Moving to Las Cruces, NM
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Welcome to the City of the Crosses. We hope you enjoy learning about the historical city of Las Cruces.
General Information ~ Neighborhoods
West ~ East ~ North and Northeast ~ South
Las Cruces, like El Paso, has a rich and diverse history. The city’s early days are full of turbulence; wars with Native Americans were common as settlers vied for control of the fertile valley. The land also found itself caught in a struggle between Mexico and the United States as the U.S. sought to create a trans-continental railroad. Ultimately, this struggle led to the Gadsden Purchase, which gave the area of land that now contains Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley to the U.S.
Today, Las Cruces’ history only remains in the historic sites found throughout and near the city and in on-going legends, such as the ones about Billy the Kid. The city of Las Cruces now looks to the future, focusing on advances in the areas of agriculture, education, and technology. As a result of these pursuits, the city has become one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico.
Established in 1849 with a mere 120 residents, Las Cruces now has approximately 95,000 residents. Las Cruces has become a popular, southwestern destination. Located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25, the city features multiple golf courses; unique events, such as the Whole Enchilada Festival; and historic attractions, including Old Mesilla. In addition, Las Cruces has been rated one of the number one places to retire by AARP, Money Magazine, and Where to Retire magazine.
Las Cruces boasts a temperate climate and an average of 350 days of sunshine. To the east, Las Cruces is overshadowed by the majestic Organ Mountains, so-called because of their resemblance to the spires of a pipe organ, which rise to an impressive 9,012 feet. To the west, Las Cruces is nestled within the Rio Grande Valley. This valley is home to a variety of agricultural products, including pecans and onions. Las Crucens, though, will swear that the valley produces the best-tasting green chile in the world.
Would you like more information? Visit Las Cruces’ Convention and Visitors Bureau.
West Las Cruces is home to Old Mesilla and Mesilla Park. Old Mesilla is a historic community comprised of neighborhoods adjacent to the plaza and larger homes situated among the nearby pecan groves. West Las Cruces is also home to the Rasaff Hills and Picacho Hills, neighborhoods that offer stunning views of the city and the mountains by day and night. Rasaff Hills has a more rural feel due to its less formal structure. Picacho Hills consists of several neighborhoods that surround the Picacho Hills Country Club. These neighborhoods include Barcelona Ridge, Butterfield Ridge, and Coronado Ridge. They are established custom home communities with many single-family residences, comfortable lot sizes, and patio homes. The newest neighborhood, Picacho Mountain, has been designated a green-build community and offers a mixture of single-family and patio homes.
West Las Cruces is served by the Doña Ana County safety departments. The neighborhoods are part of the Las Cruces Public School District. Shopping is approximately ten to fifteen minutes east of the western Las Crucen communities.
Eastern Las Cruces is home to Sonoma Ranch, High Range, The Pueblos, Soledad Canyon, Organ Mesa Ranch, University Park, Las Alturas, and La Tierra Escondido communities. The communities are a mixture of single-family homes, patio homes, custom homes, condominiums, and apartments. The area boasts spectacular views of the Organ Mountains.
Eastern Las Cruces features two championship golf courses: University Golf Course and Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. It also is home to the medical community and includes MountainView Regional Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, numerous clinics, and both regular and specialty physicians. Eastern Las Cruces is served by the City of Las Cruces Safety Departments and the Las Cruces Public School District. Shopping is close to all eastside neighborhoods.
North and Northeast Las Cruces are defined by Highway 70, which runs east over the Organ Mountains to White Sands Missile Range, Alamogordo, and Ruidoso. Neighborhoods along Highway 70 are a mixture of manufactured housing, custom affordable homes, and farms. The neighborhoods are a mixture of rural and defined structures. Stunning views of the Organ and Doña Ana Mountains are a highlight of these neighborhoods.
North and Northeast Las Cruces are served by the Las Cruces Public School District. Doña Ana Community College also has a campus in the area. The neighborhoods are ten to fifteen minutes away from the main shopping areas and healthcare facilities.
Southern Las Cruces is home to the New Mexico State University (NMSU) campus. Several residential communities neighbor the campus. Smaller, rural communities are located further south and are under county jurisdiction. These areas are known for their pecan groves and farming. The communities are well-established and run north to south along the Rio Grande river.
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Neighborhoods:
East Las Cruces
South Las Cruces
