El Paso lies along the shores of the magnificent Rio Grande River, opposite Ciudad Juarez, her sister city in Mexico. The downtown districts of these sister cities lie within walking distance of one another, and together comprise the largest metropolitan area found on the Mexico / United States border. Such an international location provides outstanding business opportunities to the region.
El Paso,TX is the seat of El Paso County and is home to more than seventy Fortune 500 companies. In addition, several well-known companies operate their headquarters from here, including El Paso Saddle Blanket Co., Helen of Troy Limited and Spira Footwear. El Paso is a vital entry point to the U.S. from Mexico. The primary sectors of industry in El Paso include clothing, construction materials, food production, electronic and medical equipment, and plastics.
Fort Bliss, which hosts the Air Defense Center for the U.S. Army, plays a major role in El Paso’s thriving economy. Responsible for contributing more than $80 million in products and services each year, with approximately $60 million of those purchased locally, Fort Bliss continues to strengthen the local economy. Because of its proximity to the border, the federal government has a strong presence in El Paso. Local government agencies include the Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Customs Service.
This southwestern American community boasted a population of 563,662 at the time of the 2000 Census; however, 2006 estimates indicated that El Paso’s true population lies closer to 609,000. El Paso ranks as TX’s sixth largest urban area and the nation’s 21st largest city. El Paso’s metropolitan area comprises all of El Paso County and includes a population of 721,598.
El Paso, TX claims 250 square miles of this beautiful region where the sun shines more than 300 days per year, earning it the name “Land of the Sun”. This delightful climate affords year-round recreation. Popular destinations include the Chamizal National Memorial, El Paso Zoo, Franklin Mountains State Park, Magoffin Homestead, the Ysleta Mission and Speaking Rock. Visitors also enjoy the breathtaking views afforded by the Wyler Aerial Tramway or Transmountain Road.
El Paso offers residents a reasonable cost-of-living and access to neighborhoods in one of the most crime-free cities in the nation. The region has a well-maintained transportation network and top-notch medical facilities. El Paso’s education facilities provide outstanding opportunities to local students and are responsible for a large portion of the area’s employment base. Higher learning facilities include Park University on Fort Bliss, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and University of Texas at El Paso.
El Paso, Texas, located where Texas, New Mexico and Old Mexico converge, sustains a graceful fusion of culture and tradition. With activities ranging from colorful dancing to greyhound racing, El Paso lives up to its nickname of “Star of the Southwest”.
