Elizabeth Leal

Actually as one of the safest cities in the country, all of our neighborhoods are pretty good. "Best" is a relative term and I would have to understand what components make up "best" for YOU! 79912 is on the west side and 79936 is on the east side. Determine your housing budget, go to my website at http://www.ElizabethLeal.com, sign in to the MLS system and look in those and any other areas for what you want. Then drive the areas, but I would not knock anything out of the picture if the home has what you are looking for. we are a GREAT city in which to live! - Tue Aug 5 2008, 08:58

We are so blessed in El Paso to have MANY areas that are super! It really all depends on where you work, if you have family, what your interests may be. We have a major highway, I-10 that runs east and west. the Patriot Freeway runs north and south, and Loop 375 enables you to bypass a lot of traffic areas by going around the city. Central is the oldest part with marvelous 2 story architectural delights. Mission Valley is south of I-10 and is a mix of very old and newer construction. Northeast has the best views of the city since they are right up against the Franklin Mountains with the California poppies. Since it is close to Ft. Bliss, there is a huge military population! The Upper Valley has a river running through it, a lot of pecan trees, horse properties, old and new construction. The East side goes forever and ever, The most exciting areas, shopping, housing areas, restaurants, oh my goodness! Your choice based on your needs! All of our school districts are great! We have community colleges, The University of Texas at El Paso, and much more. We have a symphony, an opera company, oh, just more than I can tell you here! - Wed Apr 23 2008, 13:39

I cannot speak for any area other than El Paso. While we have had some downturn in the market, it has not been wildly detrimental to our homeowners. It has had the effect of giving a greater choice to home buyers as, like you, they are being cautious. El Paso is positioned for great growth due to the troop build up at Ft. Bliss, America's largest Air Defense base. This is actually a fantastic time to buy in El Paso. Buyers should intend to stay in a home at least three years as the costs of selling are inherently more purchasing. The longer one can remain in the home, equity will grow, even in this market. There is nothing like the feeling of pride in owning your own home. Find a REALTOR you can trust and LISTEN! Good luck! - Fri Apr 25 2008, 21:44

Absolutely! Actually, anything that is a major concern to you should be a contingency. With the recent and unusual flooding in El Paso, the flood maps are changing and are indeed confusing. - Wed Apr 23 2008, 13:53

Stucco is a preferred building material in the west. Older stucco homes will have more of these hairline cracks you are asking about and that is absolutely normal. NEWER stucco is covered with substances such as Elastomeric which have some stretching capabilities. My home was built in 2000 and so far, no cracks in the house, but the decorative colums on the patio, yes indeed! Some areas may have clay in the soil so you absolutely should never, EVER, buy a home without a home inspection! Stucco actually has the same insulating qualities as brick veneer. And it comes in so many pretty colors!! - Wed Apr 23 2008, 13:47