Finding Your Heart’s Home
Laura S. Szalay, GRI
Dan Kubiak, GRI
Prestige Realty group
3780 Foothills Rd., Ste. C
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Laura Cell: 575-635-3773
Dan Cell: 575-635-9105
Office: 575-527-0880
Laura@LivingLasCruces.com
Dan@LivingLasCruces.com
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Good Cause….
A Contribution from Each of Closing Will be Donated to The
Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand.
Because Logging was Banned in Thailand, Mahouts took to the
Commercial Streets of Bangkok to Beg with the Elephants .
A Conservation that Began with Four Elephants is Now up to 31
and Relies Solely on Donor Contributions to Operate. To Feed
and Care for 31 Elephants, the Monthly Cost is Just Under
$14,000. Thank You for Working with Me
to Help a Greater Cause.
Visit www.HelpingElephants.org for More Information.
Because Logging was Banned in Thailand, Mahouts took to the
Commercial Streets of Bangkok to Beg with the Elephants .
A Conservation that Began with Four Elephants is Now up to 31
and Relies Solely on Donor Contributions to Operate. To Feed
and Care for 31 Elephants, the Monthly Cost is Just Under
$14,000. Thank You for Working with Me
to Help a Greater Cause.
Visit www.HelpingElephants.org for More Information.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces
www.LivingLasCruces.com
About Prestige Realty Group
Laura Szalay is our team’s Listing Specialist and was licensed in real estate in
1992. Laura worked for more than 14 background years as a Legal Assistant in
many facets of law. Her grandfather, Al Socolofsky, pioneered the first real estate
company in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1947. Laura was teamed for seven years
with her mother in real estate where they were consistently the top producers for
Dona Ana County and were voted 2005 Realtors of the Year by the Peoples’
Choice Awards.
Our team’s Buyer Specialist, Dan Kubiak, originally from Missouri has traveled
through Las Cruces to Colorado and back again to Las Cruces. With a longstanding
history in the restaurant industry, Dan owned Danny’s Corner Bistro until his
relocation to Las Cruces in 2009. Dan has been actively involved in the real
industry in Las Cruces since that time and focuses his time, energy and efforts
with purchasers. Dan spends extensive time researching the market’s current
housing inventory so that he easily can assist those in need of a home.
The advantage of a team for you is you have the benefit of two people and an
administrator working with you each step of the way through the entire process.
Additionally if we sell your home, Dan will negotiate on behalf of the Purchaser(s)
on the buy side while Laura will negotiate with you on the selling ensuring a
comfort level for you through the transactional process.
Reputation is the catalyst behind success and our goal is to provide our customers
and clients with unparalleled service and efficiency while matching the personal
needs of each individual’s heart and desires. Laura and Dan work very much
from the same platform. Laura’s real estate heritage has instilled a work ethic in
her from childhood which translates in her business today with uncompromising
standards of dedication, hard work, customer service and community
involvement.
Our relationship is based on a “team” concept where active communication,
listening and participation are involved between us in each component of your
selling experience.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Achievements & Recognition
June, 2010 – Awarded the “Best of the Best” award by Quality Service Certification. One of 250 with the “QSC”
Designation out of 25,000+ agents holding the same designation in Northern America
December, 2009 – Recipient of Shorts Sale and Foreclosure Resource Designation
June 2009 – Present Member of Rotary, Paul Harris Fellow- Community Relations Committee
January, 2009 – Present: Form Committee Member Las Cruces Association of Realtors
2009-2010)
(Chaired the Committee
January, 2009 – Present: Member, Education Committee, Las Cruces Association of Realtors
October, 2008 - Present Member of the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Social & Events
Committee, Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
January, 2008 – Received the Platinum Award Quality Service Certification for Receiving 100% Scoring on Customer
Satisfaction Surveys
April, 2007 – May, 2008 Member of the Community Relations Committee – Pikes Peak Association of Realtors
2006 – October, 2008 Member of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
February, 2007 – Received the Quality Service Certification Designation
February, 2007 – Obtained the RE/MAX Luxury Homes Professional Designation
2005 Voted Realtors of the Year – Team Szalay, Las Cruces, New Mexico with 99 Closed Transactions
2005 to Present – Member of the Certified Council of Residential Specialists
2004 Member of the Las Cruces Association of Realtors Community Relations Committee
2004 Featured as a Top Young Professional in Ventanas Magazine
2003 Photo Gallery of Images from Laura’s Travels to Guatemala published in Hola Magazine Center Spread, Las
Cruces, New Mexico
2003 Recipient of the Paul Harris Award – Rotary International
2003-2004 Member Executive Forum Memorial Medical Center, Fundraising Benefit
for Uninsured Pregnant Mothers to Foster Healthcare in their Prenatal Needs
1996 Graduate New Mexico State University – Degree in Broadcast Journalism,
Minors in Spanish and Business
1994 Graduate Leadership Las Cruces – Chamber of Commerce
14 Years as a Legal Assistant in Many Facets of Law
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Testimonials
“You represent the caliber of professionalism that RE/MAX wishes to portray and is know for in
the marketplace. We are proud to have such a dedicated and accomplished professional within
the RE/MAX family.” Vinney Tracey, RE/MAX International, Inc.
“She is knowledgeable of the current market, has her client’s best interest as a priority and is
an excellent communicator. In a market that is supposedly slow, Laura had a contract on my
property within 3 weeks.” – Dean Skaret, Nov. 2007
“Neil and I prayed God would show us the right agent for the job and He chose you. What a
blessing!...You are by far, the best Realtor we’ve had the opportunity to work with.” Amy and Neil,
July, 2007
“Laura Szalay is more than a Realtor, she is a friend. She gets to know your likes and dislikes to
help you see the properties that will fit your needs. She is very professional and knows real
estate. The bottom line is that things just go right when Laura is your Realtor! “– K. Conklin,
June, 2007
“As you well know, selling my home of 15 years, the one I shared with Frank (before he passed)
was a very difficult thing for me to do. Your understanding and friendship saw me through one of
the most traumatic times of my life. I could not have done this without YOU. You are, bar none,
the best Realtor I have ever worked with.” S. McAllister, May, 2007
“ The entire process couldn ’ t have been made easier, for us at least, due to your
conscientiousness and knowledge. In fact, you were more than Realtor to us, you became our
relocation counselor…and of course, the welcoming twelve pack of Pepsi in the refrigerator –
very thoughtful…We would never let anyone we know use another Realtor.” Bob and Martha
“Again, it wasn’t a move across town, it was a major trust issue when we were making plans on
the other side of the Atlantic. Laura is a business woman with understanding of what people are
looking for an need. She serves her clients with respect and honesty.” Jean and Vladymar
“You made the process of selling the property, my home, easier than I ever imagined it could be.
I put a lot of myself into my home, so it was important to me that the process of selling it was
well done.” Nancy
“You went beyond the call of duty to make things work in a difficult sometimes contentious
negotiation.” Joe and Sara
“They told us you were great and you lived up to their recommendations. We have bought and
sold many properties in Hawaii and on the mainland so we are familiar with the real estate
process. Your services went way beyond what we expected of you…And if that was not
enough…you put kitty litter, dishes and something for Glenn to sleep on when he arrived with
the cats at 6:00 a.m.” – Glenn and Bonnie
www.LivingLasCruces.com
In the News
www.LivingLasCruces.com
In the News
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Achievements & Recognition
June 2010
The Best In Business award
Laura Szalay received the
Quality Service Certification,
Inc., The Best In Business
award, given to 250 out of
more than 30,000
participants in North
America.
Laura was been Featured in
the business section of the
Las Cruces Sun News (see
article on left).
2009, 2010, & 2011
Quality Service Certification
Platinum Award:
Laura has received the
Quality Service Certification,
platinum award three years
in a row. The award is in
recognition of earning 100%
client service satisfaction as
measured by Leading
Research Corporation (LRC).
www.LivingLasCruces.com
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces City Rankings
2010, Listed in the CNBC Report, “America's Top Places For Boomers To Retire”
Las Cruces was shown on the #2 slide of this 18-page slide show.
RelocateAmerica.com has named Las Cruces as the No. 3 city in the nation on its
Top 10 Recovery Cities. According to a release, the list is "focused on areas poised for
swift economic recovery. Many of these communities did not see the massive real
estate bubble that formed in other areas and have a more diverse economy." Their
video says, "This town is booming." & "Las Cruces has a very positive economic
outlook."
Las Cruces was also named in Relocation America’s top 100 cities.
“2010 marks our 13th year of releasing our annual list of America's "Top 100 Places to
Live." RelocateAmerica focused this year on communities poised for recovery and
future growth. Our editorial team discovered communities with strong local leadership,
employment opportunities, thriving community commitment, improving real estate
markets, growing green initiatives, plentiful recreational options and an overall high
quality of life. These are all communities moving in the right direction.”
20 Best Towns of the Future
Sunset Magazine March 2010 Issue - Las Cruces was No. 19 in its list "20 Best Towns
of the Future,"
10 Cities for Real Estate Steals
No. 6 on the "10 Cities for Real Estate Steals" list by U.S. News & World Report.
One of Inc. Magazine’s 2007 Boomtowns
Las Cruces was ranked 15 out of 400 US deemed boomtowns. The ranking is based on
job growth and the strength of the local economy.
One of AARP’s 2006 “Dream Towns” to retire
Las Cruces topped AARP’s first list of great places to retire based on factors such as:
the cheapest states to live in as a retiree (based on income, property, and sales taxes),
weather, recreational opportunities and livability (access to health care and
transportation).
One of the Best College Towns to Retire - Money Magazine November 2005
For the second time in four years, Las Cruces made one of Money’s lists of best places
to retire; this time as a college town. The article cited several factors, including Las
Cruces’ great weather, amazing views, cultural scene and low cost of living. Click to
read story
Continued…
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces City Rankings
Top 50 Motorcoach Destinations in the United States - National Bus Association,
2004 & 2005
Motorcoach charter and tour operators were given a list of cities and asked to rank them
according to where they think they will be traveling to or through in 2005.
Top 10 Cities for Hispanics to Live - Hispanic Magazine, 2002 & 2003
The Las Cruces/El Paso area was ranked the fifth best city for Hispanics to live. The
ranking was based on the percentage of Hispanics in the city, political representation,
whether you can speak Spanish without feeling like a foreigner, and the vibrancy and
“hipness” of the Latin cultural scene.
Best Small Metro Area for Business and Careers - Forbes/Milken Institute, 2002,
2003, 2004 & 2005
Las Cruces has ranked in the top 5 for the last several years on Forbes’ list of “Best
Small Metro Area for Business and Careers,” including a #1 ranking in 2002 and #2
ranking in 2005. The rankings were based on “job growth, earned income, and “a
measure of activity in critical technologies that foster future growth.”
Best Place to Live - Family Digest, Fall 2002
Las Cruces ranked the highest among 300 cities/destinations evaluated in a number of
areas determined to be important to families, including: crime rate, housing costs,
income, pre-college education productivity, family friendliness, weather and affordability.
One of the Best Places to Retire - Money Magazine, June 2002
The article cited several factors, including Las Cruces’ great weather, amazing views,
cultural scene, low cost of living and the country’s best Mexican food and, according to
the article, possibly the hottest chile in the U.S.A. The article indicated Las Cruces’
warm climate and mild winters were perfect for year-round activities such as tennis,
hiking, golf and visiting attractions like the dunes of nearby White Sands National
Monument.
Top Destination - Facilities & Destinations Magazine, 2001, 2002, 2004 & 2006
Las Cruces was among 75 cities in the United States selected by the magazine’s
readers to receive the annual award recognizing cities for their ability to accommodate
groups and conventions.
One of America’s Top 100 Retirement Towns - Where to Retire Magazine, Fall 2001
Las Cruces received praise for its diverse culture, high desert climate, low cost of living,
open spaces, and year-round outdoor activities.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
City Overview
Las Cruces is located in the verdant Mesilla Valley in south-central New
Mexico, a growing community with a bright future. Las Cruces is the
fastest growing city in New Mexico and the 11th fastest growing in the
nation.
Las Cruces history dates back to 1598, when Don Juan de Onate led
the first colonists to the area. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
was signed. In 1854, the Gadsden Purchase was ratified in the historic
village of Old Mesilla. In 1881, the infamous William H. Bonney, better
known as "Billy the Kid" was tried and sentenced for murder here, but
later escaped.
The Mesilla Valley has been "home" to people for at least 4,000 years,
and that's no surprise to anyone who has seen Las Cruces. The Rio
Grande flows through the middle of the valley with the majestic Organ
Mountains rising to the east. The surrounding agricultural land yields
pecans, onions, cotton and other produce, but it is renowned for
growing the best-tasting green chile in the world.
Today, Las Cruces offers a vast selection of annual events and
attractions, great weather-an average of 350 days of sunshine a yearand without a doubt, the people of Las Cruces are the greatest asset.
Las Cruces invites everyone to "Come for the History, Stay for the Fun!“
Location of Las Cruces
Bordered by the rugged Organ Mountains on the east and the
legendary river known as the Rio Grande on the west, Las Cruces lies
in the heart of the fertile Mesilla Valley. A Southern New Mexico city on
the rise, Las Cruces has retained the charm and flavor of the "Old
West" community it once was.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
City Overview
The archeological history of Las Cruces dates from 200 B.C. Pueblo
Indian villages were established by 300 A.D., but by 1450, the
Puebloan people disappeared, perhaps due to drought, internal
political strife or attacks by nomadic tribes. One of the first
Europeans to traverse this area was Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca,
who survived a shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico, then lived among
the Gulf Coast Indian tribes. In 1535, he made his way to the
Mesilla Valley in search of Spanish settlements. Five years later de
Vaca was followed by the renowned Coronado who led the first
organized Spanish expedition through the Mesilla Valley. With the
ratification of the Gadsden Purchase, which was signed in 1854,
the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico was established. Las
Cruces became the major supply center for miners staking their
claims in the Organ Mountains and for soldiers stationed at Fort
Selden. The nearby town of Mesilla was a stopover for passengers
on the Butterfield Overland Stage route, which extended from St.
Louis to San Francisco. It was said that the only place that one
could find a bed between San Antonio and Los Angeles was at the
Mesilla Stage Stop!
Today, fields of cotton and chile and groves of pecan trees stand on
what was once dangerous and wild land. Las Cruces offers
attraction and events for everyone. For the outdoors type person,
the 350 days of sunshine a year allow for golfing, hiking or biking.
Outdoor attractions include Aguirre Springs and San Augustin Pass,
Dripping Springs Recreation Area and La Cueva, Ft. Selden State
Monument, Leasburg Dam State Park and Stahmann Farms. Other
local attractions include Old Mesilla area and the Bicentennial Log
Cabin located in Las Cruces.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Little History
New Mexico's spectacular landscapes and stunning displays of sunlight have
enchanted people for thousands of years. It is believed that pre-historic PaleoIndians crossed this land as far back as 20,000 years ago. Anasazi tribes created
cliff villages roughly 10,000 years ago.
Although the ancient Anasazi communities disappeared by about 1300 A.D.,
leaving only traces of their civilization behind, they have sparked curiosity ever
since. The earliest evidence of a civilization in the area has been dated to about
8,000 B.C. Archeological findings in the Mesilla Valley have been traced to about
200 B.C.
Spanish explorers, including the famed Coronado, appeared on the scene by the
early 1500s. At that time, the Spanish referred to the native inhabitants as Pueblos
because of the villages or "pueblos" they built. In 1598, a trailblazer named Don
Juan de Onate led Spanish colonists through Las Cruces on a route that became
known as El Camino Real, or the Royal Highway.
Onate and his group were the first to travel a desolate, 90-mile stretch of desert
that became known as Jornado del Muerto, or Journey of Death. This route
provided a shorter path than the one that curved along the Rio Grande, but the hot
and arid conditions claimed the lives of many of its travelers. In addition, Apaches
attacked the wagon trains and killed the settlers who dared to cross their territory.
It was an Apache ambush on settlers that gave Las Cruces its name. When
travelers from Taos were killed along the El Camino Real in 1830, the grieving
survivors marked the graves with crosses. Thus, La Placita de Las Cruces, or the
Place of the Crosses, became the frontier settlement of Las Cruces in 1849, when
the first streets were marked with rawhide rope.
However, during the two centuries preceding the 1850s, the Rio Grande Valley
changed hands several times. Resisting the termination of their tribal customs, the
Pueblos overthrew their Spanish oppressors in 1680, and maintained their
autonomy until defeated in 1692.
More than 100 years later, Mexican revolutionaries overthrew the Spanish rulers
and established the Republic of Mexico in 1821. Within 25 years, America's
resolute westward expansion prompted a war against Mexico. The 1848 Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden Purchase of 1854 claimed much of Mexico's
northern land as U.S. domain.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Little History
After the Civil War ended in 1865, the U.S. Army built Fort Selden to guard
against the Apache. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 125th (African-American) Infantry
were among the first troops to defend the fort. Later, a young captain named
MacArthur commanded the post, while his son Douglas, played among the
adobe, flat-roofed buildings. The expanding railroad and the increasing influx of
new immigrants abated the Apache threat, and the fort was officially abandoned
in 1891.
In 1973, Fort Selden became a state monument, and it is now the summertime
site of weekend portrayals of the life of a frontier soldier. An interpretive trail also
winds through the historical ruins, which are located about 15 miles north of Las
Cruces.
During the late 1800s, Las Cruces began supplying goods to adventurous miners
who came into the mountains seeking wealth. Fort Selden soldiers also came into
town for supplies. Mesilla had become a major stop along the Butterfield
Overland Stage route, which carried passengers through much of the western
U.S. Also, innovative irrigation techniques spurred agricultural growth along the
Rio Grande.
A colorful local character of this Wild West timeframe was Henry McCarty, a.k.a.
William Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid. During the Lincoln County cattle range wars
in 1878, Billy the Kid killed a county sheriff, for which he was captured and
sentenced to hang. Remarkably, he escaped from the Mesilla courthouse. Within
a couple of years, however, he was tracked and killed by the Dona Ana County
Sheriff, Pat Garrett. Ironically, the well-known sheriff was later shot outside Las
Cruces by an unknown gunslinger; Garrett's body was buried in the local
cemetery. Today, Las Cruces proudly displays the national historic districts of the
Alameda Depot and Mesquite Street, which marks the town's original 1849
settlement. Significant buildings include the former Amador Hotel, built in 1853,
now a county office, and the Armijo House, built in 1877, most recently a law
office. Both the charming adobe buildings of the frontier settlers and the elegant
mansions of the railroad tycoons reflect two distinct, local lifestyles of the latter
19th century. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the nation's 47th state.
The area became Confederate soil briefly in 1862, when 3,000 Texas troops marched
into the Mesilla Valley en route to Sante Fe. Union soldiers later defeated the
Confederates north of Sante Fe.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Little History
The area grew quietly and inconspicuously until July 16, 1945, when scientists involved in
the war effort exploded the first atomic bomb north of Las Cruces near Alamogordo. The
earth shattering, life-changing explosion occurred on Jornado del Muerto, long ago marked
as a valley of death.
Following World War II in 1946, Las Cruces was incorporated as a city. Since then, it has
grown to be New Mexico's second largest city and the Dona Ana county seat. Its current
population of 97,618 (2010 Census) has increased fivefold since 1950. The U.S. Census
Bureau ranks Las Cruces among America's fastest growing urban areas. It has also been
selected by Money Magazine as the 10th best small city in the West.
In addition, Las Cruces and its unusual environs continue to be popular for shooting a
variety of movies. One of the earliest films ever made near Las Cruces was the 1911
feature "The Dude." During the 1980’s and 1990s, "Mad Love," "Homage,”
"Lolita,“ “Twins,”, and “Raw Courage” were filmed in and around Las Cruces. The music
videos of Toby Keith, John Michael Montgomery and Boys II Men have also been produced
in the area. Most recently scenes from "Traffic“, “The Burning Plain”, and “Due Date” with
Robert Downey Jr. were filmed in Las Cruces.
In 1998, Las Cruces celebrated its 150th birthday . This festive community spirit as well as
the city's sunny climate, spectacular views and tricultural heritage make Las Cruces an
amiable and enviable place to live.
Las Cruces Culture
Its colorful past and tricultural heritage continue to enliven Las Cruces. The Pueblos,
Apaches and Navajo, the Spanish explorers, farmers and ranchers, and the 19th century
arrivals from the East Coast and Europe all contributed to the community's beliefs,
strengths and lifestyles.
Although the Pueblos were often dominated and overpowered by the Spanish explorers,
some of their ways endured, including traditional methods of cooking corn, beans and chile,
and ancient techniques for creating pottery and weaving. The Spanish introduced animals
such as the horse, sheep and cattle, and new crops including onions, barley and wheat.
They immersed the native society with their Catholic heritages, which provided an
interesting mix of religious beliefs and customs.
Another cultural blending interspersed the simple, flat-roofed structures of the pueblos with
the elegant 19th century homes of the Europeans. Using modern materials brought by the
railroad, the newer homes exhibited tin roofs, brick walls, pressed metal ceilings and castiron pillars.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Little History
Both Spanish and English are spoken freely and easily in the area, and bilingual
publications are common. The six native tongues of the Pueblos, as well as the
languages of the Apaches and Navajos, enhance the tricultural mix.
The Mesilla Valley produces the best chile peppers in the state, which remains an
esteemed distinction. The valley cultivates nearly half of New Mexico's 25,000
acres of chile pods that are harvested each year. At New Mexico State University,
researchers grown, study and experiment with crops of chile peppers to develop
new hybrids and flavors. Strings of chile peppers are often dried and then hung,
creating a natural deep red adornment for a wall or a porch, especially at
Christmas time.
Another esteemed produce of the area is pecans. Twenty some thousand acres
are dedicated to pecan in Dona Ana County, with a total of 733 orchards producing
on average 36,000 pounds annually.
Local shops and boutiques promote an intriguing range of authentic native goods.
Hand-woven rugs and blankets, as well as baskets, jewelry, pottery, paintings and
woodcarvings brighten the storefronts. But, perhaps the most remarkable shopping
can be done at the open-air Farmers' and Craft Market on the Downtown Mall held
each Wednesday and Saturday morning. Local produce, baked goods and a
multitude of unusual crafts and knickknacks can be purchased throughout the
year, especially during periodic, theme-oriented fairs. An "Easter Extravaganza" is
hosted in the spring, a "Christmas in July" jump-starts the holidays, and a "Harvest
of Fun" introduces the autumn season.
Other community groups such as the Nostalgia Club and the Mesilla Valley Sierra
Club host antique and collectible shows at both St. Genevieve's Church and
Dickerson's Event Center, and the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce holds an
annual Spring Business Expo.
The Branigan Cultural Center Complex is the headquarters for many artistic and
entertaining endeavors. Located in the revitalized Downtown Mall, the Branigan
Center has developed into two distinct museums. Proudly, Las Cruces now
supports a Museum of Fine Art and Culture, as well as a Historical Museum. The
Branigan building also houses a Hispanic dance troupe, dedicated to promoting
and preserving traditional dances of Mexico and New Mexico. Jose Tena is the
director and founder of the Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra del Encanto, created in
1979.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
A Little History
Other youth and adult classes offered at the complex include oil painting,
sculpture and pottery making. The Branigan Foundation provides scholarships
to students who show artistic interest and financial need.
Other museums in the community include New Mexico State University
Williams Hall, the Corbett Center, and Kent Hall, which displays archaeological
and historical exhibits. The Farm and Ranch Museum, an interactive museum
that chronicles the 3,000-year history of New Mexico's agricultural and rural
life. The museum boasts 90,000 square feet in size on 47 acres. An outdoor
amphitheater seats 250 to 400 people for programs and an indoor theater
allows for special presentations. Outdoors visitors can also view corrals of
longhorn cattle, churro sheep and Jerusalem donkeys. Libraries include the
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library and New Mexico State University's
Branson Hall and New Library.
In addition, the campus also hosts a variety of other enjoyable diversions,
including a film series and live concerts at the Pan America Center. Several
annual performances by the Las Cruces Symphony are also performed at the
Pan American Center between October and May.
Along with musical presentations, Las Cruces also offers a wide scope of
theater performances. From September through May, the American Southwest
Theater Company plays at the Hershel Zohn Theater on the NMSU campus.
Downtown, the Las Cruces Community Theater performs year-round. The
Black Box Theatre opened, also located on the Downtown Mall, offering
performances throughout the year.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Area Attractions
Avid golfers will enjoy the 350 annual days of sunshine at local courses. New
Mexico State University offers a public course as does the Sonoma Ranch
Golf Course. In addition, the Las Cruces Country Club is a semi-private
course open to the public and members, and the Picacho Hills Country Club
is available to members only.
The city of Las Cruces also supports numerous parks and playgrounds,
baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis and
handball courts, swimming pools, recreation centers, the Benavidez
Community Center and the Munson Senior Center. This year, The Field of
Dreams facility opened, providing space for sport and community events.
Additional opportunities for fun are offered by the Sun Lanes Bowling Alley,
Tommy's Las Cruces Roller Rink, Club Fusion and the city's Allen movie
theaters. A shooting range, riding stables and an auto racing speedway are
also available outside of town.
Hiking and camping facilities are also accessible within a short drive.
Roughly, 15 miles north of town, campers can enjoy swimming, kayaking and
hiking at the Leasburg Dam State Park, open year-round. To the east of town,
near San Augustin Pass, the Aguirre Springs campground offers beautiful
views to those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking and outdoor cookouts. It is
important to bring water, which is not available at the site.
Closer to town, the Organ Mountain Preserve offers a challenging and
historical hike that reaches the ruins of a once-famous resort and a large,
mysterious cave with a history of its own. The Dripping Springs resort was a
well-known nineteenth century hotel that attracted notorious characters such
as Pancho Villa and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Likewise, La Cueva was the unlikely
home of an eccentric Italian nobleman who lived as a hermit until he died of
suspicious death, probably murdered.
Forest sites accessible to persons with disabilities include the La Posada
Interpretive Trail, the South Fork Campground and the Cedar Greek Group
Campground. For those who prefer professional spectator sports,
neighboring El Paso boasts a professional hockey team and minor league
baseball.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Area Attractions
Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy relaxing on the water can visit Caballo
Reservoir and Elephant Butte Lake, both on the Rio Grande near the
neighboring town of Truth or Consequences. Boating, bird watching, fishing
and swimming are popular, year-round activities. Elephant Butte State Park
also hosts an annual balloon regatta over the lake.
Abundant outdoor opportunities also abound in the sprawling Lincoln National
Forest, about 100 miles northeast of Las Cruces. Hiking, camping, hunting,
fishing caving, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing and snowmobiling
are just a few of the activities that draw visitors to the forest each year. Area
animals include mule deer, turkey, elk and black bears. The forest's most
famous black bear was the original Smokey Bear, a small, badly burned bear
cub rescued after a forest fire in 1950. Smokey Bear soon became America's
beloved symbol for fire prevention.
Art Community - With over 40 galleries and over 200 artists, the Mesilla
Valley is the perfect place for art lovers seeking high quality productions at a
reasonable prices.
Bataan Death March Memorial - Heroes of Bataan. The only federally
funded memorial dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Bataan Death
March during WWII. Located in Veterans Park.
Fort Selden State Monument - Located 15 miles north of Las Cruces on
either Interstate 25 (exit 19) or Highway 185. Fort hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
six days a week, May 1- September 1, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., closed
Tuesdays. (575) 526-8911.
Ghost Towns - There are several historic towns within an hour or so drive of
Las Cruces.
Historic Old Mesilla - One of the most popular trade centers between the
mid west and the west coast 150 years ago, Mesilla is now a quaint town
centered around a plaza filled with shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Located south of Las Cruces on Avenida de Mesilla, and only minutes from
anywhere in Las Cruces.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Area Attractions
Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market - Locally grown produce, hand-crafted
arts and crafts, jewelry and much more. Every Wednesday and Saturday
morning from 8 a.m. - noon on the Downtown Mall.
Museums - Check out any of Las Cruces’ several museums dedicated to
preserving the history of the Mesilla Valley, surrounding areas and the state.
Collections range from ancient historical artifacts to generations-old family
heirlooms .
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum - A tour of the 3,000 year-old
agricultural history of New Mexico with hands on displays and live
demonstrations. Located 1.5 miles east of Telshor on University
Avenue. Museum hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays noon 5 p.m. (575) 522-4100. www.frhm.org
Organ Mountains - Overlooking Las Cruces to the east, the Organs provide
excellent hiking, mountain biking and camping opportunities.
Stahmann Farms - One of the world’s largest producers of pecans
offering weekly tours of their candy and pecan processing plants. The farm is
located seven miles south of Las Cruces on Highway 28. (575) 5268974. www.stahmanns.com
Veteran’s Park - is home to the newly erected Dona Ana County Veteran’s
Wall and the Bataan Death March Monument.
White Sands National Monument - Over 275 square-miles of naturally
produced gypsum, creating one of the most unique sites in the world. Located
45 miles east of Las Cruces on Highway 70. (575) 4796124. www.nps.gov/whsa
Wineries - New Mexico started producing wines in 1629, making the state’s
wine industry the oldest in the country. Today, several New Mexico wineries
produce a wide variety of fine wines, and each year Las Cruces hosts the
Southern New Mexico Wine Festival, La Vina Jazz and Blues Thing and the
New Mexico Wine Harvest.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
How To Get a New Mexico Driver’s License
Please confirm updated information by visiting here:
http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/
How to get a New Mexico Driver License
All persons driving a motor vehicle on New Mexico highways and roadways are required to b are a
new driver, under age 18 or aged 18-24, go to New Drivers.
The New Mexico MVD issues a secure driver license to help protect New Mexicans from identity
theft. Persons applying for a first-time driver license, a license renewal or a license replacement are
issued a temporary license while their regular license is being processed and mailed.
If you have an out-of-state license or a prior New Mexico ID card, it will be hole-punched and may be
used in conjunction with the temporary license, for up to 45 days from the date of issue. The
temporary license and the hole-punched license or ID card are only valid for identification purposes
when presented together.
You must go into a MVD Field Office to get your New Mexico driver license. Staff at any Field Office
can issue your temporary driver license.
An overview of all documents needed to obtain a license or identification can be found on this
table Download Acceptable Documents. MVD agents may accept no more than one document
from each bulleted category in column (4) of the Acceptable Documents chart.
First-Time New Mexico Driver License Requirements
Once you have established residency in New Mexico, you are required to surrender your license from
any other state and apply for a New Mexico license.
To get a non-commercial driver license, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD
Field Office:
- One (1) proof of identification number, and
- One (1) proof of identity, and
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency. Only one document from each category may be usedAn example: One utility bill and one letter bank statement but not a gas bill and an electric bill. This
would count as two of the same type of residency documents.
If you are not eligible for a social security number, you will need to bring the following
documents to any MVD Field Office:
- One (1) proof of Identification number - No SSN, and
- One (1) proof of identity - No SSN, and
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency Only one document from each category may be usedAn example: One utility bill and one letter bank statement but not a gas bill and an electric bill. This
would count as two of the same type of residency documents.
At least one of the ‘proof of identity’ or ‘proof of identification number’ documents must also show
your date of birth.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
How To Get a New Mexico Driver’s License
You will also be required to take the following tests:
Eye Test – Persons with a current driver license from another state or country, or
those applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, are required to pass an eye
exam.
Written Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those
with licenses expired for one year or more, must pass the required written test(s).
This test is not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license. Persons with
a current out-of-country license are required to take the written test.
Road Test – Persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver license, or those
with licenses expired over five years, must pass the required road test(s). This test is
not required if you have a current out-of-state driver license.
A license will not be issued if your driving privileges are suspended, revoked or
denied by this state or any other state. You must first resolve the suspension or
revocation of your license.
Fees for a New Mexico Driver License
The fee is $18.00 for a four-year license or $34.00 for an eight-year license. Drivers
who are 75 years old or older must renew their licenses yearly, but they are not
charged renewal fees.
State law now requires a DWI records check on all drivers moving to New Mexico
from out-of-state. To pay for the records check, those drivers are charged an
additional one-time $15.00 fee, increasing their total to $33.00 for a four-year license
or $49.00 for an eight-year license.
DWI-related Requirements
Any person, 25 years of age and over, who has ever been convicted of DWI and who
is applying for his or her first New Mexico driver license, must also submit evidence of
having successfully completed New Mexico’s approved DWI prevention and
education program, None for the Road, or another state's equivalent program.
The None for the Road class is administered by UNM Continuing Education, not by
the Motor Vehicle Division. Information about the class and a class application are
available online or by calling 505-277-0051 (Albuquerque and surrounding areas) or
call toll -free at 1-877- 663-7465. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday. You may also obtain a ‘None for the Road’ flyer and application
directly from any local Motor Vehicle Field Office.
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces Weather
City of Las Cruces - Weather Tables
QUICK LINKS
• Table Display
• Graphic English
Units
• Graphic Metric Units
Temperatures in °F, rainfall in inches
Mon
th
Jan
Avg
Low
26.1
Avg
High
57.4
Avg Rain
Feb
29.7
62.4
0.3
Mar
34.9
68.9
0.2
Apr
41.9
77.0
0.2
May
49.6
85.1
0.3
Jun
59.4
93.9
0.6
Jul
65.5
93.7
1.5
Aug
63.7
91.4
2.3
Sep
56.5
86.5
1.3
Oct
44.1
77.7
0.7
Nov
32.0
66.0
0.4
Dec
26.8
57.4
0.8
0.5
Temperatures in °C, rainfall in mm
Mon
th
Jan
Avg
Low
-3.3
Avg
High
14.1
Avg Rain
Feb
-1.3
16.9
8.5
Mar
1.6
20.5
6
Apr
5.5
25
5
May
9.8
29.5
8
Jun
15.2
34.4
16.5
Jul
18.6
34.3
37.3
Aug
17.6
33
58.5
Sep
13.6
30.3
32.2
Oct
6.7
25.4
18.7
Nov
0
18.9
11.3
Dec
-2.9
14.1
19.8
12.4
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces Weather
Average Monthly Temperatures (min & max)
32.28°N 106.75°W 3878 ft above sea level
Average Monthly Rainfall (inches)
Source: National Weather Service from stations located at New Mexico State University
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Las Cruces Weather
Average Monthly Temperatures (min & max)
32.28°N 106.75°W 1182 m above sea level
Average Monthly Rainfall (mm)
Source: National Weather Service from stations located at New Mexico State University
www.LivingLasCruces.com
Misc. Articles on Las Cruces
www.LivingLasCruces.com
You can find this document at: http://www.lascruces.org/PDFs/quick.pdf
About Keller Williams
In 2011, Keller Williams is now the 2nd Largest Franchise in the United States
with over 80,000 agents and 750 Offices
Keller Williams is a leader in cutting edge Technology through E-Edge and
Market Leader Technology bring more buyers to you!
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The Belief System of Keller Williams
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Please don’t hesitate to contact us
if you have any questions
Laura S. Szalay, QSC
Laura C: 575-635-3773
Dan Kubiak, GRI
Dan C: 575-635-9105
3780 Foothills Rd., Ste. C
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Office: 575-527-0880
E-Fax: 866-451-2364
Laura@LivingLasCruces.com
Dan@LivingLasCruces.com
www.LivingLasCruces.com
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