Central, as it’s called by locals, is an area of the city just east of downtown and south of the Franklin Mountains, and has the city’s best view of the Star, a 459-foot long, 278-foot wide star on the face of the mountain that shines at night with the aid of 459 bright lights. Older homes in the area have the charm of the early 20th century, some of which were designed by Henry Trost, an iconic architect who also designed El Paso High. 

Texas and Alameda avenues, lined with small local businesses, are meccas of industry and art. In addition to finding hardware shops and grocery stores, newcomers can explore the city’s art scene at the Glasbox, a warehouse-turned-art-space that hosts theatre productions and live music shows.  On Texas Avenue, hungry El Pasoans can visit Café Mayapan, a restaurant operated by La Mujer Obrera, a local independent organization that works to increase public awareness about issues that affect women in the community. Serving the community since 2001, Café Mayapan prepares and serves nopalitos, calabaza, and other traditional foods using fresh ingredients and local produce. 

Central is also home to the historic Chamizal National Memorial Park and The Concordia Cemetery. The Concordia, the resting place for more than 60,000 people, including gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, Buffalo Soldiers, Texas Rangers, and Civil War veterans, is the site of ghost tours and yearly Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The Chamizal National Memorial Park, which was established in 1966, features walking trails, a museum exhibit, an art gallery, a theater, and the city’s best park view of The X in Juarez, a nearly 20-story tall monument erected in 2013 that represents Mexico’s indigenous roots and Spanish influence.