I live in El Paso. We were just named the safest city in the nation by the FBI. You have nothing to worry about. We're #1.
You're probably thinking about Juarez, Mexico, which is right across the border. That is where all the drug cartel stuff is going on. But it is almost two completely different worlds on either side of the border.
If you make it out here, check out Cincinnati street by the University, that's where all the bar hopping is and more sophisticated night life. You can also check out the clubs downtown, but they're less... classy.
And you MUST check out Kiki's. In my opinion the Mexican food capital of the nation. It's kind of a hole in the wall kind of place, but you won't get better mexican food. Try the menchaca. Cattleman's about 45 minutes outside of town is a good steakhouse with a great atmosphere around sunset. Both of those places have been mentioned on the Food Network's "Best thing I ever ate".
I wouldn't recommend staying here for an extended period of time... because you'd get bored. But I'd definitely recommend checking out a few spots if you're passing through on your way to San Diego or somewhere on the west coast.
