Las Cruces

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Las Cruces, NM

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Welcome to the "City of Crosses."

Mountains College Town Government Military Views Outdoors Adventures

With a population of about 101,000, Las Cruces is the largest city in southern New Mexico -- but it doesn't feel that way. With its fantastic mountain views and spacious landscape, the city feels downright cozy. Las Cruces is a college town -- it is the location of New Mexico State University, the only land-grant university in the state. It is also the location of the White Sands Missile Range. Mountains surround Las Cruces, providing amazing views as well as opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

Due to its impressive landscape, Las Cruces is often used for filming. Some movies filmed here include Hang 'Em High, Twins, and Traffic. After moving to a Las Cruces apartment, be sure to attend some of the city's annual events, which include the Harvest Wine Festival, the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, the Southern New Mexico State Fair, CrucesCon, and Cowboy Days. Landmarks in Las Cruces include its water towers -- many are painted with murals. Other nearby landmarks include the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, which protects fossil footprints dating back 280 million years.

Rent Trends

As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Las Cruces, NM is $678 for a studio, $977 for one bedroom, $1,125 for two bedrooms, and $1,273 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Las Cruces has increased by 4.3% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$977/month
672 Sq Ft
House
$1,765/month
1,665 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Las Cruces, NM

Transportation

42

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

47

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Monte Vista Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

718 Students

8
out of 10

Tombaugh Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

585 Students

8
out of 10

White Sands Elementary

Public

Grades PK-8

275 Students

8
out of 10

Desert Hills Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

559 Students

7
out of 10

Jornada Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

490 Students

7
out of 10

White Sands Elementary

Public

Grades PK-8

275 Students

8
out of 10

Camino Real Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

965 Students

6
out of 10

Sierra Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

799 Students

5
out of 10

Picacho Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

727 Students

5
out of 10

Vista Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

602 Students

5
out of 10

Centennial High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,615 Students

7
out of 10

Onate High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,980 Students

5
out of 10

Las Cruces High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,787 Students

5
out of 10

Mayfield High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,421 Students

4
out of 10

Early College High School

Public

Grades 9-12

327 Students

Rating Unavailable

Top Apartments in Las Cruces

Houses for Rent in Las Cruces

Property Management Companies in Las Cruces, NM

Living in Las Cruces

Transportation

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Las Cruces operates the RoadRUNNER transit, a small but effective system and a great way to get around town. The fleet consists of fourteen 35 foot wheelchair accessible buses that run all around town for a dollar a ride. There are nine routes total, but it does not run on Sundays, so owning a car, even if you've invested in a bus pass, isn't a bad idea. Once you get to the Eastside or Main Street, Las Cruces can be surprisingly walkable, but getting there can be a pain if you don't have a set of wheels, due to the spread-out nature of Las Cruces. Some people bicycle from neighborhood to neighborhood, but spreading over more than 70 square miles, that can be a bit impractical if you need to make a longer trip.

Shopping

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Las Cruces is a part of the whole Route 66 culture that runs through New Mexico, so when you browse the Eastside, which is quickly becoming the commercial center for the city, expect to see a lot of fun, kitschy, touristy shops and diners where you can find memorabilia to that effect. The real attraction, when it comes to shopping in Las Cruces, is the Downtown Mall. This can be found on Main Street, where you'll see locals selling handmade art and crafts from serapes to ceramics, as well as Native American, Mexican and Southern style cooking.

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