After living in the U.S. for a long time, it's easy to distinguish between cities that Koreans frequently visit and those that are rarely mentioned.

Places like Los Angeles, Orange County, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Dallas have a lot of information available and you can easily hear experiences from people around you.

On the other hand, El Paso is not a city that often comes up in the Korean community. Just looking at the map, you can feel the distance as it is located at the far western end of Texas, right on the Mexican border.

At first, I also thought, 'Is there really a reason to live in El Paso?'

However, after learning more about the city and hearing stories from people who actually live there, I found that it has many advantages.

If you expect a flashy city, you might be disappointed, but if you want a stable life and realistic living conditions, I felt that it is a city with high satisfaction.

The first thing to mention is definitely the cost of living. For those worried about housing prices and rent in the U.S., El Paso is a very attractive option.

Various cost of living surveys show that El Paso's overall living expenses are about 12% lower than the national average.

In particular, housing costs are nearly 30% cheaper than the national average.

Although housing prices have risen significantly across the U.S. in recent years, El Paso has maintained relatively stable prices.

Rent is also relatively affordable. With the same budget, you can get a much larger home or a new townhome in El Paso than a small apartment in Los Angeles. For those considering buying a home, the entry barrier is also low.

Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of Texas is that there is no state income tax.

Even with the same salary, you end up with more money in your pocket compared to California or New York.

This difference is particularly significant for those preparing to start a business or just starting out in the U.S. The lower burden of rent and labor costs allows for more savings on initial business capital.

The second point is the presence of Fort Bliss. Fort Bliss is the largest military base of the U.S. Army, covering over 1.7 million acres.

When you combine active-duty soldiers, civilian employees, and their families, they form a significant part of the local economy.

Thanks to this military base, Korean soldiers, civilian employees, and military families continue to reside in the area.

While it may not have a very large Korean town, there is a naturally formed Korean network centered around the military. Many newcomers report that they can easily meet people through churches, military-related gatherings, and local communities.

Especially for those whose spouses are in the military, there are many opportunities to interact with families in similar living situations, which helps in adapting to the new area.

While it may not have a Korean community of thousands like a big city, many people point out that the atmosphere of knowing and helping each other is a positive aspect.

The third point is the weather. El Paso is one of the sunniest cities in the U.S. It enjoys about 297 days of sunshine a year.

After living in a city where it rains often, coming to El Paso makes you feel like the sky is a different color.

Of course, summers are hot. However, unlike the humid heat of East Texas, it has a relatively dry desert climate, so you feel cooler when you step into the shade.

Winters are mild, so there are hardly any inconveniences due to snow. It's a great environment for those who enjoy outdoor activities like exercising, golfing, and hiking.

Gen Korean BBQ House is one of the most talked-about Korean barbecue restaurants in El Paso.

Opened in August 2025, it is a relatively new location of the GEN brand, which operates over 50 locations across the U.S.

The biggest feature is the All You Can Eat style.

During a set time, you can continuously order your desired meats and grill them yourself on the grill set at your table, making it great for family gatherings or meals with friends.

They offer a variety of menu items including marinated short ribs, bulgogi, brisket, pork belly, garlic chicken, and spicy pork ribs, along with kimchi and various side dishes.

While El Paso is not a city with a lot of Korean restaurants, it is close to Fort Bliss, so there is a steady stream of visits from soldiers and military families who are familiar with Korean food.

On weekend evenings, it gets busy enough to have a wait time, and it attracts not only Koreans but also many local Americans and Hispanic customers.

Currently, it maintains a rating in the low 4-star range and has received positive feedback. Gen Korean BBQ House is conveniently located on George Dieter Drive and is open from lunch until late evening. If you want to experience authentic Korean barbecue in El Paso, this is the place I would recommend first.

It is considered a satisfying option for enjoying Korean barbecue culture in the border city of El Paso.

Another characteristic of El Paso is that it is a multicultural city. Being right on the Mexican border, many people use both English and Spanish.

The atmosphere of various cultures coexisting naturally is seen as a good environment for children to grow up experiencing multiple cultures.

In fact, it is common to see students from various races and cultural backgrounds living together in schools.

Of course, there are downsides. There are not as many Korean markets or restaurants as in LA. Korean hospitals and specialized services are also relatively few.

If you expect the vibrant cultural life of a big city, you might find it a bit dull.

However, these days, online shopping and delivery services are so well developed that the inconveniences of the past have significantly decreased.

Korean food can be easily ordered online, and most necessary items can be received within a few days.

Ultimately, El Paso is a city where evaluations can vary greatly from person to person. It may not be satisfying for those who want a flashy big city.

On the other hand, for those who value a relaxed lifestyle, a safe environment, and relatively low living costs, it often turns out to be a place where they settle down unexpectedly.

Honestly, at first, I thought, 'How many people would live in El Paso for a long time?'

However, in reality, there are quite a few Korean families who are happily living here while finding jobs, buying homes, and raising children.

The U.S. is vast, and there are many great cities. But there is no city that is the answer for everyone.

El Paso is a city that suits those who choose practicality in the U.S. I think El Paso is a place where you naturally say, 'It's not bad!' after living here.