Ranchland East - El Paso, TX

El Paso's small farming communities have grown into one of the nation's largest cities international traders. The east side continues to grow rapidly, though Ranchland East has remained residential. Locals travel to nearby neighborhoods and into El Paso for shopping and events.

El Paso hosts live music and art 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. Since 1983, the annual Music Under the Stars concert series runs from June through August at the Chamizal National Memorial. 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.

Out here, the cuisine is primarily Tex-Mex, although options range from classic Mexican restaurants to all-American diners.

Just north of Ranchland East's eastern corner, T Coasters serves up serious deals on its breakfast menu, making mornings the ideal time to visit, but stop in any time to enjoy American classic meals. Nearby, El Cometa boasts some of the best flautas in the area. This restaurant tops dinner off with treats such as its Tres Leches cake.

In the McRae Shopping Center, Bamboo Kitchen gives locals a change of pace with Chinese- and Japanese-style favorites. Favorites include the mango or California rolls. Its large menu comes with a relatively small price tag that keeps locals coming back.

Sitting at the north eastern boarder of Ranchland East, Gabriel's Restaurant and Bar serves up authentic Mexican food such as the Chili Rellenos that keep many coming back. The picante salsa may be too spicy for some, but it enhances the food nicely.

A little trip north west along I-10 and residents can enjoy a cold beer and poblano chicken sandwich at Twin Peaks. Several TVs make it east to watch the game. With draft beers and party shots on the menu beside cocktails, there's something here for everyone. This popular weekend stop gets busy, so come in early to grab a spot.

Right next to I-10 with Giles Road leading around the eastern boarder and straight onto the Interstate or or north to shop on the other side. The two major streets in the neighborhood, Phoenix Avenue and Hunter Drive, sit along its southern and western boarders respectively. These guide residents north towards I-10 and shopping, south towards North Loop Drive and east or west into nearby neighborhoods.

I-10 is the most direct route into El Paso, but commuters looking to avoid traffic can use public transportation. Buses, operated by Sunmetro, carry passengers along main streets surrounding Ranchland East but do not drive through the heart of this residential neighborhood. Still, they conveniently link residents with El Paso and surrounding areas.

Uber is still working to establish itself in El Paso. There are some El Paso-based cab companies, residents can call for a ride to the airport or similar needs, but don't expect to flag down a driver from a street corner. Commuters and shoppers will want to drive or catch a bus though.

Since Ranchland East has mostly residential streets, the neighborhood doesn't bother with bike lanes. Wide shoulders and sidewalks make the two major roads safe for bikers and pedestrians. Being so residential, parking doesn't pose much of a problem, and public parking lots aren't needed. Even shopping up north, businesses provide enough space to park.

Hacienda Heights Park sits along Phoenix Ave and Giles Rd in the southeastern corner of Ranchland East. This park provides an outdoor space for residents and hosts the Lionel Forti Swimming Pool as well as a baseball diamond and basketball court. This spacious park also offers plenty of open space to wander with the family and dog in tow.

The east side of El Paso, around Ranchland East, costs almost 6 percent more than El Paso on average, but remains 8 percent below the national average. Gas prices run about 4 percent less than the nation on average, and residents can also catch a bus for just $1.50 each way. Frequent riders can purchase passes for $48 per month and semi-frequent riders may find the day or week passes useful.

Being in a residential neighborhood, Ranchland East residents look north, just the other side of I-10, for shopping. A collection of chain stores such as Walmart, K-Mart, Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy meet the daily needs of locals and make up the bulk of the McRae Shopping Center.

An alternative place to find clothing, Plato's Closet, offers an exchange program that keeps local closets from getting stale. Locals can also choose DAW's Home Furnishings for their household furniture needs. This local shop deals in appliances as well as furniture for the whole house.

Both Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store and the local Office Depot carry a variety of crafting and office supplies, and Toys "R" Us caters to families looking for toys and games.

With no local farmers markets, residents stick to grocery stores for their produce. Also on the northern side of I-10, Lowes/Big 8 Foods, a local chain, meets grocery needs for most locals. Wan Jia Le Supermarket, on the other hand, deals specifically in Asian ingredients. Locals come here to find undon and ramen noodles or to hunt down specific spices, candies and snacks.