AboutSteve Young Expertise I can answer most any travel question relating to New Mexico. I have lived all over New Mexico and I am quite familiar with the "nooks and crannies" and places that are off the beaten track.
Experience I love to travel and explore. I spend a lot of my spare time exploring different areas.
Education/Credentials I am a graduate of the University of New Mexico. My degree is in Environmental Biology. I have studied riparian river systems throughout New Mexico and concentrated on the area around Taos.
Expert: Steve Young Date: 11/30/2007 Subject: family relocate to Las Cruces
Question I am thinking of relocating to Las Cruces to attend NMSU, and start a second career. My wife and I have looked at quite a few areas here in California; however the cost of living is so high in the university towns that I cannot imagine how we would make ends meet while I was in school - plus we both like smaller cities (less than 100,000). A former military buddy suggested southern NM (low cost of living, good university, family friendly). Unfortunately, I have received conflicting information regarding Las Cruces and New Mexico in general. Some sites say crime is rampant in Las Cruces, and that the locals are not friendly. Others have said that Las Cruces is a great place for young families. I have already visited southern NM, but it is hard to get a feel for what it would be like to live in a place when only visiting there a week.
Any insight that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Thomas
Vitals:
38 y/o white male
Army Vet
8 year old son
Possible NMSU computer engineering major 2008
Answer Hello Thomas,
According to the latest Forbes study, Las Cruces ranks #8 in the U.S. on the list of best smaller metropolitan communities for business and careers. Here is the website for this report: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/1/07bestplaces_Best-Places-For-Business-And-Car...
You can cut and paste it into your browser address window. For some reason this site doesn't support links. One thing I did note was that Las Cruces was somewhat higher in one of the subcategories of crime rate. I have never lived in Las Cruces so the only information I have is based on my many visits to Las Cruces as well as that of several friends who live there. My impression and that of my friends is that Las Cruces is a very friendly community and one that is very conducive to raising a young family.
I'm also sure that the cost of living is much lower than most of California and there is certainly a lot to do in the Las Cruces area. As you know it is close to El Paso, Texas and that is also considered a positive to many people.
I hope this answer helps. I wish you good luck with your second career and I hope you find good health and happiness for you and your family whatever your ultimate destination turns out to be.
Take care,
Steve
