We have two kids and Poverty rate is 17.1%, which is higher than I expected. You can expect to pay around $946 for rent here. Rent is about $946/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $55,176 in Las Cruces. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
39 upvotes
15 Replies
Benjamin White
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Korean places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
38 upvotes
Easton Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Asher R.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Avery G.
wish I knew this sooner
31 upvotes
Violet Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Harper
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Luna Cox
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
portlandguy2022
Moved here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to public transit but Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
anna_walker
yeah no that's not right
23 upvotes
Jose Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Gregory S.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Robert W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Isla Martin
I've lived in Uptown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Delilah R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..