Firstly why Las-Cruces, New-Mexico?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Las-Cruces
• State: New-Mexico
• Population: 112,756 people
• Las-Cruces’s quick summary would be Known for its picturesque Old Mesilla Village and the nearby Organ Mountains.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to a growing economy and access to outdoor activities appealing to families

Perk #1: Las-Cruces Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $39,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Las-Cruces is $38,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Las-Cruces’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 75 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,120
• Property Tax %: 1.01%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Las Cruces
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Las-Cruces, Mesilla, Doña-Ana, Sunland-Park, and probably could include Anthony
• Avg. Age of Homes in Las-Cruces: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Las-Cruces’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Las-Cruces are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Las-Cruces Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on education and agriculture
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement focused on local education and businesses , ,
• Las-Cruces Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Las-Cruces: 7.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Las-Cruces

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-10 runs through Las Cruces providing access across states
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on I-10
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Las-Cruces: 40,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Las-Cruces: dot.state.nm.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Las Cruces International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Las-Cruces’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Las-Cruces is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with very little rainfall
• Winter Weather in Las-Cruces i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Las-Cruces can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Las-Cruces are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Las-Cruces is usually mild and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 67 days in summer
• Days in a row in Las-Cruces below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally with low pollution levels
• Las-Cruces Winter Air generally good air quality minor fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Las-Cruces Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Las-Cruces 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Las-Crucess’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Las-Cruces Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Las-Cruces only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Las-Cruces only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Las-Cruces’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Las-Cruces’s Monthly Gym Membership: $37
• Las-Cruces’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Las-Cruces

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with a focus on cultural events and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy local events at the Las Cruces Museum of Fine Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Las-Cruces  has local bars and eateries focused on community and casual social gatherings for residents

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Las-Cruces

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local restaurants and a mix of casual dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Las-Cruces
• The Popular Sports Team is New Mexico State Aggies
• Top Level Political Climate in Las-Cruces can be described as political mix with a focus on local agriculture and community issues
• Las-Cruces’s Longer standing religious establishment is Las Cruces First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Las-Cruces Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Las-Cruces has 25 Parks?
• Las Cruces City Park is Las-Cruces’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Las Cruces Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Las-Cruces Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Las-Cruces can be described as steady pace with a focus on agriculture and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Las-Cruces community events visiting parks picnicking at trails
• The Cities people commute to from Las-Cruces are Albuquerque 18 miles away Bernalillo 12 miles away Corrales 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Las-Cruces or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on I-10. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Las-Cruces’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Las Cruces is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Las-Cruces are Albuquerque 18 miles away Bernalillo 12 miles away Corrales 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Las-Cruces has 0 days in a row below freezing and 67 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Las-Cruces people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Las-Cruces. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general political mix with a focus on local agriculture and community issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Las-Cruces.

Retiree & Senior Life in Las-Cruces

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from local incentives aimed at reducing property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Village at Northrise
• Las Cruces Senior Center features wellness programs social events and meal services for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Las-Cruces, New-Mexico?

If Las-Cruces, New-Mexico ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Las-Cruces, New-Mexico, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!