Las Cruces..family friendly? (Portales, Ruidoso: transfer to, theatres, schools)

[Lowcountry Girl]

I read a lot of good things about LC! Unless I missed it, I didn't see anything addressing families w/kids. I was wondering if anyone has some insight about that? Are there things for teens to do? Sometimes boredom is the enemy, my kids are invoved in a lot of school activities including JROTC, any info on those types of things will be greatly appreciated!
I know it's hot in the summer..is it humid? Does it get any snow? Barring any blizzards, snow's kind of a dream for me! I saw on the news about the flooding in Las Cruces and into El Paso, I'm hoping this is rare? Being a desert is flash flooding a common occurrence? We worry about several natural type disasters here in South Carolina, not just storms but, the San Andreas fault runs through the area I live (yes, the one of Cal. infamy). If you know what to be prepared for though, you can make it through anything!
We have an opportunity to go to LC (hubby's work) and I'm not sure about it...we could possibly go and maybe transfer to another spot later on...Thanks in advance for any help. Lots to think about, daughter at university, although my family are here for her...so scary when they grow up!
Of course, the boys! Thanks again!

[nmnative505]

LowcountryGirl...Las Cruces is a big enough city that your kids will have plenty to do. Whether they are involved in sports, academics, or even JROTC. I know several of the schools there do have JROTC as well as the university has ROTC because all of my friends in college were a part of it. And yes, the summers are hot but at least they're not humid. Its actually very enjoyable weather there in the summer and the winters are great. I remember it did snow a few times but never more than an inch and it always melted before noon. As for the monsoon season, it can happen but not very likely and what happened in El Paso this week is very uncommon. What I do remember most were the dust storms in the spring, they sometimes have to close the highways due to the low visibilty on the roads that can sometimes cause car accidents. Other than that, LC is very enjoyable year round. Any other questions please feel free to ask awayl

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Girl

Are there things for teens to do?

Sure. Las Cruces is a sizeable town. Lots of sports for kids and teens. Movie theatres, etc.

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Girl

I know it's hot in the summer..is it humid?

Not even a little. In fact, there really isn't any place in NM that suffers from humidity. Las Cruces is probably one of the most arid climates in the state. Very, very, very dry.

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Girl

Does it get any snow?

It's not unheard of, but it is very, very rare. If you want snow, you're going to have to look farther north or in the mountains. Ruidoso (still in the southern parts of the state) gets snow.

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Girl

I saw on the news about the flooding in Las Cruces and into El Paso, I'm hoping this is rare? Being a desert is flash flooding a common occurrence?

It's not unheard of, but it isn't common. The thing about rain in NM (especially in Las Cruces) is that it just doesn't rain very often, but when it does, it comes in buckets.

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Girl

We worry about several natural type disasters here in South Carolina, not just storms but, the San Andreas fault runs through the area I live (yes, the one of Cal. infamy). If you know what to be prepared for though, you can make it through anything!

New Mexico does have earthquakes believe it or not. I was in one when I was living in Portales. But they aren't severe. At least I've never heard of a severe one in hundreds of years. I guess there is a first time for everything though.

The only natural disasters you'd have to worry about in Las Cruces is the very occasional flood (and if you're careful where you live this won't be an issue), the intense (and I mean intense) heat of summer, and the occasional dust storm. Tornadoes happen, but they aren't common that far south.


I grew up in New Mexico. Honestly, I have no desire to go back there. I can't take the heat, I like green, the schools are not great, and there are just nicer areas elsewhere, even in nearby Colorado. But if I had to move back to New Mexico, Las Cruces would definitely be high on my list. As much as I hate the desert, I do admit that Las Cruces is not a bad town.

[Lowcountry Girl]

Y'all are great! Thanks for the honest and thorough replies...we have planned on waiting til atleast next summer to make a move, this opp was kind of a surprise. I guess my husband will have to fly out and decide if he likes the position. This is such a big move and it's nice to know that even if some of you don't live in NM anymore you represent NM better than you know...although I already fell in love with Ruidoso via "computer eyes"!lol~ thanks again!