Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces is still an indescribable and mystical place. It's a city with an enigma of an aura, watched over by the omnipresence of vast desert and mountainous horizons.
Apartment Hunting Tips
Transportation.
Las Cruces operates a small transit called RoadRUNNER Transit, which has a total of nine routes running every day except Sunday. It will get you around town, and is complimented by the various Greyhound locations that can take you to neighboring nightlife cities. A car is recommended, but your life does not depend on it.
Neighborhood Breakdown
People here get their shopping done on the east side, and find their live music at various locations around the city. Daily life is spent in the great and mystical setting of New Mexico's vast outdoors, and nightlife usually entails a night of beer drinking around the campfire, or catching the occasional local band at your favorite low key dive bar.
WESTSIDE
North Valley. A hidden nirvana you never knew was there, with riverside spots, some meandering creeks, a local bakery, a local microbrewery, and plenty of local music. The locals that know about it love it. However, you will have to search diligently for a duplex or rental home, as there are currently no apartments.
WEST MESA
Rasaff Hills. A rural neighborhood, far from the city lights, with amazing, panoramic mountain views.
Picacho. A suburbia vibe with the natural beauty of surrounding mountain and desert horizons.
EAST MESA
Sonoma Ranch. Plenty of rental options, and the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. Prices range drastically, with everything from your basic apartment to a luxury condo.
Foothills. Residents couldn't be happier. It’s right next to Canyon Point.
Paseo del Oro. East Mesa views of the Orange Mountains to the east and downtown city lights to the west.
Jornada. Far, far northeast. Just head a little farther east for some hiking, rock climbing, and biking around the Orange Mountains.
CENTRAL MESA
Historic Downtown. Much of original downtown has been replaced, and re-replaced. However, you can still visit the Mesilla Valley Mall, the nearby local restaurants, the Branigan Cultural Center, the Rio Grande Theater, and the cluster of art galleries on the west side of the neighborhood.
Alameda. Just west of the best of downtown, this neighborhood is great for frequent art gallery excursions and visits to the Rio Grande Theater next door.
Sierra Norte Heights. A walkable area under the intersection of Main St. and I-25, with groceries, a coffee shop, and a bakery.
Country Club Park. Just north of Sierra Norte Heights, this is a suburban neighborhood with movie theaters, shopping, chain restaurants in the area of planetarium-inspired street names. Notice how everyone is a little too happy there on Venus Street and Uranus Avenue?
Elks Area. Even farther north, Elks Area is a simple, rural-suburban neighborhood.
That is the best attempt at a description of this enchanted city. Good luck!
-By Katy Comal