New Mexico folks, tell me about Santa Fe and Las Cruces

[12AMNSX]

I am looking into relocating and am considering moving to Las Curces or Santa Fe. I have been to Santa Fe several times and have a general idea about the area. I have never been to Las Cruces. I understand that there will be a lot of differences between the cities. My plan is to drive to Las Cruces in about a week and then go north to Santa Fe.

I am interested in any feedback regarding the two cities, good or bad. Thanks in advance.

 

[12AMNSX]

No one cares to comment?

 

[Viper Driver]

Sorry, not too many of us New Mexico folks on here, and there's only one I know of that's from either of the two towns you're asking about.

Las Cruces:
A growing city with decent local amenities. It gets hotter than heck in the summer, but the fall/spring makes up for it with some gorgeous weather. Not much (if any) snow in the winter. You've got the Organ mountains and White Sands National Monument, which provides some hiking and outdoorsy stuff. The closest lake is Elephant Butte, about an hour's drive north on I-25. It's okay, but it's crowded in the summer time. The closest skiing is either Cloudcroft or Ruidoso, 1-1 1/2 hours to the northeast. El Paso is only an hour's drive away to the south if you're looking for the "big city". If you're looking for a race course, there is one about an hour west in Deming that's supposed to be pretty nice.

As far as the town/city itself goes, there's a major college in Las Cruces (New Mexico State University.) There is a decent-sized mall and there are some pretty nice neighborhoods.

Santa Fe:
A lot nicer than Las Cruces, but it has it's down sides as well. It's expensive as heck to live there, as property values have shot through the roof as of late with all of California and Texas moving there. There's a bit of "snobbiness" with a lot of Santa Feans, but if you're of the tree-hugging artsy type, you'll fit right in. City codes forbid any building that's not done in a southwest style, so if adobe and stucco aren't your style, you'll be sick of it pretty quickly. It's a very nice city, though, and some of the houses are downright spectacular.

On the plus side, there's a reason why a lot of Hollywood celebs live there....it's gorgeous, laid-back, and the relatively small city has a lot to offer. It's in the mountains, and there are several ski areas within a two-hour drive. Great twisty roads to drive on, great mountains to hike and camp in, and the weather is awesome year-round. It can get cold in the winter time, but there isn't a lot of snow. Santa Fe is an artist's haven, with zillions of galleries all around the plaza square. Oh, did I mention that Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the USA? It was founded by the Spaniards many hundreds of years ago, and there is history all over the city. If you're looking for the "big city", you've got Albuquerque one hour to the south. NSX-wise, there's about five of us here in town who get together every once in a while. Also, New Mexico's only NSX Technician (Jack) is an hour away in Albuquerque at Montano Acura. Albuquerque has a road course (Sandia Motorsports Park) that is okay.

So, which one would I pick? If money were no object, I'd pick Santa Fe. I can't really think of anything that makes Las Cruces better than Santa Fe, but I don't really know specifically what you are looking for.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Are you bringing your NSX through town? Maybe we can meet up when you pass through Albuquerque. :smile:

Chuck

 

[12AMNSX]

Thanks for the info Chuck!

I will be driving to Las Cruces this Monday and will be on my way up to Santa Fe on Thursday. Maybe we can meet up on Thursday afternoon. Sorry, I'll be driving my truck, not the NSX. I surely don't want to run off the road in a hail storm! Actually, I believe that we met at NSXPO here in Phoenix last year.

Although I do like Santa Fe, I am concerned that I can't afford a house I will be happy with while living there. On the other hand, Las Cruces is very affordable, but I don't know if the town and culture will be a match. I'll have a better idea after next week's trip.

Terry

 

[nsxtasy]

A couple of years ago, I visited Santa Fe for a few days. I don't claim to know as much as any locals, but I can tell you a couple more things.

One, for NSX service, there's no Acura dealer in town but a web search finds two independent shops specializing in Honda and Acura service:

H & A Automotive Honda & Acura
1501 6th St
Santa Fe, 87505
(505) 986-0292

Santa Fe Exclusive Honda & Acura Repair
2850 Rufina St
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 474-6516

I went to H&A while I was there (we needed an oil change on our Integra) and chatted with the owner. They've done some NSX service. I was comfortable enough that I would trust them with routine services on an NSX, such as oil changes, brake work, 30K/60K/etc services (fluid/filter changes, valve adjustment), etc. I would probably consider going into Albuquerque for major services (clutch replacements, timing belt replacements) and problem troubleshooting and resolution.

Santa Fe also has lots of culture and a very impressive assortment of restaurants, including New Mexico's only four-star-rated restaurant, Geronimo, which is outstanding and I highly recommend it.

Las Cruces:
A growing city with decent local amenities. It gets hotter than heck in the summer, but the fall/spring makes up for it with some gorgeous weather. Not much (if any) snow in the winter.
.
.
.
Santa Fe:...It can get cold in the winter time, but there isn't a lot of snow.

The climate statistics say that that last statement isn't true:

Average annual snowfall in inches:
Santa Fe - 26
Las Cruces - 4

Normal high/low temperature in degrees F:
Santa Fe - January 40/19, July 82/57
Las Cruces - January 61/30, July 97/67

By way of comparison, 26 inches is about the same annual snowfall as New York City gets.

 

[psbnsx]

Hi, 12AMNSX

I have a house in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe because I work in both cities. Perhaps when you are here I could join you and Chuck and talk about life around here. Let me know if you're interested.

Philippe

 

[12AMNSX]

Philippe. I'd be happy to meet up with you and Chuck. I'll PM you both to see if we can arrange somthing.

 

[BLACKnFAST]

Hello 12AMNSX sorry for the late response. MY other two nsx friends are
right on target. Cruces is more affordable than Santa Fe have you thought
about Rio Ranch or the west side af ALB we all live in this area and would love
to have another NSX friend.
I live in norther Rio Ranch and it is only about 35 min to Santa Fe and only
2 hours to Cruces. hope you find the right new place.

 

[12AMNSX]

Philippe, Chuck and "Fence",

Thank you all for your valuable input and a special thank you to Chuck and Philippe for taking the time to meet with me for lunch on Thursday. I hope the car show didn't get rained out. Don, sorry to have missed you.

Here are my observations and conclusions:

Las Cruces

Positives
Low cost of living including housing.
The people are friendly.
The weather is great.

Negatives
I didn't feel a sense of culture that matches what I am looking for.
The older part of town including "down town" (if you could call it that) is pretty run down.
The area on the east side where all the new construction is going on looks like any other suburban sprawl.
For being a college town I didn't get any sense of that part of the community.

Basically Las Cruces would be a nice place to exist, but not live. The housing is cheap and the weather is good, but I didn't get a sense of a vibrant town with lots of character. Not the place for me.

Santa Fe

Positives
Incredible culture and character.
Great down town plaza with an over abundance of art galleries and good restaurants.
Nice weather, but not as good as Las Cruces.
People are friendly and share my lifestyle.

Negatives
Cost of living including outrageous housing cost.
For some reason everyone drives a Subaru.

Well, my opinion was somewhat tainted because I have been to Santa Fe several times and like it a lot whereas I have never been to Las Cruces. Don, Chuck and Philippe, you will be getting a new neighbor, of sorts. The choice is clear and I'm moving to Santa Fe! In fact, I put down a deposit on a new home when I was there which will be done next Spring. I'll let you guys know when I'll be moving.

Terry

 

[Viper Driver]

Awesome! Glad to be of help (which admittedly, probably wasn't much). Let me know if you need anything between now and when you get up here.

Chuck

 

[01blacks4]

what are you doing with your Fountain Hills house?

i would like to move there

 

[12AMNSX]

what are you doing with your Fountain Hills house?

i would like to move there

Great! You've got mail.

 

[psbnsx]

Terry,

Welcome to the neighborhood. I look forward to seeing you again when you arrive. If you need anything, just let us know!

Philippe