La Mesa is a small, self-sufficient colonia
Set in the southernmost end of Las Cruces near the U.S.-Mexico border, the Dona Ana County community of La Mesa has been a colonia, or unincorporated rural settlement, since the mid-1800s. Today, its population of just over 600 residents remain locally self-sufficient. "All the small shops and businesses here are run by local farmers, artisans, and cultivators,” says real estate agent Jessica Yu Ramos, El Paso resident of 25 years. “They pour their resources back into their neighbors, supporting each other through collaboration.” Set along New Mexico Highway 28, La Mesa is perhaps best known to commuters as home to Chope's Bar & Café, a family-owned restaurant that outdates the founding of New Mexico by about 5 years. Other small, locally owned businesses include The Little Shop on 28 and Eagle Grocery, giving residents quick shopping options without having to venture into town. Interstate 10 is about 5 miles southeast of La Mesa, leading east to El Paso, Texas and west to Las Cruces.
Humble homes with acreage
Residential streets here are laid out on a grid, partially paved and lined with gravel rather than sidewalks or greenery; most yards are surrounded by chain-link fences. Modest ranch-style homes, manufactured homes and cottages were largely built between the 1920s and ‘70s, while a few authentic Pueblo adobe homes date as far back as the 1870s, and were remodeled as recently as the late 1990s. Homes here have either two or three bedrooms, and lots range from about an acre to just over 2 acres; prices range from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on lot size. Multi-family rental units are scattered throughout the neighborhood, often blending in with the neighborhood's single-family homes.
Gadsden High encourages aspiring doctors and nurses
Local kids can start school at North Valley Elementary, which earns a B from Niche, and continue to Gadsden Middle, which earns a B-plus. Gadsden High earns a B, offering students the opportunity to train for careers in health care through there HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) program.
Recreation includes La Mesa Recreation Park and Stahmanns Pecans
Neighbors can get together for a friendly game of baseball or kickball at La Mesa Recreation Park, a simple open field with bleachers and a batting cage. Stahmanns Pecans, six miles north of La Mesa, stands out against the arid southern New Mexico desert with its acres of greenery; a family-owned orchard where residents can take scenic bike rides among the trees or simply snap a few photos. Folks often opt to travel Highway 28 into the surrounding areas just to drive through the orchards, rather than Interstate 10.
Where locals go for Mexican food and neighborhood finds
Along State Road 28, family-owned Chope's Bar & Café is a local landmark, renowned for their authentic homestyle Mexican dishes like chile con queso and enchiladas. The café portion has been in business since 1915, operating from a historic 19th-century adobe building that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places; James Beard nominee Chef Josefina Garcilazo runs the kitchen. Chope’s Bar sits in a separate, smaller building nearby, and serves as the local hangout spot. Nearby, Casa El Camino offers more of a modern, open atmosphere, serving Guadalajara-style Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and on weekends, mimosas. Within the neighborhood, local businesses include Eagle Grocery, The Little Shop On 28, a boutique that sells handmade local art and furniture.
Highway 28 and 478 lead to nearby cities
New Mexico Highway 28 leads 17 miles north to Las Cruces, merging with New Mexico Highway 478 and leading to Downtown El Paso in about 32 miles. Residents have the option to take Interstate 10, leading east to El Paso in about 34 miles. The closest hospital is MountainView Regional Medical Center, about 18 miles away. The El Paso International Airport is about 40 miles away.
