Welcome to El Paso/Fort Bliss, Texas

As an Army wife, I have learned - (through trials and stepping outside of self) - to embrace where you are. A great motto is: Grow where you're planted. If you indulge in making yourself to be better, live better and do better...you will find something good about El Paso. If you're a service member or spouse who has been recently stationed here, this is now your home. As much as you may hear the negative stereotypes before and after you arrive, it's really not that bad. As with any city that is booming in population, problems are to be expected; however, you don't stop living, if anything, you live and love harder than ever before.

I encourage you to Experience El Paso. The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start when it comes to experiencing the city and all that it has to offer. Fort Bliss Connect is another great place to meet with other military community members who are open and honest about their good and bad experiences living here.

Military Kids/Teens On The Move

This site is in no way endorsed by any Military branch of service or DoD

Established in 1849, Fort Bliss/El Paso has been/is undergoing dynamic renovations in preparation for new military service and family members arriving to the area. As the premiere Army Installation, Fort Bliss has established itself as a great place to live, work and play. Other Military Installations Nearby: White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base

Some soldiers and family members make their home in the immediate areas surrounding El Paso. Some of the areas are: Anthony, Canutillo, Clint, Fabens, Homestead Meadows, Horizon City, Montana Vista, San Elizario, Socorro, Sparks, Tornillo, Vinton, Westway.

Other areas are actually in another state: New Mexico (Dona Ana County) Anthony, Sunland Park, Chaparral

I could go on forever talking about why and how I came to love this city that at one point in time, I swore I would hate, but I want you to find out for yourself that all the stereotypes are not true. Not everyone hates it here and not everyone will love it...you'll never really know until you become involved.

From the Plaza Theater, Chamizal National Memorial, Franklin Mountains and of course, the World's Largest Man-Made Illuminated Star, there is so much about El Paso to know, see and experience. It is a place that has to grow on you, but in time, if you indulge yourself in all the city has to offer, you'll finally realize that it really isn't so bad.

El Paso is a very intriguing place. As military members, we have to make sure we do our part to contribute to the greatness of the city. We will experience downfalls, but as my mother (may she rest in peace) use to say: "Be Part of the Solution...Not the Problem."

There is no such thing as being bored...in El Paso!

Moni

Did you know? The Star on the Mountain is the Worlds Largest Man Made Illuminated Star. The star is lit to honor someone or something. For more information about the Star, visit the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

El Paso, Texas

Nickname: The Sun City

Weather: Beautifully Cool in Spring,

Hot in Summer, Fabulous in Fall,

Wonderfully Cool Winters

Major Highways and Roads:

Trans Mountain

Connecting Northeast El Paso to the Westside

Patriot Freeway aka US 54

The Spaghetti Bowl: 54 S int 10 E

The Loop: Texas Highway Loop 375

NE--TransMountain

E--Joe Battle

S--Cesar Chavez Border Highway (Along the US Mexico Border) between Dowtown El Paso and Ysleta

I-10

East takes you to Houston and all points East

West takes you to Tucson/Phoenix and all points West

Mayor: John Cook

Sheriff: Richard Wiles

City Manager: Joyce Wilson

District Attorney: Jaime Esparza

El Paso Police Department: Chief of Police, Gregory Allen

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations: El Paso FBI Office

Crime/Safety

No matter where you go in the world, you must be aware of your surroundings.

Just as in every city, there is crime and we understand the information that others may have heard regarding our city, and the fact that it is in such close proximity to Juarez, Mexico; however, aside from the happenings across the border, El Paso was listed as one of the safest cities in which to raise a family.

As citizens, we must all do our part to make sure safety is of utmost importance in our daily lives. Never feel intimidated to contact the police department or FBI to find out about the crime rate and activities in areas of the city. I've lived here for over 10 years and the only crime committed against me thus far has been the rip off at the movie theater...can you believe how much the prices have gone up?

Really, El Paso is safer than most make it 'not' to be. Personally, I believe you have to experience a place yourself and draw your own conclusion. As stated before, when I first arrived, I was afraid...only because of what 'people' were telling me. Realistically, crime happens. Its part of life and probably won't end in this lifetime any time soon. No matter where you live in the world, there is reason to be cautious.

Find out what others think at www.fortblissconnect.com

Time Zone : Mountain Standard Time

(El Paso observes Daylight Savings Time)

April (spring forward one hour)

October (fall behind one hour)

Films:

Courage Under Fire

Glory Road

Kill Bill

Man On Fire