Name: Las Cruces, NM
Rating: 0.0

( 40 Ratings )

Living in Las Cruces, NM

Ranks better than 60% of areas Follow

Population

102,950

Median Age

32.5 Years

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

What do the locals think about Las Cruces?

42%

Family friendly

36%

Public transit is accessible

30%

Walkable to grocery stores

39%

Yards are well-kept

58%

Lots of parks

30%

Walkable to restaurants

Friendly neighbors

Safe at night

Pet friendly

Streets have sidewalks

64%

A quiet area

79%

Sense of community

Based on 33 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll

New Real Estate Listings in Las Cruces Area

For Sale For Rent

Search

Search Homes for Sale in Las Cruces, NM

See How Much House You Can Afford. Get Pre-Approved Today

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

Show All Reviews

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

Las Cruces Awards

❰ ❱

Compare Las Cruces, NM Livability

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.