Las Cruces, N.M.
Just west of White Sands Missile Range and about a 35-mile drive through the Organ Mountain range is the city of Las Cruces. About 50 percent of the installation's civilian workforce lives in Las Cruces and thereby plays a major role in its economic prosperity. In return, the city provides WSMR employees and visitors with a great quality of life, offering a broad spectrum of cultural, educational and recreational opportunities.

With a current population of more than 175,000 in city and the outlying Doña Ana County areas, Las Cruces is one of the fastest growing cities in New Mexico and the nation—the second largest in New Mexico. The city has garnered numerous awards including rankings by Money magazine as one of the best college towns to retire and the AARP as one of their "dream towns" in which to retire. Las Cruces has also been ranked by Forbes as one of the best small metro areas for business and careers.

The city has several recreation centers and numerous parks, including a skate park. The larger parks feature playgrounds, picnic tables and festivals throughout the year. Las Cruces has wonderful weather, so outdoor sports can be enjoyed year-round at some of southern New Mexico's finest recreational facilities. There are plenty of places to walk, run, hike, bike or play. The city itself contains 87 parks, three public swimming pools, one indoor, including the new Laabs Pool, with two more new pools on the way.