El Paso's Premier Historic Garden Suburb
Designed in 1912 as an affluent garden suburb, Manhattan Heights is one of El Paso's most architecturally distinguished and tranquil residential sanctuaries, centered on majestic Memorial Park.
Located in Central El Paso just east of Five Points, Manhattan Heights was thoughtfully planned with curved, tree-shaded boulevards that follow the natural contours of the mountain foothills. The neighborhood is adorned with beautifully preserved residences in Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Prairie School, and French Norman styles.
At its heart lies Memorial Park—a lush 19-acre municipal green space established in 1920 to honor El Paso's World War I veterans. With its mature pine and pecan trees, tennis courts, and neighborhood library, Manhattan Heights provides a quiet, refined living environment steeped in heritage.
Key Highlights
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980
- Planned in 1912 as El Paso's premier high-end residential garden suburb
- Anchored by historic 19-acre Memorial Park and the El Paso Memorial Library
- Features exceptional Spanish Colonial, Tudor, and Prairie architectural craftsmanship
From Smelter Executive Enclave to National Historic District
Developed by the Manhattan Heights Development Company, the neighborhood was designed to offer luxurious, park-centered living for civic leaders and executives.
In 1980, the district was designated on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting its unique curving street grid and architectural beauty for future generations.
Milestone Timeline
Manhattan Heights is platted, introducing wide curvilinear streets and deed restrictions.
Memorial Park is dedicated by the city to honor soldiers who served in World War I.
The Manhattan Heights Memorial Library opens inside the park.
Manhattan Heights is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
Maintains its position as one of Central El Paso's most sought-after historic neighborhoods.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
Memorial Park
19-Acre Historic Municipal Green SpaceHistoric municipal park featuring rose gardens, lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, and a public pool.
El Paso Public Library - Memorial Park Branch
Stone-and-Stucco Park LibraryCharming stone-and-stucco public library nestled among mature pines inside Memorial Park.
Silver Street Historic Boulevard
Tree-Canopied Architectural ShowcaseTree-canopied residential avenue showcasing breathtaking Spanish Colonial and Tudor homes.
Austin High School (Border)
Iconic 1930 Classical CampusIconic 1930 classical high school campus bordering the neighborhood to the north.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Walking Tour of Historic Architecture
Admire custom tile roofs, iron balconies, and stone masonry on Silver, Gold, and Copper Avenues.
Play Tennis in Memorial Park
Enjoy public tennis courts surrounded by towering pine trees and mountain views.
Afternoon Reading at the Memorial Library
Browse books and historical archives in the sunlit reading rooms of the park library.
Stroll into Five Points for Coffee
Take a leisurely 10-minute walk down to Five Points for cold brew and fresh bakery pastries.
Neighborhood Dining & Surrounding Bistros
While Manhattan Heights is strictly residential, outstanding dining options surround the neighborhood along Montana and Piedras:
Nearby Cafes & Brunch
Savage Goods (scratch vegan pastries, brunch & coffee, just blocks west), 2Ten Coffee Roasters.
Border Tex-Mex Classics
Lucy's Cafe (famous Machaca tacos), Good Luck Cafe (traditional Mexican breakfasts).
Craft Breweries & Taprooms
Old Sheepdog Brewery (craft drafts, food trucks, and patio seating in nearby Five Points).
Fine Dining & Skyline Bars
Fine cocktail lounges and steakhouses in Downtown El Paso just a short 7-minute drive away.
Living in Manhattan Heights: Heritage, Trees & Community Pride
Manhattan Heights offers an exceptional quality of life defined by tree-lined tranquility, architectural elegance, and active civic pride. The Manhattan Heights Historic Association works diligently to maintain the neighborhood's historical beauty and zoning protections.
The housing market consists of lovingly restored single-family historic homes with hardwood floors, basements, and spacious backyards, making it a beloved enclave for physicians, educators, attorneys, and artists.
Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Prairie School, and Mission-style homes.
Direct walking proximity to 19-acre Memorial Park and scenic walking avenues.
Active neighborhood association, annual garden tours, and holiday luminary displays.
Under 10 minutes to Downtown, Fort Bliss, UTEP, and El Paso International Airport.
When to Visit Manhattan Heights
Spring and Autumn are breathtaking, with blooming rose gardens and mild temperatures under sunny desert skies.
Manhattan Heights Luminary Tour
Candlelit paper bags line miles of neighborhood sidewalks for a magical holiday stroll.
Memorial Park Tennis Tournaments
Community tennis matches and youth sports in the historic park.
Getting Around Manhattan Heights
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesManhattan Heights has easy street access to I-10 and Montana Avenue, with Sun Metro buses running along Copia and Piedras.
Curbside Residential Parking
Plentiful curbside street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Memorial Park Parking
Dedicated park parking lot located on Copper Avenue.
Library Parking Lot
Convenient parking directly adjacent to the Memorial Library.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Manhattan Heights
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Apex Master Plumbing & Rooter (El Paso)
24/7 Emergency plumbing, sewer camera inspection, and tankless water heaters in El Paso.
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El Paso Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
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Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (El Paso)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in El Paso.
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El Paso Vanguard Precision Dental Care
Modern cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, pain-free cleanings, and emergency care.
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El Paso Peak Fitness & Performance Lab
Strength conditioning, personal athletic coaching, recovery suites, and hot sauna.
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El Paso The Botanical Bookshop & Cafe
Independently curated novels, rare editions, local pour-over coffee, and bakery goods.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manhattan Heights
Explore Nearby El Paso Neighborhoods
Five Points
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Sunset Heights
Historic hillside Victorian mansions and border bluffs.
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