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| What Las Cruces is like for active adults |
Las Cruces, the second largest city in New Mexico (92,000), is in the southern part of the state. It has been listed as a “Best Place to Retire” by several organizations for many reasons; low cost of living, active cultural life with its major university, and unusually beautiful location. In addition to active adults who choose this as their new retirement community, it is home to 23,000 students of New Mexico State University. Las Cruces is in Dona Ana county.
Las Cruces shows traces of civilization going back 8,000 years. The ancient Anasazi people had communities here, although they seem to have disappeared by 1300 A.D. The town is 4000 feet above sea level and enjoys 350 days of sunshine per year. The nearby village of Mesilla was founded in 1848 and represents a timeless version of what New Mexico was like when it was under a Mexican flag. Mesilla has good shopping and dining. Although Las Cruces has won a “safest city” award, several references cite a high crime rate (which is possibly related to low-level crimes associated with any student population).
There is an active master plan with has the goal of sustaining and revitalizing the town’s central shopping area. Farmers markets and other activities keep the downtown vital. There are several active adult communities in town. There is a planned rental retirement community as well as an assisted living facility in Las Cruces. Active adults will find communities just for them as well as mixed generation neighborhoods.
Home prices vary according to what you are looking for. Most are in the southwest "adobe" style. A comfortable 3 bedroom home can be purchased in late 2009 in the $140's, with attractive condos available in the low $100's. Homes in the newer golf communities go for much more. Prices are far lower than in Santa Fe. It also has lower property taxes than many states (about $2000/yr on a $200,000 home). In 2009 Topretirements wrote a special feature on New Mexico retirement towns.
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| What is special about this retirement community |
| Frequently picked as best place to retire. Whole Enchilada Festival. Southern New Mexico State Fair.Village of Mesilla. Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area. 3 golf courses. New Mexico State University. Outdoor and wilderness activities. |
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
I take issue with this review in a couple of areas.
1. We looked at this area and liked it, but note:
2. The crime rate is because of proximity to el paso, not students.
3. We only found 3 adult 55+ communities and were too expensive. We kept hearing about a retirement area, but i don't know where they're living.
4. Sent an email to chamber of comm., re: crime rate - no response |
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| What kinds of people like retiring here |
| Active adults who like living in a dry climate with very picturesque scenery and a large university in town.
This page explains the various types of retirement communities and this has more information about taxes and living if you want to retire in New Mexico |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| Education, tourism, construction. White Sands Missile Range and NASA have helped diversify the economy. |
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| Climate and Physical Environment |
| Las Cruces is in southern New Mexico in the Mesilla Valley, just 40 miles northwest from El Paso, Texas. The elevation is 3900' and the environment is desert. Winters are mild (it might snow but it tends to melt in a day) and summers very hot. The Rio Grande River valley is to the west. Thanks to artesian water the valley is green with trees and crops. |
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| Cultural environment |
| Las Cruces has a rich cultural environment. New Mexico State University provides many concerts and plays in its Pan Am Center. The Las Cruces Symphony and the American Southwest Theatre Company perform at its Hershel Zohn Theatre. Ballet, Community Theatre and art are also available in Las Cruces. The University has 4 museums including the Las Cruces Museum of Art. Seniors can take classes at New Mexico State. There are several important fiestas during the year. The Academy for Learning in Retirement (527-7527) |
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| Medical facilities |
| Memorial Medical Center has 286 beds. |
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| Transportation |
| Las Cruces International Airport has no regularly scheduled flights. El Paso is the nearest airport, 40 miles away. RoadRUNNER Transit is a small transit system run by the city. |
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Facts about LAS CRUCES
- State: NM
- Environment: College Town,Mountains,Desert,
- City Population: 50,001-100,000
- Median age of Population: 25-44
- Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
- Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
- Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
- Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
- Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
- Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
- State Sales Tax: Yes
- State Income Tax: Yes
- Name of the Guide: jfb48
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Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts |
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Vote on the Ratings for Las Cruces |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 4 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
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