Livability Score

60
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities D+

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (13) F
A Blend of Nutrition
Coffee Shop
Los Compas
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
International Delights
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Integrity Bagels
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Bean
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Keva Juice
Coffee Shop
Josefina's
Coffee Shop
Wild West Espresso
Coffee Shop
Emilia's on the Plaza
Coffee Shop
Bravo's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Bravo's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Milagro's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (13) F
Branigan Cultural Center
Theatre Arts
Branigan Cultural Center
Museum
Art Museum
Museum
West End Art Depot
Theatre Arts
Las Cruces Railroad Museum
Museum
Field of Dreams
Stadium
World's Largest Chili Pepper
Attraction
Pat Garrett's Grave
Attraction
Graham Cental Station
Nightclub
Video 4
Cinema
Telshor 12
Cinema
Cineport 10
Cinema
The Gadsen Museum
Museum
New Mexico State University Art Gallery
Theatre Arts
Fountain Theatre
Cinema
Corbett Center Outdoor Stage
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (91) C+
Corner Deli
Deli
KFC
Fast Food
Whataburger
Fast Food
Little Caesars
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Valley Pizza
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Sonic
Fast Food
Burger Nook
Fast Food
Sonic
Fast Food
Burger Time
Fast Food
High Desert Brewing Company
Bar
Blake's Lotaburger
Fast Food
Sonic
Fast Food
Jerky & More
Fast Food
Burger Time
Fast Food
Church's Chicken
Fast Food
Caliche's
Sweets
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Blake's Lotaburger
Fast Food
Red Brick Pizza
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Cold Stone Creamery
Sweets
Fitness (2) F
Curves
Gym
Arrowood Strength Training
Gym
Groceries (20) F
Lowe's Fiesta Foods
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Save Mart
Grocery Store
La Fiesta Bakery
Bakery
Lujan's Bakery
Bakery
Osito’s Biscochitos
Bakery
Pro's Ranch Market
Grocery Store
Cupcake Hut & Rock n Roll Gift Shop
Bakery
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Mountain View market
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Carnicería Guevara y Abarrotes
Butcher
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Lowes Foods
Grocery Store
Natural Grocers
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Toucan
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Parks (89) A+
Jason Jiron Park
Park
West Gallagher Mini Park
Park
Henry R. Benavidez Community Center
Park
North Miranda Mini Park
Park
Camelot Gardens Park
Park
East Cambridge Mini Park
Park
Camelot Gardens Mini Park
Park
Three Crosses Cactus Garden
Park
Hess Terrace Mini Park
Park
Apodaca Park
Park
Country Club Estates Park
Park
Lions Park
Park
Albert Johnson Park
Park
Cardon Park
Park
Lush n Lean Garden
Park
Camunez Park
Park
Jardin de las Esparanzas
Park
Mesa Heights Park
Park
Sacramento Mini Park
Park
Pioneer Women's Park
Park
Las Cruces on the Camino Real Historical Marker
Park
Manzanita Gateway
Park
Branigan Ball Park
Park
Plaza de Las Cruces
Park
Valle Verde Park
Park
Shops (124) C+
Rent-A-Center
Furniture
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Milo's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
99 Cents Store
Discount Store
Dollar General
Discount Store
Eagle Qwik Mart
Convenience Store
Pic Quik
Convenience Store
Johnston's Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
Malooly's Carpet City
Interior Decoration
COAS Used Bookstore
Books
Shell
Convenience Store
Pic Quik
Convenience Store
Ikard's Furniture
Furniture
Lowe's
Home Improvement
Kohl's
Department Store
Lohman Avenue Food Mart
Convenience Store
Circle K
Convenience Store
Corner Store
Convenience Store
Mesilla Valley Feeds
Pets
Sutherlands Lumber Company
Home Improvement
Le Rendez-vous Cafe
Mall
Corner Store
Convenience Store
Pic Quik
Convenience Store
Cruces Cruisers
Bicycle
See more Las Cruces amenity data

commute F

Of all people who commute, 0.6% take public transportation in Las Cruces.
Public Transit Stops (6)
Stops & Stations
F
Las Cruces Intermodal Transit Center
Bus Station
Mesilla Valley Mall
Bus Stop
University Avenue
Bus Stop
Knox Hall Pond/Gerald Thomas
Bus Stop
FlixBus Las Cruces
Bus Stop
Union/Sam Steel
Bus Stop
Union/Oak (Bench Opposite Fina Station)
Bus Stop
Engineering 1 (WESTBOUND)
Bus Stop
Enginnering 1 (EASTBOUND)
Bus Stop
O'Donnell (EASTBOUND)
Bus Stop
Stewart/Williams (EASTBOUND)
Bus Stop
Stewart/Williams (WESTBOUND)
Bus Stop
Williams/Stewart
Bus Stop
DACC on Gregg
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
0.6%
F
See more Las Cruces commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Las Cruces is 91/100 - which is 2% lower than New Mexico.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
B
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
C-
See more Las Cruces cost of living data

crime F

Las Cruces crime rates are 5,957 per 100k, which is 58% higher than New Mexico
Property Crime
5,340 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
617 crimes per 100k
F
See more Las Cruces crime data

employment F

The median income in Las Cruces is $45,140 - which is 1% lower than New Mexico.
Med. Household Income
$45,140
F
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
D-
See more Las Cruces employment data

health D-

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (47)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
D-
Las Cruces Fire Station 1
Fire Station
Three Crosses Regional Hospital
Hospital
Campo Behavioral Health
Clinic
Gentle Care Dentistry
Dentist
Las Cruces Fire Station 3
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Southwest Family Dental
Dentist
Walgreens
Pharmacy
American Medical Response Doña Ana County
Ambulance Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Mesilla Valley Hospital
Hospital
Mesilla Valley Hospital
Hospital
Nights Evening Weekends (NEW) Urgent Care Center
Clinic
Las Cruces Orthopaedic Associates
Doctor
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Dona Ana Family Clinic
Clinic
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Debbie L Ashida DDS
Dentist
Fire Station 6
Fire Station
Dr M Samaniego & Assoc
Dentist
Lazaro Eye Clinic & Surgical Center
Clinic
LCDF Medical & Dental Services
Dentist
G. Pavia MD
Doctor
Southwest Eye Clinic, P.C.
Doctor
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Las Cruces health & safety data

housing A

Las Cruces home prices are $161,100 - which is equal to New Mexico
Home Price
$161,100
C
Home Appreciation Rate
7%
B
Home Affordability
3.6x (home price to income ratio)
C+
See more Las Cruces housing data

schools D-

The Las Cruces graduation rate is 82% - which is 3% higher than New Mexico
School Test Scores
27%
F
High School Grad. Rates
82%
C-
Elementary Schools (41) D-
Las Cruces Catholic School
Alameda Elementary
La Academia Dolores Huerta
Raices Del Saber Xinachtli Community School
Booker T. Washington
J Paul Taylor Academy
Mac Arthur Elementary
Las Cruces Academy
Central Elementary
Loma Heights Elementary
Jornada Elementary
Picacho Middle
Sierra Middle
Hermosa Hgts Elementary
Valley View Elementary
Mission Lutheran School
Lynn Middle
East Picacho Elementary
Vista Middle
Conlee Elementary
Camino Real Middle
Desert Hills Elementary
College Heights Kindergarten
Columbia Elementary
University Hills Elementary
High Schools (12) C-
Las Cruces Catholic School
Mayfield High
Alma D'Arte Charter
New America School - Las Cruces
Las Montanas Charter
Las Cruces High
Rio Grande Preparatory Institute
See more Las Cruces education data

ratings F

Las Cruces has an overall rating of 50% from 40 reviews.
User Reviews (8)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (32)
From AreaVibes
C
See more Las Cruces user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Las Cruces, NM
( 40 Ratings )

Living in Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces Area Facts

  • Las Cruces has a Livability Score of 60/100, which is considered below average
  • Las Cruces crime rates are 58% higher than the New Mexico average
  • Cost of living in Las Cruces is 2% lower than the New Mexico average
New Real Estate Listings in Las Cruces Area
Search Homes for Sale in Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces Reviews

Write a review about Las Cruces Tell people what you like or don't like about Las Cruces…
No opportunity in Las Cruces 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 22, 2021) They it's a good place to retire. I disagree. Maybe if you have a great pension or lots of money. Schools suck. Unless you know someone you'll never get a decent job. Minimum wage is super low here and if you do get a job expect maybe $8-9'an hour. Personally I don't think ...Read More the food is that great here. Everything is over salted. I have found most restaurant food is inedible here. I no longer bother. You would think NM would have awesome Mexican food, Nope! Unless it's homemade by someone you won't get a decent meal here. Maybe taco bell. I'm just saying if you come a state like California you are in for a big shock restaurant wise. Crime is high with alot of it being violent crime. I think most moving here will leave soon after. To live in a decent area rent is high for example it's 700 a month for mobile home park space and that's a dirt lot. Anyway I don't recommend living here. Hard to get out once you are money gone can't get a job or you work only to get by on. So good luck. Read Less
No opportunities, horrible education system, POVERTY 2 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 18, 2021) This is a town with few opportunities, horrible public education, low wages, and a lot of nepotism. The folks in power, do nothing to improve upon the quality of life for citizens. The mayor, city council, school board, and many judges are mostly corrupt. Las Cruces has a huge ec ...Read More onomic disparity with folks living in separate ends of the city, depending upon their income level. Houses in Sanoma and around "A" mountain are more desirable, whereas Mesquite and Picacho are undesirable areas. Crime has increased, and drug addiction fueled by an open border will see to it that this area is not desirable for retirees for long. Politics are divided with most leaning to the left, (university town and lifelong Dems). Good food and moderate winters mean that it's possible to find contentment a lot of the time. Folks are friendly, and there are a lot of families in this city. But, our education system is horrible, and as I previously mentioned, it is not changing. If you're looking for a place to live and you're close to the end of your lifespan, this area might serve your needs. Our doctors and hospitals are subpar, and most important surgeries are sent to Albuquerque. If you're a young person, and you do not plan on having children in public school and plan to work for the military base, university, or as a contractor, you may enjoy it. My family and I are leaving. I don't like seeing my state fail their youth like this, and I've tried to make a difference here, but unless you're born into the bureaucracy here, or are related to someone, it's not easy. Good food though. Read Less
It's not bad.... 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 02, 2019) I grew up in Las Cruces moved away after my freshman year in HS and moved back 8 years later. The school system here is terrible and this is a very bad place to live if you can't afford to be in a good neighborhood. Honestly though if you want to know what it's like living in Cru ...Read More ces read the best and worst reveiw about the city and imagine somewhere in between those two. Read Less
A Tough Market 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 10, 2018) Beautiful area, with over 300 days a year of sunshine. Many retirees - mainly from California make their home. A lot of very wealthy people - just look at Picacho Hills, Sonoma Ranch, Baylor Canyon, and Talavera. Also a lot of very poor people - migrant farm workers, retail ...Read More and restaurant workers, and some students at the state university. So socioeconomic picture is a dumbbell - a lot of rich and a lot of poor. Not a great deal in the middle. Retirees from West Coast brought their money, and politics, but very few have actually created businesses that have created jobs that pay a living wage. That is the reason (west coast money) there are three Super Wal Marts, and all the other Big Boxes represented - Target, Kohls, Lowes, Home Depot. None of these Big Boxes pay very much, except for a few select few individuals that somehow have "made" it in retail. Government may be the biggest single employer in the area (dona Ana County) that has a regular M-F schedule with good benefits. But "getting" in depends greatly on being born there, knowing the "right" people, and being in the right place at exactly the "right" time. The amount of agencies is staggering - the state, county, city, border patrol, post office, public schools, the university, it seems almost endless. Most of these public workers would place in the "rich" end of the dumbbell, due to their job security and benefits. How to fix? Seems almost impossible. The tendency of the area to support candidates and positions that support even more government is the reason that the area may never diversify and have a good economy with private sector jobs that pay, and have a career path. Read Less
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It's not bad.... 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 02, 2019) I grew up in Las Cruces moved away after my freshman year in HS and moved back 8 years later. The school system here is terrible and this is a very bad place to live if you can't afford to be in a good neighborhood. Honestly though if you want to know what it's like living in Cru ...Read More ces read the best and worst reveiw about the city and imagine somewhere in between those two. Read Less
A Tough Market 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 10, 2018) Beautiful area, with over 300 days a year of sunshine. Many retirees - mainly from California make their home. A lot of very wealthy people - just look at Picacho Hills, Sonoma Ranch, Baylor Canyon, and Talavera. Also a lot of very poor people - migrant farm workers, retail ...Read More and restaurant workers, and some students at the state university. So socioeconomic picture is a dumbbell - a lot of rich and a lot of poor. Not a great deal in the middle. Retirees from West Coast brought their money, and politics, but very few have actually created businesses that have created jobs that pay a living wage. That is the reason (west coast money) there are three Super Wal Marts, and all the other Big Boxes represented - Target, Kohls, Lowes, Home Depot. None of these Big Boxes pay very much, except for a few select few individuals that somehow have "made" it in retail. Government may be the biggest single employer in the area (dona Ana County) that has a regular M-F schedule with good benefits. But "getting" in depends greatly on being born there, knowing the "right" people, and being in the right place at exactly the "right" time. The amount of agencies is staggering - the state, county, city, border patrol, post office, public schools, the university, it seems almost endless. Most of these public workers would place in the "rich" end of the dumbbell, due to their job security and benefits. How to fix? Seems almost impossible. The tendency of the area to support candidates and positions that support even more government is the reason that the area may never diversify and have a good economy with private sector jobs that pay, and have a career path. Read Less
This is where you never want to live 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 10, 2018) Hospitals are dirty and the chances of getting a qualified doctor are about 1 in 10 and there is a long appointment wait to see any physician. Both hospitals have been fined for HAI repeatedly. The personal at both hospitals have little talent, inclination or bedside manner and a ...Read More re inattentive to patients. Some restaurants are better than others but it is a mystery how most of them keep their health code license. Crime activity is increasing, the police have a high rate of suspect shootings for the population. Child and physical abuse is a frequent crime. There is a high rate of uninsured and unlicensed drivers. Service people will lie to you and then do a poor job and are unconcerned with promptness. The schools have very poor ratings and graduation rates. The nursing school has lost it's accreditation rating twice and have only a casual interest in patients. Property values are low and increase only slightly. Read Less
Nice College Town with Community Spirit/Historical Interestv 5 rating By Skyenne ( May 17, 2018) Las Cruces is 40 miles from El Paso so the two are linked by culture. Many things to drive to from Mountains to Hot Springs. This area has not been completely discovered so still has personality. Medical is good. Schools are good and fair. Community is very proud of College. Jobs ...Read More are scarce. Primarily a retirement town with some white and blue collar. A balance. Nice weather except wind in March and April. Live tge laid back, friendly environment. Drivers a bit odd. Organ Mountains are sacred and now a Natiional Monument. Roads good, some traffic but not big city nightmare. Property crime is geographical. I feel safe in this town. Read Less
save your money 0.5 rating By lascrusty ( Mar 28, 2016) Unfriendly, horrible drivers, financially desperate conditions, middle class is upper class in Las Cruces.Customer service tactics in the dark ages, medical and dental facilities run on their own time. Expect at least a 25 minute wait at the very least.The little town that hasn't ...Read More quite figured out how be in the mainstream or welcoming to newcomers.Don't waste your time or money. Read Less
Las Cruces, NM: A Gem To Remember 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 29, 2010) During a long road trip last year, I stopped in Las Cruces for two days. I had visited the city with my parents as a child and enjoyed it so much I had to stop again. Las Cruces is home to Casa Blanca Restaurant, one of the best memorable dining experiences I had as a kid, so I r ...Read More eturned. The food is still as phenomenal as ever and the atmosphere is the true epitome of Soutwestern - intriguing and unique.

The city of Las Cruces is a delightful mix of touristy excitement and a small town friendliness. With mountain and desert views, the city is beautiful year-round. Hiking an fishing are found in numerous areas outside the city limits. Residents and store owners seemed very personable, happy to talk to visitors and very proud of their town. They should rightly be proud of their city of residence with the beautiful homes and landscaping found everywhere. Crime rates are low in the city and so are the real estate rates today. Las Cruces is an excellent place for those who don't mind a strong summer heat; the heat in the summer is the only downfall. Read Less

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Las Cruces Awards

Compare Las Cruces, NM Livability

      vs

      Las Cruces, NM

      Located 225 miles due south of Albuquerque, Las Cruces is s growing community that offers a lot of positives to those who are looking to move to the area. With a population of over 90,000, it is one of New Mexico's largest cities. It is actually easier to get to Las Cruces from El Paso than it is from Albuquerque, and many people choose to fly into El Paso's Airport before making the one hour drive over to Las Cruces.

      With 350 sunshiny days a year, Las Cruces is one of the brightest areas in the United States. This sunny weather does not necessarily equate to unbearable temperatures, however; thanks to the city's unique location at the base of a beautiful mountain range. The city is also home to New Mexico State University. The college students in the area bring a sense of wonder and excitement and a passion for life that can be contagious.

      Sights to see in the area include the Museum of Nature and Science and the Dripping Springs Nature Area. The Museum is home to a large collection of dinosaur bones that were discovered in the local area and tell the tale of some of the area's earliest residents. The nature area is a former resort that provides a rich history of the city's boomtown days. The New Mexico Farm and Heritage Ranch is another top attraction where Native American and southwestern art is on display.

      Driving around Las Cruces is simple as there are not too many bottlenecks or chokepoints in the city's transit system. Those who are curious about public transit will be happy to learn that the RoadRunner Transit System provides weekday service throughout the city for students, retirees, and working-age adults. Speaking of work, the White Sands Missile Range is one of the area's largest employers. The base carries out some fascinating military studies that are designed to keep our military ahead of all of our adversaries in the important field of missiles. The university is also a large employer.

      Home prices in Las Cruces are affordable, and it is cheaper to buy a house in this community than it is in Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Las Cruces is a fast-growing area that has seen the Mesa region grow in recent years. There is also a strong rental market in the city due to the number of college students.

      If you are looking to take your dollar and turn it into a solid quality of life, Las Cruces is a great fit for you. The city is a tight-knit community that loves to gather together to celebrate, learn, and help each other enjoy the things that matter most in life.

      D+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Las Cruces? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Jason Jiron Park
      West Gallagher Mini Park
      Henry R. Benavidez Community Center
      North Miranda Mini Park
      Camelot Gardens Park
      East Cambridge Mini Park
      Camelot Gardens Mini Park
      Three Crosses Cactus Garden

      Entertainment

      Branigan Cultural Center
      Branigan Cultural Center
      Art Museum
      West End Art Depot
      Las Cruces Railroad Museum
      Field of Dreams
      World's Largest Chili Pepper
      Pat Garrett's Grave

      Food & Drink

      Corner Deli
      KFC
      Whataburger
      Little Caesars
      McDonald's
      Subway
      Valley Pizza
      Dunkin'

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Las Cruces? Of all people who commute, 0.6% take public transportation in Las Cruces.
      Drive to Work
      77%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      5% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      B+ Health & Safety

      Is Las Cruces a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Mountain View Regional Medical Center
      Memorial Medical Center
      Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico
      Mesilla Valley Hospital
      Mesilla Valley Hospital
      Three Crosses Regional Hospital

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Walmart Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Pawan Jain MD PC
      G. Pavia MD
      Southwest Retina Consultants
      Las Cruces Orthopaedic Associates
      Southwest Eye Clinic, P.C.
      Rio Grande Urology