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About Fort Bliss

Information for Fort Bliss Transfers

PCS El Paso

Welcome to El Paso! Whether this is your first duty station or another stop along your military journey, we know how stressful a PCS can be. Our goal is to make your transition to Fort Bliss as smooth as possible by sharing local insights on schools, neighborhoods, food, attractions, and life in El Paso.

School Districts

Finding the right school is often a top priority for military families. Here’s a breakdown of districts near Fort Bliss:

  • El Paso ISD– Covers parts of Central, West, and Northeast El Paso, including areas just minutes from post. Offers magnet programs, Dual Language, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

  • Ysleta ISD– Popular among military families in East El Paso for strong academics, award-winning fine arts, and STEM programs.

  • Socorro ISD (SISD)– One of the fastest-growing districts, serving Far East El Paso. Many newer schools and neighborhoods here, about 15–25 minutes from Fort Bliss.

  • Canutillo ISD– On the West Side, smaller district with highly rated schools. About 25–35 minutes from Fort Bliss.

  • Clint & San Elizario ISD– Serve Horizon and outlying communities. A bit further (30–45 minutes to post) but offer more affordable housing options.

Areas to Live

El Paso is large, but commutes to Fort Bliss are usually manageable. Here’s a quick guide for military families:

  • Northeast El Paso– Closest to Fort Bliss (5–15 minutes). Affordable homes, family-oriented neighborhoods like Mesquite Hills. Great for minimizing commute time.

  • Far East El Paso– Rapidly growing with new construction, shopping, and dining. About 20–30 minutes to Fort Bliss depending on traffic. Popular with younger families.


  • West Side El Paso– Mountain views, established neighborhoods, shopping hubs, and strong schools. Commute is about 25–35 minutes to Fort Bliss via Transmountain.

  • Central El Paso– Historic homes, close to downtown and the airport. Commute is about 10–15 minutes. Great if you like older charm and being near city amenities.

  • Horizon City– Suburban feel outside El Paso. Commute is 30–40 minutes to post but offers larger lots and newer homes at lower price points.

  • Upper Valley– Quiet suburban living beyond El Paso. 30–40-minute commute to post; expect spacious lots, tree-lined streets, well-established communities, plus new development in pockets.

  • Lower Valley– Smaller town feel, commute is 20-30 minutes to post. Older communities, just south of the highway.

  • Socorro– Perfect mix of new development and mature communities.Commute is 25-35 minutes to post.

  • Clint– Suburban feel outside El Paso, small town living. Commute is 40–45 minutes to post but offers larger lots and some newer communities. Larger pieces of land.

Places to Eat

Military families will find El Paso’s food scene both affordable and welcoming. Many spots even offer military discounts.

Tex-Mex & Local Favorites:
  • L&J Café – Famous for enchiladas, close to downtown.
  • Carlos & Mickey’s – Mexican food and giant margaritas, near the airport.
  • Andale’s – Fun atmosphere, family-friendly.

Family Friendly:
  • Cattleman’s Steakhouse – Worth the 30-minute drive; also has a mini zoo and play areas for kids.
  • Crave Kitchen & Bar – Brunch and comfort food, multiple locations.
  • The Pizza Joint – Local favorite with big NY-style slices.

Coffee & Quick Bites:
  • Savage Goods – Veteran-friendly and locally owned.
  • Hillside Coffee – Popular with students and military families.
  • Starbucks & Dunkin’ – Several locations on and near Fort Bliss.

Only in El Paso:
  • Chico’s Tacos – An El Paso original (you have to try it at least once!).
  • Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant – Featured on Food Network, homestyle Mexican food.
  • Desert Oak Barbecue – Smoked meats and a true Texas BBQ experience.

Places to See

Military families often look for weekend activities that are kid-friendly and affordable:

  • Scenic Drive Overlook – Free, quick drive with unbeatable views of El Paso and Juárez.

  • Franklin Mountains State Park – Hiking trails, camping, and great for family day trips.
  • Hueco Tanks State Park – World-famous for rock climbing and ancient pictographs.

  • El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Military discount available.

  • Downtown & Plaza Theatre – Historic shows, markets, and cultural festivals.

  • Mission Trail – Explore 400-year-old Spanish missions and Southwest history.

  • White Sands National Park (NM) – About 1.5 hours away; sled the gypsum dunes. Perfect day trip for families.

Catch a Game in El Paso

Sports in El Paso aren’t just games, they’re full-blown experiences for the whole family. Head to Southwest University Park to cheer on the El Paso Chihuahuas, our lively Triple-A baseball team known for their crowd energy and fun theme nights. For soccer fans, the El Paso Locomotive FC brings the excitement of professional USL Championship play right to the borderland, with matches packed with chants, colors, and community pride. And if hockey’s more your speed, bundle up and catch the El Paso Rhinos in action, the city’s own Tier I junior hockey team that always puts on a thrilling show. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, or hockey, there’s always a game day ready to bring families together in El Paso.

Things to Know

Some quick facts that help military families get settled:

  • Weather: Summers are hot (90–100+), winters are mild. Dust storms can occur in the spring.


  • Commutes: Lighter than most cities. Most military families live within 15–30 minutes of Fort Bliss.


  • Cost of Living: Affordable compared to most duty stations. Housing and groceries are below the national average.


  • Culture: El Paso has a unique blend of Mexican and American traditions. Expect amazing food, festivals, and a welcoming community.


  • Military Support: El Paso is home to one of the largest Army posts in the U.S. The city strongly supports service members, retirees, and families.

Extra Resources

  • Fort Bliss Housing Office – For on-post and off-post housing questions.
  • MWR Fort Bliss – Offers childcare, gyms, outdoor rec rentals, and family program

  • Utilities Setup:
    • Electric: El Paso Electric

    • Gas: Texas Gas Service

    • Water: El Paso Water

    • Horizon City MUD

    • Paseo Del Este MUD

    • Lower Valley Water Authority

    • Internet: Spectrum & AT&T


  • DMV/Vehicle Registration: Texas DMV offices are spread across the city. Fort Bliss requires vehicle registration for on-post driving.
  • Spouse Employment & Support: Army Community Service (ACS), local hiring fairs, and strong networking groups for spouses.

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