10 Fun Facts About Las Cruces, NM

  1. Las Cruces is the second-largest city in New Mexico and the seat of Dona Ana County 

  1. The approximate elevation of Las Cruces is 3,908 feet above sea level. 

  1. Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the Mesilla Valley, the agricultural region on the floodplain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch to the west side of El Paso, Texas. 

  1. The city has a total area of 76.6square miles, of which 76.5 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles, or 0.18%, is water. 

  1. The estimated population of Las Cruces is 102,102 as of 2019 

  1. White Sands unique dune environment is preserved in New Mexico. The gypsum dunes are home to a rare ecosystem of plants and wildfire, many of which only exist here in the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert. 

  1. Las Cruces operates 87 city parks, 18 tennis courts, and four golf courses. 

  1. Las Cruces is headquarters to the world’s first company to offer sub-orbital spaceflights, Virgin Galactic. 

  1. Las Cruces has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International: Ciudad Lerdo, Durango, Mexico & Nienburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. 

  1. The settlement of Las Cruces was found in 1849 when the US Army first surveyed the town, thus opening the area for American settlement. 

 

Regional Information-Las Cruces, NM

Mesilla, NM 

Mesilla — where rich history and culture meet small-town charm. Art galleries, shopping and award-winning restaurants are ready to greet you for an afternoon or entire weekend. Mesillaʼs roots are traced back to the mid 1800s, with its earliest settlers populating the town after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Today, many of Mesillaʼs residents are direct descendants of its early settlers and are proud to welcome visitors to their town where tradition is alive and well. 

 

Cloudcroft, NM 

We are proud of our 110 year old, unique mountain community which combines the amenities of modern life with our heritage as a pioneer village. Cloudcroft, NM is the travel destination of thousands of visitors each year. In the summer, it is a wonderful place to get away from the heat and enjoy the delightful pleasures of the mountains. In the winter, you can explore the vast wonderland of cross-country skiing, snow mobiling, and ice skating. 

 

Alamogordo, NM 

Whether you are a lover of the great outdoors, art enthusiast or science fanatic, you will find one adventure after another in Alamogordo. Situated in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains & Lincoln National Forest, Alamogordo is home to the otherworldly White Sands National Park, Alameda Park Zoo, top-flight year-round golf at Desert Lakes, the historic Toy Train Depot & NM Museum of Space History, a giant pistachio, wineries & a new brewery. There is truly something for everyone! 

 

Ruidoso, NM 

Ruidoso, New Mexico is high in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. Towering above the Village of Ruidoso is Sierra Blanca at 11,981 feet above sea level and the New Mexico ski resort, Ski Apache. Ruidoso NM brings you year-round entertainment and relaxation. 

 

Truth or Consequences, NM 

Once known as Hot Springs, Truth or Consequences New Mexico is a small resort town with a year-round population of slightly more than 6,000. 



Click HERE to get information on additional cities near Las Cruces, NM.  

New Resident Checklist​​​​​​​

Before your first day……. 

  • Obtain a Driver's License after establishing NM residency. 

  • Register out of state vehicle within 20 days becoming a resident. 

  • Set up utilities and move in. Contact Las Cruces utilities HERE. 

  • Notify Service Providers of change of address (e.g. credit card companies, auto insurance carrier, etc.) 


Check out your customized guide for moving from one state to another HERE.  


Home Buyers

  • Consult with mortgage lender. 

  • Las Cruces Tour with Cartus. 

  • Click HERE to see a list of Realtors & Real Estate Agents in your area. 



Renters

  • Determine community of choice. 

  • Rental Tour with Cartus. 

  • Click HERE to see a list of rentals in your area. 

 

NM Vehicle Title & Registration Requirement

For more information visit https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/
 
Car Registration Checklist

"I'm bringing my car to New Mexico; do I have to register it?" 

The answer is "Yes". Nonresident vehicle owners/recent arrivals are required to register their vehicles when they become permanent residents. 

 

Documents to Bring to the MVD Field Office to Register a New Vehicle 

  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – The original MCO, not a copy.  

  • Purchase Agreement or Dealer’s Invoice – Must be the original or a certified copy. 

 
 

Odometer Statement – One of the following: 

  • Odometer mileage statement on the back of the MCO  

  • Odometer Mileage Statement | MVD Form 10187 | Download PDF  

  • Application for Title and Registration | MVD Form 10002 | Download PDF 


Proof of Insurance – In New Mexico, drivers must operate their motor vehicles with a minimum of liability auto insurance. Minimum auto liability insurance amounts required in New Mexico are: 
  • Bring any of the following forms of proof of insurance to MVD when registering your vehicle: 
    • Current auto insurance card  
    • Copy of your current auto insurance policy  
    • A letter from your auto insurance company (on company letterhead) that verifies your auto insurance coverage.  
    • (2) Proofs of New Mexico Residency  
    • Proof of Identity  
    • Proof of Identity – No SSN 
  • Fees for Registering a Vehicle 
    • Visit www.mvd.newmexico.gov to find out the registration fees. 
 

 

"Do I have to get a smog check?" 

The answer is "No". New Mexico doesn't require a smog check for vehicles registered within the state. The state, however, has a mandatory requirement of a biennial vehicle emission inspection only for Bernalillo county in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
 

Motor Vehicle Divisions Location in Las Cruces, New Mexico 

 


 

Hospitals

Las Cruces' hospitals serve the community. When researching areas to live, looking into the different hospitals nearby is something to consider. It’s always reassuring that medical help is in close proximity in times of need. Below is a link to hospitals in New Mexico that provides top medical care to the surrounding communities. 

Click the link below to find out more about the nearby hospitals in your area. 

Local Hospitals

 

The 411 (Emergency Services)

Police / Fire / Medic

  • Emergencies: 911  

  • Non-Emergencies – (575) 647-7900  

  • Sheriffs Dept.- (575) 525-1911   

  • Fire Dept. – (575) 528-3473 
     

New Mexico Roadside Service

 

Traffic Reports


Poison Center


Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico Government 

 

 Las Cruces Airport 

 

El Paso Airport 

 

Change of Address 

 

Public Libraries 

Public School in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Las Cruces Public Schools provides an equitable student-centered learning environment that cultivates civic engagement, promotes excellence, and celebrates diversity. Our expectation is that our schools are diverse, equitable, and provide opportunities for the development of critical thinking and democratic ideals. The links below are provided as a resource by the Las Cruces Public Schools. 


 

Elementary School  

 

Middle Schools 

 

High Schools 

 

Online Schools 

Private Schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico

A comprehensive look at private schools and why they might be right for your child. Explore the history of private school education, weigh the pros and cons of public vs. private school, and get valuable advice on making the best choice for your child. Learn more about the various types of private schools from military to progressive and review directories from a variety of resources including private school associations and offline publications. There are currently 8 private schools serving 1,040 students in Las Cruces, NM. Learn more about private schools, find schools, get admissions tips and financial aid help by clicking on the school of interest. 

 

Las Cruces, NM Private Schools 

 

Click HERE for more information on Las Cruces private schools. 

Parent’s Guide To Immunizations

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Immunization & NMSIIS Help Desk 1-833-882-6454

Visit New Mexico Health to get more information regarding immunizations. 

Places of Worship in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Christian Churches 

Las Cruces- Churches and Places of Worship
 

Catholic Churches 

Catholic Churches in Las Cruces 
 

Islamic Center 

Southern New Mexico Islamic Center 
 

Buddhist Center 

Buddhist Center
 

Hindu Temples 

Hindu Temple Society of New Mexico

 

To find more places of worship in the Las Cruces, NM area, visit HERE. 

Recreation- Things To Do​​​​​​​

Shopping 

Las Cruces offers visitors a wide variety of shopping opportunities from traditional shopping malls to quaint historic village shops. 

 

  • Historic Old Mesilla Plaza  

  • Over 40 shops featuring traditional and contemporary arts and crafts from the southwest, Mexico and Central America.  

  • Located off Avenida de Mesilla  

  • Mesilla Valley Mall  

  • The largest shopping mall in southern New Mexico offering a selection of stores including JC Penney, Sears, Dillard’s and Barnes & Noble Bookstore.  

  • 700 S. Telshor Blvd  

  • Arroyo Plaza  

  • Outdoor strip mall with over 35 retail and specialty shops.  

  • 2000 E. Lohman Ave  

  • Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market  

  • Local merchants selling fresh fruits and vegetables, southwestern arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, photography and more. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning on the downtown mall.  

  • Main St. in downtown Las Cruces  

  • The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso  

  • The 385,000-square-foot open-air outlet center offers 85 stores with popular brands such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Coach and Tommy. 7051 S. Desert Blvd., Canutillo, TX.  

  • Located by the Transmountain Loop off Interstate 10 East. 

For more information on local shopping options, click HERE. 

 

Hiking 

Looking for the best hiking trails in Las Cruces? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 45 scenic trails in the Las Cruces area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 10 easy hiking trails in Las Cruces or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Las Cruces that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level. 

 
For more information on Hiking Trails, click HERE. 

 

Elementary School
Savor diverse flavors at unique Las Cruces restaurants and sample wine in an unexpected desert oasis. Admire a wildlife park, hike through a canyon, and explore big-city museums. Las Cruces has the perfect adventure for every traveler. So start planning your escape to Southern New Mexico today! 

 

For more restaurant and dining options, click HERE 

Transportation- Las Cruces, NM

The City of Las Cruces provides public transportation through RoadRUNNER Transit. RoadRUNNER Transit operates 8 bus routes throughout the city, with service to major shopping areas, employment centers, healthcare facilities, and recreation destinations. For more information about RoadRUNNER Transit routes, tap on the links below to see details. 

 

Section Title: Roadrunner Transit 

Content: 

Section Title: Las Cruces Uber & Lyft 

Section Title: Virgin Galactic Shuttle to Spaceport 

  • Shuttles are aligned with technician schedules to and from Spaceport. 

  • Shuttle is free. 

  • Shuttle is only for teammates. 

  • All NM teammates receive a survey weekly and sign up for the shuttle online. 

 

For more information on Las Cruces Transportation, click HERE. 

 

Las Cruces, NM Ambassador​​​​​​​

Looking to connect with one of our Virgin Galactic teammates for more information on Las Cruces? Liz Vega has volunteered to be our Las Cruces Ambassador! Liz Vega is the Employee Engagement Communication Specialist. Liz has lived in Las Cruces for sixteen years and previous to Virgin Galactic, worked for Visit Las Cruces for six years so she can share plenty of highlights to living in southern New Mexico. She is involved with many local organizations including sitting on the board of the Las Cruces Space Festival. Liz is excited to connect you with any areas of interest including outdoor recreation, regional history, and, of course, plenty of restaurant recommendations. 

 

Liz Vega 

Elizabeth.vega@virgingalactic.com 

Work: 575-277-2242