El Paso, located at the western tip of Texas, is the largest international metroplex in the world and seamlessly blends cultures and traditions: from the historic Old West to the colors of Mexico, from the heritage of Native Americans to the beauty of our desert sun. Our fair city has something for everyone! A variety of entertainments await, including an vast and diverse array of dining options, museums, theaters, performing arts, and a rich history surrounding the city and region. Those interested in outdoor adventure will delight in El Paso. Its unspoiled natural beauty is a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. During the day, our mountains take on shades of purple, vibrant orange and pale green under a sun that shines over 305 days a year. The 24,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States and resides entirely in El Paso. Our history is a tapestry woven from the vibrant blend of cultures and customs that envelops the thriving and unique metropolitan area that exists today, spanning more than 400 years and fusing Native American, Spanish, Mexican and the American Cowboy traditions into one cohesive whole.
El Paso benefits from a healthy, growing economy. More than 70 Fortune 500 companies have offices here. Education is also a driving force in our economy. Our three large school districts are among the largest employers in the area, employing more than 19,000 people among them. The military installation of Fort Bliss is another major contributor to the economy. Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes of the United States Army, lies to the east and northeast of the city, with training areas extending north into New Mexico, up to the White Sands Missile Range and neighboring Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM.
Our city is home to the University of Texas at El Paso, a four-year state university divided into seven different colleges offering 70 undergraduate degrees, 75 master's-level degrees, and 19 doctoral degrees. It is also home to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso. Programs at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offer students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through an innovative curriculum that is proving to be immensely successful, turning out some of the best doctors and health professionals, evident by the number of physicians selected for the Best Docs in America list year after year.
El Paso has a desert climate with hot summers with little or no humidity and mild, dry winters. The sun shines 302 days per year on average here. It is from this that the city is nicknamed "The Sun City." The beautiful and majestic Franklin Mountains offer a dramatic focal point to the city and are one of the most visible and beloved of our many treasures. Wide-open vistas, big skies and beautiful desert weather are the norm, and almost every day ends with a breathtaking sunset. At night, our city lights look like a scattering of glittering diamonds across an expanse of darkness. Come enjoy the warmth of our sun and our smiles – and do Texas different!
