El Paso County Texas
County Offices
500 East San Antonio
El Paso 915-546-2000
www.epcounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
10 Civic Center
El Paso 915-534-0500
www.elpaso.org
El Paso County is the westernmost county in Texas. It has a population of over 800,647, making it the sixth-most populous county in Texas. Its county seat is El Paso, the sixth-most populous city in Texas and the 19th-most populous city in the United States.
Lifestyle
Boasting more than 300 sunny days a year, El Paso is a great place for year-round outdoor activities. Located in the fascinating and bio diverse northern Chihuahuan Desert – the largest in North America, El Paso offers visitors and residents alike many ways to enjoy the sunshine with an excellent array of outdoor recreational opportunities. This city offers great fun for families big or small. Kids can count the whiskers on the tigers in the park environment of the El Paso Zoo. Spend a day biking along the Rio Grande or feed baby goats at the Licon Dairy petting farm. Western Playland offers rides and roller coasters for kids of all ages. Residents can ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway to Ranger Peak to get a panoramic view of the city, or drive along Trans Mountain Road, which cuts right through the mountain. Enjoy a picnic in Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the U.S. For outdoor explorers, there’s also mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing virtually any time of the year. Locals can also catch a show at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Carved into the mountains, this outdoor venue is home to concerts, plays, and Viva! El Paso. There are several golf courses for those who enjoy a more relaxed form of outdoor adventure.
For those who want a different type of adventure, El Paso offers a great mix of shopping experiences. El Paso has great choices for shoppers with a variety of locally owned, unique retail shops. Eclectic artifacts, hand-crafted jewelry, vintage clothing, books, contemporary furnishings, hard-to-find music and more. El Paso attracts world-class photographers, painters, sculptors and muralists. Residents can enjoy the work of regional and international artists at three art centers; explore the area’s archaeological past or the natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert; or have fun in the Insights Science Museum. Public museums include the El Paso Museum of Art, Wilderness Park Museum, and the El Paso Museum of History. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department operates Hueco Tanks State Historical Park a historic landmark with relics of the historic and prehistoric past. The National Park Service operates the Chamizal National Memorial, an international cultural center.
A professional symphony orchestra, a ballet company, and several theater companies provide a variety of entertainment. The annual musical and historical drama “Viva El Paso” is presented each summer in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. A wide variety of sports is highlighted by Minor League baseball, Western Athletic Conference competition, and the annual Sun Bowl, one of the nation’s oldest midwinter football games, with its attendant Sun Carnival attractions.
Economy
El Paso stands on the Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte), across the border from Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The two cities, along with Las Cruces, form a combined international metropolitan area, sometimes referred as the Paso Del Norte or El Paso–Juárez–Las Cruces, with over 2.7 million people occupying the combined area. The El Paso-Juárez region is the largest bilingual, binational work force in the Western Hemisphere. This unique border situation is what helps to drive the economy of the city with many companies having their workforce split between the two countries. Agriculture is also a large part of the economy in El Paso. The Rio Grande valley in this area has been irrigated since prehistoric times and produces bountiful harvests of cotton, pecans, and alfalfa, and lesser amounts of numerous vegetables and fruits. In addition, the county has a strong economy bolstered by Fort Bliss and the businesses that serve it.
The county’s hallmark of educational excellence is evident in the local school districts, the wide selection of respected private schools, and the selection of leading institutions of higher education. Exemplary teachers and strong academic programs have earned El Paso County schools a reputation as some of the finest in Texas. The El Paso Independent School District, the largest in the county, offers a solid K-12 education, offering parents true choice in selecting the type of academic environment that best fits their child’s unique learning style. Parents may choose from a more traditional setting to magnet programs and internal charters that specialize in a particular theme or subject matter. There are also many private schools in the area, and many opportunities for higher education, including the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College as well as Howard Payne University, Park University, University of Phoenix and Webster University.
Newcomers to El Paso County will discover an array of advantages that are rivaled by few metropolitan regions in the nation. County hospitals offer state-of-the-art treatment and diagnostics in world-renowned care centers. In addition Fort Bliss is home to its own medical facilities that serve both the military and non-military personnel on base.
Cities/Towns
Anthony
Town Offices
401 Wildcat Drive
Anthony 915-886-3944
http://townofanthony.org
The Town of Anthony was established in the late 1800s and served as a supply stop for travelers along the Oñate Trail and later as a stop for the railroads. It is not known who the original settlers of the farming community originally known as “La Tuna” were. Later, the name was changed to Anthony and in 1952 the community became incorporated as the Town of Anthony. The town has evolved from a farming town into a small industrial and commercial center serving as a bedroom community for the cities of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. Approximately six square miles, the town has a population estimated at about 4,400 and is bordered on the north and west by Anthony, New Mexico, on the east by the City of El Paso and on the south by the Village of Vinton. With more than 35 acres of developed parks, Anthony provides the perfect backdrop for picnics and sports of all kinds (soccer, basketball, baseball, football, skateboarding). The current park area is made up of Henry Miramontes Memorial Park, Anthony Municipal Park, Ernie Rascon Memorial Park, and the Jerry F. Hall Soccer Complex.
El Paso
City Offices
300 North Campbell
El Paso 915-212-0000
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/
El Paso is the county seat of El Paso County and lies in far West Texas. It is home to more than 675,000 residents, making it the 19th most populous city in the United States. Located in far west Texas and on the border with Mexico, El Paso is known for being a leader in international trade. El Paso is recognized as one of America’s Best-Performing Cities and also one of the Happiest Cities to Work. The recognitions don’t stop there. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored El Paso with a national award for achievement in smart growth manifested in its comprehensive plan, Plan El Paso. The City is not only a great place to work but to live as well. The weather with more than 300 days of sunshine a year is perfect for any outdoor lover. The City offers a variety of parks and recreation activities, outdoor music concerts and cultural events. If that’s not enough, the City provides the perfect setting for rock climbing, hiking and biking at the Franklin Mountains State Park. El Paso also offers a diverse and rich culture that is clearly a reflection of its history and the varied people who have lived there. El Paso is also home to Fort Bliss, the fastest-growing U.S. Army installation in the country and a vital part of the City’s economic environment. Other pillars of El Paso’s economy include the University of Texas at El Paso and the Medical Center of the Americas, which houses the only four-year medical school located on the U.S./Mexico border.
The Franklin Mountains extend into El Paso from the north and nearly divide the city into two sections; the west side forms the beginnings of the Mesilla Valley, and the east side expands into the desert and lower valley. They connect in the central business district at the south end of the mountain range. The city’s elevation is 3,800 ft. above sea level. North Franklin Mountain is the highest peak in the city at 7,192 ft. The peak can be seen from 60 miles away in all directions. Additionally, this mountain range is home to the famous natural red-clay formation, the Thunderbird, from which the local Coronado High School gets its mascot’s name.
The city is home to several neighborhoods, each with a character all its own. These neighborhoods make up the fabric of the city’s culture and lifestyle.
Neighborhoods:
Downtown
This part of town contains some of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to approximately 130,000 people. Development of the area started around 1875, when the city was barely beginning to gain its roots. Today, central El Paso has grown into the center of the city’s economy and a thriving urban community. It contains numerous historic sites and landmarks mostly in the Sunset Heights district. It is close to the El Paso International Airport, the international border, and Fort Bliss.
Northwest El Paso
Better known as West El Paso or the West Side, the area includes a portion of the Rio Grande floodplain upstream from downtown which is known locally as the Upper Valley and is located on the west side of the Franklin Mountains. The Upper Valley is the greenest part of the county due to the Rio Grande. The west side is home to some of the most affluent neighborhoods within the city, such as the Coronado Hills and Country Club neighborhoods. It is one of the fastest-growing areas of El Paso.
West Central El Paso
West central El Paso is located north of Interstate 10 and west of the Franklin Mountains. The University of Texas at El Paso and the Cincinnati Entertainment district are located in the heart of the area. Historic districts Kern Place and Sunset Heights are located in this part of town. Kern Place was founded in 1914 by Peter Kern, for whom the neighborhood was named. The homes of Kern Place are unique in design as compared to other parts of town. Some of the homes were built by the residents themselves. One of the better known homes is Paul Luckett home located at 1201 Cincinnati Ave. above Madeline Park. The house is made of rock gathered from the area, and affectionately known as “The Castle” due to its round walls and a crenulated rooftop. Kern Place is extremely popular with college and university students. The area is known for its entertainment district, restaurants and coffee shops who cater to both business patrons and university students. After UTEP’s basketball and football games, UTEP fans pack the Kern Place area for food and entertainment at Cincinnati Street a small bar district. This bar scene has grown over the years and has attracted thousands to its annual Mardi gras block party as well as after sporting events or concerts.
Northeast El Paso
This part of town is located north of central El Paso and east of the Franklin Mountains. Development of the area was extensive during the 1950s and 1960s. It is one of the more diverse areas in the city due to the concentration of military families. The area has also gained recognition throughout the city for the outstanding high school athletic programs at Andress High School, Parkland High School, Irvin High School, and Chapin High School.
East El Paso
The area is located north of Interstate 10, east of Airway Blvd., and south of Montana Ave. It is the largest and fastest growing area of town with a population of over 150,000. Its neighborhoods are mainly middle-class, but does have a considerable number of affluent neighborhoods. East El Paso is noted also for its ridges and cliffs which offer desirable views of the lower valley, the Franklin Mountains and downtown El Paso. It also possesses the greatest number of entertainment venues in the city.
Mission Valley
Formerly known as the lower valley, it includes part of Eastside and all lower valley districts. It is the third largest area of the city, behind east El Paso and central El Paso. Hawkins Road and Interstate 10 border the Mission Valley. This location is considered the oldest area of El Paso, dating back to the late 17th century when present-day Texas was under the rule of New Spain. In 1680 the Isleta Pueblo tribe revolted against the Spaniards who were pushed south to what is now El Paso. Some Spaniards and tribe members settled here permanently. Soon afterward, three Spanish missions were built; they remain standing, currently functioning as churches: Ysleta Mission-1682 (La Misión de Corpus Christi y de San Antonio de la Ysleta del Sur/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel), Socorro Mission-1759 (Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción del Socorro)-1759 and San Elizario Chapel (Capilla de San Elcear)-1789.
Regardless of the neighborhood or part of the city that residents live in, they all enjoy a very high quality of life. With access to everything that they would need or want right on their doorstep.
Fort Bliss
915-568-2121
Fort Bliss is a United States Army post in the U.S. states of New Mexico and Texas, with its headquarters located in El Paso, Texas. With an area of about 1,700 square miles, it is the Army’s second-largest installation, behind the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. The Part of the post in El Paso County, Texas, is a census-designated place. The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort Bliss, Texas, is currently the Army’s center for the education and training of Air Defense Artillery soldiers and units. It also hosts the Army’s Sergeants Major Academy. Fort Bliss was established in 1848 to support settlers and act as a liaison to the Native American population and the Mexican government, making it one of the oldest Army posts. After closing and relocating the post, the Army officially renamed the post Fort Bliss in 1854, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Wallace Smith Bliss, an Army assistant adjutant general during the Mexican War. Fort Bliss is a diverse community made up of soldiers, family members, students, employees and retirees. The Fort Bliss area is home to more than 20,000 military personnel and 31,000 retirees. In addition, Fort Bliss supports 66,000 family members of active duty and retired personnel. Fort Bliss employs more than 7,000 civilians. Three elementary schools and one high school are located on Fort Bliss grounds. Chapin High School is near Fort Bliss. Bus transportation to off post schools is provided. All schools are part of the El Paso Independent School District. Medical care for military personnel and family members is primarily met at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Named after an Army physician who served during the war of 1812, the present 12-story medical center building provides a total of 364 beds. Built on property of over one-half million square feet, the hospital houses many departments and clinics which provide a full range of treatment and training capabilities.
Horizon City
City Hall
14999 Darrington Road
Horizon City 915-852-1046
www.horizoncity.org
Horizon City is home to more than 16,700 residents. At more than 4,000 feet the city enjoys a high desert location above the Rio Grande valley. Horizon City offers its residents all the advantages of small-town living, friendliness, safety, good schools, local shops, and peace and quiet. Horizon’s residents know each other and watch out for one another. Neighbors can meet up at the country club, which offers an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, elegant dining, and entertainment. For families with children, Horizon offers a Little League field and a playground at Community Park. A second park with playground and exercise facilities is located in the new Horizon Mesa subdivision. School sports facilities are also open to local residents for extracurricular events and activities. The surrounding high desert is a scenic and recreational resource. The city enjoys a vast expanse of natural splendor, thanks to its location and climate. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking as well as lots of other forms of recreation. The city of El Paso is less than a 15 minute drive west of Horizon and some of El Paso’s newest shopping malls, outlets, and restaurants are located on El Paso’s rapidly growing eastside. All of this combined means that residents don’t have to go far for anything that they need, making the City of Horizon a great place to call home.
Socorro
124 South Horizon Boulevard
Socorro 915-858-2915
http://ci.socorro.tx.us
Socorro is a city on the north bank of the Rio Grande southeast of El Paso and on the border of Mexico. El Paso adjoins it on the west and the smaller city of San Elizario on the southeast; small unincorporated areas of El Paso County separate it from the nearby municipalities of Horizon City to the north and Clint to the east. The city is home to more than 32,000 residents. The city is El Paso County’s second-largest municipality, after El Paso. Residents of this small city enjoy a high quality of life, with great amenities close to home. The city is home to several parks and 2 recreation centers, offering residents a wealth of recreational opportunities. The newest park, Bulldog Championship Park includes a splash park, amphitheater, walking trails, and a pond. Socorro is also home to the Socorro Mission, a Franciscan Mission build around 1840 to serve the Native American population in the area and a significant part of the history of the city. For live entertainment near to home, residents can visit the Socorro Entertainment Center, a Native American entertainment and concert venue. Residents enjoy a broad range of housing styles from the quaint to the grand. But regardless of home size or type, all of the residents of this city enjoy the close proximity of El Paso and its urban amenities.
San Elizario
City Hall
12710 Church Street
San Elizario 915-974-7037
https://cityofsanelizario.com
San Elizario is home to more than 13,603. It lies on the Rio Grande, which forms the border between the United States and Mexico. The city of Socorro adjoins it on the west and the town of Clint lies to the north. San Elizario was established sometime before 1760 as the civilian settlement of Hacienda de los Tiburcios, where in 1789, the Spaniards established a fort called Presidio de San Elizario. The town that grew up around it took the name San Elizario. San Elizario was El Paso County’s original county seat. It was incorporated several times between 1871 and 1911, with another unsuccessful attempt at incorporation made in 1986. On November 5, 2013, San Elizario residents voted to re-incorporate the town. This rural community is one of the oldest in Texas and is home to residents who enjoy their quiet pace of life. With El Paso a short drive away, residents have access to everything that they need.
