Retiring out west? These cities make the dream more affordable than you'd think...
The
above article ranks Las Cruces as the number one place to retire in the southwest. Here is the blurb from the article:
“1.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las
Cruces has sunshine for more than 300 days per year, along with warm
weather that makes it easy to get out and about. It has several
parks, museums, and other attractions to keep retirees busy. The city
also offers recreational programs for people who are 50 years or
older, which makes it easier to meet new people and get acquainted
with the city.
Houses are also relatively affordable, with
the median price at $350,625, according to Realtor.com. The median
rent is $1,700 per month, which is enough for most Social
Security
payments
to cover.
Las
Cruces is located less than one hour away from the El Paso
International Airport. It's also near the Rio Grande River.”
Starting
April 1st, I’m stepping into a new role—the Unofficial
Ambassador of Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico. I’m
giving myself this title because it’s time for me to actually
support the place I’ve called home for the last four years. I
haven’t always been kind to Las Cruces or the region. I’ve
dragged this city more than once, even while running a blog about it
from 2021 through late 2024. But now I want to shift my energy. I
want to pay attention, uplift what’s working, and track ratings and
rankings like the one above.
Las
Cruces has been named one of the top retirement communities in the
country, and honestly, that label has always made me cringe. It boxes
the city into a narrative that keeps younger age groups away. It also
discourages industries from planting roots here. Let’s be
real—older populations don’t need entertainment like kids and young
adults. They don’t need tech companies bringing in jobs. Also, they don’t
need a top-tier education or a major luxury retail development. And when a city
leans too hard into its retirement identity, opportunities shrink.
So here I am, trying to figure out how to shift my mindset about Las Cruces. I don’t have the answer yet. Maybe I just need a nap before I take on this ambassador role.
MY journey….
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