My family moved to El Paso when my husband got orders to Fort Bliss. We researched a lot of different areas and landed on the Eastside of El Paso.
General Neighborhood Info
The Eastside (areas with a 79936 area code) has grown tremendously since the early 2000s and continues to grow rapidly. El Paso’s Eastside is estimated to have a population of around 139,672 people. It is considered to be one of the newer parts of El Paso and is a very family-friendly area with 48% of the population being families with kids under 18.
We loved that there were a lot of newer homes in the area and lots of neighborhood parks to enjoy! We also love that our neighborhood is filled with families and kids. And for the most part, it’s quiet (which we like!)
The housing prices were in our price range with the median home selling for $225,000. There’s plenty of nearby shopping and restaurants. (Target is close by, which is always a plus for me!) We love the access to the expressways, making for an easy 20-minute commute to Fort Bliss or downtown El Paso. Everything we need is within a few minutes drive, including all of our favorite stores, doctors, dentists, restaurants, and parks!
» » » » » » » » » RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: El Paso Moving Guide: Fort Bliss « « « « « « « « « «
The crime rate in El Paso’s Eastside overall is about 60% lower than the national average and about 65% lower than the Texas average. The Eastside is incredibly safe. You can have peace of mind knowing that you are raising your family in one of the safest parts of El Paso.
Parks, Recreation, and Family Fun
When we think of home, we think of a place with lots of parks for families to enjoy together.
Here are a few of the nearby parks we enjoy:
- John Lyons Park: large grass area, a walking path with dog waste bags, a fitness area, covered picnic tables, two playgrounds, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and restrooms
- Ranchos Del Sol Park: shaded playground and a large grass area, very family and pet-friendly
- Marty Robbins Park: great community park that offers a pool, sports fields, basketball courts, a playground, and restrooms
- Dick Shinaut Park: skate park, playground, and plenty of open space
- Chester Jordan Park: family and pet-friendly, gym equipment, track for walks or runs, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground for kids
- McCarthy Park: grass area with large shaded trees, small playground for kids with swings
- Argal Park: dog park with separate spaces for large or small dogs, two open fields, a playground, and restrooms
Marty Robbins Recreation Center is a great place for families! It offers a variety of amenities, including a park, basketball court, billiards, classrooms, computer room, dance studio, game room, a large gym, multipurpose room, pickleball court, volleyball court, and a weight room.
Kids will love the Chapoteo Water Park in this area, and the Boardwalk Food Park is a great place to grab a bite to eat and let the kids run around.
Although El Paso’s nightlife is primarily centered in the downtown area, there are a couple of places where you can enjoy a night out with your significant other. A few great date night options in this area include F.R.I.E.N.D.Z bar, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Jack’s Beach House, and El Muerte Grill. These are all great options for going out on the Eastside, but if you’re looking for clubs or fine dining, you will have better luck finding that in the downtown and Westside areas of El Paso.
Schools
The two main school districts for this area would be the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) and Ysleta Independent School District (YISD). These school districts have over 60 schools in the 79936 area code and surrounding areas. Both school districts are highly respected and successful El Paso school districts. Whether you decide on SISD or YISD, both are outstanding institutions and have been recognized at the local, state, and national achievement levels.
Elementary Schools
- Vista Hills Elementary: 9/10 GreatSchools Rating, 654 Students
- Tierra Del Sol Elementary: 9/10 GreatSchools Rating, 742 Students
- O’Shea Keleher Elementary: 8/10 GreatSchools Rating, 888 Students
- Robbin E L Washington Elementary: 8/10 Great Schools Rating, 526 Students
- Loma Verde Elementary: 8/10 Great Schools Rating, 687 Students
Middle Schools
- William Slider Middle School: 7/10 GreatSchools Rating, 710 Students
- Bill Sybert School: 7/10 GreatSchools Rating, 945 Students
- Paso Del Norte School: 7/10 GreatSchools Rating, 1070 Students
- Capt Walter E Clarke Middle School: 6/10 GreatSchools Rating, 941 Students
- Jane A Hambric School: 6/10 GreatSchools Rating, 1066 Students
High Schools
- Montwood High School: 5/10 GreatSchools Rating, 2722 Students
- J M Hanks High School: 5/10 GreatSchools Rating, 1641 Students
- Americas High School: 5/10 GreatSchools Rating, 2535 Students
- Options High School: 119 Students
- Keys Academy: 67 Students
Potential Drawbacks
For us, there aren’t many downsides to living on the Eastside of El Paso. Because of its tremendous growth, this area can experience high traffic congestion and some roads are in need of re-pavement. So although the neighborhoods themselves have a quiet vibe, other parts of the Eastside can be very busy. Traffic can be heavy during peak times, but for the most part, it is very easy to get around.
Why I Love Living Here
There are so many great areas in El Paso, but for us, the Eastside felt right. The neighbors we have met are so kind and made us feel right at home!
Carla, another El Paso mom contributor, shares why she loved loving here:
“Statistically speaking, the Eastside is an excellent part of the Sun City to raise your family in. Having been raised on this side of town, I wholeheartedly agree. I have wonderful childhood memories of going to different parks with my family, attending school at SISD from 3rd grade to 12th, and having my first job at a locally-owned restaurant at 18. This part of El Paso is one of my favorite areas and will always have a special place in my heart.”
*Carla Arzate, who was raised in El Paso’s Eastside, also contributed to this guide.
For information about other parts of town, check out our Guide to Moving to El Paso.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
