“City of the Crosses”
In the center of the Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces is also home of the New Mexico State University and houses many college students and graduates. With the majestic mountain ranges and close proximity to the Rio Grande river, Las Cruces is also a wonderful place to retire. Whether you are starting out here in school or ending up here, there is no better place to kick back and enjoy the view. We have received several awards including rankings from Money Magazine as one of the “best college towns to retire” and from AARP as one of their “dream towns” to retire. Las Cruces has also been ranked by Forbes as one of the best small metro areas for business and careers.
Las Cruces has close to 100,000 residents in the city and in the outlying Doña Ana county. It was founded mostly by the Manso people but with the addition of careers, jobs and universities, Las Cruces quickly grew in population until the 1960’s when the city took on a major urban renewal project. This created more modern walk ways, streets and shopping areas.
With an elevation of 3,900 feet our climates are classified as a subtropical climate with warm springs and cool winters. Very few winter storms bring colder weather but has been known to happen. Warmer seasons bring heavy rains which keeps the grass green during summer months.
The Downtown area of Las Cruces encompasses shops that cater to upscale shoppers as well as hosting farmers markets during the week and weekends. This area also contains churches, restaurants and art galleries for a truly all-inclusive shopping adventure. The modern “heart” of the city, where most stores and restaurants are located, is the quickly developing eastside area running north and south along Telshor Boulevard and east and west along Lohman Avenue. Our only shopping mall and a variety of retail stores and restaurants are located in this area.
There are many wonderful activities and events happening around Las Cruces all the time. With local golf courses and courts and the New Mexico State University offers a public course as does the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. In addition, the Las Cruces Country Club is a semi-private course open to the public and members. Check out the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park for a great outdoor adventure. From festivals and fiestas to art shows and annual events, Las Cruces offers visitors a way to enjoy our wonderful culture, relaxed atmosphere and of course our
350 days of sunshine a year!
The Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, the White Sands Balloon Invitational Committee and the City of Alamogordo have partnered to present the White Sands Balloon and Music Festival At White Sands National Monument. This monument is one of the most popular sites around Las Cruces. The White Sands National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo in western Otero County and northeastern Dona Ana County in the state of New Mexico. This area is known for it’s fields of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. Locals and visitors alike take advantage of all the fun adventures one can have at the White Sands National Monument.