According to Washington based CQ Press El Paso is the 2nd safest city in the nation. Economically, if your want to know what is really happening
in El Paso, read the IPED economic impact report (dry but good info). With the influx of 30K military personnel relocating to El Paso plus the new medical school we haven't really felt the recession yet. Actually, El Paso is generally insulated from national economic conditions. Additionally we have a thriving housing sector.

$24.5 Million in bond money is now available through the El Paso Housing Finance Corporation plus USDA funding for certain areas of El Paso- Horizon.  As you may have read in the El Paso Times Horizon city, "the Tierras" has been in the news due to a flood of foreclosures. Not because of the economy but because of subprime loans resetting.  This area was flooded with no-doc, stated income type loans that led to the housing collapse. This is unfortunate for some but a goldmine for others. These properties are 10-20% below market and in near new condition. As you can probably tell my undergrad degree is in Economics and I'm a Realtor but I also love this town.