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La Mesa

La Mesa

$224,055 Average Value
$152 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

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.

Stahmanns Pecans offers standout surroundings

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.

Historic Chope’s Bar & Café

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.

Historic church is a local mainstay

The historic San Jose Catholic Church has been in La Mesa since the late 1800s, ran out of a Mission-Revival adobe building. The church is still operating today, holding bilingual Mass on Saturdays and Sundays.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Nate Myers
Photography Contributed By
Nate Myers
Joey Kaigler
Video By
Joey Kaigler

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Allen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

El Paso International

63 min drive

La Mesa Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$449,900
Median Sale Price
$415,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$415,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-70%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$152

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
141
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1959
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,732
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,958
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
35,719

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Allen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
588
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$38,050
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,593

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
75.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.2%
% Population in Labor Force
52.3%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

16 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
La Mesa