Las Cruces is a vibrant yet tranquil desert city and home to 113,000 residents, including more than 18,000 seniors aged 65 or older. Its low cost of living, beautiful scenery and various activities specially designed for residents over 50 make it a popular place for retirees. Las Cruces boasts a temperate southwest environment, with abundant sunshine year-round and mild winters with some freezing overnight temperatures but very little snowfall. The lively city maintains a small-town appeal, with big-city amenities 45 minutes away in El Paso.
Aging adults needing some supportive care but not the extensive assistance found in skilled nursing may enjoy assistant living’s homelike environment. Residents benefit from help with daily activities and socializing with their peers while enjoying their ongoing independence. Las Cruces’ average cost of assisted living is $4,495, which nearly mirrors the state and national averages.
This valuable guide provides information on assisted living in Las Cruces, including the average costs of assisted living in other New Mexico cities and types of senior care for convenient comparisons. Readers also have access to a list of pros and cons of living in Las Cruces and free resources to help support older adults.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Las Cruces, NM
5525 Cotton Bloom Court, Las Cruces, NM, 88007
What I like about Desert Peaks was that the area was beautiful. It had a preview of the mountain. I like that if you want to be out, you could enjoy it. It was great. The problem was that it was quite
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What I like about Desert Peaks was that the area was beautiful. It had a preview of the mountain. I like that if you want to be out, you could enjoy it. It was great. The problem was that it was quite a distance from the doctor’s and quite a distance from the cancer center. They were nice people. They called and wanted to make sure they had good follow-through. The apartments were nic and the staff was nice. The place was peaceful. It was out of town so it had a nice ambience. The dining area was nice. I love the patio facility, which was really nice.
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What I like about Desert Peaks was that the area was beautiful. It had a preview of the mountain. I like that if you want to be out, you could enjoy it. It was great. The problem was that it was quite
… (read more)
What I like about Desert Peaks was that the area was beautiful. It had a preview of the mountain. I like that if you want to be out, you could enjoy it. It was great. The problem was that it was quite a distance from the doctor’s and quite a distance from the cancer center. They were nice people. They called and wanted to make sure they had good follow-through. The apartments were nic and the staff was nice. The place was peaceful. It was out of town so it had a nice ambience. The dining area was nice. I love the patio facility, which was really nice.
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854 Lettuce Lane, Las Cruces, NM, 88001
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Heritage Assisted Living is a facility filled with loving and affectionate caregivers who get to know each resident on a personal level. Relatives love that when the
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Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Heritage Assisted Living is a facility filled with loving and affectionate caregivers who get to know each resident on a personal level. Relatives love that when they come to visit, they get to enjoy beautiful landscaping on the exterior while experiencing peace of mind that their loved ones are properly cared for thanks to the extensively trained staff. Residents like that the facility is kept so clean and organized, and they enjoy relaxing under the outdoor pergola, socializing with friends, participating in group activities and going on trips.
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Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Heritage Assisted Living is a facility filled with loving and affectionate caregivers who get to know each resident on a personal level. Relatives love that when the
… (read more)
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Heritage Assisted Living is a facility filled with loving and affectionate caregivers who get to know each resident on a personal level. Relatives love that when they come to visit, they get to enjoy beautiful landscaping on the exterior while experiencing peace of mind that their loved ones are properly cared for thanks to the extensively trained staff. Residents like that the facility is kept so clean and organized, and they enjoy relaxing under the outdoor pergola, socializing with friends, participating in group activities and going on trips.
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2880 N. Roadrunner Parkway, Las Cruces, NM, 88011
The Village at Northrise – Morningside, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a vibrant facility located in one of the most popular retirement spots in the country. There are several living options, including
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The Village at Northrise – Morningside, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a vibrant facility located in one of the most popular retirement spots in the country. There are several living options, including a one-bedroom apartment with a living room, small kitchen and bathroom. Residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, including quilting classes, exercise sessions, Bingo, games and movies. There is also an outdoor swimming pool for residents who like to swim and socialize with others. Residents especially enjoy entertainment by local musicians who visit regularly.
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The Village at Northrise – Morningside, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a vibrant facility located in one of the most popular retirement spots in the country. There are several living options, including
… (read more)
The Village at Northrise – Morningside, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a vibrant facility located in one of the most popular retirement spots in the country. There are several living options, including a one-bedroom apartment with a living room, small kitchen and bathroom. Residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, including quilting classes, exercise sessions, Bingo, games and movies. There is also an outdoor swimming pool for residents who like to swim and socialize with others. Residents especially enjoy entertainment by local musicians who visit regularly.
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299 Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM, 88005
La Posada was wonderful. With this one, we wouldn’t even look any further had they had availability. The apartments were roomy. They had lots of activities going on. They had different activity rooms.
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La Posada was wonderful. With this one, we wouldn’t even look any further had they had availability. The apartments were roomy. They had lots of activities going on. They had different activity rooms. The staff was more than generous in helping and answering questions. The dining area looked great.
La Posada would have been our first choice but they were full. It was more expensive, but the staff was wonderful. They had a small outdoor patio, which was nice. They had lots of activities going on, which was nice for people if they’re in the assisted living part.
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La Posada was wonderful. With this one, we wouldn’t even look any further had they had availability. The apartments were roomy. They had lots of activities going on. They had different activity rooms.
… (read more)
La Posada was wonderful. With this one, we wouldn’t even look any further had they had availability. The apartments were roomy. They had lots of activities going on. They had different activity rooms. The staff was more than generous in helping and answering questions. The dining area looked great.
La Posada would have been our first choice but they were full. It was more expensive, but the staff was wonderful. They had a small outdoor patio, which was nice. They had lots of activities going on, which was nice for people if they’re in the assisted living part.
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2969 Claude Dove Drive, Las Cruces, NM, 88011
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, The Aristocrat Assisted Living community combines activities and great food with a caring and professional staff. With the natural beauty of the Organ Mountains fill
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Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, The Aristocrat Assisted Living community combines activities and great food with a caring and professional staff. With the natural beauty of the Organ Mountains filling up the skyline and plenty of entertainment options on site, residents enjoy spending time both indoors and out. Residents rave about the spacious apartments and scrupulously clean surroundings. The on-site nutritionist ensures that every member of the community gets full, balanced and delicious meals. Residents bring bingo daubers for a night of fun in the common room or relax in the library during downtime.
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Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, The Aristocrat Assisted Living community combines activities and great food with a caring and professional staff. With the natural beauty of the Organ Mountains fill
… (read more)
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, The Aristocrat Assisted Living community combines activities and great food with a caring and professional staff. With the natural beauty of the Organ Mountains filling up the skyline and plenty of entertainment options on site, residents enjoy spending time both indoors and out. Residents rave about the spacious apartments and scrupulously clean surroundings. The on-site nutritionist ensures that every member of the community gets full, balanced and delicious meals. Residents bring bingo daubers for a night of fun in the common room or relax in the library during downtime.
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2919 Spitz Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88005
The small, homey feel of Casa Bella Residential Care in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is one of the things residents and their families enjoy most. Delicious and healthy food is prepared on-site and served
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The small, homey feel of Casa Bella Residential Care in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is one of the things residents and their families enjoy most. Delicious and healthy food is prepared on-site and served in a communal dining area, with assistance given where needed. Professional and friendly caretakers help seniors with daily living tasks such as bathing, grooming and bathroom assistance. The single or shared rooms are personalized for each resident, and all are designed with safety in mind. There is also an outdoor garden and a small, on-site fitness center.
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The small, homey feel of Casa Bella Residential Care in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is one of the things residents and their families enjoy most. Delicious and healthy food is prepared on-site and served
… (read more)
The small, homey feel of Casa Bella Residential Care in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is one of the things residents and their families enjoy most. Delicious and healthy food is prepared on-site and served in a communal dining area, with assistance given where needed. Professional and friendly caretakers help seniors with daily living tasks such as bathing, grooming and bathroom assistance. The single or shared rooms are personalized for each resident, and all are designed with safety in mind. There is also an outdoor garden and a small, on-site fitness center.
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3731 Del Rey Boulevard, Las Cruces, NM, 88012
The Arbors of del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a welcoming facility that seems more like a home to the residents. The compassionate care provided encourages residents to maintain active lifestyle
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The Arbors of del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a welcoming facility that seems more like a home to the residents. The compassionate care provided encourages residents to maintain active lifestyles while receiving the support they need for individualized attention. This is a lively community with plenty of social activities for residents to enjoy including bingo, board games, music events, therapy dogs sessions and holiday parties. Outdoor activities are also encouraged, and residents enjoy a patio area, secure walking paths and a petting zoo with goats, rabbits and chickens.
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The Arbors of del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a welcoming facility that seems more like a home to the residents. The compassionate care provided encourages residents to maintain active lifestyle
… (read more)
The Arbors of del Rey in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a welcoming facility that seems more like a home to the residents. The compassionate care provided encourages residents to maintain active lifestyles while receiving the support they need for individualized attention. This is a lively community with plenty of social activities for residents to enjoy including bingo, board games, music events, therapy dogs sessions and holiday parties. Outdoor activities are also encouraged, and residents enjoy a patio area, secure walking paths and a petting zoo with goats, rabbits and chickens.
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3025 Terrace Drive, Las Cruces, NM, 88011
The Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Offering both long-term residency and adult daycare, the staff is skilled in rehabilitation and outpatient thera
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The Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Offering both long-term residency and adult daycare, the staff is skilled in rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. Reviews by clients and their families include the facility’s cleanliness and social activities among its positive features. Residents also state that its close proximity to Memorial Medical Center and 24-hour care and nursing provide a sense of security. The facility’s recreational amenities, which include exercise classes and a library, provide opportunities for social interaction and individual leisure. Residents can also visit nearby stores like Target and Wal-mart Super Center.
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The Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Offering both long-term residency and adult daycare, the staff is skilled in rehabilitation and outpatient thera
… (read more)
The Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Offering both long-term residency and adult daycare, the staff is skilled in rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. Reviews by clients and their families include the facility’s cleanliness and social activities among its positive features. Residents also state that its close proximity to Memorial Medical Center and 24-hour care and nursing provide a sense of security. The facility’s recreational amenities, which include exercise classes and a library, provide opportunities for social interaction and individual leisure. Residents can also visit nearby stores like Target and Wal-mart Super Center.
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1111 E Mountain Ave, Las Cruces, NM, 88001
The Adobe in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an assisted living facility located a short distance from the city center and near local barbershops, grocery stores and Apodaca Park. Each apartment comes with
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The Adobe in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an assisted living facility located a short distance from the city center and near local barbershops, grocery stores and Apodaca Park. Each apartment comes with its own bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom, and residents can get snacks and food throughout the day or night. The staff is on hand to provide support with memory cognition, mobility assistance and general housekeeping. Group and individual activities are scheduled on a regular basis, and transportation to local medical professionals is provided as standard.
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The Adobe in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an assisted living facility located a short distance from the city center and near local barbershops, grocery stores and Apodaca Park. Each apartment comes with
… (read more)
The Adobe in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an assisted living facility located a short distance from the city center and near local barbershops, grocery stores and Apodaca Park. Each apartment comes with its own bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom, and residents can get snacks and food throughout the day or night. The staff is on hand to provide support with memory cognition, mobility assistance and general housekeeping. Group and individual activities are scheduled on a regular basis, and transportation to local medical professionals is provided as standard.
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Las Cruces
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in New Mexico. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Las Cruces
The New Mexico Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau (HFLC) licenses and oversees assisted living facilities in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico. HFLC includes the Program Operations Bureau and the District Operations Bureau. These bureaus establish, monitor and enforce quality standards to ensure the health and safety of assisted living residents statewide.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Las Cruces
- Las Cruces seniors have access to top-quality health care with various medical facilities serving the city, including two general hospitals. Mountainview Regional Medical Center is high performing in treating COPD. Memorial Medical Center-Las Cruces offers an on-site medical-surgical ICU, cardiac ICU and emergency department. Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico is a specialty hospital focused on physical rehabilitation and assistive technology. Las Cruces VA Clinic handles eligible veterans’ medical needs.
- Since 2022, single filers with less than $100,000 adjusted gross income or joint filers with less than $150,000 don’t pay state income taxes on their Social Security benefits in Las Cruces. Although New Mexico does fully tax other types of retirement income, it allows an exclusion of up to $8,000 of retirement income for single filers with incomes below $28,500 or $51,000 for joint filers. In 2022, New Mexico also began exempting up to $10,000 of military retirement pay from income taxes. This amount increases to $20,000 in 2023 and $30,000 in 2024, then doesn’t apply after 2026.
- New Mexico’s not entirely favorable income tax picture for well-off retirees is partially offset in Las Cruces by its lower-than-average cost of living. The city’s overall cost of living is lower than the national average by about 15%. Health care costs are about 13% lower, and transportation costs are about 26% less than the national average.
- Property crime is on the high side in Las Cruces, but violent crime is slightly lower than the national average. Las Cruces’ violent crime rate is significantly lower than the state average and less than half the rate of Odessa, Texas, which is of comparable size by population.
- Las Cruces joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network in May 2021 to improve the health and quality of life of the older adults within its community. The city has since created policies to promote an age-friendly community. Currently, Las Cruces scores the highest under health and housing, with transportation not far behind. The city is above the national median in all three categories.
Paying for Assisted Living in Las Cruces
The average cost of assisted living in Las Cruces is $4,495 per month, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. However, this price varies based on living arrangements, services, amenities and other factors.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Las Cruces’ average cost of assisted living is $3 less than the state average and $5 less than the national average. It also has the second-lowest average compared to the other three New Mexico cities on Genworth’s survey. Farmington’s average cost of $3,999 is less than Las Cruces’ cost by $496 per month. However, Las Cruces’ average is less than Albuquerque’s $4,750 and Santa Fe’s much higher $5,814.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Older adults may benefit from comparing other types of senior care based on their needs and budgets. While adult day health care is the lowest cost option in Las Cruces at only $1,950 per month, it offers the least amount of care. At-home care appeals to seniors wishing to age in place and is close in cost to assisted living. In-home care averages $4,195 per month, while home health care costs $4,605. Nursing home care is the highest cost option, with the greatest level of care provided at an average cost of $7,336.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Las Cruces
There are several options that can help you pay for assisted living in Las Cruces. Supplemental Security Income Category G is a federal assistance option, and New Mexico offers Centennial Care, a Medicaid program, to eligible seniors.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in New Mexico page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in New Mexico page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Las Cruces
Seniors in assisted living receive many services they need within their residential communities. However, they also may benefit from external programs and services that enhance their ongoing independence and overall well-being. Las Cruces has several free resources for older adults on a local, regional and statewide level.
The Non-Metro AAA provides services to adults aged 60 and older. It oversees a comprehensive list of community-based services in 32 counties, including Dona Ana County, where Las Cruces serves as the county seat. The AAA administers nutrition, transportation, case management and respite services.
The Munson Center's senior programs promote the well-being of adults aged 50 and over. It improves the older community's quality of life through fun programs that help them stay active. Munson Center also has a public park with exercise equipment, a café, a computer lounge, TV areas and various support groups.
The New Mexico LTCOP's trained ombudsman volunteers regularly visit assisted living facility residents to ensure they understand their rights. They investigate complaints, advocate for residents and ensure they receive quality care. They also educate facility staff, residents and family members on the ombudsman's role and support long-term care residents.
New Mexico’s ALTSD has a volunteer program for seniors 55 or older, with numerous opportunities for community engagement. It operates the Senior Corps and Retired Senior Volunteer Program. ALTSD also looks for older adults to provide benefits counseling or volunteer for its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion or Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Las Cruces
Las Cruces Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in New Mexico are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in New Mexico page for more information about these laws.
