1 definition by Jim Lopez
On the border with Ciudad Juarez and it’s sister city of Las Cruces, NM, the historic border city of El Paso, TX is like no other. Spanish explorers named El Paso as in “El Paso Del Norte” (the Pass to the North) in 1581 and was the site of various expeditions including those by Juan de Oñate. El Paso is also known as El Chuco or Chuco town because the Pachuco style originated in El Paso. El Paso also played a large role in the emergence of the Chicano Movement and has a thriving Chicano Literary community.
Demographically, the city has a higher percentage of Mexican and Mexican Americans. There many families who have always been in El Paso, even before the border was drawn. Remember that Texas, Tejas really, was Mexican territory that was invaded a very long time ago and before that was inhabited by various Native Americans. The vibrant and proud Mexican community is infused throughout, but this is no different than other cities whose primary demographics consist of Irish or German communities.
El Paso is about 30 minutes away, give or take a few depending on your location, to Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua Mexico. Their economies rely on each other more than some like to admit and there are lots of El Pasoans and Juarenzes that commute back and forth across the border on a daily basis for their jobs, schools, and shopping. El Paso is a border town and this aspect of its identity cannot be downplayed or ignored. This is what makes El Paso great.
Demographically, the city has a higher percentage of Mexican and Mexican Americans. There many families who have always been in El Paso, even before the border was drawn. Remember that Texas, Tejas really, was Mexican territory that was invaded a very long time ago and before that was inhabited by various Native Americans. The vibrant and proud Mexican community is infused throughout, but this is no different than other cities whose primary demographics consist of Irish or German communities.
El Paso is about 30 minutes away, give or take a few depending on your location, to Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua Mexico. Their economies rely on each other more than some like to admit and there are lots of El Pasoans and Juarenzes that commute back and forth across the border on a daily basis for their jobs, schools, and shopping. El Paso is a border town and this aspect of its identity cannot be downplayed or ignored. This is what makes El Paso great.
El Paso is a pretty large city with a small town feel. It has some of the best Mexican food this side of the border. It also has some amazing steak houses such as Cattlemans and the Edge of Texas. There’s plenty to do if you actually look for it. Relative to almost anywhere else, El Paso is rather affordable. Check out Zillow for the prices on houses and you’ll see for yourself.
by Jim Lopez July 21, 2017