7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Las Cruces, NM

If you are considering moving to Las Cruces, NM, there are many important factors to consider. Let's examine the cost of living, median home price, job market, and more.

Moving to a new area can bring on lots of excitement and stress. Before you move, make sure you do all the necessary research to make the move as smooth as possible. Las Cruces is known as one of the best tourist locations in New Mexico, meaning it is also one of the prime places to move to. 

Las Cruces has everything from jaw-dropping mountain views to the year-round sunshine to abundant outdoor activities. In addition, Las Cruces features many beautiful neighborhoods, plenty of job opportunities, a low cost of living, and prime real estate. 

Home to the New Mexico State University (NMSU), Spaceport America, White Sands National Park, and much more. As the second-largest city in New Mexico, just behind Albuquerque, Las Cruces is the perfect place to move to as a young professional, student, retiree, or family. 

You truly can't go wrong with moving to Las Cruces. First, make sure to learn as much as you can before moving to Las Cruces.

Here are seven things to know before you move to Las Cruces, NM.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Las Cruces is 8% lower than the national average, meaning it is much lower than the cost of living in other cities and towns around the country. Remember that this varies based on many factors, including your career, average salary, and the real estate market at the time. 

Unlike many other places in New Mexico, the housing prices in Las Cruces are 21% lower than the national average. Utilities are also 13% lower than the national average, groceries are 2% higher, and transportation costs are 1% higher. 

Las Cruces is the most affordable compared to other New Mexico cities, like Albuquerque or Santa Fe. New Mexico as a whole is known as a relatively affordable state, especially when it comes to housing prices. The NM cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. 

Keep in mind that these percentages can vary greatly, and you can live an even more affordable lifestyle. It all depends on your preferences and budgeting practices. 

Please take a look at the significant cost of living items and their average price.

Cost of Living Item	Average Price
Median Home Price	$355,770
Median Rent	$1,082 / month
Energy Bill	$153.30 / month
Phone Bill	$164.92 / month
Gas	$3.42 / gallon

Data sourced from PayScale. 

Real Estate

Housing costs can be the most significant expense in most cities; luckily for you, that isn't the case in Las Cruces. PayScale says housing costs in Las Cruces are 21% lower than the national average, saving you tons of money in the long run. 

The median listing price in Las Cruces is about $410,512 and about $185 on average per square foot. Homes usually stay on the market for about 91 days, meaning you'll have plenty of time to find the perfect home for you in Las Cruces. 

Depending on your preferences, many townhomes, single-family homes, gated communities, and luxury homes are for sale in one of Las Cruces' best neighborhoods. 

Home prices in Las Cruces have been trending up in recent years, but the real estate market fluctuates frequently depending on many factors. Currently, it is a buyer's market, meaning the supply of homes exceeds the demand for homes. So, now might be the time to make the move. 

If you are visiting or looking for short-term living, the average rental price is approximately $1,082 monthly. Whether you're looking for a forever or short-term home, consider the area's location, neighborhood, schools, and activities. 

Job Market

The employment rate in Las Cruces has been trending upward over the years and is projected to keep growing. In addition, the unemployment rate has been declining over the year, currently at 3.9%.

One of the biggest industries in Las Cruces is tourism. The minimum wage will increase to $12.36 on January 1, 2024, and the tipped wage will increase to $4.95. This is a great plus, as many other states have a much lower minimum wage. 

The largest industry in Las Cruces is Aerospace and aviation, and after that is healthcare and manufacturing. Las Cruces is one of the best places in the country to find a job, no matter your experience or career. If you're a student, Las Cruces is home to one of the best universities in the state, New Mexico State University. 

Many residents work from home, which might be the best choice if you value flexibility and comfort from work. Along with its diverse job market, the population has proliferated by 6.78%, and the median household income has also grown. The current median household income is $51,013. 

Food and Groceries

Las Cruces is home to some of the best New Mexican cuisine in that state. From fine dining to delicious local restaurants, no matter what you're craving, you can find it here in Las Cruces. 

Grocery costs are more expensive by the national average by 2%, but you will still be able to find many affordable choices. Your grocery and food costs will be completely up to your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. 

For a better idea of the grocery costs, take a look at the average prices of these common grocery items.

Grocery Item	Average Cost
Loaf of Bread	$3.97
Gallon of Milk	$2.49
Carton of Eggs	$2.30
Bunch of Bananas	$3.44
Hamburger	$5.25

On nights when you don't feel like cooking, don't stress because Las Cruces is known for its delicious food. Check out these local favorite restaurants in Las Cruces for when you want a nice meal or fun night out:

• A Bite of Belgium: From waffles to burgers, this local restaurant is the perfect place to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a cozy and relaxed environment. 
• La Nueva Casita Cafe: This mouthwatering restaurant has been serving Las Cruces since 1957 and features classic Mexican dishes in a colorful atmosphere. 
• Luna Rossa Winery and Pizzeria: This stunning winery features the best wine in New Mexico and beautiful scenery.

Education

Las Cruces is home to about 40 schools, both public and private. Meaning you'll have more than enough choices of where to send your kids to school. Luckily, you won't have to send your kids far for college as New Mexico State University is one of the best universities in the state. 

The high school graduation rate is exceptionally high, at 87.7%, and 36.3% have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher. When deciding where to buy a home, it is imperative to identify the school districts in the area.

Las Cruces has many excellent elementary, middle, and high schools to pick from. Check out the top schools in the Las Cruces area below:

Elementary School	Middle School	High School
Desert Hills Elementary	Camino Real Middle	Arrowhead Park Early College High
Monte Vista Elementary	Vista Middle	Centennial High
J. Paul Taylor Academy	Sierra Middle	Las Cruces High

Weather

Like most New Mexico, Las Cruces is known for its year-round sunshine. The annual average maximum temperature in Las Cruces is 77.3°F, and the average minimum temperature is 46.1°F. 

Typically, Las Cruces experiences a windy season, a monsoon season, and a dry heat season. Winters tend to be mild, but snow still falls, usually lasting about a day. On the other hand, Las Cruces has an arid desert climate with low humidity. 

If you plan a trip to Las Cruces, May or September might be the perfect months when it won't be too hot or cold. No matter when you visit, there will be many fun activities to spend your time. 

At an elevation of 3,900 feet above sea level, you should consider the altitude. It won't feel like you're in the mountains, but it is definitely something to keep in mind. The high altitude affects everyone differently, and it may take you some time to adjust.

Activities

With about 80% of the sunshine-filled days of the year, Las Cruces features an abundance of outdoor recreation activities. If you're an adventure-seeker, you'll have many hiking, biking, and exploration options for all skill levels. 

If you'd rather explore the area at your own pace, Las Cruces has many national parks filled with history and fun. Las Cruces doesn't have a huge nightlife scene, but it does have many exciting museums, parks, restaurants, bars, and festivals.

No matter how you like to spend your time, you'll surely find more than enough activities to indulge in with your friends, family, or yourself.

Cowboy Days

Experience the Cowboys days like no other at the Cowboy Days festival in Las Cruces. The 23rd annual event is held once a year with cowboy and charreada demonstrations, music, food trucks, the Parada of Breeds cattle program, and many more ranching traditions that will be fun for the whole family.  

Cruces International Film Festival

From April 3 to the 7th, 2024, at the Allen Theatre, Las Cruces will hold the Cruces International Film Festival. Here, you'll find many amazing independent cinemas where you can participate in workshops and panels, with celebrity appearances and VIP experiences. 

Old Mesilla Village

Just a short drive from Las Cruces, you can visit the picturesque village Old Mesilla Village and walk through the classic adobe buildings that once protected residents from Apache attacks. Stroll through town to see all the fantastic art galleries, restaurants, museums, and more. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Las Cruces, NM

Pros

• Stunning scenery
• Fast-growing economy
• Low cost of living
• Highly-rated schools
• Little traffic
• Known as a clean city

Cons

• High tax rates
• High crime rate
• Limited entertainment opportunities

FAQ: Moving to Las Cruces, NM

Here are some commonly asked questions about moving to Las Cruces, NM.

Is Las Cruces a good place to live?

Las Cruces is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Las Cruces. The city offers a dense suburban feel, many parks, restaurants, and fun activities.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Las Cruces, NM?

Las Cruces has many amazing neighborhoods; some of the best are High Range, Sonoma Ranch East, and Messa Country Club.

Is Las Cruces good for retirees?

Las Cruces has a large retirement community for many reasons: the weather is amazing, it is a friendly community, and there are many fun outdoor activities for residents. 

Why is Las Cruces famous?

People from all across the nation travel to Las Cruces for Spaceport America, as Las Cruces is home to many historical accomplishments in the commercial spaceflight industry. 

Is Las Cruces walkable?

Unfortunately, Las Cruces has few public transportation options, so having your own car to travel around the city is important. 

Moving to Las Cruces, NM - The Bottom Line

Whether you're interested in space and the great outdoors or just looking for a friendly community, Las Cruces will be the perfect place for you.

Las Cruces offers more than enough, regardless of your age, lifestyle, or career. There are many fun museums, parks, restaurants, vineyards, distilleries, shops, and activities to indulge in. The next step is finding the perfect new home; luckily, Las Cruces has plenty of beautiful homes for sale at an affordable price. 

New Mexico is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and fun-filled activities. Las Cruces is just one of the many amazing cities in New Mexico. If you find that Las Cruces is not for you, there are still several other fantastic places to live in New Mexico, like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rosewell. 

Don't hesitate to contact one of our highly qualified Real Estate Specialists to help you along the process. Our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. Don't forget to check out the beautiful homes for sale in New Mexico.