Buena Vista - El Paso, TX

Buena Vista, originally called Fruitdale, struggled with irrigation problems and only just missed bordering the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway it had been counting on for financial growth. Facing disaster, it agreed to become an El Paso neighborhood.

El Paso hosts an annual Music Under the Stars concert series each summer. Held at the Chamizal National Memorial, this concert series has been going stead since 1983. Summer also means Dancing in the City at the Convention Center Plaza in downtown. Dance lessons start attendees off and then these Saturday evenings transition into another live music event.

The city also hosts events such as Chalk the Block, a public art festival in downtown highlighting the talents of sidewalk chalk artists and hosting live music, art and food vendors, and interactive events for kids. Free admission couples with the wide array of attractions to make this one of El Paso's signature events.

The primarily residential neighborhood of Buena Vista can't boast much dining variety or even nightlife, but some nearby options attract patrons looking for local cuisine other than the typical national chain restaurant or fast food joint.

Peter Piper Pizza, a regional chain, caters to pizza loving families. Just north of Buena Vista, along Highway 62, sits one Mexican-style favorite. Tacos Santa Cecilia draws hungry guests with its tacos al pastor and chicken enchiladas. This place may not be particularly fancy, but its authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere keep people coming. Open all day, Tacos Santa Cecilia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but stop in on a Sunday evening to avoid the crowds.

The Calico Bar gives locals a place to grab a beer with friends or watch the game. Most residents, however, head into downtown El Paso for bars like the Tap to catch a show and soak in the summer music and arts festivals.

The northern edge of Buena Vista touches Highway 62, which leads drivers directly into I-110 and I-10 or down to the 375 and 45. These major arteries connect El Paso and Buena Vista with the surrounding area, from New Mexico to Mexico and east to the rest of Texas.

Residents don't miss public parking lots, as businesses generally provide plenty of parking for patrons, and most streets offer parking for no cost.

Uber hasn't really established itself as an option yet, though its cars have started to service the El Paso area. A host of cab companies dot El Paso, but don't expect to flag down a driver from a street corner in Buena Vista. Residents call cabs for trips to the airport mostly. Commuters and shoppers will want to drive or catch a bus though.

Buses, operated by Sun Metro, carry passengers along main streets around Buena Vista and out to El Paso and surrounded areas. Buena Vista doesn't have any bike lanes, but wide shoulders and sidewalks make the majority of streets safe for bikers and pedestrians.

Just west of Buena Vista, Delta Park and its Chalio Acosta Sports Center give residents two places to stretch their legs. Outside, the park is comprised of large sports fields with some grassy area for lounging and a few trees. Inside, large courts please basketball lovers especially. The center also hosts local sports leagues and tournaments. In the winter, indoor soccer and inline hockey are the must-see sports, but in the summer, it's all about volleyball and softball. While leagues and tournaments cater to adults, children are also welcome to use the spaces more casually.

The cost of living in Buena Vista is 3 percent above the Texas average and 6 percent greater than in El Paso but still sits 8 percent below the national average. For instance, gas costs 4 percent less than the national average. Residents can also catch a bus for just $1.50 and frequent riders can purchase passes for $48 per month. The price of beer runs around $4 for a pint.

Residents should expect to pay around $550 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Buena Vista.

Plenty of shops lie along Paisano Drive and Highway 62, on the northern edge of Buena Vista and just above.

Further up Highway 62, northeast of Buena Vista, Costco and Target keep residents stocked up on a daily needs. Within the neighborhood, Lowe's Big 8 Foods meets grocery needs from meat and produce to their in house deli and bakery. The store also boasts fresh tortillas — made on-site daily. It also has a pharmacy that fills prescriptions while patrons shop.

Just north of Buena Vista, along Highway 62, the Alameda Thrifty Pharmacy has a wide range of products from sports supplements to snacks and household items. A dollar section tops off its already reasonable prices. Be sure to stop in at this establishment in lieu of a well known chain such as CVS.

The nearest shopping center, Fox Plaza, hosts stores selling everything from jewelry to sports apparel and furniture to electronics. A handful of restaurants also line this shopping center to give hungry shoppers a chance to refuel while the lot hosts one of the oldest and largest flea markets in the area. This flea market attracts vendors selling clothing, music, produce, games and toys.

The flea market acts as a stand-in farmers market for those not willing to travel to the Downtown Arts and Farmers market in the heart of El Paso. Many are willing to make the trip downtown though for the Loco Tote Jerky and selection of soaps and lotions, baked goods and other homemade treasures.