Adjacent to Horizon City in the eastern part of El Paso County is Socorro, a farming community settled along the U.S.-Mexico border that boasts a population of 33,000 people. The historic city, which has picture-perfect views of limpid green fields set upon a backdrop of mountains, was settled in the late 17th century when the 1680 Pueblo Revolt in northern New Mexico drove the Spanish and their Native American allies south and the group settled in the area that is now Socorro. Many historic missions can be visited in and near Socorro, which is west of the San Elizario Mission and east of the Ysleta Mission. From 1821 to 1848, the City of Socorro was actually a part of Mexico until it was handed over to Texas as a result of the U.S.-Mexican War.

The City of Socorro has two community centers: the E.G. Chayo Apodaca Community Center, which offers classes in citizenship, ESL, GED and senior nutrition, and the Rio Vista Community Center, which offers fitness and wellness classes in aerobics, yoga and Zumba, as well as free health screenings. The small city also features 10 parks. Both new construction and vintage homes can be found in Socorro.