Las Cruces, New Mexico: A Haven for Retirees
Las Cruces (Spanish for “The Crosses”) was founded along the banks of the Rio Grande river in 1848. The town’s economy is largely based on the local agriculture, which includes cotton, green chile, and pecans. Las Cruces also supplies most of the work force at the nearby White Sands Missile Range and the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) test facility.
Home to New Mexico State University, this town enjoys its college sports, as well as the high school athletics programs of Mayfield, Onate, and Las Cruces High Schools. NMSU adds roughly 15,000 university students to the Las Cruces population. This is great news for retirees who enjoy sports, as well as theatrical and musical productions.
There are several things that set Las Cruces apart from many other cities:
– The town is nestled in the scenic Mesilla Valley, at an elevation of 3900 feet, and enjoys gorgeous sunrises and moon rises over the Organ Mountains – part of the Rocky Mountain range. These mountains are not to be confused with the Dona Ana Mountains which lie just east of the city, and offer some world class sport and traditional climbing routes, as well as superior hiking and views of the Mesilla valley.
– Las Cruces is only minutes away from the historic village of Mesilla, a favorite hangout of the legendary Billy The Kid. The historic Mesilla plaza is home to some of the most unique gift shops in the United States; they showcase local artisans and Native American made items, including jewelry, pottery and katchinas.
– Las Cruces is home to some of the best New Mexican food restaurants in existence: Nellie’s, Nopalitos, and Roberto’s are this author’s favorites! Enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, home made tortillas and more – you just can’t find better grub, nor beat the price!
– The weather in Las Cruces is usually quite hospitable. Annually, the average daily temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the area averages roughly ten cloudy days a year – so residents enjoy lots of sunshine! Golfers love it in Las Cruces, as the weather allows for regular golfing at any one of the city’s four beautiful golf courses.
– The cost of living is roughly a third lower than that of Phoenix, AZ, another retiree favorite, which lies just six hours’ drive to the West.
The list goes on and on, but what is evident is that Las Cruces has a lot to offer its residents. What the town of Las Cruces lacks in special needs can be found in nearby El Paso, Texas (less than an hour away), or in Albuquerque, NM (3.5 hours North). For those seeking general health care, Las Cruces covers all the bases with two fully functioning hospitals. Although Las Cruces is serviced by a municipal airport, the El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the closest full-sized airport and is a short drive away.
Hopefully you have read this article and are looking for an excuse to visit this Southwestern jewel. Here are a few “excuses” and I hope to see you enjoying the amazing green chile at the Nopalitos family restaurant, one day!
– Whole Enchilada Fiesta: An annual event which is held over the last weekend September, this fiesta offers a street market with local vendors, local food, the World’s Largest Enchilada, and musical entertainment, often accompanied by professional dancers from the area.
– Southern New Mexico Wine Festival: Held at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, visitors can sample wine from the many New Mexico wineries as well as enjoy live entertainment and local vendors.
– Renaissance Craftfaire: Held the first full weekend of each November, this well-attended renaissance fair is held in one of Las Cruces’ most beautiful city parks, and invites you to enjoy food, beverage, entertainment, and shopping at the vendors’ booths which offer up a variety of crafted items.
– Noche de Luminarias: The last week of the the fall semester, campus is lit up with luminarias, New Mexico’s traditional holiday candle lanterns.
