Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $55,176 in Las Cruces. You can expect to pay around $946 for rent here. The median home value here is around $217,400, which is actually reasonable. It's a a mid-size city city with about 113K people. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Good schools
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Boring for young people
- Not enough green space
Should I be concerned? TIA! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
60 upvotes
16 Replies
Andrew O.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Adam Evans
glad someone said it
36 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Naomi Campbell
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
desert_ian68
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Avery Walker
hard disagree but ok
23 upvotes
Zoe J.
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
21 upvotes
Kai T.
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Maya Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Paisley M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 8 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are improving. 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 high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Oliver Smith
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Paisley M.
this is the way
12 upvotes
Nolan M.
preach
10 upvotes
Jeremy C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Isabelle A.
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Adam
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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