Weird Facts You Never Knew About Las Cruces
Las Cruces, New Mexico, is full of charm, sunshine, and… some pretty weird facts! 🏜️
Whether you already live here or are thinking about making the move, you might be surprised by a few of these quirky realities about desert life.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Join me as we uncover 13 strange but true things about living in Las Cruces — from hard water and rock yards to wild animals and Hollywood connections.
💧 1. Hard Water Is Just a Way of Life
If you’re new to Las Cruces, you’ll quickly notice hard water — it’s filled with natural minerals from our desert aquifers. While safe to drink, it can leave spots on dishes and showers, so water softeners are common in local homes.
🪨 2. Why Most Yards Don’t Have Grass
Forget green lawns — here in Las Cruces, it’s all about rock yards and xeriscaping! Locals use desert-friendly landscaping to save water and maintenance time. Plus, it complements the natural desert aesthetic perfectly.
☀️ 3. The Truth About Dry Heat
Yes, it gets hot — but locals swear by the dry heat. Without humidity, even 100°F feels surprisingly comfortable (especially if you’re coming from Texas or Florida!).
🧱 4. Hard Surfaces Everywhere
Las Cruces homes are built tough! You’ll find stucco exteriors, tile floors, and flat roofs designed to handle the desert climate. It’s part of what gives the city its signature Southwest style.
🦊 5. Wild Animals Are Your Neighbors
Coyotes, roadrunners, lizards, and the occasional javelina — wildlife is part of daily life here. Don’t be surprised to see quail families crossing your yard or a fox darting across the road at dusk.
💦 6. Water Shortage Awareness
Southern New Mexico takes water conservation seriously. From xeriscaping to timed irrigation, the community works together to preserve this precious desert resource.
🏊♀️ 7. Pools Are Rare (Yes, Really!)
Despite the heat, pools are less common than you might expect due to evaporation and maintenance costs. Many homeowners opt for shaded patios, splash pads, or nearby community pools instead.
☀️ 8. Solar Panels Aren’t Everywhere (Yet)
With 300+ days of sunshine, you’d think every home would have solar — but the adoption rate is still growing. Many new construction homes now offer solar-ready features, making it a great long-term investment.
✈️ 9. We’re a Bit Far from Major Airports
Las Cruces doesn’t have a large commercial airport. Most residents use El Paso International Airport, about 45 minutes away — not too bad for desert life!
❄️ 10. Air Conditioners Are Essential
Almost every home has refrigerated air or swamp coolers to beat the summer heat. Upgrading to refrigerated air is one of the most popular home improvements among Las Cruces homeowners.
🍦 11. Caliche’s Frozen Custard Is a Local Legend
Ask anyone — Caliche’s is a Las Cruces staple. From thick shakes to their famous sundaes, it’s the go-to spot for cooling off and catching up with friends.
🍷 12. Wineries in the Desert? Absolutely!
Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley are home to some of New Mexico’s oldest and most scenic wineries. Sip award-winning vintages while overlooking the Organ Mountains — it’s a hidden gem!
🎬 13. Hollywood Has Its Eyes on Las Cruces
Did you know movies and shows are regularly filmed here? From indie films to big productions, Las Cruces is becoming a quiet hotspot for the film industry, thanks to its diverse landscapes and welcoming community.
🌞 Bonus: Why People Love Living in Las Cruces
Even with its quirks, Las Cruces is one of the most welcoming, affordable, and sunniest cities in America. Whether you love outdoor adventures, small-town charm, or endless blue skies, there’s something special here for everyone.
❤️ Ready to Make the Move?
As a Top 1% Realtor in New Mexico, I help families and individuals relocate to Las Cruces with confidence. Whether you’re curious about neighborhoods, cost of living, or home options — I’ve got you covered.
📲 DM me: itskaciehenke
📧 Work with me: kacie@modernliferealestate.com
🏢 Brokerage: REAL Broker | Modern Life Real Estate
