Need Info on Living In El Paso

This is such a high profile corruption case that the enormity of it has gained full attention by the FBI. Elected officials, administrators, school board trustees, community leaders, district court judges, major businesses; everyone's in on this one. All this time, money, etc... spent could've been spent on the betterment of the community, bringing businesses to town, working on the roads, etc...

Sure if you're educated you can find a job. A job that will easily pay you 20-30K more elsewhere. I work in healthcare, am highly experienced, and speak fluent Spanish. My mother fell ill and I considered moving back for her. So I interviewed at all the local hospitals and was met with such resistance and unprofessionalism. They literally laughed at the salary I currently make in SAand basically told me that I would never make that amount working in Ep. I would me making 20K less, paying more in taxes, paying more for a house, and having nothing to do. Hmm..
A lawyer friend of mine who was also born and raised in EP was met with the same resistance when interviewing with local firms. He ended up in Dallas.

There is nothing to do inEP. Granted it seems like you and I have different opinions on what is fun and entertaining. Do you have any resorts? Not golf courses, I mean resorts. Any amusement parks, theme parks, safaris, for the kiddos? Not western playland, I mean amusement parks. Any rivers to tube onor just hang out by? Not the Rio Grande, I mean rivers. Any major sporting events? The Diablos?? Any lakes to go boating, skiing or fishing on? Ascarate? Elephant Butte? Hmm...Let's not forget the zoo. Granted it looks a whole lot better since I was a kid but that's not saying much. It was not maintained and pretty much "animal-less" when I was down last Sept. Now there is some shopping to be done in EP with the 2 malls and the recently opened outlet stores. There is Ruidoso and CLoudcroft that has beautiful trees, great camping, hiking, etc..Is Ruidoso 3 or 4 hours away? I can't remember. As for spending a day in Juarez, I wouldn't do that if you paid me. That's not due to ignorance or fear or whatever you chose to call it. It's just not my cup of tea to be venturing over there. Tell me is there any area around town that has many bars, restaurants, clubs, etc..that locals and tourists can hang out with friends at? Like Marketplace in Dallas, 6th street in austin, riverwalk in Sa, downtown disney in orlando, etc...
El Paso needs more things that tourists can do. More things than festivals, carnivals, and horse racing. EP needs people who will visit, spend money, money that can be put back into the local economy. Sadly,I do not see that happening soon. It's a border town. It is what it is.

I'm glad that there are people like you who enjoy EP and what is has to offer you. I don't hate EP. It's just not for me and never will be. Instead of being there and being miserable, I chose not to be there. People moving there can sit and read what you and I have to say to each other but again that is just our own perspective. They must do their own homework when chosing where to plant their roots cause they are the ones who have to live with their decision.
Good talking to you Mark.

Safira wrote:

This is such a high profile corruption case that the enormity of it has gained full attention by the FBI. Elected officials, administrators, school board trustees, community leaders, district court judges, major businesses; everyone's in on this one. All this time, money, etc... spent could've been spent on the betterment of the community, bringing businesses to town, working on the roads, etc...
Sure if you're educated you can find a job. A job that will easily pay you 20-30K more elsewhere. I work in healthcare, am highly experienced, and speak fluent Spanish. My mother fell ill and I considered moving back for her. So I interviewed at all the local hospitals and was met with such resistance and unprofessionalism. They literally laughed at the salary I currently make in SAand basically told me that I would never make that amount working in Ep. I would me making 20K less, paying more in taxes, paying more for a house, and having nothing to do. Hmm..
A lawyer friend of mine who was also born and raised in EP was met with the same resistance when interviewing with local firms. He ended up in Dallas.
There is nothing to do inEP. Granted it seems like you and I have different opinions on what is fun and entertaining. Do you have any resorts? Not golf courses, I mean resorts. Any amusement parks, theme parks, safaris, for the kiddos? Not western playland, I mean amusement parks. Any rivers to tube onor just hang out by? Not the Rio Grande, I mean rivers. Any major sporting events? The Diablos?? Any lakes to go boating, skiing or fishing on? Ascarate? Elephant Butte? Hmm...Let's not forget the zoo. Granted it looks a whole lot better since I was a kid but that's not saying much. It was not maintained and pretty much "animal-less" when I was down last Sept. Now there is some shopping to be done in EP with the 2 malls and the recently opened outlet stores. There is Ruidoso and CLoudcroft that has beautiful trees, great camping, hiking, etc..Is Ruidoso 3 or 4 hours away? I can't remember. As for spending a day in Juarez, I wouldn't do that if you paid me. That's not due to ignorance or fear or whatever you chose to call it. It's just not my cup of tea to be venturing over there. Tell me is there any area around town that has many bars, restaurants, clubs, etc..that locals and tourists can hang out with friends at? Like Marketplace in Dallas, 6th street in austin, riverwalk in Sa, downtown disney in orlando, etc...
El Paso needs more things that tourists can do. More things than festivals, carnivals, and horse racing. EP needs people who will visit, spend money, money that can be put back into the local economy. Sadly,I do not see that happening soon. It's a border town. It is what it is.
I'm glad that there are people like you who enjoy EP and what is has to offer you. I don't hate EP. It's just not for me and never will be. Instead of being there and being miserable, I chose not to be there. People moving there can sit and read what you and I have to say to each other but again that is just our own perspective. They must do their own homework when chosing where to plant their roots cause they are the ones who have to live with their decision.
Good talking to you Mark.

Well put Safira. You're right, not everybody considers El Paso a "Happening" town. You're idea of fun might not be someone elses idea of fun. Just like any other city, El Paso has it's good points and it's bad. For me, family is here, I have a great job, well paid, what more can I ask for. Take Care.

Hello Guys, TXS again for your all comments. I should be moving there this summer because my husband is a military man. Again, I am from New York City and I think I'd love the Mountains because never have experienced one.

Safira, If there is nothing to do in EP and is boring, Why would you and other College Grads leave in stead of making the town better. Creating those things you would like to see at EP, like musement parks, bars, hotels, etc.

Grads have lots ofimagination. I am 27, have a BS and a Masters and I am thinking about opening a business.

Now, since you left EP, left me ask you a question, What Kind of Business/ Activities Would Attract You and other Young ones Back to EP?

Tx you all for your comments.

Thank you to everyone who provided information related to my comment. However, upon re-reading what I wrote I think I may have made a slight typo that I am sure offended people. My question about the crime rate and the fact that the majority of the population being hispanic have nothing to do with one another. So let me rephrase for my own peace of mind. "What is the crime rate and would you recomend living here with a family" and "Do we need to need to speak spanish being that the primary language seems to be spanish?" I am so sorry if I gave the impression of a narrow minded twit. Thank you again for your answers they have really helped me out.

Carrie Popejoy wrote:

Thank you to everyone who provided information related to my comment. However, upon re-reading what I wrote I think I may have made a slight typo that I am sure offended people. My question about the crime rate and the fact that the majority of the population being hispanic have nothing to do with one another. So let me rephrase for my own peace of mind. "What is the crime rate and would you recomend living here with a family" and "Do we need to need to speak spanish being that the primary language seems to be spanish?" I am so sorry if I gave the impression of a narrow minded twit. Thank you again for your answers they have really helped me out.

Violent crime in El Paso is pretty low. Property crime is pretty high. Speaking spanish isn't necessary, but it helps. Spanish is not the primary language. Go to this website and find out about the crime stats, it's not current but it will give you an idea.

http://www.cityrating.com/citycrime.asp...

Carrie Popejoy wrote:

Thank you to everyone who provided information related to my comment. However, upon re-reading what I wrote I think I may have made a slight typo that I am sure offended people. My question about the crime rate and the fact that the majority of the population being hispanic have nothing to do with one another. So let me rephrase for my own peace of mind. "What is the crime rate and would you recomend living here with a family" and "Do we need to need to speak spanish being that the primary language seems to be spanish?" I am so sorry if I gave the impression of a narrow minded twit. Thank you again for your answers they have really helped me out.

AS Angel Matrix said English is the primary lanaguage of this city. Spanish is helpful since Mexico is a Spanish speaking country and many visit in this region. Many recent immigrants still speak Spanish but have English skills. Stand your ground and speak your native tongue; that is what I do. I do have Spanish speaking skills but use them only when neccesary..

El Paso is rated the third Safest City over 500,000 in the USA and is growing. the whole region is poised for some good growth.

You will find each part of the city with unique and different offerings. Check out the difffernt real estate sites. they will help. The El Paso Scene is also a good source to find out what is happening....and there is a bunch. If you ahve any other questions, let us know...

New Resident wrote:

I've been offered a position there in El Paso and we are family of four. We are non hispanic with two school age children. Do many of us gringo types come to El Paso and how do they fare?? By the way, we are coming from the Fresno area which in some respects is like El Paso but certainly not the same.

Your family will absolutely love El Paso!! Just don't expect it to be your typical cookie cutter midwest type of place, it isn't. El Paso has great weather year round, it is one of the safest large cities in country. For a population of over 600,000 we had only 14 homicides as compared to a smaller sized city like Albuquerque which had 53. There are plenty of things to do like restaurants, night clubs, historic Plaza Theater, Viva El Paso, etc. You can go skiing in Ski Apache about 2 hours away or snow Canyon resort about 1 1/2 hours away. We have many hiking trails, bike trails, Aerial Tranway. Also, contrary to what a couple of clowns with their hidden agendas and long been banned, El Paso is a very clean city with very little graffitti. Welcome to the beautiful city of El Paso.

Mark B wrote:

<quoted text>
The government is corrupt? That shows how inept you are...almost anywhere you go you will find corruption at the local, state and federal level..
El Paso is no different.
Nothing to do...Can't you read? There is more to see and do just look at the activities . Check oout the El Paso Scene . that list of activiies will keep anyone busy... We even have horse racing and a Casino . And for day trips, there is Mexico and new Mexico...
Poor? Yes, we are not a wealthy community but we have some nice neighborhoods and parks and venues and an increasingly improving quality of life in El Paso... We have a vibrant middle and upper class that makes this city buz......
Unemployment high? yes, it is high but that is due to immmigration . If you are educated, you can find a job! If you are en entreprenuer, join the 22,000 businesses in town...something for everyone.
Do your homework? Definitely...and you will find El Paso has alot of pluses! The Pentegon did not chose to expand Ft. Bliss because of our history.... We have the assets to progress and enhance a beautiful community.
Economic Development is the key to the future of this community... We need the city put its effort behind it..... that will solve a lot of our border/city issues...
Many El Pasoans are coming back. They have seen the positive change and the future looks good! Be a part of it... Enjoy your stays when you come to visit...and check out all the venues...there is a bunch!

On the matter of corruption, you made a complete idiot of yourself

Why do all you lovers of El Paso think everyone is going to love it here just because YOU do?

It's not "very clean" - it's not even close. And it smells horrible....like a big sewer. Juarez overflow of filth and squalor.

Only reason there's no graffiti is because they can't hold a can of spraypaint with a quart in both hands.

I'm sory, but whoever says they love it here in sunny El Paso is either from El Paso/Juarez, on hallucinogenic drugs, or is so old he or she is ready to take a dirt nap!

Helpaso wrote:

Why do all you lovers of El Paso think everyone is going to love it here just because YOU do?

Because they're all moving here just to be close to you.

EHJ wrote:

I'm sory, but whoever says they love it here in sunny El Paso is either from El Paso/Juarez, on hallucinogenic drugs, or is so old he or she is ready to take a dirt nap!

In that case Mark B must be a junkie. Hey Mark B, can EHJ borrow some of your LSD, he he he he. If you don't have any I can give him some of mine. LOL!!

Thanks Bro, I could use some LSD to make it through the day as I'm dealing with the many tards on the roads, in the stores, and anywhere else I go in El Paso!!

Helpaso wrote:

Why do all you lovers of El Paso think everyone is going to love it here just because YOU do?
It's not "very clean" - it's not even close. And it smells horrible....like a big sewer. Juarez overflow of filth and squalor.
Only reason there's no graffiti is because they can't hold a can of spraypaint with a quart in both hands.

It depends on what part of the city you live in - as far as the smells -- likely that's the sulfur odor from the refinery that you smell.

The weather here is ideal -- you almost cannot beat it. Some people would find it hard to imagine a place where the sun shines every day and where it never gets too hot or too cold.

Angel Matrix wrote:

<quoted text>
Violent crime in El Paso is pretty low. Property crime is pretty high. Speaking spanish isn't necessary, but it helps. Spanish is not the primary language. Go to this website and find out about the crime stats, it's not current but it will give you an idea.
http://www.cityrating.com/citycrime.asp...

I would have to say Spanish is the primary language but there are neighborhoods where you can get by without it. An awful lot of people living here speak no English at all.

Depending on where you work -- most the conversations at least in the break room will be in Spanish -- and some people will obviously feel left out.

That's one of the facts of life around here -- very often if an English speaker enters a room, conversations will switch over to Spanish even if they were in English to begin with.

Still -- it all depends on where you live, where you work, what kind of work you do, and the type of people you work with or associate with.

Carrie Popejoy wrote:

Thank you to everyone who provided information related to my comment. However, upon re-reading what I wrote I think I may have made a slight typo that I am sure offended people. My question about the crime rate and the fact that the majority of the population being hispanic have nothing to do with one another. So let me rephrase for my own peace of mind. "What is the crime rate and would you recomend living here with a family" and "Do we need to need to speak spanish being that the primary language seems to be spanish?" I am so sorry if I gave the impression of a narrow minded twit. Thank you again for your answers they have really helped me out.

The good thing about the crime here -- it's actually pretty rare to be the victim of violent crime by a stranger. Most violent crime are gangs against other gangs and domestic abuse crimes. The property crime rate is quite high unfortunately -- but it's a lot better not being killed for your possessions.

Leslie wrote:

Creating those things you would like to see at EP, like musement parks, bars, hotels, etc.
Grads have lots ofimagination. I am 27, have a BS and a Masters and I am thinking about opening a business.
Now, since you left EP, left me ask you a question, What Kind of Business/ Activities Would Attract You and other Young ones Back to EP?
Tx you all for your comments.

There's enough to do here -- not compared with cities like San Antonio -- or Dallas -- but that's because of a lot of things.

Weather here is far better than those places -- so it depends on what someone wants to do for amusement. If they like the outdoors -- then the weather here will almost never get in the way.

There are no beaches, and no places for canoeing, waterskiing, boating except for a couple hours drive.

I think the problem is -- El Paso is highly populated but acts like a small town because it's a small population that will be doing the activities people mean when they talk about things to do.

So having a variety of ethnic restaurants -- Greek, Thai, Indian, German, Polish -- forget it. This town doesn't have the numbers to support that.

Same with the types of entertainment you encounter in other places -- most things here are geared for the Mexicans -- big concerts bypass El Paso now -- so unless you like the Mexican singers and groups you're out of luck.

Older people -- those with families -- and others that really don't care too much about all that will be more satisfied than those looking for that kind of action. So -- you'll always hear of some people liking it here pretty well while others want out.

Mark B wrote:

The illegal immigration issue is a federal one, not state or local. I have tried to be as intelligent and truthful as possible with everything I write but when someone like Renegade come along it becomes hard to control my emotions.
El Paso is my home and home to over 750,000 plus many expatriots many who are now coming back. A friend of mine has his son who is a doctor returning. I will start a new post to highlight all that is coming. El Paso is a fine place filled with many wonderful people.
For those who want creditenials for all the info, just check the websites. It is all there.

I was just reading some of the threads, and one thing that continues to irk me is when people say that illegal immigration is a federal problem and not a state or local one. The argument is invalid and baseless. To say illegel immigration is a federal one and not a local or state problem is like saying that such crimes as murder and any other federal law should be held in the same standing. Whatever federal law is being violated, whether it is illegal immigration or tax fraud, each state and local municipality should prosecute those that are in violation, regardless of the ethnic background of the violator.

I am traveling to EP in December to check it out before I move there. What hotel is good; whats going on there for Christmas? Any parades, Santa for the kids, or christmas spirit at all? I am going to check out some towns. You guys already recommended the Westside, right? Less mosquitoes, scorpions; better homes, neighbors, cleaner, better schools, more tress, right?

Please tell me where should I start. What neighborhood first? How come I see no flowers or fruit plants when I see those homes?

Leslie wrote:

I am traveling to EP in December to check it out before I move there. What hotel is good; whats going on there for Christmas? Any parades, Santa for the kids, or christmas spirit at all? I am going to check out some towns. You guys already recommended the Westside, right? Less mosquitoes, scorpions; better homes, neighbors, cleaner, better schools, more tress, right?
Please tell me where should I start. What neighborhood first? How come I see no flowers or fruit plants when I see those homes?

What towns? El Paso is a very large, spread out city. It won't have that city feel you get in NYC because there are no 'skyskrapers'.
The West side looks nice because it's fairly new, but living there for a year, it really showed 'true colors'- not a place I wanted my family.
I guess there is christmas spirit - stores have had the displays up since early October. Must push those sales! It will never feel like a holiday season because it doesn't get cold (only chilly) and no snow. What's Christmas with no snow? LOL

Best wishes. I do, sincerely, hope you have an enjoyable visit.