If you’re considering a move to El Paso and have your sights set on the west side, Franklin Hills is a neighborhood you don’t want to overlook. Nestled just north of the busy intersections of Mesa Street and Resler Drive and stretching east toward Helen of Troy Drive, this community offers a blend of mountain views, family-friendly streets, and suburban comfort. As a long-time El Pasoan, I’ll take you through what it’s really like to live in Franklin Hills—from the homes available, to the parks, schools, and intangible community spirit that makes it special.
Community Vibe
Franklin Hills is the kind of neighborhood where neighbors greet each other on evening walks and the streets are abuzz with activity after school hours. There’s a pride of ownership here—homes are well-maintained, yards are tidy, and there’s a tangible sense that people care about where they live. The community skews toward families with kids, but you’ll also find professionals, retirees, and a few young couples, creating a well-rounded residential mix.
Expect lots of casual neighborly connections—whether it’s chatting at the dog park, volunteering at Lundy Elementary, or sharing tips for the best Mexican food nearby (hint: Ardovino’s Pizza or The Kitchen at 150 Sunset are both close favorites).
Types of Housing
Franklin Hills is largely a newer development, with homes dating from the early 2000s up through the present. Most are single-family homes, with three to five bedrooms being the norm. Popular builders in the area include Pointe Homes, CareFree Homes, and Classic American Homes, so you’ll see a distinctly modern Southwest aesthetic: stucco facades, desert landscaping, and large, open-concept living spaces.
Lot sizes are generous compared to other parts of El Paso’s west side. Many homes feature side yards, covered patios, and space for gardens or play structures. While there aren’t condos or traditional apartment complexes within Franklin Hills proper, some gated subdivisions and smaller patio homes offer lower-maintenance alternatives.
Streets like Franklin Dove Avenue and Los Felinos Court are especially popular for their cul-de-sac layouts and mountain vantage points. If a view of the Franklin Mountains is a must-have, ask your realtor about homes along Franklin Bluffs or Rio Plata Drive.
Walkability
El Paso isn’t always known for walkability, but Franklin Hills holds its own. Wide, well-maintained sidewalks line most neighborhood streets, and traffic-calming roundabouts keep cars moving at a safe pace. The center of activity is Franklin Hills Park (just off Franklin Dove Avenue), with its playground, basketball court, pavilion, and open fields—perfect for dog-walking, jogging, or a quick game of soccer.
While local shops and restaurants are a short drive away, walking through the neighborhood itself is safe and pleasant. Cyclists and runners make good use of the gentle hills, especially in the cool evenings when the sunset lights up the mountains.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
One of the biggest draws for families is access to top-rated schools in the El Paso Independent School District. Lundy Elementary School, nestled right within Franklin Hills on Coyote Trail Drive, is highly rated and walks many neighborhood students through its doors each morning. Franklin High School, about five minutes away off Resler Drive, is known for its strong academics, athletics, and diverse extracurriculars.
Middle schoolers often attend Hornedo Middle School, conveniently located south on Mesa. School pick-up and drop-off are well-managed, with crossing guards and careful traffic controls that give parents peace of mind.
Beyond the schools, Franklin Hills’ parks and community-centric events—such as seasonal movie nights or neighborhood clean-ups—make it easy for families to put down roots. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor forums keep everyone in the loop about lost pets, upcoming garage sales, or community safety alerts.
Parks and Green Spaces
Franklin Hills Park is the jewel of the area, with its big sky views and multi-use spaces. It’s common to see families picnicking on the grass, teenagers shooting hoops, and fitness classes gathering in the early morning hours. There’s also a convenient walking path that loops around the park and extends into quieter neighborhood streets.
Nearby, a hike up the Tierra del Sol Trail on the edges of the neighborhood brings you even closer to the foothills of the Franklin Mountains. For pet owners, the park’s open field is a huge bonus—leashed pups are welcome, and there’s plenty of space to play fetch or just gaze at the sunset.
If you’re looking for even more outdoor adventure, Franklin Mountains State Park is only a 5-10 minute drive away. Weekend hikes, rock climbing, and mountain biking are all at your fingertips.
Safety
Ask any Franklin Hills resident, and they’ll likely tell you that safety is one reason they chose—and remain—in this neighborhood. It’s common to see El Paso Police Department patrols passing through, and the active Neighborhood Watch group coordinates closely with local officers to keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Street lighting is strong, sidewalks are wide and visible, and the community is proactive about reporting and resolving minor issues quickly. Parents feel comfortable letting their kids play outside or walk to the park after school, and many homes feature gated yards or additional security features.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of Franklin Hills’ biggest perks is its easy access to both central El Paso and major employers. The neighborhood sits just off Loop 375 (Transmountain Road), providing a quick route to North El Paso employers like the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and the Medical Center of the Americas.
A daily commute to downtown El Paso generally takes 15-20 minutes, even during busy hours. The intersection of Mesa and Resler offers access to a wealth of amenities: Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, Target, and plenty of local boutiques and restaurants. Tech employers in the nearby Northwest Corporate Center or medical staff at area hospitals appreciate the short drive.
What Residents Love Most
Ask any Franklin Hills neighbor why they love it here, and the answers are heartfelt and consistent:
- The mountain views and colorful sunsets are nothing short of stunning.
- A genuine sense of community—neighbors help neighbors, and kids make lifelong friends.
- Quality schools are truly walkable, adding convenience and peace of mind.
- Ample parks and green spaces encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle.
- Safety, quiet streets, and well-kept homes create a haven after busy workdays.
If you’re searching for a neighborhood that blends the best of family life, active living, and convenient city access, Franklin Hills might just feel like home. There are plenty of houses to choose from and community connections waiting to be made.