El Paso: The Sun City That Doesn't Care What You Think
so el paso. yeah, i'm here. first off, it's not what you think. no, it's not just a dusty border town with tumbleweeds and cowboy hats. it's got layers. like an onion. or a really good burrito.
i'm here as a touring session drummer, which means i'm always looking for the next gig, the next vibe, the next place to crash. el paso? it's got all three. but let's get real for a second.
*the icons. el paso is famous for the star on the mountain. yeah, that big-ass star that lights up the night sky. it's been there since 1940, and it's basically the city's way of saying, "hey, we're here, and we're not going anywhere." then there's the wyler aerial tramway. if you're into heights and views that make your stomach drop, this is your jam. and don't even get me started on the mission trail. history nerds, this one's for you.
the history. el paso's got a wild past. it was a major stop on the camino real, the royal road that connected mexico city to santa fe. and let's not forget the mexican revolution. pancho villa and his crew used to roll through here like it was their personal playground. fast forward to today, and you've got a city that's a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and stories.
the legends. el paso's got its fair share of ghost stories. the el paso high school is supposedly haunted by a ghost girl in a white dress. and then there's the legend of the lost padre mine. treasure hunters, this one's for you.
now, let's talk safety. el paso is consistently ranked as one of the safest large cities in the u.s. yeah, you heard that right. so if you're worried about getting mugged or worse, relax. you're more likely to get sunburned than anything else.
rent. if you're a budget student or a digital nomad, el paso is your dream come true. the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $800 a month. compare that to austin or denver, and you're basically living like a king.
weather. it's hot. like, really hot. but it's a dry heat, so it's not as bad as it sounds. just don't forget your sunscreen and a hat. and maybe a portable fan.
neighbors. if you're into day trips, el paso's got you covered. juarez is just across the border, and it's a whole different world. and if you're into nature, the franklin mountains are right there, begging to be hiked.
reviews. overheard at a local bar: "el paso? it's like the underdog of texas. everyone sleeps on it, but once you're here, you're like, 'damn, this place is cool.'" another local warned me, "don't come here in july unless you want to melt."
food. el paso's got some of the best mexican food you'll ever taste. and i'm not just talking about tacos. i'm talking about chile con queso, enchiladas, and tamales that'll make you cry. check out l&j cafe for the real deal.
music scene. as a drummer, i can tell you that el paso's got a thriving music scene. from indie bands to mariachi, there's something for everyone. catch a show at the lowbrow palace if you're in town.
art. el paso's got a growing street art scene. check out the murals in the downtown area. they're like a visual history of the city.
final thoughts*. el paso is not just a pit stop on the way to somewhere else. it's a destination. it's got history, culture, food, and vibes that you won't find anywhere else. so next time you're planning a trip, don't sleep on el paso. it's waiting for you.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/salt-lake-city-mountains-dust-and-a-whole-lot-of-altitude
- https://topiclo.com/post/nampos-story-a-messy-timeline-from-ancient-docks-to-modern-chaos
- https://topiclo.com/post/zagrebs-real-food-scene-what-locals-actually-eat-not-the-tourist-stuff
- https://topiclo.com/post/a-chaotic-day-at-the-shore
- https://topiclo.com/post/public-transportation-guide-how-to-get-around-montral-like-an-indie-film-scout-who-missed-their-shoot