Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss

Moving Toolkit

KEY CONTACTS

Housing Services Office (HSO)
Bldg. T0070
Carter Rd. Fort Bliss, TX 79916
PH: (915) 568-2898

Kelly Park Community Center
1991 Marshall Rd.
Fort Bliss, TX 79906
PH: (915) 564-0795

School Liaison Office
Welcome Center
505 Pershing Rd. Fort Bliss, TX 79916
PH: (915) 569-5064

Army Community Services
2494 Ricker Rd.
West Fort Bliss, TX
PH: (915) 569-5375

Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.

Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time

About Fort Bliss

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Fort Bliss sits at the base of the majestic Franklin Mountain Range in El Paso, Texas. This massive installation is located at the westernmost corner of Texas on the Rio Grande River — just across the border from Mexico. The 1st Armored Division, also known as “Old Ironsides,” is the largest resident and also the Army’s oldest and most renowned armored unit. Boasting the biggest training area in the United States, Fort Bliss provides the space for Artillery, Armor, and Infantry units to hone their warfighting skills. In addition to the dynamic mountain terrain, Fort Bliss also claims a staggering 1.2 million acres of desert outfitted for training, replete with dozens of mock villages and cities. The Brigade Modernization Command, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and Joint Task Force – North also call Fort Bliss home.

The history of this southwestern border town dates back to around 13,000 years ago when prehistoric indigenous groups and Native Americans inhabited small villages in the valley and local mountains. The Spanish later colonized the area on their way to Santa Fe. Mexico then laid claim to it when it won its independence from Spain, and it was ultimately annexed to the United States in the mid-1800s. Today, El Paso remains an important cultural crossroads between the United States and Mexico and is one of the busiest international crossing points in the  U.S. El Paso embodies the American Southwest with its confluence of the Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures.

Often referred to as “The Crossroads of North America,” El Paso’s inhabitants are as diverse as the geography. English and Spanish are often used interchangeably, but don’t worry—you won’t need a translator in most places. Typical of a large city, urban life in El Paso allows for some great amenities like shopping, fantastic restaurants, and top-notch entertainment. El Paso is host to the Sun Bowl, the second oldest consecutive college football competition (after the Rose Bowl). University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) is another source of pride for the city.
The El Paso International Airport and Amtrak’s Union Depot train station also provide ample opportunity for travel.

In terms of geography, the Franklin Mountain Range rises dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert and sharply divides the city into east and west. El Paso del Norte translates to “The Pass of the North” and is a crucial crossing point through two towering mountain ranges. The nickname “Sun City” is apt as El Paso gets 302 days of sun annually. Rain is a rarity—it is a desert, after all—but there is a “monsoon season” during the months of July, August, and September that can produce some severe storms and flash floods. High winds can generate sand and dust storms during the nine-month-long dry season, so keep an eye on those patio umbrellas! El Pasoans are generally friendly with a gracious attitude towards the abundant military, federal, and government workers that make up a significant slice of the region’s workforce and economy. The DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the FBI, and many other agencies have offices in El Paso. Fort Bliss itself boasts top-notch amenities. Freedom Crossing is a posh outdoor mall — the first of its kind on a U.S. military installation — that provides your typical military retailers along with an impressive array of civilian shops and restaurants. A 10-screen stadium seating theater, play area, and restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse will have you thinking twice about dodging on-post shopping! Fitness centers, pools, and mostly renovated housing make living on post a popular choice. There are also many wonderful and distinct areas surrounding Fort Bliss where military families find affordable homes in beautiful neighborhoods with great vibes!

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Nearby Neighborhoods

Popular Neighborhoods

Nearby Attractions

  • El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
  • Franklin Mountains State Park
  • El Paso Museum of Art
  • Fort Bliss Museum

cEntral

About

Central is the area located just east of Downtown, on the other side of Highway 54 and the swath between the 375 Beltway and Interstate 10. Some think of this as an extension of downtown and the Lower Valley, but we’re calling the whole thing Central! At first glance, you may be deterred from this area because of the older facades and less organized neighborhoods. But the area is actually well-established and there are some hidden gems to be found. Affordable housing is available here, and if you’re industrious you can find one with some charm. Being close to University of Texas at El Paso, and all the restaurants, small businesses, and nightlife downtown is a definite perk.

Neighbors

The residents in Central are typically working class families and are fairly diverse. As with most of El Paso, Central is predominately hispanic and neighbors the border to Juarez, Mexico so you’ll have an even richer Mexican influence here.

Neighborhood Feel

Some neighborhoods are a bit dated, yet have been well maintained and home to generations of El Pasoans. We encourage you to do your research before buying or renting a home.

Neighborhood Info | Central

Big Plus

  • Close to Eastside for shopping, Downtown for entertainment and restaurants, Fort Bliss for work, and West El Paso for outdoor adventures.
  • Affordable homes can be found here, however viewing the property in-person is recommended.

Things to Consider

  • A lot of military families concentrate on the area right outside (to the west of) Fort Bliss or the Lower Valley when considering homes in Central El Paso.
  • The homes are older and many are in disrepair, with some that are downright dilapidated. If you do find a home that
    appears to be in good shape, it is still highly advised that you consider its surroundings for the long term outlook on your investment.
  • Homes in Central El Paso are older, with few options for new or recent construction.
  • This area has a lower concentration of military families than other areas surrounding Fort Bliss.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Central, El Paso has 13 schools. The public schools in the Central region of El Paso belong to El Paso Independent School District or Ysleta Independent School District.
  • All students attending the El Paso Independent School District are required to attend school in the attendance zone where you reside unless there is an approved transfer on file. Ysleta Independent School District allows its students inter and intradistrict transfers in as long as the transfer will not result in additional programs being implemented or additional classroom facilities being added at the campus.

Highlighted Areas

  • Austin Terrace
  • San Juan
  • Five Points
  • Kern
Laci Jacques - IMG_7741

Downtown

About

El Paso has a modestly sized downtown, bordering the Rio Grande and the U.S. border with Mexico. The southern tip of the Franklin Mountain Range abruptly terminates just north (and a little to the east) of downtown, leading some to associate Downtown El Paso with West El Paso. This region is well-known as the home of the University of Texas at El Paso, or UTEP, and also the Hyundai Sun Bowl, an annual college football championship game.

Downtown El Paso is a destination in and of itself and you can easily fill a day with outings here. Authentic shops and restaurants that display the vibrant cultures of the region are plentiful. The events calendar is always jam packed with activities, festivals, and concerts, and the nightlife is very active. A popular bridal/prom dress shop housed in an old bank, a retro ice cream parlor, and a paranormal research society occupying a former saloon/brothel from the late 1800s all contribute to Downtown El Paso’s personality. The El Paso Chihuahuas (minor league baseball) play at Southwest University Park, and shows at the historic Plaza Theater are always a delight. There has been a renewed effort on revitalizing the area, but there is still a lot of work to do. There isn’t a lot of residential inventory available and it isn’t typically an area that military families or even single service members tend to consider.

Neighbors

While there are tons of things to do in Downtown El Paso, there really isn’t a lot to choose from by way of residences. If you do happen to find a small rental or apartment, you’ll likely reside next door to a business of some sort.

Neighborhood Feel

Homes here are pretty badly neglected and there are pockets of crime to go with that. Some of the areas around Southwest University Park are up-and-coming, but there still isn’t a ton of housing available.

Neighborhood Info | Downtown

Big Plus

  • Downtown El Paso is a great place to visit for its quirky shops, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic restaurants. Catch a sporting event at UTEP, a play at the Plaza Theater, or visit one of the many museums and historic tours of the area.
  • The fusion of cultures of the Southwest is on display in Downtown El Paso. El Pasoans pride themselves on coexisting and retaining their authenticity, especially in this urban center.

Things to Consider

  • It is highly recommended that you thoroughly research this area before buying or renting a home.
  • Homes in Downtown El Paso are older, with few options for new or recent construction.
  • This area has a lower concentration of military families than other areas surrounding Fort Bliss.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Downtown El Paso contains five primary and secondary schools. Public schools in Downtown are part of El Paso Independent School District.
  • All students attending the El Paso Independent School District are required to attend school in the attendance zone where you reside unless there is an approved transfer on file.

Highlighted Areas

  • Sunset Heights Historic District
Laci Jacques - IMG_7654

East

About

Think of East El Paso as the city’s hub for shopping, entertainment and activity. It is easily the fastest growing and the largest area of El Paso. Its amenities, affordable homes, proximity to base, and reputable schools draw many military families to the area. This is where you’ll find your Super Target, pick up the in-laws from the airport, and hit the mall for back-to-school shopping. The rapid city pace isn’t for everyone, but some rave about the close proximity to Fort Bliss and city amenities. There are parks and green spaces in abundance and East El Paso boasts a serious concentration of name brand shopping.

As the city sprawls eastward, there is now a new designation for “Far East” that we should point out. Beyond the I-375 loop is where a lot of development is happening, and sometimes you’ll hear that lumped in with East El Paso. Generally speaking, it’s all “East” of the mountains, but for our purposes, “East El Paso” ends at I-375.

Neighbors

Your neighbors in East El Paso are going to be working and middle-class, and you will definitely find a high density of military in the area.

Neighborhood Feel

The neighborhoods are fairly densely populated and well established. The homes vary in age from the 1950s to new construction. Lawns are flat and you’ll probably still see rockscaping, but in East El Paso you can actually maintain grass and trees! The farther east you go, the newer the homes and subdivisions. You’ll also find newer master planned communities just north of I-10, near the I-375 loop.

Neighborhood Info | East

Big Plus

  • The shopping in East El Paso is top-notch. Almost any brand name you can imagine has a brick-and-mortar location here.
  • Living in East El Paso puts you in the middle of most of the major roadways, making it simple to get to many destinations. You’re right next door to Fort Bliss, just a quick trip to Central and Downtown El Paso, and you can also hop
    on Highway 54 to travel up to New Mexico for skiing and other attractions. El Paso International Airport is also here.
  • Homes are affordable and there is a healthy inventory to choose from. You’ll find much more variety and options on the east side of the mountain as opposed to the west
    side because of the lack of limiting factors to development. The west side has the mountains and the border with New Mexico restricting development, whereas in the East there’s nothing but wide open spaces!
  • The home styles don’t vary much across El Paso, but this area generally has more inventory than other areas surrounding Fort Bliss.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

Things to Consider

  • East El Paso is known for its traffic and congested roads. Pebble Hill Boulevard and Montana Avenue are particularly congested, so be aware of that if you’re looking at neighborhoods nearby. The commute to Fort Bliss isn’t too awful distance-wise, but the stop and go speeds along with traffic jams on the main arteries can be stressful. This is also a very densely populated area with tons of people bustling about.
  • If you’ll be traveling to the west side of the mountain often (shopping, work, visiting friends), you may want to consider living closer in or Northeast. There are only a couple of ways to get over or around the mountains, and the traffic can be considerable.

School Scoop

  • East contains 29 primary and secondary schools.
  • Public schools in East El Paso, TX are part of Socorro Independent School District or Ysleta Independent School District.
  • Because of increased growth and mobility in the Socorro Independent School District, children may be subject to attend an alternate school due to the limited space at his/her home campus. If it is determined that no space is available at the home campus, your child will be overflowed to a designated campus with transportation provided. Ysleta Independent School District, on the other hand, allows its students inter- and intra-district transfers in, as long as the transfer will not result in additional programs being implemented or additional classroom facilities being added at the campus.

Highlighted Areas

  • Cielo Vista
  • Travis White
  • Las Tierras
  • Paseo Del Sol
  • Mesquite
Laci Jacques - IMG_7327

Far East

About

Far East El Paso is experiencing explosive growth. Suburbia is pushing east into the desert plains and is filling with folks looking for newer homes and a quieter pace. Shopping is currently sparse, but East El Paso and all the shopping, dining, entertainment, and events it has to offer are close at hand. Modern home designs, eco-friendly building practices, and smart neighborhood planning paired with affordability are big draws for a lot of military families.

Neighbors

There are a lot of military families and new transplants to El Paso that settle down in Far East. Since the area is so new, you probably won’t find any homesteads or locals with super deep roots.

Neighborhood Feel

Development in Far East has been happening over the last 10 years, so if you ask anyone that’s been stationed there before, they may not even know what you’re talking about! Far East has a high-end feel to it, but the homes are very affordable. Yards are either “rock scaped” or some have young trees and shrubbery. There’s a lot of effort being made to create family-friendly environment with parks, sports fields, wide sidewalks, and well-lit streets.

Neighborhood Info | Far East

Big Plus

  • There are fantastic parks and green spaces in Far East.
  • While you will have a farther commute, living here has its perks. The homes are some of the most affordable and newest in the El Paso metro area, with most dating only to 2010.
  • There is a large concentration of military families!
  • The vibe is calm and quiet, yet the city is nearby for activities, shopping, dining, and events.
  • Some areas in Far East are beyond the city limits, but services and parks are still provided by the city. The end result here is lower taxes!

Things to Consider

  • This is one of those areas where a sigh always precedes the recommendation. By El Paso standards, it’s considered to be pretty far away. The commute to Fort Bliss is going to be much longer and you’ll have to navigate through the hectic East El Paso traffic to go to and from work. FAR is in its name, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!
  • As of now, Far East is primarily residential so expect to travel into East El Paso for shopping and your day-to-day needs. There is certainly space and demand for more retailers and restaurants, so we expect to see this area change over the next few years.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Public schools in Far East belong to the Socorro Independent school District. Ysleta Independent School District is also nearby.
  • Because of increased growth and mobility in the Socorro Independent School District, your children may be subject to attend an alternate school due to the limited space at his/her home campus. If it is determined that no space is available at the home campus, your child will be overflowed to a designated campus with transportation provided. Intra and Inter-district transfers are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Highlighted Areas

  • Tierra Del Este
  • Ventanas
  • Sun Ridge
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8 Oct 21-224

Horizon City

About

Horizon City is another product of urban sprawl and is quickly becoming a top contender for most military families deciding where to live. Horizon is located just beyond East El Paso, on the other side of the Beltway, and south of Far East. You’re getting pretty geographically removed from Fort Bliss in Horizon, but residents rave about being able to escape the city life. Its quiet here, with beautiful desert scenery and a much calmer pace than in El Paso.

As of now, it is primarily residential with a few amenities and shopping, but we expect the commerce to follow the people in the coming years. For now though, you’ll be driving to El Paso for most of your shopping needs beyond groceries.

Neighbors

Young families love Horizon for the affordable homes and quiet neighborhood. Many military, government, and civilian families reside here, seeking refuge in the desert.

Neighborhood Feel

Lush landscaping and/or rockscapes, newer homes, and ample green spaces are the norm. There are many new developments in Horizon City, and new businesses are setting their sights on the area as well.

Neighborhood Info | Horizon City

Big Plus

  • People love the affordable homes, quiet communities, and breathing space.
  • Horizon is very popular with military families, so you’ll most likely have military friends nearby.
  • Ample land and vacant lots available for new construction, so the area will continue to grow.
  • Horizon City is its own city, thus exempt from El Paso city taxes.
  • You’re just a bit closer to the legendary Cattleman’s restaurant/working ranch. It’s a Texas thing.

Things to Consider

  • Most military families choose to live on the northern side of Horizon City, closer to El Paso
  • It’s considered “far out” by most El Pasoans, but if you’ve ever lived in a metro-suburb this won’t be too hard of a commute for you.
  • There is a sprinkling of shops and restaurants in Horizon City, but you’ll find yourself traveling to East El Paso for anything other than necessities.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Horizon City has eight primary and secondary schools. The public schools in Horizon City belong to Socorro Independent School District or Clint Independent School District.
  • Because of increased growth and mobility in the Socorro Independent School District, your children may be subject to attend an alternate school due to the limited space at his/her home campus. If it is determined that no space is available at the home campus then your child will be overflowed to a designated campus, with transportation provided. Intra and Inter-district transfers are addressed on a case-by-case basis in the Clint Independent School District.

Highlighted Areas

  • Horizon Mesa
  • Emerald Estates
  • West Texas Estates
  • Emerald Springs Retreat
Expensive private villa. Swimming pool in a private house. Eveni

Northeast

About

Northeast El Paso is a triangular slice of land that extends east from the Franklin Mountain Range and north from Fort Bliss to the New Mexico state line. Located just outside the northern gates of Fort Bliss, it is a very popular area for military families. It is also home to stunning views of the neighboring mountains, which are beautifully adorned with California poppies.

While the Northeast’s rate of development may not compare to the explosion of East El Paso, it is beginning to experience its own boom. More retailers and restaurateurs are moving to the area to meet the demand of the growing military population. You’ll find name brand stores like Wal-Mart, Albertson’s, Marshalls and Ross, as well as chain restaurants that will keep you from wandering too far from home for everyday staples. If you still find the shopping to be lacking, bustling East El Paso is not very far away, and going to the commissary and Freedom Crossing Mall on post is still convenient.

Neighbors

Because of the proximity to Fort Bliss, you’ll find an abundance of military families in Northeast El Paso. There are several privatized military housing communities located just beyond the gate, and most military families like to concentrate on the areas closest to post. Farther away from post, you’ll find a variety of native El Paso families and single residents mixed in with a scattering of military families.

Neighborhood Feel

Homes in Northeast were mostly built in the 1950s, so are cozy and usually fairly close to each other, which helps to foster a tight-knit community vibe. As you travel north, the homes are typically newer (early 2000s), but can be a bit dated.

Neighborhood Info | Northeast

GOG

Big Plus

  • Fantastic views of the Franklin Mountains and the California Poppies.
  • You have a few choices for daily errands nearby like a 24 hour Wal-Mart, and you’re still close enough to post if you’re a commissary shopper.
  • Northeast is centrally located, which makes getting to the mall or other shopping in East El Paso convenient, or you can just as easily go to the “other side of the mountain” for
    a change of scenery. University of Texas, El Paso is nearby as well.

Things to Consider

  • The eastern side of the mountains is generally considered to be busier than other areas of El Paso, which means more traffic.
  • The yards are small and the homes can sometimes be in need of a little TLC.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Northeast contains 30 primary and secondary schools. Public schools in Northeast belong to El Paso Independent School District or Ysleta Independent School District.
  • All students attending the El Paso Independent School District are required to attend school in the attendance zone where they reside unless there is an approved transfer on file. Ysleta Independent School District allows its students inter- and intra-district transfers, as long as the transfer will not result in additional programs being implemented or additional classroom facilities being added at the campus.

Highlighted Areas

  • Mountain View
  • Irvin View
  • Castner Heights
  • Sunrise
  • Park Foothills
Colorado Springs-6713

NorthWest

About

Increased development in the northern reaches of West El Paso has prompted an independent area designation for the Northwest. The 375 Beltway and the retail shopping that has anchored around it has
paved the way for growth in Northwest El Paso. The quiet pace of West El Paso continues on into Northwest, but with a fresher feel to it. There are enough amenities to satisfy most desires and necessities, and there are many options for those who prefer to patronize locally owned businesses. Expect to see many more retailers and restaurants focusing on the area around the loop as more people flee from hectic East El Paso.

Neighbors

Northwest is home to many military families and native El Pasoans, but mostly those who enjoy the outdoors and a slow-paced lifestyle. Affordable houses draw many new home buyers to the area and there is a lot growth here.

Neighborhood Feel

Neighborhoods in Northwest resemble most of the other El Paso neighborhoods. Adobe-style, stucco homes with terracotta-tiled roofs are surrounded by rockscaped yards. A key perk here is the stunning view of the Franklin Mountains. You’ll find a variety of older and new homes, most with retaining walls between the yards due to the changing topography. Home prices climb with the elevation as you approach the mountain from Interstate 10.

Neighborhood Info | NorthWest

Big Plus

  • Charm and quiet of West El Paso, but with newer homes and more moderate prices.
  • The traffic and commotion of East El Paso is noticeably absent here.
  • Locally owned shops and restaurants are the norm, with a few larger brands sprinkled in. El Paso’s new Whole Foods is located between Northwest and West El Paso.
  • Very easy access to the Franklin Mountains State Park will excite the adventurer’s spirit.
  • You’re conveniently located near New Mexico and its
    plethora of attractions, including White Sands National Monument and Ski Apache.

Things to Consider

  • You’ll still be paying more for a home on this side of the mountains compared to the exact same home on the Eastside.
  • Commuting to Fort Bliss can be a little longer, distance-wise, but the traffic congestion isn’t as bad as it is on the Eastside.
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Northwest, El Paso contains seven primary and secondary schools. Public schools in the Northwest are part of El Paso Independent School District or Canutillo Independent School District.
  • All students attending the El Paso Independent School District are required to attend school in the attendance zone where they reside unless there is an approved transfer on file.
  • Canutillo Independent School District gives students the option for intra and inter-district transfer, if approved by the Superintendent. However, be aware transfer students in this district must pay monthly tuition.

Highlighted Areas

  • Upper Mesa Hills
  • Mountain Arroyos
  • Coronado
  • Buena Vista
  • Silver Springs Village
  • Via Hermosa
Northgate

West

About

The Franklin Mountain Range splits El Paso in two, and the personalities of the two sides are divided just as drastically. The West El Paso boundaries are from Downtown north to where Highway 20 intersects with Interstate 10. On this side of the mountain, the land is hilly and the homes are more established. Quiet, affluent neighborhoods are nestled in the foothills and on a bit of an incline. The elevation lends to dramatic views of the valleys below. Beyond I-10 lies the Upper Valley where you will find trees, farms and some of the newer homes in West El Paso.

The Westside is bursting with a southwestern bohemian personality that is embodied in the local ‘mom and pop’ shops, independent eateries, coffee shops and farmer’s markets. There is a noticeable absence of chain stores and restaurants, which contributes to the independent, local vibe. As far as Texas cities go, we’ve heard the Westside compared to Austin, but we’ll let you be the judge of that! Close to downtown and the University of Texas El Paso, this is where you want to be to take full advantage of the busy El Paso events calendar.

Neighbors

Those who choose to live in this pricey locale are typically dual income families, executives, and professionals. The vibe is young with a trendy, hipster leaning. There is a great mix of young families, singles and retirees here.

Neighborhood Feel

Generally, you can find newer homes farther north and west in Upper Valley. Closer to downtown, there is a good mix of old and new homes that are typically smaller and packed in a little more tightly. There are great starter homes that were built in the 1950s, or you can find larger homes that date back to the 1980s with well maintained, mature landscaping. Higher elevation equates to higher home values. You’ll also likely see retaining walls between stair stepped yards due to the natural incline.

Neighborhood Info | West

Big Plus

  • Most are attracted to the Westside for the quiet pace and huge decrease in traffic (compared to the Eastside).
  • Being sandwiched between the New Mexico border to the west and the Rockies to the east results in a scarcity of available land for development. Limited inventory and consistent demand for homes here keep the home values high and stable.
  • West is a locavore’s delight with smaller, independently run stores and restaurants.
  • You’re conveniently located near New Mexico and its plethora of attractions, including White Sands National Monument and Ski Apache.
  • Access to the Franklin Mountains is ideal, with an abundance of recreation opportunities for outdoorsy types.

Things to Consider

  • West El Paso is pricey and has significantly higher property taxes than the Eastside. Add that to the higher property values and you’ll be spending much more to live in the Westside. If you were looking at identical homes in El Paso (there are a lot of the same builders and similarly designed neighborhoods), the same home will cost significantly more in West El Paso than on the Eastside of El Paso.
  • If your day-to-day revolves around name brand shopping and tons of city amenities, you may find West El Paso to be lacking. Here you’ll get to know your butcher, have coffee made from locally grown beans, and maybe hit three smaller markets versus one trip to Super Target. There is a new Whole Foods and outlet shops on the Westside to fill the gaps, though!
  • Median home values and the median rental rate vary widely in this area. See your real estate agent for a local market analysis.

School Scoop

  • Public schools in West El Paso are zoned to either El Paso Independent School District, Canutillo Independent School District, or Burnham Wood Charter School District.
  • As the name states, the Burnham Wood Charter School District is made up of two charter schools, Howard Burn Elementary School for children in kindergarten through grade 5 and DaVinci School for Science and the Arts for children in grades 6 to12.
  • All students attending the El Paso Independent School District are required to attend school in the attendance zone where you reside unless there is an approved transfer on file. Your child from El Paso County can attend the charter schools in the Burnham Wood Charter School District tuition-free as these are public charter schools.
  • Canutillo Independent School District gives students the option for intra and inter-district transfer, if approved by the Superintendent. However, be aware transfer students in this district must pay monthly tuition.

Highlighted Areas

  • Kern Place
  • Upper Valley
  • Chaparral Park
  • Ridgeview
GOTG Dec 21-37 (1)

Looking at relocating?

Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.

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7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home

1. TAX ADVANTAGES

To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.

2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS

Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.

3. HOUSE HACKING

Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.

4. Increased Privacy

Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.

5. Pets Are Welcome!

For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!

6. Pride of Ownership

One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.

7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings

Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.

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FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS

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Your PCS is underway!

The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.

Consider these five resources to help you in the process

1. MOVING COMPANIES

Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.

2. STORAGE

Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.

3. TEMPORARY HOUSING

It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.

4. USPS/IRS

Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.

5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES

No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.

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