Las Cruces - What you need to know. (Alamogordo, Tucumcari: apartments, rent)

[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

[Crackerjack]

Steve, I wish I could answer your questions but I have only been there (quite a few times) but I don't live there. I can tell you it is a nice, clean city and if I were to live in the desert south, in a bigger city, I'd pick it. There are locals from there on this forum, so I am sure they will answer you on specifics like bookstores, singles places, apartments and so forth. I think you'll like Las Cruces. Good Luck on your move!

[winnie]

I would take a transfer to Cruces in a heartbeat..

The city is clean and the terrain is very nice, weather is absolutely awesome - they don't have the tornadoes that west TX/eastern NM have, little snow, no humidity and loooong summers! Does summer ever end there??? Most decembers there are still pretty pleasant - though not as hot as Phoenix in general.

I can't speak for the bookstores etc, but north of the city are two wonderful lakes, Elephant butte and caballo - where you can jetski and swin pretty much all year round if you wish. East of the city (about an hour) is Alamogordo which has wineries, pistachio groves, good resturants, a military base so I am sure there is some form of nightlife there too- and mountains, skiing, and a terrific hotel and casino (Inn of the Mountain Gods - ruidiso). They have mountains and desert, lakes and snow and the White Sands NM. Quite diverse! All within an easy 1 - 1.5 hr drive which is nothing down in NM!

A link to the city (i am sure it will get cut) is las-cruces.org/ (hopefully if I put it that way it won't get cut.

It is becomg a popular city, people are moving there for what is touted as cheap living and good quality of life.

Good luck with your decision. NM is a very nice place to live.

[Yac]

Originally Posted by winnie

A link to the city (i am sure it will get cut) is las-cruces.org/ (hopefully if I put it that way it won't get cut.

I saw that . This one's good

[winnie]

Originally Posted by Yac

I saw that . This one's good

Dooh!! Nothing eeks by the admin..eh???

I also recommend the Frommer's book on NM to anyone considering a move or vacation to NM. You can look up their website and access some of their info online. Or pick up a copy online for really cheap. It is the one with the white sands and yucca plant on the front cover - not the yellow bound "guide to the southwest".

[Crackerjack]

Winnie, you're a pro! You did it! You got passed the admin. What a gal!

[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

[TigerLily24]

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

Not from the Boston area, but from North Jersey twice. I did it in three (very long) days, but I took a sort of southerly diagonal route that may have added time, to avoid any chance of snow.

I've been here through two winters now and I am still amazed that winter can be... easy
I love living here.

[TigerLily24]

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

Best bookstore is COAS - they have two locations and incredible inventory. They also take used books for credit towards future purchases.

A lot of the restaurants and bars have live music pretty regularly ranging from cabaret/dinner-theater style entertainment (Boba Cafe) to jazz to country to this minute's popular local 'garage' bands.

There are also several venues on the NMSU campus and downtown is the lovely, recently restored Rio Grande Theater.
There are several theater groups - Black Box Theater comes to mind, and if you can't find something to do here, El Paso is only 45 minutes away.
The Plaza Theater in El Paso always seems to have a good line-up.


I don't know too much about the apartment situation, other than there are quite a lot of very nice looking complexes around town. Just driving around, it looks like many have pools and other amenities.

I've not really found anything to hate so far.

[ibarrio]

I mean

cultural

The culture of the area is Hispanic, Mexican, and Indian. Two university are in the area (NMSU amd UTEP). Cultural events do take place and you can catch many/most musical acts that tour.

economical
A mix of poor, old money(old meaning in the area for some time) , and retirees with money.

apartments

Plenty of apartments, from upscale to very economical. You can rent a house for what you would pay for an apartment in other cities.

social

University, Movies, coffee shops, bars, golf, etc. People are friendly in New Mexico.

entertainment

See above

book stores

COAS is a treasure of a bookstore.

live music

Yes, from local to national acts. Rock, Spanish, Country...you name it.

nightlife

It was actually much better when I was in College (NMSU Grad 1995). The number of bars is actually down. Your major club in the area is Graham Central Station.

dating

Lots of beautiful women