Of Las Cruces' population, 20% is age 45 to 64, and 13% is age 65 or better.  The city has four senior centers for those age 50 and above (Robert Munson Senior Center, Benavidez Community Center, Eastside Community Center and Mesilla Park Community Center) which offer a variety of services and programs that include transportation, hot meals, in-home services, volunteer opportunities, arts and crafts, exercise programs, educational and recreational classes. The local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (505) 528-3000 is also active here.  Las Cruces is the 11th fastest growing metropolitan area in the U.S., and since many newcomers are retirees, more and more relevant services are sure to come as well.

Las Cruces is also home to New Mexico State University (population 15,000), which adds a youthful vibe to the town; those age 65 or better can take classes at a reduced rate.  The Dona Ana Community College offers classes for retirees, too, and the Academy for Learning in Retirement (505-527-7527), which is offered through the College, has classes and workshops designed especially for those of a certain age.

The weather here makes it easy to play outside nearly year-round.   There are four golf courses, and the nearby Organ Mountains and Dona Ana Mountains are perfect for hiking, camping and fishing.  Caballo Reservoir and Elephant Butte Lake, both on the Rio Grande near the neighboring town of Truth or Consequences, are within 65 miles.  Cultural amenities do not match those found in larger cities, but the NMSU music department mounts jazz and classical concerts, and the Las Cruces Symphony performs regularly.  Residents also enjoy several local theatre companies, including the American Southwest Theatre Company and the Las Cruces Community Theater.  

Las Cruces also has its share of community and social clubs.  The Branigan Cultural Center offers a variety of classes and workshops.  The Las Cruces Arts and Crafts Association is open to anyone with an interest in arts and crafts.  Senior Voyagers is a travel group for seniors.  Big Band Seniors meets every Thursday for ballroom dancing.  The Mesilla Valley Concert Band is a group of 80 musicians who give numerous performances.  Mesilla Valley Folk Dancers meet every Wednesday. The Las Cruces Book Club is a book discussion group.  Mesilla Valley Writers is a group for fiction and non-fiction writers at all levels.  The Lions, Shriners and Kiwanis are all active here.  Las Cruces also has more than fifty churches (representing 31 denominations). 

And always fun is the Old Mesilla Village, now a suburb of Las Cruces, but at one time the capital of the Arizona Territory, a stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage Route and even a Confederate Army headquarters.  This is a restored village that captures the fascinating history and culture of the area; the centerpiece is the 1851 St. Albino's Church.  Cafes and shops selling Navajo and Hopi jewelry now dot the town square, but in days gone by, Kit Carson came to visit, and Billy the Kid spent time in the Mesilla jailhouse.

This is the American southwest so it gets hot, but the humidity is ridiculously low, averaging just 27%.   Summer temperatures can reach into the low 100s F., but 94 degrees F. is the daytime average (evenings see temperatures averaging 76 degrees F.).  Winter daytime temperatures average 55 degrees F. (evenings bring temperatures in 20s and 30s F.).  The area receives eight inches of rain a year, much of which comes in summer afternoon thunderstorms.   There are 350 days of sunshine each year, and the elevation is 4,000 feet.  

There are drawbacks to retirement in Las Cruces.  Since the city is booming, it is experiencing growing pains, and crime rates are above the national average.  There is no distinct downtown, and some residents complain about winds during the summer.  Las Cruces also seems to be set in its ways; when relocating it's best to accept things as they are here.  Change sometimes meets resistance.

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