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Las Cruces and its surrounding
communities is the fastest growing and second largest city in New Mexico with
a population of approximately 100,000 friendly people. In the heart of the fertile Mesilla Valley, Las
Cruces is the county seat of Doña Ana County, and is surrounded by the
historic communities of La Mesilla, Doña Ana, and Hatch. With an altitude of
3,800 feet above sea level, the climate of the region is characterized by an
abundance of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 350 sunny days.
Las Cruces has all the convenience of a modern city, yet retains the charm of
it's historic past. The city just celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Las Cruces is one of America’s most
progressive and innovative communities. The city was recently ranked #1 small city on the Forbes/Milken
Institute list of "Best Places for Business and Careers" and #2 on
Money Magazine's "Best Places to Retire." Agriculture (chile,
cotton, and pecans), New Mexico State University and White Sands Missile Range
are key to the financial base of the area. Las Cruces is the home of the X-Prize space competition
and The Rocket Racing League. Just outside of Las Cruces is Spaceport America which is the new home of Virgin Galactic.
The Las Cruces Public Schools offer 22
elementary schools, seven middle schools, and four high schools. New Mexico
State University sits on a 900 acre campus and enrolls 15,409 students from
all 50 states and 87 nations, competing in NCAA Division -1A intercollegiate
athletics. The Las Cruces Symphony, The Dona Ana Lyric Opera, and the Mesilla
Valley Concert Band are just a few performing groups that call NMSU homebase.
Las Cruces was a historic crossroads of
the Butterfield Trail thru El Paso Del Norte, a major trail of commerce,
exploration and travel. Our colorful history includes personalities such as
Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid and Geronimo.
Celebrations reflecting our cultural
diversity occur throughout the year. Annual festivities include balloon
rallies, X-Prize Cup, wine and chile "wars", fairs and rodeos, a
Renaissance Craft Fair and the making of the world's largest enchilada.
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