Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Also known as ‘Sun City,’ moving to LGBT El Paso has a lot more to offer than just natural desert scenery and proximity to the outdoor activities possible on the Rio Grande.
A vibrant employment market, first-rate food and culture, and a more relaxed pace of life are all available in this Lone Star State’s up-and-coming metropolis, which is also one of the least expensive locations to live in Texas.
El Paso’s current population is around 678,800 and the city is the state’s 6th largest city. It is also the country’s 23rd-largest city by population. Even though it is often overlooked as a Texas haven, the city has many great qualities and is on its way to becoming one of the state’s best places to live.
It is increasingly attracting many young professionals, families, and college students who soon discover El Paso is a distinctive American city that is self-sufficient and unexpectedly big, featuring a contemporary downtown with a business sector and modest skyscrapers. El Paso’s affordability is also a big draw for people migrating there, especially when compared to larger Texas cities like Dallas or Houston.
El Paso’s housing costs are 30% lower than the national average and to make purchasing property in Texas even more affordable, El Paso locals can take advantage of a first-time homebuyer program. Not to mention paychecks also stretch a little longer in Sun City because there is no state income tax.
Like Fort Worth, Hartford, Greensboro, Grand Rapids and other mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a fun queer scene here that new residents here will soon discover but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles. This is why gay realtor in El Paso is worth their weight in gold as they can help you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood possible.
El Paso is a vibrant city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. Despite the rather concealed LGBT culture, moving here shouldn’t make you uncomfortable. The majority of people are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will soon discover that most businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
If you’re thinking of moving, you might just find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in. Consider this article to be an LGBT El Paso relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT El Paso is not what you think it is…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ El Paso
- Does El Paso Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is El Paso An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In El Paso
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in El Paso
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In El Paso
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In El Paso
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ El Paso
- Finding Gay Realtors In El Paso
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ El Paso
El Paso is popular for Tex-Mex cuisine, affordable housing, excellent quality of life, and sunny weather. However, that’s not all. Once you will live here, you will discover there are plenty of places in El Paso brimming with culture and beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered including family-friendly attractions, natural pursuits and local performing arts.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT El Paso, be it warm weather, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Thriving Economy
If you’re moving to El Paso for new job opportunities, you’re in luck! The economic growth and employment market in El Paso are well known for being varied. El Paso, like other parts of the country and the world, may have suffered greatly in the past few years, but the city is currently undergoing a wave of rebirth and resurgence.
Numerous leading industries, such as financial services, manufacturing, the military, retail and logistics, and transportation, are present in the local economy. The most well-known businesses in the region are Verizon, Walmart, AT&T, and Wells Fargo. The city is also home to over 70 Fortune 500 organizations. University of Texas and T&T Staff Management are some of the biggest employers in the city.
Tex-Mex Cuisine
El Paso is known for its renowned Tex-Mex cuisine because of its location directly near the border. The city is a close competitor for the moniker “Tex-Mex Capital,” despite the fact that San Antonio was the first to have earned it. El Paso has perfected the art of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine by fusing cultural flavors with well-loved Texan meals.
Additionally, El Paso offers a truly wonderful flavor profile without needing to travel too far from the border to access authentic Mexican food. If you live in El Paso, you’ll have access to some of the best Tex-Mex, from charming taco shops to independently run-casual restaurants.
You Can Spend Time Outdoors
El Paso has all you need if you enjoy being outside and experiencing the great outdoors. The city has a lot of wilderness regions and outdoor parks spread out over this desert location, which many may not be aware of. Franklin Mountains State Park located in the city is the largest urban wilderness in the country. The 23-mile mountain range is a state park and a great location for rock climbing.
There are many fun recreational sites to visit in the city, whether you enjoy mountain climbing, hiking, or biking. There is no better location, as well, if you enjoy appreciating the natural world and wildlife. Several wild animals, including bears, mountain lions, and coyotes can be spotted in the wild of El Paso.
Learn Spanish
Hispanics make up 83 percent of El Paso’s population. Although speaking Spanish well may not be necessary when residing in El Paso, it might be a good idea to learn it. Spend some time learning frequent words before moving. Being a border city, many of its citizens come from Mexico or travel frequently. As a result, many locals frequently blend English and Spanish in their everyday discussions.
Does El Paso Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
El Paso is considered a hidden queer jewel with a thriving drag scene and a long history of LGBT communities of color. The municipal council has often reiterated its commitment to the queer community. The most well-known LGBT group in the area is El Paso Sun City Pride. In the last ten years, Pridefest has grown from a single-day event to a full month of activities in and around the city.
Some of the activities include bar nights, the original parade, and family-friendly activities at the Southwest University Stadium. Following the yearly Pride Parade through the neighboring city, the month-long celebration of pride comes to an end with the Pride Festival held in El Paso’s historic center.
Sun City Pride, a steadfast and constantly expanding organization that strives to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in the area, is located in this paradise in west Texas and is responsible for supporting the rainbow fort. Their main event is the El Paso Sun City Pridefest Block Party, which takes place in June at the Raves Club each year.
In El Paso, you don’t have to wait until June to raise your rainbow flag because the city has Pride Square, a downtown neighborhood with a good concentration of gay bars, as well as welcoming and friendly galleries, shops, hotels, and restaurants dispersed around the highly varied city.
Is El Paso An Expensive City To Move To?
The affordable cost of living in El Paso is one of the top reasons to relocate. There is little need to search further if you want to find a place where you can get greater value for your money. In reality, El Paso has a 10% lower cost of living than the country as a whole. Rent, transportation, food, and utility costs are below the national average.
Additionally, people can save more money here because there is no state income tax. Despite having a yearly income of $20,000 on average, residents must earn at least $50,100 on average in order to live comfortably.
The city’s top earners typically make around $35 per hour, compared to the city’s $7.25 minimum wage. In addition to having a cheap cost of living, housing is also reasonably priced. Housing costs are 22% less than the country’s average.
The city’s real estate market, which is well known for its cheap mortgage rates and affordable prices, is nevertheless extremely in demand and highly competitive. Since it has become a seller’s market, there are clearly not enough homes available to keep up with trends in the market.
Future occupants will most likely find themselves in bidding wars as more individuals relocate to the area from out of state. The city’s average property price is $170,000, which is significantly less expensive than purchasing a home while relocating to L. A or San Francisco.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In El Paso
There are thankfully many other places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still LGBT-friendly environment as not all LGBT people want to be close to the relative chaos of downtown El Paso, sometimes known as the Sun City.
When moving to LGBTQ El Paso, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in El Paso. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of El Paso, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in El Paso is and talk about the El Paso gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Castner Heights
Castner Heights should be the first area you consider if you’re moving to El Paso. This area in northeast El Paso is ideal for young professionals and middle-class families. It provides convenient access to Downtown. Located close to Fort Bliss, the neighborhood is very attractive to military families.
Real estate here is renowned for being reasonably priced and secure. It is made up primarily of single-family homes. You will find a range of Mid-Century Modern homes, Spanish-style ranches, and Adobe-style homes, all with different architectural styles.
It is understandable why this neighborhood is extremely sought-after given the top-notch amenities it offers its inhabitants, such as outdoor recreation, parks, and high walkability.
Additionally, parents who are relocating with school-going children will be pleased to learn that the area is lauded for having top-tier public schools. For anyone seeking a neighborhood with lovely parks, easy walking, and entertaining activities, Castner Heights is the ideal choice.
Additionally, Whitaker Elementary School, a highly-rated school in the El Paso area, and El Paso Community College make this neighborhood one of the best places to live.
Mountain View
Mountain View is renowned for its plethora of outdoor leisure opportunities and green spaces, making it a haven for military and middle-class families. It is a terrific area for environment lovers and adventurers to call home because it has two lakes and seven parks.
The single-family houses here are reasonably priced and conveniently located; while the majority of residents are active-duty and retired military personnel close to the Fort Bliss Army Base.
Locals believe that this area is safe and ideal for raising children because of the significant military presence there. If you have children, they will have access to prestigious institutions like Magoffin Middle School and Irvin High School thanks to the residences that stream into the El Paso Independent School District.
You will find several single-family homes in this neighborhood that range in price from $135,000 to $175,000.
Silver Springs Village
The Silver Springs Village neighborhood, which is considered an upmarket enclave, contains some of the most sought-after real estate in El Paso. This area of the city is one of the friendliest and most hospitable due to its diversified population and vibrant culture.
The neighborhood has a low unemployment rate and many content residents who live close to their places of employment, resulting in short commute times.
Silver Springs Village bustles with lots to offer residents because of the accessible housing options and the quantity of refurbished single-family houses. Additionally, with an active social scene, you may easily visit nearby pubs, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
Residents always have things to do in this neighborhood because of the area’s abundance of parks, walking paths, and green spaces. Silver Springs Village is an affluent neighborhood with a mixed population and homes starting at $175,000.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in El Paso
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT El Paso plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
In the last ten years, Pridefest has grown from a single-day event to a full month of activities in and around the city. Pride activities include the pioneer street parade, family-friendly activities, bar nights, and much more at the Southwest University Stadium.
Continuing the yearly PRIDE parade throughout the city, the month-long celebration of pride culminates with the PRIDE Festival held in El Paso’s historic center. At these gatherings, locals get the chance to demonstrate to the world who they really are and what the local LGBT community means to the city.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In El Paso
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These El Paso LGBT community organizations are some of the best.
Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy now being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
PFLAG El Paso aspires to live in a society that values diversity and respects everyone regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
PFLAG fulfills its vision by working with others and by Offering support for LGBTQ individuals, their families, and allies, educating communities on the particular problems and difficulties that LGBTQ individuals face, and offering advocacy in the communities to alter perceptions and establish rules and regulations that guarantee complete equality for LGBTQ persons.
The goal of the Borderland Rainbow Center is to develop a space where LGBTQI individuals and their allies can heal, grow, and empower one another as well as other people. This drug-free area is regulated and operated in accordance with morally upstanding principles and scientifically proven best practices for LGBTQI individuals and their allies.
The BRC links LGBTQI individuals with resources for bettering their physical and emotional health as well as their economic security education, spiritual development, legal rights, and cultural enrichment.
The most well-known LGBT organization in this area is Paso Sun City Pride. The goal of the organization since it was first established more than ten years ago has been to raise awareness of the LGBT community. As a result, it has assisted several people in reaching environments that are tolerant and accepting.
The city has a long history of being innovative, and the organization is glad to set an example for others by upholding the ideals that the community prioritizes above everything: support and love for each other.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In El Paso
After moving to LGBT El Paso, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in El Paso you can invest in with your pink dollars…
In the society that Queer Queen Studio dreams of, everyone is loved, cherished, and acknowledged regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Queer Queen Studio wishes for an accepting society where LGBTQ+ persons can live safely and openly.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ El Paso
Whether your move to El Paso is influenced by a change in the direction of your life, or a need to enjoy the natural environment, you will notice that the city has much to offer. El Paso is a safe city, with much to do for residents of all ages. Here, you will find a queer-friendly city with lots of places to explore and lovely neighborhoods you can call home!
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT EL El Paso, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT El Paso.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT El Paso will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In El Paso
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in El Paso is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in El Paso – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in El Paso to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
