Central El Paso

The Central El Paso area includes some of the earliest developed areas in the city and contains some of the city's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. In September 1827, Juan Maria Ponce de Leon bought 211 acres of land where El Paso and Paisano streets are today.^[1] In 1849, James Wiley Magoffin purchased the lands upon which he built Magoffinsville near present-day Magoffin Avenue and Willow Street. Magoffinsville became host to Fort Bliss in January of 1854.^[2] The history of this neighborhood is preserved and interpreted at the Magoffin Homestead, a public museum in the area.

Development of Central El Paso started around 1875, when the city was barely beginning to gain its roots.  Today, Central El Paso has grown into the center of the city's economy and a thriving urban community. It contains numerous historic sites and landmarks. It is close to the El Paso International Airport, Downtown El Paso, the international border, and Fort Bliss.

Central El Paso is a historic and centrally located region known for its distinctive architecture, mature neighborhoods, mountain views, and convenient access to downtown and Fort Bliss.

Geography

• Location: Sits immediately north and east of downtown El Paso, extending toward Fort Bliss and the southern foothills of the Franklin Mountains.
• Proximity: Located minutes from downtown, the Medical Center of the Americas, El Paso International Airport, and Fort Bliss.
• Outdoors: Offers access to Memorial Park, the Municipal Rose Garden, Scenic Drive, and nearby Franklin Mountains trails.

Lifestyle

• Vibe: Combines historic neighborhood character with an active urban lifestyle and a strong sense of local identity.
• Historic Neighborhoods: Includes Manhattan Heights, Austin Terrace, Five Points, Government Hill, and Highland Park.
• Arts and Dining: Features locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and neighborhood businesses along Montana Avenue, Pershing Drive, Piedras Street, and Five Points.

Housing

• Property Values: Offers a wide range of prices, with premiums possible for renovated homes, larger lots, mountain views, and historically significant properties.
• Variety: Includes historic adobe homes, bungalows, cottages, mid-century residences, apartments, duplexes, and architect-designed properties.
• Continued Investment: Features ongoing restoration, remodeling, and redevelopment within established residential and commercial areas.

Neighborhoods

Here is a list of some of the neighborhoods in Central and South El Paso:

• Altura Park
• Austin Terrace
• Five Points
• Government Hill
• Grandview
• Highland Park
• Loretto Place
• Manhattan Heights
• Memorial Park
• Military Heights
• Pershing
• Richmond

Schools and Convenience

• Education: Primarily served by El Paso Independent School District, including historic campuses such as Austin High School, El Paso High School, and Jefferson High School.
• Shopping: Offers locally owned businesses and neighborhood shopping centers, with convenient access to Bassett Place, downtown businesses, and restaurants along Montana Avenue.
• Commuting: Connects efficiently to downtown, Fort Bliss, UTEP, and other parts of the city through Interstate 10, US 54, Montana Avenue, and Loop 375.

Neighborhood Associations

Here is a list of some of the neighborhood associations in Central El Paso:

• Austin Terrace Neighborhood Association
• Central El Paso Community Organization
• Five Points Development Association
• Government Hill Neighborhood Association
• Highland Park Neighborhood Association
• Manhattan Heights Neighborhood Association
• Pershing–Government Hill Neighborhood Association
• Richmond Area Neighborhood Association