East Mesa has a rural Chihuahuan Desert setting on the edge of Las Cruces
The East Mesa community rests about 10 miles east of central Las Cruces, in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. Spacious lots provide room to keep horses and privacy for people who “like their neighbors but don’t want to look across the fence at them,” says Doug Jones, Realtor with Saenz & Smith Real Estate, who has spent most of his life in Las Cruces. Along the neighborhood’s red dirt roads, the bright yellows and reds of bird-of-paradise shrubs and snowy white yucca blossoms contrast with the silvery green desert brush. In the mornings, homeowners can watch the sun peeking through the craggy spires of the nearby Organ Mountains. Though homes are surrounded by desert scenery, residents remain within reach of city amenities.
The Organ Mountains are only minutes away from the neighborhood and offer a peaceful serene escape.
East Mesa contains native plants like agave, yucca, and desert willow trees.
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City parks and exploring the nearby mountains
Several city-run facilities are located at the edge of the highway, about 2 miles northwest of most homes. The East Mesa Recreation Center has a small playground and basketball court. At the Sage Café, adults over the age of 60 can get free weekday lunches or meet up for a game of dominoes. The building also houses the Sage Café Branch Library, part of the Las Cruces library system. During the summer months, people can cool off in the East Mesa Bataan Memorial Pool. Proximity to the Organ Mountains allows for a variety of outdoor recreation. Multiuse trails line the edge of Baylor Canyon Road, about 7 miles east. Some of the region’s most popular horseback riding trails include Soledad Canyon Loop, around 20 miles southeast, and Box Canyon Loop, which winds around Picacho Peak, about 20 miles west.
With cozy seating, the Sage Café library is perfect for studying, relaxing, or quiet reading.
The East Mesa Recreation Center is a lively spot where neighbors meet for sports and events.
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Large, rurally zoned lots provide space for horses and farms
Houses in East Mesa are relatively spread apart, and the median lot size is about 1.5 acres. There are a few manufactured homes from the 1980s and ‘90s. They don’t often come on the market, but in early 2025, one sold in the low $200,000s. The majority of residences are custom ranch-style houses built between 1980 and 2010, and recent sales have ranged from $300,000 to the low $800,000s. East Mesa’s zoning allows for farming and equestrian estates. “You can have one and a half horses per acre,” Jones says. Homeowners have access to city water and maintain their own septic systems.
East Mesa’s manufactured homes provide an affordable option for first-time buyers.
Historic ranch homes in East Mesa often showcase thick adobe walls and rustic charm.
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Schools for East Mesa kids
Children can attend Sonoma Elementary School, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Camino Real Middle School also receives a B-plus, and Organ Mountain High School gets a B-minus. The high school has a strong arts program, with a theater troupe that performs plays for the community and participates in state theater competitions.
Sonoma Elementary School serves over 1,000 students in grades Pre-K to 5th.
Organ Mountain High School fosters a supportive environment for diverse student talents.
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Car travel to Las Cruces and White Sands Missile Range
East Mesa residents depend on cars for travel. U.S. Route 70 brings drivers to Las Cruces, about 10 miles west, and White Sands Missile Range, which has an entrance about 20 miles east. Emergency care is available at Three Crosses Regional Hospital in Las Cruces.
Some restaurants, driving to Las Cruces for shopping and entertainment
There are a few businesses along U.S. Route 70, including Los Mariachis Restaurant, which serves green-chile-laden southern New Mexico cuisine. Chavira’s Market carries a full range of groceries, but many people drive into Las Cruces for the majority of their shopping. There’s a Walmart Supercenter about 6 miles west and Albertsons is closer to downtown.
Jones says Las Cruces also offers entertainment options, including basketball games and plays at New Mexico State University. In downtown Las Cruces, the Rio Grande Theatre hosts concerts and other performances.
Just a short drive from East Mesa, Los Mariachis is an easy choice for those craving delicious, hearty meals.
Big retail chains like Walmart are just a short drive from the neighborhood.
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Important to know
The Alameda Arroyo runs south of the neighborhood. It stays dry most of the year, but during the summer monsoon season, rainwater streams down the Organ Mountains and fills the arroyo. During heavy storms, the arroyo can overflow, causing damage to nearby properties.
GreatSchools:
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
317
Median Age
38
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,456
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,042
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
24.5%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
53.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
