El Paso, Texas

There are a number of things to enjoy about El Paso, especially the majestic Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting in the country. Being on the border though, and having a sister city in Juarez Mexico, has had an undeniable impact on the culture, diversity, food and lifestyle of El Paso. Tex-Mex food was invented here but that’s just a single byproduct of a blurred cultural landscape that makes El Paso like no other place. The food scene makes it obvious with the amazing Tex-Mex, classic Mexican, bbq, and other cross-cultural fine-dining. The fresh ingredients that move back and forth across the border feed this amazing food scene, and the culture and vibe of the city makes it clear how big an influence it is to be on the border.

Here's a summary of living in El Paso from a local:
Living here is a unique bi-national, bi-cultural, tri-state, experience.

I can literally see Mexico from my apartment window. I live in Downtown El Paso, 15 minutes walking distance from the US-Mexico Port of Entry and walk to Ciudad Juarez. I can go walk across the border for breakfast, open up a PO Box in Mexico (can’t wait to beat shipping costs and buy Spanish language literature!), and come back home within an hour. I carry both American Dollars and Mexican Pesos in my wallet. I have Spanish language books (hello Vice Magazine, Spanish Edition, and the history of the Mexican romantic painting movement) on my table, and read English news articles on the internet. The newspaper in Ciudad Juarez, El Diario, offers a much different perspective from the El Paso Times. I navigate between two cultures constantly.

To hear reviews from more locals check out: The Reviews.

The biggest complaint about El Paso is how difficult it can be to find work. If you go there with a job or you’re going to be working remotely then you’re set. If you lose your job and need to work locally it can be tough.

Here's a note from a local about finding a job:
The El Paso job market was hot garbage while I was applying. I applied federal and had to leave the city to land the job, but eventually found my way back. Try USAjobs if you haven't already. Takes a while to get hired because of background check/drug test but if you manage to get in you'll have some upward maneuverability.

To hear reviews from more locals check out: The Reviews.