Is Pico Norte safe?
El Paso, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Pico Norte as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Pico Norte
“Go. Pico Norte is a peaceful, established residential community in East El Paso that offers a very safe environment for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and the area primarily sees occasional minor property infractions typical of suburban neighborhoods.”
About the area
Pico Norte is a classic East El Paso neighborhood characterized by mid-century single-family brick homes, quiet residential streets, and convenient access to local shopping plazas along Montana Avenue. It provides an authentic, low-key El Paso community atmosphere with strong family roots.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Established Residential
Walking and biking in Pico Norte
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There is no bike-share system in this neighborhood and dedicated bike lanes are minimal, though residential side streets see low traffic suitable for neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than national averages, fitting El Paso's overall safe profile
- High rate of owner-occupied single-family homes with well-maintained properties
- Close proximity to diverse Mexican dining and local shopping corridors along Montana Avenue
- Quiet neighborhood streets with minimal through traffic
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins along commercial edges
- Heavily car-dependent layout with limited sidewalk continuity in older residential pockets
- Sparse evening entertainment options within the neighborhood itself
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in the residential interior of Pico Norte, with only occasional individuals observed near major commercial bus stops along Montana Avenue.
What Pico Norte is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents heading to work, school commutes, and morning dog walkers.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet throughout residential pockets, with light traffic around schools and arterial thoroughfares.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Family-oriented and relaxed as residents return home; streets remain calm and safe for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet with minimal activity, maintaining safe conditions although vehicle headlights and proper lighting are advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Sun Metro with routes running primarily along Montana Avenue and Wedgewood Drive; service is infrequent, making a personal vehicle much more practical.
Parking is abundant and free throughout the area, with ample curbside residential parking and large surface lots in all shopping strips.
Things to do in Pico Norte
- Enjoy authentic regional Mexican comfort food at neighborhood diners along Montana Avenue
- Take a family stroll or enjoy recreational space at nearby Scotsdale Park
- Shop at neighborhood specialty markets and local bakeries for traditional pan dulce
Local favorites
- Kiki's Mexican Restaurant · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (3200)Renowned local staple famous for its green chile crab enchiladas and hearty northern Mexican fare.
- El Taquito · Taco Restaurant · 4.4★ (850)Popular neighborhood spot serving authentic flautas, tacos al pastor, and traditional aguas frescas.
- Bowie Bakery (East) · Bakery · 4.4★ (1100)Classic panaderia offering fresh conchas, empanadas, tres leches cakes, and Mexican pastries.
Neighborhoods near Pico Norte
Common questions about Pico Norte
Is Pico Norte safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Pico Norte a good place to live?
On safety, Pico Norte scores 80/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Pico Norte?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 44/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Pico Norte are safer?
Indian Ridge South (85), Glen Cove (84), Pebble Brook (84) score higher nearby.
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