Is Borderland safe?
El Paso, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Borderland as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Borderland
“Go. Borderland is a tranquil, semi-rural pocket of El Paso's Upper Valley characterized by pecan orchards, equestrian properties, and upscale residential estates. Violent crime is extremely low, and the primary concerns for visitors are limited lighting and car-dependent infrastructure rather than personal safety.”
About the area
Situated along the Rio Grande near the New Mexico border, Borderland offers a lush, pastoral escape from the surrounding desert metropolis. It is predominantly a peaceful residential and agricultural area with sprawling lots, horse ranches, and scenic mountain views. Visitors typically pass through for farm-to-table dining, local nurseries, or access to riverside walking and biking paths.
- Semi-Rural
- Scenic & Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Equestrian
Walking and biking in Borderland
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Cyclists frequently utilize the Rio Grande River Trail and rural roads, though designated on-street bike lanes are rare and SunCycle bike-share is not available in this sector.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent and serious property crime relative to national and state averages.
- Higher-than-average household income and high homeownership stability throughout the Upper Valley.
- Quiet, low-density environment with minimal street congestion and open green spaces.
Cons
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure including missing sidewalks and sparse street lighting on rural roads.
- Highly car-dependent with virtually no retail or dining directly accessible on foot.
- Occasional property thefts from open ranches or unlocked vehicles.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Borderland, with social services and encampments primarily located in Downtown El Paso and central transit corridors.
What Borderland is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with early morning joggers, cyclists, and equestrian caretakers along quiet country lanes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and sunlit with light residential and agricultural traffic, feeling completely secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dark with relaxed dinners at nearby Doniphan Drive venues and virtually no safety concerns.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and deserted due to minimal streetlights, though violent crime remains practically nonexistent.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; Sun Metro operates bus routes along Doniphan Drive (such as Route 18), but coverage deeper into Borderland is minimal and personal vehicles or rideshares are essential.
Parking is abundant and free in private lots at local businesses, though street parking on narrow rural corridors is limited or restricted by ditches and private property.
Things to do in Borderland
- Walk or cycle along the scenic Rio Grande River Levee Trail taking in views of the Franklin Mountains.
- Browse local plants and enjoy breakfast inside the greenhouse at 150 Sunset.
- Explore the historic pecan orchards and equestrian farmsteads along Borderland and Strahan Roads.
Local favorites
- 150 Sunset · Bistro & Event Space · 4.5★ (1150)A relaxed kitchen and event venue set inside a lush plant nursery serving modern Southwestern brunch.
- Corralito Steakhouse (Doniphan) · Steakhouse · 4.4★ (1620)A popular local steakhouse offering hearty cuts, Mexican sides, and cocktails along Doniphan Drive.
- Chico's Tacos (Upper Valley/Mesa) · Mexican Restaurant · 4.2★ (2400)A storied El Paso institution serving rolled tacos submerged in distinctive tomato-jalapeño broth.
Neighborhoods near Borderland
Common questions about Borderland
Is Borderland safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Borderland a good place to live?
On safety, Borderland scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Borderland?
Walk score 18/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Borderland are safer?
Cimarron Sky (92), Upper Valley (90), La Puesta del Sol (86) score higher nearby.
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