Located in southern New Mexico near the U.S./Mexico border, Las Cruces is a desert town that offers all the amenities of a thriving metropolis while also providing the quiet, rugged, outdoor activities associated with a southwestern setting. Las Cruces sits in the Mesilla Valley, surrounded by mountains and rivers. There is not much rainfall during the year (less than 8 inches), but there are also not many clouds; Las Cruces boasts more than 345 days of sunshine each year, allowing the outdoor enthusiast to participate in a wide range of activities without the slightest preoccupation about rain showers ruining the day. Visitors to the Mesilla Valley can choose to take off into the great colorful wilderness or they can indulge in the many metropolitan activities offered in Las Cruces, such as shopping at the large and small stores and boutiques. There are also many hotels and restaurants to choose from, and many museums inside and outside of town. Las Cruces is also the home of New Mexico State University; the mix of college students and retirees provides a state of relaxation, boisterousness and care-free living unequaled in America.
