Studio Apartment for Rent in Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces offers exceptional access to White Sands National Park's surreal gypsum dunes and the dramatic Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. The city's 320 annual days of sunshine create perfect conditions for exploring Dripping Springs Natural Area or hiking Tortugas Mountain for panoramic views. The Historic Mesilla Plaza showcases the region's rich cultural heritage through its shops, galleries, and the historic Basilica of San Albino. Local flavors shine at restaurants like The Shed, known for authentic New Mexican cuisine and chile sauces, while La Posta de Mesilla has served traditional dishes since 1939.

The Las Cruces housing market presents diverse options across its neighborhoods. The median sale price for homes is $313,500. Single family homes in upscale Picacho Hills have a median price of $599,900, while Sonoma Ranch offers them at $415,000. The Mesquite Historic District provides more affordable options with a median single family home price of $160,000. Condominiums start at a median price of $206,000 for one bedroom units and $213,500 for two bedrooms.

Las Cruces maintains a cost of living 9.7% below the national average. A family with school age children needs approximately $96,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require about $48,000. The combined sales tax rate is 7.63%, and the state income tax rate is 4.70% for a yearly salary of $48,144. Two private schools, Las Cruces Catholic School and Mesilla Valley Christian School, both rated A minus, serve multiple neighborhoods. New Mexico State University adds to the educational landscape. The city's combination of affordable living, outdoor recreation, and rich cultural attractions makes it particularly appealing to retirees and families seeking a southwestern lifestyle.