Surrounded by mountain ranges, the Rio Grande River, and the Chihuahuan Desert on all sides, Las Cruces defies desert town stereotypes with its unexpectedly diverse surroundings. Residents know that while Las Cruces may not have the name recognition of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, this second-largest city in New Mexico offers plenty of reasons to stick around. After you get settled in, make sure to set up an ADT monitored security system before too long. Once you do, you'll have the peace of mind you need to get out and explore your new hometown.

And exploration of any kind will take a while. Maybe you're interested in running or hiking along the trails of Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, taking in Paleozoic Era fossils (and imagining the creatures that made them) at the Prehistoric Trailways National Monument. You could be looking forward to staying closer to town for annual events like the Border Book Festival, the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival, or the farmer's market. Either way, you'll be able to stay busy in Las Cruces.

On hot days, respites like the Dripping Springs Natural Area and the nearby Organ Mountains offer an opportunity to escape the desert heat. And if you want to connect with Las Cruces' pioneer past, a visit to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum will give you a 3,000-year rundown on the agricultural traditions that took place in Las Cruces before your arrival. Don't be surprised if you end up sticking around in Las Cruces longer than expected.