canutillo, TX
• Socorro, TX
• Sunland Park, NM

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home price in El Paso: $195,000. Rent for 1-bedroom: $900–$1,200/month.
• Groceries: Below national average. Milk ~$3.20, eggs ~$2.30
• Gasoline: ~$3.30–$3.50/gallon
• Utilities: ~$140–$180/month for apartment
• Taxes: No state income tax in Texas. 8.25% sales tax

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• The Fountains at Farah: Shopping, dining, walkable outdoor mall
• Downtown: Vibrant arts scene, coffee shops, live events
• Franklin Mountains area: Outdoor adventure, scenic homes
• Horizon City: Spacious lots, great for families

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Mild, sunny, occasional cold nights
• Spring: Warm and windy, pleasant for outdoor activities
• Summer: Hot and dry, 90s–100s°F, low humidity
• Fall: Warm days, cool nights, low rainfall

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Sun Metro: Public buses throughout the city, affordable
• Car recommended: Most residents drive due to spread-out layout
• Traffic: Generally light except I-10 corridor during rush hour

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• University Medical Center of El Paso – Level 1 trauma, teaching hospital
• Las Palmas Medical Center – Centrally located, full-service
• Del Sol Medical Center – East El Paso, large hospital system
• Numerous urgent care centers throughout city and suburbs

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Adults: Downtown nightlife, live music, festivals
• Families: Parks, museums, zoo, city rec programs
• Community: El Pasoans are welcoming and culturally connected

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Mexican & Tex-Mex: L&J Cafe, Kiki’s, Tacos Chinampa
• Breweries: DeadBeach, Old Sheepdog, Blazing Tree
• Diverse Eats: Ruli’s, Café Central, Pho Tre Bien

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Training: Airport is on-site — proximity matters less
• Shifts: Long summer days, early morning and evening traffic waves
• Community: Controllers often live in East El Paso or Horizon City

📦 Moving Tips

• Summer: Plan ahead — it gets hot quickly
• Timing: Best months to move are October–April
• Gear: Get sun protection, shades, light car tint

❓ FAQs

• Is El Paso safe?
  Yes – one of the safest large cities in the U.S.
• Is the cost of living low?
  Yes – housing and taxes are very affordable
• Can I cross into Mexico?
  Yes – but bring ID/passport and understand entry rules