5 Best Towns Near El Paso For Retirees
With El Paso’s average home values around $230,000 as of February 2026, many retirees look to nearby towns within a 15- to 90-minute drive where housing is lower but access to healthcare and amenities remains close. With a population of roughly 680,000, El Paso provides the major services and infrastructure retirees need, while surrounding communities offer a more affordable way to enjoy them. In places like Sunland Park, with views from Mount Cristo Rey, or Socorro, anchored by one of the oldest missions in Texas, these towns strike a balance between cost and quality of life, making them some of the best places to live near El Paso for retirees.
Sunland Park, New Mexico
If you head out roughly fifteen minutes west of downtown El Paso, you will hit Sunland Park, New Mexico. This location is popular in its own right as a hub for live horse racing and casino games, most notably at the tourist attraction Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Even without the gaming, there is plenty to see and do for those choosing this particular town of around 15,000 to call home. Consider the natural wonder that is Mount Cristo Rey, a mountain crowned by a 29-foot statue of Christ, where hiking trails lead to sweeping views across three states. Western Playland Family Amusement Park is also a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. This place keeps the old young and active with their grandchildren, with rides, games, concessions, and live entertainment.
Senior living is what really draws residents, as more than 10% of the population is retirement age, according to U.S. Census Data, indicating a strong social environment. Moreover, housing is a major reason people choose Sunland Park, and it's affordable there, with the average home value at $218,306, about $12,000 below the median in El Paso. Because it is so close to downtown El Paso, its top-tier healthcare facilities are a short drive, especially the Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus in West El Paso.
Socorro, Texas
Socorro is easy to reach by driving about 20 minutes southeast of downtown El Paso along the historic Mission Trail. This town is large, offering the retiring senior much to see, with around 34,000 residents and historic significance, anchored by one of the oldest continually operating missions in Texas, La Purísima Socorro Mission. More history is on display when exploring Casa Ortiz and Casa Apodaca, historic adobe-style properties built in the 1700s and 1900s, respectively. These sites emphasize the unique way of life that once thrived in this region, long before Texas joined the United States in 1845. Seniors enjoy getting out and enjoying nature in Socorro as well, especially at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, which features both wetlands and nature trails. The park spans 372 acres and offers birding tours, community workdays, and more activities.
Another reason why Socorro is an attractive option for retirees is its community and its relatively low cost of living. In Socorro, 12% of the population is 65 years old or older, according to U.S. Census data. In addition to its strong sense of community, Socorro is an attractive option for its relatively low housing costs. In Socorro, median home values are currently around $204,119, approximately 12% below El Paso’s. In addition to its low housing costs, Socorro provides its residents with access to top-notch healthcare via El Paso, as in Sunland Park, at Hospitals of Providence East Campus.
Anthony, Texas
If you head about thirty minutes from the center of El Paso, you can reach a community that splits between New Mexico and Texas, Anthony. This is a unique town beyond its state-line split, affectionately known as the ‘Leap Year Capital of the World,’ and it celebrates this very fact with a festival once every four years on the special day. Seniors enjoy living in Anthony because it is part fun and part natural wonder, with attractions like Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld, a water park that attracts children of all ages, perfect for when the family visits. Outdoors, there are also natural attractions, such as the Anthony Gap, a scenic mountain pass where active seniors hike, take pictures of the gorgeous scenery, and watch birds.
Much like Sunland Park and Socorro, Anthony is quite close to El Paso and can therefore use its renowned healthcare facilities, in this case, the University Medical Center of El Paso, roughly a 20-minute drive to the south. Settling in Anthony is not difficult, as its $210,405 average home value is more than 9% lower than the El Paso average and over 29% lower than the Texas average, according to Zillow.
Alamogordo, New Mexico
The city of Alamogordo is farther than others on this list, taking an hour and a half to reach El Paso, but its attractions and quality of life make the distance worth it for seniors. The area is a natural wonder, with the White Sands National Park only 15 minutes from the city center, a gorgeous and unique location to explore and photograph. The 145,000-acre park hosts one of the largest gypsum dunefields in the world, with white dunes reaching 60 feet tall. Retirees can spend time out along comfortable trails like the Dune-Like Nature Trail, which spans one mile and offers clear viewpoints, or spend the night here at one of the backcountry camping sites. Those looking for something more relaxing can opt to stay in town and visit the Alameda Park Zoo. Opened in 1898, it claims to be the oldest zoo in the Southwest and is home to over 200 animals, including the endangered Mexican wolf.
Alamogordo is also home to the New Mexico Museum of Space History, a large complex with many exhibits and artifacts that showcase the region's role in the space race. But beyond the attractions, Alamogordo’s charm lies in its amenities, including the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, which offers a Level III trauma center, advanced radiology equipment, and 99 beds to meet medical needs. Even housing is more affordable and manageable here, according to Zillow, with the average value of $219,388, over 5% lower than in El Paso. These, along with an array of senior homes, make it clear why 19% of the 31,000 locals are over 65.
Deming, New Mexico
Deming is rapidly becoming a popular destination for retirees, especially since it is only 90 minutes from El Paso in western New Mexico. This puts seniors within a short trip without being too close to the hustle and bustle. According to U.S. Census data, nearly 21% of the population is 65 or older, underscoring the community's appeal to seniors. Part of this appeal is the attractions that make the town memorable and worth staying for. One of them is the popular Rockhound State Park, a 1,100-acre park where visitors can dig for geodes, jasper, and agate and keep what they find. Trails like the 1.3-mile Spring Canyon Trail offer a short, manageable hike through desert terrain. History is abundant here as well, perfect for the hobbyist, such as at the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum, which features famous pottery and artifacts from the region.
No matter how you spend your days, evenings are best spent with friends at spots like the D.H. Lescombes Winery & Tasting Room. Here, one can enjoy wine by the glass with a side of salad as they taste award-winning wines from the region. Even with so much, Deming is one of the most affordable places to live near El Paso, with the average value in homes being $164,490, which is a surprising 29% less than El Paso homes. And, for those who need medical care, facilities like BeeHive Homes provide assisted living with a strong social network, private rooms, and home-cooked meals.
Affordable Living Near El Paso
From its year-round sunshine to its strong healthcare network, El Paso remains a top choice for retirees. However, nearby towns offer a more affordable way to enjoy these benefits without sacrificing access. Communities like Deming, where you can hunt for geodes, Socorro with its historic mission, and Alamogordo near the white sands provide distinct lifestyles while staying within reach of the city. Close enough for convenience yet far enough for better value, these towns strike an ideal balance for retirement in West Texas.
