Las Cruces Awards & Recognition

Las Cruces on top 10 list of best performing cities

To see the Milken Institute's "Best Performing Cities 2009" list, click here.

Posted: 11/12/2009: LAS CRUCES - While the nation deals with double-digit unemployment, Doña Ana County received some good economic news on Wednesday. The Milken Institute announced that the Las Cruces metropolitan statistical area (MSA) - which includes the entire county - has made its way into its Top 10 list of 2009's Best-Performing Small Cities. The rankings - Las Cruces came in at No. 9 - are based mainly on job creation and sustainability, which means the independent think tank believes the Las Cruces area is moving in a positive direction. Story in Las Cruces Sun-News

Las Cruces picked as 'Playful City USA' Community - KaBoom.org July 2009

Las Cruces Public Schools launched a free program called Recess Before Lunch in 2007 to examine what benefits could result. After implementing the program, moving recess before lunch led to a significant improvement in healthy eating habits for the students, a reduction in food waste, and better focus in the classroom after lunch. Click to read original story  Story in Las Cruces Sun-News

Las Cruces tops among mid-size cities for safety  - New Mexico Business Weekly July 2007

A survey sponsored by Farmers' Insurance found Las Cruces and its surrounding neighbors to be America's safest medium-size metropolitan area. Las Cruces was named the No. 1 "Most Secure Place to Live in the U.S." based on rankings compiled by database experts at bestplaces.com. Crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, environmental hazards, terrorism threats and job loss figures were among the factors looked at in 379 municipalities studied in the survey. Click to read story

One of Inc. Magazine’s 2007 Boomtowns
Las Cruces was ranted 15 out of 400 US deemed boomtowns. The ranking is based on job growth and the strength of the local economy. Click to read story

One of AARP’s 2006 “Dream Towns” to retire
Las Cruces topped AARP’s first list of great places to retire based on factors such as: the cheapest states to live in as a retiree (based on income, property, and sales taxes), weather, recreational opportunities and livability (access to health care and transportation). Click to read story
More Las Cruces Awards & Recognition

            Walking onto Wellness (WOW) Project

Get Out and Enjoy Our City

The Walking onto Wellness (WOW) Project is a community-based campaign to encourage residents of Las Cruces and surrounding areas to take advantage of the wonderful climate and natural beauty of the region to improve personal health and fitness.  Walking is a cheap and easy way for individuals, families, and neighbors to get together and have some fun while getting more active.  This site will help guide you to begin and continue your own walking program.  Check back often as we will update the walking map regularly with more trails and places where you may enjoy this form of exercise.

Only 51% of adult New Mexicans meet the national recommendation from CDC (2007) for physical activity, which  is defined as reported moderate-intensity activities in a usual week (i.e., brisk walking, bicycling, vacuuming, gardening, or anything else that causes small increases in breathing or heart rate) for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week.  You may call 575-528-5063 to speak with a health educator about how you can take some small steps (or even strides) to make a big difference in your life.

Benefits of Walking

• Manage Weight
• Control Blood Pressure and Glucose
• Improve Your Mood
• Get Strong and Fit