Where are the best areas of El Paso (Houston: 2013, insurance)

[malamute]

Originally Posted by bily4

I am in the same boat..am heading Monday to El Paso for a final interview...can I ask what neighborhoods are around the socorro school disctrict? I read that is the best school district in el paso? And do people recommend this area?

Is the commute longer to the border from the east side or from the west side?

I think we'd have to know more what your expectations are in order to recommend a particular area.

The border is close wherever you are -- The East side has the Zaragosa bridge into Mexico, East-Central has the Bridge of the Americas, and the West and Downtown have the downtown bridges.

As far as the schools here -- no one moves to El Paso for the public schools. They can be adequate to not so good.

[bily4]

Originally Posted by malamute

I think we'd have to know more what your expectations are in order to recommend a particular area.

The border is close wherever you are -- The East side has the Zaragosa bridge into Mexico, East-Central has the Bridge of the Americas, and the West and Downtown have the downtown bridges.

As far as the schools here -- no one moves to El Paso for the public schools. They can be adequate to not so good.

Thanks ...yes I have gotten that from this forum and other research about El Paso relating to schools. But then I read comments about some of the private schools on some of the school ratings websites and they have a lot of negative comments too, more often than not. I just wanted to make sure I at least moved into an "adequate" area. I did read about El Paso Country Day School being very nice but not sure I could afford for two kids.

As far as what are we looking for, I am thinking East Side (or maybe Central?) just from what forum posters post...hopefully I will get the opportunity to make a scouting trip and actually check out the different areas in person...but it sounds like the East Side is more "authentic El Paso" with older, affordable homes and some parts have nice areas for families. I guess I don't want to move into another cookie cutter suburban division. Been there, done that. Central sounds nice but then I wonder why it says everybody wants to get out of there.

[WildWestDude]

Much of the east side and all the far east side is not authentic at all. It is the cookie cutters you describe.

[malamute]

I wouldn't say any part of town is more "authentic" El Paso than another because El Paso has always been like 5 different cities. The military base is authentic El Paso because we've always had the military here so the NE is authentic. The Southside and Central are certainly authentic and have the older homes and more historic buildings. The West side is authentic because that's where many of the founders of El Paso lived. The Valleys are authentic and have historic routes and buildings. The East is also authentic but newer.

It depends on what one is looking for. "Adequate" is kind of vague -- all parts of town could be adequate -- but for different needs. If someone wants to live in Mexico without actually having to live in Mexico there are parts of this city that will certainly allow for that. If someone wants to live where English is spoken then there are parts of town for that. If someone wants to experience the military family lifestyle there is that too. If someone is into mini-ranching and horses -- there is even that.

[Six Foot Three]

bily4.........from what i've read in the El Paso Times newspaper over the years and also being a mermber here on City Data for over a year now and reading the posts of the regulars on here i would guess that the Socorro ISD is the best in El Paso. Not sure why but 90% of the schools are less than 25 years old so maybe going to a new and modern state of the art school makes it nicer when getting a public education than the older decrepid 1960's/50's/40's schools....

Anyway thats my thoughts....

[bily4]

Thanks all for the feedback...I think I'll check out the area around that district...I hope it pans out, I am getting kind of geeked up...

[Bilingual white dude]

Is car theft a real big issue? I mean to the point you would need a car alarm and one of those locks that go over the steering wheel? Homes and apartments getting burglarized, is this a huge concern?

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by Bilingual white dude

Is car theft a real big issue? I mean to the point you would need a car alarm and one of those locks that go over the steering wheel? Homes and apartments getting burglarized, is this a huge concern?

Current locals in El Paso would have some additional insight into this question for you I am sure, however, statistics show this:

1) El Paso's greatest problem crime-wise is indeed automobile theft. All of the folks I know in EP don't use much more protection-wise for their auto than you would in any other big city in the US, however, it can happen and using "smarts" as it relates to protecting your vehicle would be advised. Sadly, auto thefts aren't just a problem in El Paso, as many other larger cities somewhat near the Mexican border (specifically referencing Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque) also have this problem. I wouldn't let it be a major worry as an obstacle to moving into the area, but I do think crime-wise it would be probably one of the main concerns (more than a place like the Twin Cities).

2) El Paso statistically for years has ranked as one of the safest big cities in the US for crime, especially as it relates to violent crime. There was an article in the EP Times just yesterday that noted only one homicide in EP yet this year, usually there are only 14 or 15 which, in a city of EP's size, is quite good.

So auto theft crimes, probably your largest concern, (but to me, probably nothing to stay up at night worrying about either if you use some good sense). However, fortunately, not a high crime rate in relation to violent crime.

[Bilingual white dude]

Originally Posted by Muhnay

EnjoyEP.. I can hardly wait for you to live here.

This Drum you beat as loud as you can all the time on the low Violent crime is, is getting old. I can tell you don't live here or you would know how false that statement really is.

Also expect the crime stats to change dramatically in the next 2-5 years.

Example.. made the news even.. Teenager killed at Party in N.E. El Paso. 5 teens lured the one into an Apartment and killed him. ( N.E. El Paso )

Gang Violence is on the rise, and turf battles are a nightly seen now.. So quick pack your stuff EnjoyEP and get down here so you can see this for yourself.. since you seem to think I am full of Bull Poopy.

Muhnay... Thanks for your reply. I have lived in Mexico for a year and it was in one of the worst areas ( Colonias ) in Mazatlan. You wouldn't dare walk the neighborhood at night but if you need to it's wise to go out in 2's. Most people in that area do not have cars so they have nothing to worry about. Public transportation is excellent their so really there is no need for a car. I can't imagine El Paso would be worse than a really bad part of town in Mexico. What would your opinion be Muhnay with this?

[Bilingual white dude]

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Current locals in El Paso would have some additional insight into this question for you I am sure, however, statistics show this:

1) El Paso's greatest problem crime-wise is indeed automobile theft. All of the folks I know in EP don't use much more protection-wise for their auto than you would in any other big city in the US, however, it can happen and using "smarts" as it relates to protecting your vehicle would be advised. Sadly, auto thefts aren't just a problem in El Paso, as many other larger cities somewhat near the Mexican border (specifically referencing Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque) also have this problem. I wouldn't let it be a major worry as an obstacle to moving into the area, but I do think crime-wise it would be probably one of the main concerns (more than a place like the Twin Cities).

2) El Paso statistically for years has ranked as one of the safest big cities in the US for crime, especially as it relates to violent crime. There was an article in the EP Times just yesterday that noted only one homicide in EP yet this year, usually there are only 14 or 15 which, in a city of EP's size, is quite good.

So auto theft crimes, probably your largest concern, (but to me, probably nothing to stay up at night worrying about either if you use some good sense). However, fortunately, not a high crime rate in relation to violent crime.

Hey EnjoyEp... Thanks for your insight on this! You are very helpful! Thanks