Mesquite offers country living south of Las Cruces
Located 16 miles south of Las Cruces, Mesquite is a rural community surrounded by pecan orchards and dairy farms. “It’s a peaceful farm area that’s very desirable,” says Steve Montanez, who’s sold homes in the area for 12 years and is the president and CEO of New Mexico Properties. “It's not too far from Las Cruces, for people who don’t mind commuting.” The homes here can come with up to 2 acres of land, and many have views of the Organ Mountains. There are a few shopping and dining options nearby, but Montanez says the drive to more commercial Las Cruces is only 15 minutes.
Ranch-style and manufactured homes on up to 2 acres
The area’s ranch-style and manufactured homes were mostly built between the 1940s and 1990s, and sit far apart along dirt roads, separated by low stone walls and chain-link fences; some homes have views of the Organ Mountains to the east. Home sizes range from around 1,400 to 2,100 square feet, and lots range from a half-acre to 2 acres; many properties have horse pastures, livestock pens and outbuildings that serve as workshops or garages. The area’s small size and overall desirability mean buying a home here can be competitive. “There’s hardly ever anything for sale here,” Montanez says. “When it does list, it sells very quickly.” Prices typically range from $195,000 to $285,000, depending on size and acreage.
Skateboarding at Mesquite Skate Park
While there aren’t many parks in the area, Mesquite Skate Park has a place for kids to work on their skateboarding tricks, plus around an acre of green space to cool off in the shade or burn off some energy on the playground and basketball court. The open desert east of Interstate 10 lends a feeling of open space and has views of the Organ Mountains and the rounded peak of Bishop Cap. The 30-mile Sierra Vista Trail runs parallel to the Organ Mountains and is popular for mountain biking. Hikers here can explore the 5-mile Bishop Cap Trail and the over 2-mile Pena Blanca Trail.
Fresh pastries at Jireh Bakery
Route 478 is home to the area’s restaurants, including Jireh Bakery, which makes fresh Mexican-style breads and pastries daily, and serves Mexican comfort food like tacos and tortas. The neighborhood has a Dollar General and Mesquite Mercantile for essentials, and to the east, Landmark Mercantile carries livestock feed and supplies. Walmart and Albertsons are a 10-mile drive north, and the stores and restaurants of downtown Las Cruces are 16 miles away.
Navy JROTC at Gadsden High
Local kids can start school at Mesquite Elementary, located within the neighborhood, and then attend Gadsden Middle; both earn a B-plus from Niche. Gadsden Middle and the B-rated Gadsden High are a 14-mile drive south. The high school's Navy JROTC program has been recognized as a Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors, and students in the program can join the drill team and compete in marksmanship competitions.
Just west of Interstate 10
Interstate 10 is just east of the neighborhood, leading 16 miles north to Las Cruces and about 34 miles south to El Paso. State Routes 478 and 228 are the main roads through the area. Without bike lanes or sidewalks, most residents rely on their cars to get around; however, on Mondays through Fridays, residents can catch the South Central Regional Transit bus, which stops on Route 228 and travels to both Las Cruces and Anthony. Memorial Medical Center is the closest hospital, 12 miles north. Las Cruces International Airport, a general aviation airport that has commercial flights to Albuquerque, is 19 miles northwest, and El Paso International Airport is a 41-mile trip.
Rodeos at Landmark Arena
The Landmark Arena, which is part of Landmark Mercantile, hosts rodeos and team roping competitions every Saturday. Local rodeo and equestrian clubs organize the competitions, and national organizations like the United States Team Roping Championships occasionally host events. On Wednesdays, ranchers gather at the arena for weekly livestock auctions.
