Las Cruces Travel Forum

My husband and I are planning a trip to Las Cruces and the surrounding areas this spring. We currently reside in the northern part of Pa. Our visit is for a vacation and also to look over the area in thoughts of relocating there sometime in the next several years. I am somewhatdisappointed by some of the comments that I have read on this web site about the area from rich retirees moving to the area and real estate has inflated as a result. Also the temps go to 115? I live in a small town now, which we really like. I don't need all that "fluffy" night life stuff, did it all when we was young. Oh, also that if one is not mexican, you could feel out of place. We visited the northern part of new mexico 25 years ago, and at that time we really liked it, but it appears to be getting overcrowed there, too. We want quiet, healthy, warm and peaceful. Perhaps you all might have a better recommendation. We are average americans, husband retired, me still working. Would most likely rent a house or apartment till we get our bearings then consider purchasing a property. Pa has high taxes which is killling us. ANy help is appreciated. Rosie

Rosie,

I have not lived in Las Cruces for more than 20 years and it has grown a lot since then; however, I did live there for 22 years. I am not sure Spring is the best time to go because that is when Las Cruces has seasonal high winds for a few weeks. You would really be convinced to live there if you visited in the Fall or Winter. Even if the price of real estate has gone up, I think you will find it to be much more reasonable than many parts of the USA. You will also enjoy the tri-cultural environment; it brings many benefits. I never felt out of place and I would be very surprised if you did.

As far as 115 F, I don't know where that came from. The all-time record high is 107-108 F, according to the graph on wunderground.com and that is my recollection too. Even though it is hot in the summer, the humidity is low and it is comfortable in the shade. The elevation (~3900 ft) allows the heat to radiate and it almost always cools off at night (there are some exceptions in the more humid July "rainy" season).

If you need something from the "big city," it is just a 45-60 minute drive to El Paso / Juarez; however, Las Cruces is now big enough to meet almost everyone's needs. It is a university town, so Las Cruces has more than its share of cultural and entertainment opportunities. You might consider the Telshore area in which to retire. It is close to the university, golf course, hospital and a shopping mall. The biggest change for you might be the lack of green foilage but you could live in the valley if you like. Good luck!