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El Paso, TX is a large desert city in the far west corner of Texas, hugging the Rio Grande and the Mexico border, and the University of Texas at El Paso sits right at the edge of downtown against the Franklin Mountains. UTEP's Miner crowd fills the neighborhoods just around campus, with Kern Place and its tree-lined streets the classic student pick. Franklin Mountains State Park rises straight out of the city for hiking and views, while downtown, the Sun Bowl stadium, and the cultural districts give students plenty to do. Neighborhoods range from walkable Kern Place to the Lower Valley and the Uptown blocks near the Cincinnati Avenue corridor. With sun almost year-round and the mountains as a backdrop, El Paso feels like its own friendly, sprawling world.
Right beside campus, the classic Miner neighborhood, with tree-lined streets, walkable charm, and easy access to class.
The blocks near the cultural corridor along Cincinnati Avenue draw students who want dining and nightlife within walking distance.
Puts you on the Streetcar line with a denser, urban feel and quick rides to campus.
Here's what you need to know about getting around El Paso.
Sun Metro runs the bus network plus the Brio rapid-transit lines along major corridors and a vintage Streetcar trolley looping through downtown and uptown near campus. Students living close to UTEP can lean on these to skip parking hassles. The Streetcar connects downtown and uptown near campus in minutes. Routes reach the wider city for errands and jobs.
The blocks right around campus, especially Kern Place, are walkable and bikeable, though the steep terrain near the mountains gives your legs a workout. Campus itself climbs a hillside, so wear good shoes. If you live in Kern Place or near downtown, you can walk, bike, or hop the Streetcar in minutes. The hilly setting makes some rides demanding.
El Paso spreads across the desert, so a car is the default for most Miners. From the Lower Valley or east side, plan a 15 to 25 minute drive. Rideshare covers the rest when you'd rather not drive. Keep campus parking in mind if you bring a vehicle.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Student rents near UTEP commonly run $500 to $1,200 a month, with the average apartment around $1,100 depending on size and how close you are to campus. Kern Place and near-campus spots sit higher, while the Lower Valley and east side stretch your money further.
Browse student housing near each El Paso-area university.