Las Cruces - What you need to know.

[blueriver25]

Originally Posted by Steve Schmidt

Hi all,

I have been fascinated by everyone's comments on NM in general.

I am a museum professional (single, male, age 41, currently living in Texas) considering relocation to LAS CRUCES for a position opening there.

I am wondering what the best/worst aspects of LAS CRUCES are. By "aspects" I mean cultural, economical, apartments, social, entertainment, book stores, live music, nightlife, dating, etc. As I said, ANY aspects (pro OR con) on which anyone might care to opine.

Thanks in advance.
Can't wait to hear your input!

- skyguy

I would like to add a question in this same vein. Are there any groups in LC focusing on agricultural seminars or scientific seminars? Not that you'd have to be part of NMSU, but just part of the community to participate.

[TKO]

Originally Posted by blueriver25

I would like to add a question in this same vein. Are there any groups in LC focusing on agricultural seminars or scientific seminars? Not that you'd have to be part of NMSU, but just part of the community to participate.

Anybody can use the County Ag Extension service. I've brought bugs there many times to see what they were. The folks LOVE when someone comes to visit. They're just off the downtown mall on the east side. They'll know more and there's a master gardeners club I read about from time to time.

Cruces is a pretty cool place. Having grown up here, moved away and then moved back it's always been home.

[lawmom]

Originally Posted by tim perry

Too COOL ..I'm a new-bee here but I'm loving all the positive feedback on LC and surrounding area's. I will be driving out in May 23 2668 on My google road map apprx 41 hours, I want to do it in 3 days. Has anyone done it from the Boston area? Trying to stay first night Virginia/tenn.,next Okla. then hit the border . Stay and visit Tucumcari-route 66 scenery ,then down to LC. any input appreciated... Thamks Tim P

Tim, we moved here in August from the Berkshires. We took 6 days because we have kids, and we went to Nashville to see family. All I can say is, if you can find a way to avoid going the entire horizontal length of Texas, I'd do it. Ugh.

Hope you enjoy LC -- it's a lovely place.

[jaunespinoza]

A) it is beautiful. B) pay is horrible; if you can find a job.

[skprdh]

I came to LC the 3rd week of Sept for my new job at WSMR. I spent 5 days looking for an apt and there were no 1 BR anyplace and the 2 BR were all over $700 a month. I looked all along Roadrunner and the surrounding areas. A couple were so filthy and didn't seem safe to me at all, especially for $880a month! I came back to IN as the job didn't support the cost of living. Another thing to keep in mind is they wanted 6 months verifiable employment, a cosigner or 6 months rent up front. Never heard of anything like this anywhere else. Also have owned my home for last 15 years so no rental references and that doubled my deposit too. Very disappointed that things didn't turn out for me. The city was lovely. That drive from Clovis to Ruidoso was scary as heck to me. Nothing for miles. Not even other travelers...

[tecpatl]

Originally Posted by skprdh

I came to LC the 3rd week of Sept for my new job at WSMR. I spent 5 days looking for an apt and there were no 1 BR anyplace and the 2 BR were all over $700 a month. I looked all along Roadrunner and the surrounding areas. A couple were so filthy and didn't seem safe to me at all, especially for $880a month! I came back to IN as the job didn't support the cost of living. Another thing to keep in mind is they wanted 6 months verifiable employment, a cosigner or 6 months rent up front. Never heard of anything like this anywhere else. Also have owned my home for last 15 years so no rental references and that doubled my deposit too. Very disappointed that things didn't turn out for me. The city was lovely. That drive from Clovis to Ruidoso was scary as heck to me. Nothing for miles. Not even other travelers...

If long, lonely drives are "scary as heck" to you, maybe New Mexico isn't a good choice for you, regardless of apartment availability. Almost anywhere you drive (off the freeways) is going to include lots of miles and miles without much in the way of civilization or inhabitants. Big state, relatively few people.
I'm sorry your job/move/trip didn't work out.

[movingsomewhere]

How is pay horrible? I thought NM is part of the U.S. as well? Does NM pay standard minimum wage? Not like Colorado, the first and only state to lower its minimum wage to due "lower" cost of living. Horrible.

I'm in Chicago. Planning a move to NM. Not sure where yet. Maybe ABQ or LC, for college. Which is cheaper of the two?

In Chicago, I am paying $550 a month all utilities paid. Studio apartment. I hope I can find something in this price range and hopefully lower? Is that possible?

Originally Posted by jaunespinoza

A) it is beautiful. B) pay is horrible; if you can find a job.

[movingsomewhere]

ya smaller cities tend to have fewer job opportunities. Sorry to hear you had to move back to IN. Does LC not have any rentals under $700? That's a shock. I was expecting it to be cheaper than Chicago. I am in Chicago. It's not hard to find a place here under $600.

I read a post about LC is a place where you can purchase a townhouse for under 100K, makes me wonder why rent is a bit high? How much are condos usually go for in LC?

I plan on moving to NM for college, if I can milk some free money somewhere. LOL. Other than the FAFSA thing that I should qualify for? I should apply...

Originally Posted by skprdh

I came to LC the 3rd week of Sept for my new job at WSMR. I spent 5 days looking for an apt and there were no 1 BR anyplace and the 2 BR were all over $700 a month. I looked all along Roadrunner and the surrounding areas. A couple were so filthy and didn't seem safe to me at all, especially for $880a month! I came back to IN as the job didn't support the cost of living. Another thing to keep in mind is they wanted 6 months verifiable employment, a cosigner or 6 months rent up front. Never heard of anything like this anywhere else. Also have owned my home for last 15 years so no rental references and that doubled my deposit too. Very disappointed that things didn't turn out for me. The city was lovely. That drive from Clovis to Ruidoso was scary as heck to me. Nothing for miles. Not even other travelers...

[lawmom]

Don't go by one person's 5 day experience. There are places less than $700 a month, especially studios!

As for pay, of course NM is in the US, and pays minimum wage -- it increased to $7.50 an hour on January 1st.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by movingsomewhere

I thought NM is part of the U.S. as well?

Well, what do you really think?

Originally Posted by movingsomewhere

Not like Colorado, the first and only state to lower its minimum wage to due "lower" cost of living. Horrible.

And what does this have to do with New Mexico?

Colorado lowered its minimum wage from $7.28 to the federal minimum of $7.25 because the recession has driven down the cost of living and In 2006 voters chose to tie Colorado's minimum wage to inflation, most assumed it would only increase wages. But a deal is a deal.

There is more to living in New Mexico than just the minimum wage. You have to find a job before you can even earn the minimum wage. I believe New Mexico has a state minimum wage of $7.50 and I believe some cities have set their minimum wage above that level.




Rich