Progressive and proudly Latino, this West Texas city bordering New Mexico and Mexico continues to invest in itself. Voters approved a number of civic initiatives at the end of last year, setting aside $397 million for healthcare enhancements and $155 million for capital improvement projects to bolster its infrastructure and parks and recreation areas—a sure boon to its #68 Nature & Parks ranking. That arrives alongside $28 million in FAA grants to enhance the El Paso International Airport, which could mean smoother sailing for visitors (and a boost to its middling airport performance). And visit they shall—for good reason. Who wouldn’t want to explore El Paso’s downtown via streetcars, savoring its #34-ranked restaurants? Authentic Mexican food abounds, so grab a torta or dive into a plate of chilaquiles. Yet, the city—which has benefited economically and culturally from its ties to Mexico and Latin America—has experienced the last year up close and personal, with Trump’s trade tariffs introducing economic and social uncertainty to a population that’s 81% Hispanic and has the 4th-lowest Poverty Rate ranking in the nation. Now, with plans to modernize its Bridge of the Americas back on track after a recent pause, El Paso remains a vibrant, if changing, Texas gem.