Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and situated at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces, New Mexico, is home to 103,432 residents. Approximately 15.1% of the population is aged 65 and older, and Las Cruces remains a popular place for seniors and retirees due to its low cost of living. Las Cruces translates to the crosses in Spanish, and the city is the second-largest in New Mexico. Summers in Las Cruces are hot and winters cold, with temperatures varying between 32°F to 97°F throughout the year. There are many natural attractions in Las Cruces and the surrounding area, including the Dripping Springs Natural Area, the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. There are 14 assisted living communities in the Las Cruces area. Seniors also have access to a high number of Medicare registered physicians and 3 local hospitals.
Seniors who don’t need extensive assistance but may need help with some activities of daily living can explore their care options in Las Cruces. These senior communities provide essential amenities and personalized care services including meals, interactive activities and group outings. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey indicates that older adults in Las Cruces pay a monthly rate of $4,498 for care, which is in the midrange compared to other nearby cities. It’s comparable to the state and national average.
This guide provides helpful resources that include local care cost data to help seniors navigate their care options.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in New Mexico. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities 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.
In Las Cruces, older adults pay a median rate of $4,495 per month for assisted living.
Assisted living facilities charge a monthly rate of $4,495 for care services. It’s consistent with New Mexico’s average rate of $4,498 and the national median rate of $4,500 per month.
In Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the care costs are at a much higher rate than in Las Cruces at $5,814 and $4,750, respectively. Assisted living communities in Clovis charge a slightly more expensive care cost of $4,600. Some of the lowest assisted living rates in the states are in Hobbs at $4,398, in Farmington at $3,999 and in Roswell at $3,750 per month.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in New Mexico.
Contact | Description | |
The New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) | (800) 432-2080 | Focused on accessibility, The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department provides services that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity throughout the aging process. Services include adult day care, case management, congregate meals, nutrition education, caregiver support and respite care. The Aging & Disability Resource Center also assists seniors with resources such as health care fraud prevention, prescription drug assistance (PDA) and benefits counseling. |
The Munson Senior Center | (575) 541-2048 | The Munson Senior is the flagship senior center in Las Cruces. Open Monday through Friday, seniors are provided with dine-in meal services and various recreational programs such as billiards, dance classes and lapidary workshops. There is a community garden on-site, as well as a public park with exercise equipment. More than 30 activities are offered, including Spanish language classes, guitar lessons, line dancing and crotchet. |
Las Cruces Vet Center | (575) 523-9826 | Assistance with claim benefits, financial aid and medical assistance are provided to Veterans and their families by the Las Cruces Vet Center. Veterans can apply for the Aid and Attendance Benefit to help cover the costs associated with assisted living. Administrative services, benefits counseling and assistance with pension eligibility are also provided. The Las Cruces Vet Center is part of a larger network serving the needs of Veterans. Those looking for assistance in New Mexico can also contact the New Mexico Department of Veteran’s Services. |
Senior Citizens Law Office | 505) 265-2300 | The Senior Citizens Law Office advocated for older adults throughout the state of New Mexico. Since 1983, the organization has provided free legal services to seniors of the age of 60. These services cover health insurance disputes and advice on benefits, as well as assistance with public benefits, housing, guardianships, consumer support and long-term care. Seniors are also able to receive assistance regarding estate planning. The Senior Citizens Law Office regularly holds community events to educate seniors on revenant issues. |
Eastside Senior Center | (575) 528-3012 | Run by the City of Las Cruces, the Eastside Senior Center provides activities, meals and social interaction opportunities for older residents. Seniors can enjoy billiards, wood carving and crocheting free of charge every week. Nutritious meals are provided on-site and seniors who cannot visit the center are eligible to receive Meals on Wheels. In addition to a daily lunch that’s served Monday through Friday, food boxes are distributed to seniors once a month. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Las Cruces area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.