The city of Las Cruces, New Mexico is situated in the Mesilla Valley, with the Organ Mountains and Rio Grande on either side. Throughout the town, you will find landmarks and reminders of its rich history and cultural diversity. Las Cruces is the kind of place that welcomes newcomers, inviting them to explore and enjoy the southwestern lifestyle. The city has been so successful in this endeavor that the venerable Forbes Magazine recently named Las Cruces as one of the "Top Three Small Metropolitan Areas in the Country to Do Business". Money Magazine also praised Las Cruces, calling it one of the "Top Eight Destinations to Retire".

The warm and welcoming environment in Las Cruces continues to draw new residents to town. There are currently approximately 76,990 residents living here today, with a median age of thirty one years old. Among the town's working-age residents, just over thirty five percent of locals are employed in either a professional or managerial capacity. Nearly a quarter of residents are employed in the service industry, while just over sixteen percent work an administrative capacity. The median household income within Las Cruces is around $35,045 per year.

Over sixty percent of the homes in Las Cruces are single-family detached style. Home ownership has proven to be a solid investment in the area, with steady appreciation over the years. Perhaps because of this, home ownership is a popular trend, with about half of residents owning their own homes. The most popular option for buyers in the county is a three-bedroom model. Recent sales figures indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Las Cruces is currently $189,000.

Residents in Las Cruces live in the heartland of southwestern cooking, and have access to some of the best Mexican and southwestern cuisine in the country. Many people consider this region to be the chile capital of the world, so those who enjoy a spicy treat will find a haven in Las Cruces. But as popular as spice is here, there are as many restaurants that cater to the less adventurous palate, offering cuisines from around the globe as well as down home comfort foods.

One of Las Cruces' many landmarks is the Mesilla Historic District. This glimpse into the town's history offers residents an outdoor plaza filled with boutiques and restaurants, while allowing locals to walk in the footsteps of history.

Like many regions in the southwest, New Mexico is burgeoning as a wine region. In Las Cruces, you will find a celebration of these regional wines at the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival, La Vina Jazz and Blues Thing, and the New Mexico Wine Harvest.

Other popular annual events in Las Cruces include Border Book Festival, bringing authors from around the globe. The town's Annual Frontier Days is held at the Fort Selden State Monument and honors both the civilians and famed Buffalo Soldiers who first protected the region. Mexican culture is celebrated at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Dia de los Muertos, and the annual Festival de San Ysidro. A different glimpse into the region occurs over Cowboy Days at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. But perhaps the most beloved tradition in Las Cruces is the Christmas Eve celebration at Mesilla, when the square is aglow with luminarias and locals sing holiday carols.

Las Cruces is one of the most diverse communities in the region, and works to bring together the cultures, traditions and passions of its many residents. This open and accepting culture, combined with its strong sense of community and spectacular beauty, make it an ideal city for relocation. If you are thinking about moving, consider the many benefits of Las Cruces, New Mexico! To learn more, request our "free relocation assistance" today.