$192,697Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
A blend of old and new at Las Cruces’ original town site
Founded in 1849 as Las Cruces’ original town site, the Mesquite Historic District offers some of the city’s oldest housing, within walking distance of the downtown commercial district. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its turn of the 20th century adobe homes and businesses on Mesquite Street, which covers the original El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, an early trade route between Mexico City and Santa Fe. “The district is really old, so you have an appreciation for the history and the architecture,” says Ronald Leone, an associate broker with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Steinborn & Associates who’s lived in the area since 2001. “What I like about it is every home is different.” The over 160-year-old St. Joseph’s Cemetery is in the neighborhood’s center, next to St. Genevieve Catholic Church. A few blocks west, new restaurants and the Plaza de Las Cruces line Main Street downtown.
Mesquite Historic District blends old charm and new life near downtown Las Cruces.
Mesquite Historic District has early 1900s Territorial-style homes.
1/2
Adobe-walled homes from the early 1900s
Turn of the 20th century New Mexican architecture is on full display here, including Territorial-style adobe homes with flat roofs. Midcentury ranch-style houses, common in the neighborhood’s east, mimic the adobe aesthetic with earth-toned stucco exteriors. Houses sit close to the sidewalk-lined streets with small yards hidden behind low adobe or stone walls, and many have a one-car driveway. Prices typically range from around $130,000 to $260,000, depending on renovations.
Leone warns that adobe houses can require costly maintenance. “It’s not like if you need a new window, let’s go to Home Depot,” he says, “but once you get into one and maintain it, it’s great. With an adobe home, generally, it’ll maintain heat better in winter and stay cooler in the summer.” Multi-family houses built between the 1960s and ‘90s can have up to seven units and range from $230,000 to $700,000, depending on size.
Homes in Mesquite Historic District show off adobe style.
Early 1900s homes define Mesquite Historic’s character.
1/2
Gathering at the Plaza de Las Cruces
The 2-acre Klein Park, the neighborhood’s only park, is known for its playground and green space. Downtown, the Plaza de Las Cruces is an urban gathering space that hosts events and has a splash pad for kids to cool off on hot days. At the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science, residents can learn about the Mesilla Valley’s flora and fauna and see prehistoric footprints up close. The Las Cruces Museum of Art is next door, showcasing contemporary artists and offering art classes. For an evening’s entertainment, locals head to the Rio Grande Theatre, built in 1926. “It’s iconic,” says Eileen Hernandez, an associate broker with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Steinborn & Associates who’s sold homes here for 28 years. “I used to watch movies there when I was a kid, and now they bring in live entertainment and concerts.”
New Mexican cuisine at La Nueva Casita Café
Mesquite Street is home to the neighborhood’s art galleries and longstanding restaurants, like La Nueva Casita Café, which has been serving New Mexican comfort food since 1957. Nopalito Restaurant’s take on New Mexican cuisine has been a staple here since 1964. Downtown Las Cruces on Main Street, just a couple blocks away, has newer restaurants, like RAD Retrocade, which serves classic bar food and has pinball machines and arcade games. Locally owned stores like Organ Mountain Outfitters and Zia Comics also line the walkable thoroughfare. On Saturday mornings, the Farmers and Crafts Market fills the downtown area with over 200 vendors. “They block off the whole street, put up food and crafts stands, and have live music,” Hernandez says. “It’s good for a family outing.” A smaller version of the market takes place on Wednesdays. National retailers like Walmart and grocery stores like Albertsons are nearby on Lohman Avenue.
La Nueva Casita Cafe is where tradition tastes like comfort in Mesquite Historic
District.
The Bean on Mesquite serves coffee, pastries, & charm in Las Cruces's historic heart.
1/2
¡Mira! Las Cruces at the Plaza de Las Cruces
The Plaza de Las Cruces downtown hosts some of the city’s most popular events. Each April, ¡Mira! Las Cruces draws crowds to Main Street for a day of live music, a car show and a chalk art contest. On New Year’s Eve, the Las Cruces Chile Drop rings in the new year with the lowering of a 19-foot chile pepper.
Las Cruces High’s longstanding football rivalry
Local kids can start school at Booker T. Washington Elementary, which earns a C from Niche, and then attend the B-rated Sierra Middle. At the B-rated Las Cruces High, students can join over 15 sports teams, including the Bulldawgs football team, whose over 60-year rivalry with Mayfield High draws big crowds to the annual matchup. The nearby Las Cruces Catholic School earns an A-minus and serves pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.
Along Lohman Avenue
Interstate 25 is about 3 miles east via East Lohman Avenue, leading roughly 45 miles to El Paso. The Roadrunner bus stops on Lohman. Local streets are lined with sidewalks, and downtown Las Cruces is less than a mile away. Three Crosses Regional Hospital is about 2 miles north. Las Cruces International Airport, a general aviation airport with commercial flights to Albuquerque, is 10 miles away, and the larger El Paso International Airport is a 53-mile trip.
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
Mesquite Historic District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mesquite Historic District, Las Cruces sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Mesquite Historic District, Las Cruces over the last 12 months is $226,000, up 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Full of charm and potential, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is nestled on a corner lot in the Mesquite Historic District. Featuring refrigerated air, a fenced yard, and a comfortable layout, it's easy to imagine the possibilities. A perfect blend of historic character and the personal touches you bring to make it truly yours. Conveniently located near schools, restaurants, and everyday conveniences,
Cleared and ready for your vision, this vacant lot is located in the Mesquite Historical District of Las Cruces. Zoned R-2, the property offers versatile options for development. Nestled in the heart of one of the city's most charming and historic neighborhoods, you'll be just minutes from downtown shops, dining, and cultural attractions. With utilities nearby and the lot already cleared, this
Great Investment Opportunity! Centrally located, Close to Schools, Restaurants, Minutes from downtown functions, and shopping. A great blank canvas on the inside for your renovation visions to come alive.
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.
