Thinking of making your home in the southern part of the Land of Enchantment? Of course, we think that’s a great choice! Here are some things to know while you ponder your move to beautiful Southern New Mexico.
Whether you’re searching for your dream home, an investment property, or you’re ready to sell, Saenz & Smith Real Estate Co. is here to help. Their team understands the Las Cruces market and puts your needs first.
Las Cruces Basics
Las Cruces is in Southern New Mexico, in Doña Ana County at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25. The city is situated in the Mesilla Valley, with the Organ Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande to the west.
Las Cruces is the second-largest city in New Mexico, with more than 111,000 people. Historically, the Las Cruces population reached nearly 3,000 residents by 1900 and approached 4,000 by the 1920s, influenced by events like the arrival of the railroad and World War II.
The city is part of the El Paso–Las Cruces combined statistical area with more than one million people. Las Cruces is home to several medical facilities, offering peace of mind to those looking for a city with many healthcare options.
9 Things to Know About Las Cruces as a Transplant or Guest
Before moving to Las Cruces, you might want to know what makes this city unique. From the cost of living to the climate, here are a few key things to keep in mind as you consider a move to Southern New Mexico.
1. The Las Cruces Elevation is High
You may be fooled into thinking you’re not at a high altitude when you’re in Las Cruces because you’re on flat land, not the mountains. However, most of Las Cruces sits at an average altitude of 4,000 feet. That’s enough to make you need to drink some extra water and use sun protection for your skin. Some folks find themselves winded with exertion when they first arrive, but you’ll soon get acclimated!
Living at this elevation comes with both benefits and challenges. On the plus side, the thinner air means cooler evenings, even in the summer, and lower humidity makes the heat more tolerable. You might hear the locals saying, “At least it’s a dry heat!” during the peak temperatures in the summer.,
But you should know that some people experience mild altitude sickness, with symptoms like headaches or dizziness when they first arrive. Additionally, baking and cooking may require minor adjustments due to lower air pressure. Hydration and sun protection remain essential year-round.
2. The Weather is Near Perfect
They say that if you don’t like the weather in New Mexico, wait five minutes! While that isn’t exactly true (well, not every day), you can experience a range of weather in a single day, such as during the summer monsoon season when a hot sunny day can suddenly become quite soggy as a deluge of rain comes down . . . and cools things off. But the rainy season doesn’t last long. Rainfall is sparse in the Las Cruces area, averaging only 8-9 inches annually.
Spring tends to be windy, but it’s also the time of year when things start to turn green, and local nurseries are full of flowers and other plants for your yard, garden, or planters on the patio. However, fall might be the favorite season of almost everyone, partly because that’s also when the green chile roasting stands go up outside the grocery stores (more about that in a minute). Does it snow? It can and does, but it is usually light and melts away in hours. A snow day is a joyous rarity, with kids racing off to find someplace to sled. Check out current weather conditions.
3. Chile Knowledge Required
Ahhh, chile, and we don’t mean the country (Chile) or the dish made with meat, beans, and peppers (chili). We’re talking about chile pods that are famously grown in the Hatch region of the Mesilla Valley. You can add chile to almost any meal, from classics like enchiladas (red or green?) to lasagna, pizza, cheeseburgers, or even ice cream.
The favorite season in New Mexico is chile roasting time when grocery stores and other venues set up roasting stands. You can buy a box of chiles, and they’ll roast them for you on the spot. The aroma is delicious and an unmistakable sign of fall in the Land of Enchantment.
Just know, when you visit a restaurant, they might ask you, “Red or green?” They’re asking not only our state question but also if you want sauce made with green chile or the ripened version of the pod, red. A good question is “Which is hotter?” because that depends on various factors.
The official answer to our state question is “Christmas” — which means some of each. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum showcases the region’s agricultural legacy, including its rich chile farming heritage.
4. The Spanish Language is Alive
Nothing marks you as a visitor as much as asking, “Which way to ‘Mes-sill-uh?” and pronouncing the Ls like, well, Ls. In Spanish, double Ls make the “y” sound, so Mesilla is pronounced “Meh-see-yah.” That’s your first lesson! Bonus points if you can roll your double Rs. Just remember, Spanish was spoken here long before English ever was and many place names are Spanish.
Among the many things to know about the Spanish culture in the area are the various festivals. The plaza in Mesilla hosts many events during the year, including this Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event held annually in late October or early November.
Las Cruces residents tend to think of Mesilla, New Mexico, as just another Las Cruces neighborhood, but it’s a town of its own with a population of more than 1,600 people. It was founded in the mid-1800s and became part of the U.S. through the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. Today, Mesilla is known for its well-preserved historic plaza, adobe architecture, shopping, and a selection of restaurants that range from casual to fine dining.
5. You Have Housing Options
Side-by-side, the communities of Las Cruces and Mesilla provide many distinct housing options. Areas like Picacho Hills and Sonoma Ranch offer modern new homes. The Alameda District just west of downtown Las Cruces has historic homes, many of which were built by the first business owners to follow the railroad tracks to the area. Those settlers wanted homes in the eastern style, whereas the Mesquite Historic District, just east of downtown Las Cruces, has adobe homes in the Mexican style.
New Mexico College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts was established in 1888 and later evolved into New Mexico State University, playing a significant role in the local economy and community development. Nearby Mesilla Park is home to many New Mexico State University professors and staff and is a very walkable community close to the restaurants and shops of Mesilla.
Regardless of where you make your home in Las Cruces, you will find a small-town feel with big-city amenities . . . minus the traffic. Our advice? Take some time to explore the different neighborhoods and find the one that is right for you.
The right home is more than just a place — it’s a lifestyle. Saenz & Smith Real Estate Co. is committed to helping you find the perfect property in Las Cruces and beyond. Let their experience and dedication work for you. Explore listings on their easy-to-navigate website.
6. There’s Entertainment Aplenty
While Las Cruces isn’t a late-night city, there are some great restaurants and entertainment venues for those who like to stay up. The city is home to a growing number of craft beer breweries where you can visit with friends while discovering your favorite new brew. Downtown, the Boneyard Cantina is a neighborhood taproom.
The First Friday Fine Arts Flea Market takes place on Main Street on the first Friday of every month. Meet your friends and enjoy food and drink while you browse for arts and crafts. The plaza in downtown Las Cruces hosts other night-time events throughout the year.
The Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces takes place on downtown Main Street every Saturday and on Wednesdays at the Plaza de Las Cruces. Both events run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
If live theater is your passion, the city is home to the Black Box Theatre, Las Cruces Community Theatre, and the New Mexico State University Theatre.
7. There’s Always Something to Do Outside in Las Cruces
We’re all about outdoor adventures in the southern part of New Mexico! There are hiking trails in the Organ Mountains, mountain bike trails, birding hot spots, campgrounds, bicycling trails, the Rio Grande, and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and White Sands National Park, the latter just an hour to the east on Interstate 10.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, located right along the Rio Grande, is a pleasant retreat from city life. Leasburg Dam State Park is just north of town and offers camping and hiking trails. If your outdoor adventure takes you into the evening, the Blue Moon Bar, near Leasburg Dam State Park is a late-night destination that offers libations and live music.
Dia de los Muertos celebration in Mesilla
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the outdoors in Las Cruces. The city features a network of paved, multi-use trails perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and dog walking. If you’re a golfer, you’ll find four courses to choose from, while tennis and pickleball players can hit the courts at various locations around town.
If boating is your thing, Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake are less than an hour north on Interstate 25, and soaking in the hot springs of Truth or Consequences is just a bit further north.
The Las Cruces housing market is thriving! Make your move with Saenz & Smith Real Estate Co. Their experienced agents are dedicated to finding the right property for you. See how they can help you.
8. Viva Bataan
You may notice that in Las Cruces there’s a Bataan Memorial Highway, a Bataan statue at Veterans Memorial Park, and a Bataan Memorial Death March held at White Sands Missile Range in March. You need to know a little history of World War II to understand why it is so important here. We’ll condense it!
American soldiers were stationed in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked both Pearl Harbor and the Philippine Islands. After months of fighting back with limited firepower, food, and medical supplies, the U.S. forces surrendered. Both our soldiers and Filipino soldiers were marched up to 80 miles in the brutal jungle heat and humidity, with very little access to food or water, to a POW camp. Many died or were killed along the way.
That was the Bataan Death March. New Mexico was represented there, and only about half of the New Mexicans stationed in the Philippines returned after the war, either dying in battle, on the march, in POW camps, or in “hell ships” when they were transported to serve as labor in Japan or Manchuria. This sparsely populated state was especially hard hit, as almost everyone knew someone who died there. Hence, there is an annual memorial march and commemorative streets and statues.
9. Water Conservation is Standard
The Rio Grande provides water for agriculture and the environment in this arid region. However, Las Cruces gets its drinking water from groundwater in the Mesilla and Jornada aquifers. A network of wells extracts water from these underground aquifers. The city regularly tests its water supply to ensure it complies with state and federal safety regulations.
The city and state have implemented various conservation programs, including watering restrictions, incentives for farmers, and public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to address the pressures of population growth and the potential impacts of climate change on water availability. Investments in efficient irrigation systems, wastewater recycling, and drought-resistant landscaping can help reduce unnecessary water use while maintaining a sustainable supply.
Residents and tourists are encouraged to participate by practicing water-wise habits, staying informed about local water issues, and advocating for responsible water use. Simple actions like fixing leaks, using low-flow fixtures, and landscaping with native plants can make a big difference. The future of Las Cruces is closely tied to the health of the Rio Grande and the community’s commitment to water conservation.
Visit Las Cruces, or Make it Your Home
We’ve told you nine great things to know about Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the surrounding Mesilla Valley. Our welcoming city would love for you to visit or, better yet, call it home. Come for a weekend or a lifetime!
If you’re looking to buy or sell in Las Cruces, Saenz & Smith Real Estate Co. can offer expert guidance and local market knowledge to help you find the perfect home or investment. Their team is ready to help you every step of the way.
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Posted by LasCruces.com
