Angel's Triangle - El Paso, TX

As a self-governed community, El Paso and the surrounding areas had both Mexican and Texan representatives. In 1846, Texas obtained full control of El Paso. Fort Bliss became an important military installation along the border in 1912, after the Mexican Revolution. This area grew as a center for manufacturing, transportation and retail.

High crime rate and drug trafficking earned this neighborhood its former name of Devil’s Triangle. In 1990, the residents changed the name to Angel’s Triangle.

Visit the El Paso Museum of History to see how this area changed from an adobe village to a railroad center and to learn about the different events that shaped this area. See exhibits that include a canon from the Mexican Revolution.

At Chalk the Block, experience sidewalk chalk art, temporary art exhibits and live music. Art vendors, a kid’s zone, great food and chalk competitions draw locals to this fun, free event.

In Angel’s Triangle, restaurants dish up such varied cuisines as Asian, Middle Eastern and Italian.

Dig into some Japanese noodles or ramen and katsu curry at Matsuharu Japanese restaurant. Skip the sushi, and order spicy miso ramen or charsuramen. This joint only accepts cash and may not be all that fancy, but diners appreciate the fresh seafood, sushi and Japanese fare. Add courteous staff to the equation, and you have a joint that locals love.

El Sarape serves flavorful and affordable Mexican cuisine. Everything on the menu, from beef chimichangas to gorditas, tamales and tacos, comes with rice, beans and tortilla soup. Try the green chicken enchiladas and Tampiquena steak, and enjoy the free salsa and pico de gallo with fresh chips while you wait for your order.

A great place to hang out after work, Aviators has excellent bartenders, a decent jukebox and two pool tables. Happy hour every day from 3 to 11 p.m. and a good atmosphere draw regulars to this local haunt. Enjoy free pool on Sundays and Mondays at this bar. Go to Tanya’s Gridiron for a game of pool or darts or to watch the game. Refreshing, cold beer and attentive bartenders make this a great place to unwind and cool off on a hot summer day. The bar also serves delectable finger foods, such as nachos and fried cucumbers.

Many residents commute via private vehicles to work, some carpool with co-workers, and others use public transportation. Few errands can be accomplished on foot in this somewhat walkable neighborhood. Bike lanes exist in certain parts of this neighborhood, along Hondo Pass Drive and Dyer Street. The award-winning Sun Metro operates buses connecting most of El Paso and neighboring communities, including Angel’s Triangle. These buses run on natural gas.

Residents can take advantage of the El Paso International Airport located just minutes away, which operates flights to Northern Mexico.

The downtown area, with 2,000 solar-powered on-street parking meters, accommodates the parking needs of this community. Expect to pay $1 for an hour of parking. Most of the park-and-ride lots operated by Sun Metro, including the Northgate Terminal on Dyer Street, permit free parking. U.S. Highway 54 or the Patriot Freeway connects this neighborhood to El Paso. Interstate-10 connects El Paso to cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, New Orleans and Jacksonville.

United Independent Cab and Checkered Taxi Cab service this neighborhood. Uber serves El Paso and the surrounding areas.

Gorgeous views of the Franklin Mountains, trails and parks with numerous recreational activities serve the citizens of this neighborhood.

Enjoy rock climbing and hiking at the Franklin Mountain State Park. The two steep trails in this park fall under the strenuous category. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and sun glasses. Visitors can view a wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals at the park or ride the aerial tramway to the Ranger Peak. October to April, when mild weather prevails, seems to be the best time to visit this park. All visitors, except children under 12, have to pay a $5 park entrance fee.

The Memorial Park features vast green spaces with bridges great for walking and jogging, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and an aquatic center. Great to walk your dog or have picnics, this community park lies adjacent to the Rose Garden.

From June to August, locals gather for Music under the Stars, a free concert series held every Sunday evening. Explore Hispanic culture and heritage at the Fiesta de las Flores, with over 80 vendors offering food, crafts, arts and services. This three-day festival held during Labor Day brings over 20,000 visitors from Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.

The cost of living in Angel’s Triangle sits somewhat lower than the cost of living in El Paso and 15 percent lower than the national average. Median rent for a one-bedroom residence sits at $470, and a bus ride to El Paso costs $1.50. Gas prices fall 4 percent below the national average. Expect to pay $2 for a pint of beer.

Most of the shopping malls, centered around the city of El Paso and Fort Bliss, feature upscale stores, food courts and affordable retail stores. Cielo Vista Mall and Sunland Park Mall both service this area.

Of the boutiques in Mesa Street, V & X Boutique carries men’s and women’s fashions. Shop for cute, edgy clothes and jewelry at reasonable prices in this store. Sizes may be limited, but the store’s frequent shopper card adds discounts to purchases. Fetch Clothing, also on Mesa Street, has vintage and modern clothing and trendy accessories. Customers can order from the online store as well.

Walmart and Albertsons serve the grocery needs of this neighborhood. The Downtown Arts and Farmers market sells more art than produce. The closest farmers market, the Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Farmers Market in New Mexico, carries a decent selection of organic produce, poultry, beef and artisan breads.