Las Cruces is great...but not for everyone.
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11/5/2006
I think the person who mentioned that there is a great mix of chemistry between the two major cultures of the region (hispanic and white). Las Cruces is a real place with real people. And contrary to another post, there is only an very small population that speaks only spanish. Most hispanics speak english or are bilangual. If you want a clean, cosmetically bleached place to do some corprate shopping, move to pheniox, where there is brand new stucco and a chain grocery store or mini mall on every corner. However, I wouldnt say Cruces is not developing, just not doing so terribly fast. I went all the way through the public school system, and just recently have been accepted to a Phd program in chemistry. I thought I obtained a well rounded education. The schools could be improved, but it seems money in this country is going elsewhere right now. But, if your kids hold above a 3.0 gpa in a NM high school they can go to a state university without paying tuition (lottery scholarship). I am coming out of an undergraduate degree with under $5000 in student loans, which is not bad. It is true that people do not make a lot of money in Cruces, but it is also cheap. A dinner for two can be under $25 with drinks. And the New-Mexican food is the best in the world. The summers are hot, but the fall and winter are beautiful, with sunshine and 60-75 degrees in the daytime. But if you are used to homogenetic white people working in big business, living in pretty houses, and driving through town without a glimpse of the lower class dont move to cruces. Instead consider my forementioned city of pheniox, where you can commute and shop till you die.
Matt | Mesilla, NM