Las Flores - El Paso, TX

Las Flores is a stone's throw from the Mexican border and Ciudad Juarez. This community-centered neighborhood reflects that proximity.

Abundant Living Faith Center (ALFC) is a church-based organization based in Las Flores. The groups helps neighbors stay connected, hosts numerous local events, and strives to make a difference in its city. ALFC represents what it means to live in this area.

For a deeper look into the history of the areas, head downtown El Paso's "Museum Row" which includes the Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, and Insights Science Museum.

The annual Fiesta de las Flores, which takes place each September in different areas around greater El Paso, is only one of the area's many celebrations of Hispanic culture and traditions.

This is Texas, folks: home of big steaks, spicy barbecue, and delicious, traditional Mexican fare.

If you're in the mood for cocino mexicano (and you will be), La Tapatia Mexican, located in the center of Las Flores, is known for its fantastic house-made masa and a chili relleno often described as “perfect.” La Choza Menudazo & Tamalotes is your go-to spot for authentic menudo. Fine dining this is not; this is the comforting taste of abuela's home cooking, delicioso and on the cheap.

Whiskey Dick’s – the longest running country bar in El Paso – gives you plenty of live music and true country flare. Open Tuesday through Saturday, WD's daily drink specials and local and national musical acts will have you dancing on tables.

And if you love well-crafted beer and great events, El Paso Beer Snob will keep you up to date on all the best cerveza happenings in town.

Las Flores is just off of Interstate 10, which means easy access to downtown and the El Paso International Airport. Driving is how most residents get around in Las Flores, followed by public transportation and biking. As you can imagine, bicycling here is a breeze given the numerous bike trails and the infinite beauty of the Southwest; however, do mind the traffic laws, just as you should in any major city.

With such beautiful natural landscape nearby, finding a nice place to take a walk or go for a jog is easy here in Las Flores.

East of the neighborhood is Zaragosa Park, which offers a number of baseball, softball, and tee ball diamonds, as well as a soccer field, basketball court, and picnic areas - a great place to exercise.

Northwest of Las Flores is Ascarate Park and its public golf course - long considered to be one of the most difficult in the area. This gathering-place park has trails, picnic areas, barbecue grills, and playgrounds. It also features Ascarate Lake, which is a popular fishing spot full of largemouth bass for the catching.

Marion Manor Park and Pecan Grove Park are also in close proximity. Pup-friendly Eastwood Park boasts a doggie obstacle course, and Tierre Este Dog Park has fence-enclosed grass and a walking trail.

Neighboring town Socorro has Bulldog Championship Park. With its water park, pond, and free Movies Under the Stars series during the summer, this one might just become your favorite.

El Paso is the 4th largest city in the state of Texas, but that doesn't mean the cost of living here is oversized. The average rental rate in Las Flores is 10 percent less than in downtown El Paso: a one-bedroom apartment will run you about $600. Sun Metro's standard bus fare is $1.50, and $2 for LIFT, the city's public transportation for individuals with disabilities. Gas prices tend to be slightly more than the national average. Groceries are convenient to find and comparable in price to other parts of the country.

El Paso is known as, among other things, a great place to shop. With over 140 specialty stores, Cielo Vista Mall is El Paso's primary shopping destination, and downtown El Paso boasts more than 300 quality retail stores. Big name retailers like Home Depot, World Market, and Academy Sports are other popular shopping locations in the area.

Established in 1964, Lowe's Market is the main supermarket here; with approximately 10 stores in the area, filling your pantry is a cinch. To supplement your mainstream grocery-buying experience, check out the year-round Farmers Market each Saturday at Ardovino's Desert Crossing Farmer's Market. Located just across the border in Old Mexico, this 60-year old restaurant and lounge is moments away from Mount Cristo Rey; host to this weekly market filled with an ever-expanding selection of organic and pesticide-free produce and goods.

Shopping local businesses is easy in Las Flores, too. On weekends, the stalls at the Bronco Swap Meet call out to you. Churros, horchata, boots, knives...you name it...they've (almost always) got it.

Debbie's Bloomers is the best place to find floral artistry. Debbie's staff has been designing beautiful arrangements since 1984, and in September of 2012, Debbie's Bloomers became the first recipient of the Gary Buckwald Scholarship - a $10,000 scholarship to be used for staff training - this place really knows its flowers.

Starr Western Wear opened its doors 50 years ago to service the bi-cultural farming and ranch community in the West Texas/Northern Mexico border region. Today, Starr Western Wear remains true to its roots and is still the favored store of farmers and ranchers on both sides of the border. Visit when you're searching for everything from cowboy hats to western suits, ladies' and kids' western wear, and a full selection of outerwear designed for active lifestyles. With two locations, you're western style is covered.