After living in El Paso for about 10 years, it's hard to evaluate this city as simply good or bad.

The fact that I've lived here for 10 years suggests that it must be bearable.

However, it's also difficult to tell others that they should come and live here because there are some points that make it hard to recommend.

Especially from the perspective of immigrants settling in the U.S. for the first time, it feels like the advantages and disadvantages are all mixed together.

Thinking about money, it's decent; considering job opportunities, it's disappointing; it's nice and quiet, but sometimes too quiet and boring.

The most realistic advantage is that the cost of living is definitely lower. In particular, housing prices and rents are significantly cheaper compared to major West Coast cities like LA or San Diego.

Since Texas has no state income tax, even those who don't earn a very high salary can breathe a little easier with housing costs, which can change their overall living situation. In the U.S., how much you earn in a month is important, but what's more important is how much you have left after spending.

Gas prices are also relatively low, and there is less stress from parking compared to big cities. Of course, having a car is essential to live here.

While El Paso does have public transportation, it has a low Transit Score, making it quite inconvenient to live without a car. The need for a car here is different from the need in LA.

When people think of a border city, they often associate it with danger. This is understandable since Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is just across the border.

However, once you live in El Paso, you realize that it is actually considered one of the safer large cities in the U.S. The difference between the image of a border city and the reality of living in a typical neighborhood is quite significant.

There's another advantage for immigrants. This city naturally blends English and Spanish.

Whether you go to the grocery store, a restaurant, or a hospital, Spanish is commonly heard. This can reduce the psychological burden for immigrants who may not be fluent in English compared to other U.S. cities, as the coexistence of both cultures is part of daily life here.

Of course, when it comes to job opportunities, the story changes. The military-related industries centered around Fort Bliss, as well as healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing, are significant here.

On the other hand, the job market for specialized professions like IT, finance, and corporate headquarters is hard to compare with Dallas, Austin, or Houston. For those looking to aggressively build their careers while young, it might feel frustrating.

The weather also has its pros and cons. Summer days often exceed 95°F, which can feel really hot at first. However, unlike the humid East Texas, it's dry here, so it feels a bit different when you find shade. Water scarcity is a long-term concern in this desert city.

Interestingly, El Paso is in Texas but observes Mountain Time.

As a result, there is usually only a one-hour difference from LA. This can be quite convenient for those with family or business connections in California.

In my view, El Paso is more of a city for building a foundation rather than one that aims for big leaps. It's a decent place to save money without being overwhelmed by housing costs and living expenses while adapting to English and American life, preparing for the next step. It's not a flashy city, but it's not a bad place to live either.

Having lived in the U.S., I've come to realize that there are times when a city where you can make a living at a slower pace is definitely needed, rather than one where you have to rush every day. I think El Paso could be a good place for those people.