What was once an unquestioned belief in most of our minds, is now under the magnifying glass and for good reason. If you cannot afford to own a home then you probably ought not to, but that's not what the American Dream of home ownership is all about. It's a dream because for most of us, the harder you work, the closer you get to actually achieving it. And once you've achieved home ownership, you've contributed greatly to your own future, your community and America. Here's how:

Studies have shown that home owners are happier and healthier. They feel a
greater level of control over their lives in that their mortgage payments are really long term investments. Home ownership is, if not the best, one of the best ways to build long-term wealth.

We also know that home owners vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods. The stability that comes with home ownership adds to a greater feeling of community among our neighbors. In addition, children of home owners do better in school, stay in school longer, and are more likely to participate in organized activities.

America is a nation of home owners with 67% of American households owner occupied. Home owners pay 80-90% federal individual income taxes. Every home purchased adds $60,000 into the economy for furniture, improvements and other related items. Housing accounts for more than 15% of the national gross domestic product.

So as we move forward as individuals, as communities and as a country, keep in mind that home ownership matters. The American Dream isn't achieved over night and just because we are in difficult times doesn't mean that the dream is, or should be gone.

For more information on this data see Realtor.org/homeownership

If you're looking for help buying or selling a home, visit my Las Cruces real estate website for information on my services.

A recent couple told me that they were tired of the congestion with living in the city. They were relocating from back east. They said that in Las Cruces there is room. Room to move around town. Room to play outside. And having moved out of an apartment in a high-rise, most importantly, there was room to live.

I get that answer more and more these days. Of course, there are wide open spaces in a lot of communities in the west, but when you combine it with the small community atmosphere and the big community amenities you get the best of the best. That's why so many people are moving to Las Cruces, NM. Those of us who have lived here for many years just couldn't keep it a secret forever.

That's also why subdivisions along the edge of Las Cruces are so popular. I've written about La Tierrea Escondida and the benefits of living close to protected lands. I also wrote about living at the base of the Organ Mountains and the benefits there. But more recently I listed a home that is a little closer to town, but still on the edge.

In the Las Alturas area you are in-between New Mexico State University and the wonderful southwestern desert (I've written about the benefits of NMSU before too). I listed a home on Hunters Court that fits the open space theme perfectly. 5347 Hunters Court is 4842 square feet. It has 5 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces, 3.5 baths, and large tiled living areas. Its amenities include raised ceilings, a lush garden and a built-in office. This home fits the definition of wide-open-spaces perfectly.

If you are looking for a lot of space both in your home and in your neighborhood, Hunters Court may be the right one for you. Contact me and I'd be happy to give you a personal tour.

Sometimes there's a game room with a pool table. Other times there's an extensive office where someone obviously worked. It's rare that you walk into a home and know that it was architecturally designed for an artist. But now, I've seen it all.

Artists have specific needs. In Las Cruces it is very important that an artist's studio have windows on the north for northern exposure. Raised ceilings and skylights add to the northern exposure and enhance the use of light in the studio. And if you are gong to have an artist's studio in your home and want to stay clean, you better have a sink in there too.

These are the features that make a great artist studio and 4631 Calle de Nubes is an excellent home for an artist. This southwestern home in Las Curces has other great features too including a great outdoor entertainment area.

In Las Cruces we have many opportunities to entertain outside. Our weather is awesome! If you build your home on the right lot you can enjoy sunsets and evenings in ways that you simply cannot in other parts of the country. This home has an outdoor kitchen, a large covered patio, a fire pit and a viewing deck. From the viewing deck you have a great view of the Organ Mountains. As I think about it more, you can enjoy these features whether you are entertaining or not.

When selling a home, it's always important to find the special features that make a home stand out. Some times it is harder than others. With this home you find special features in every room. This home is almost 2,500 square feet, built-in 2005, and is only $250,000.

If you're looking to buy a home with a special room for hobbies or a great design for entertaining, this home could be the one you've been looking for. Or if you are just looking for a great deal on Las Cruces real estate, this 5-year-old home is priced right. Let me know if I can give you a personal tour.

I know this because one of the most common questions I get from people relocating to Las Cruces is, what's the best golf course in town?

You should know that I'm not an avid golfer. I spend my time gardening, which is something else you can spend over 350 days a year doing. However, I know enough golfers to be able to say that Las Cruces has great courses.

New Mexico State University Golf Course

People enjoy playing golf at NMSU because the landscaping is mature. This course got a recent face-lift (so to speak) a few years ago when NMSU built a new clubhouse. The clubhouse has an excellent cafe & bar, which also has a balcony with one of the best views of the valley in town. NMSU offers a great university golf course to the residents of Las Cruces.

Picacho Hills Golf Course

If you are looking for a private course, Picacho Hills has the only one in town. The course sits on the west side of town so you're atmosphere is enhanced by outstanding views of the Organ Mountains, especially if you're playing twilight.

Las Cruces Country Club

This course sits in the middle of town and gives you one of the most affordable 18 holes you can find. While it's current location is convenient, there's a real possibility that it will be moving out to the east mesa where a new course has just been built.

But Most People Love Sonoma Ranch Golf Course

Time and again I hear how great Sonoma Ranch is. As of now, it is the newest golf course in town that is open. It's challenging, fun and set among some of the nicest real estate in Las Cruces. The clubhouse is also home to the Sunset Grill Restaurant, which has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. The Sunset Grill is one of the best place to eat in town.

One of the reasons that most people love Sonoma Ranch golf course is that they get to live right on the course. For about 10 years, people have been quickly buying the real estate available in Sonoma Ranch. It has national recognitions, retirement communities, condos, pools, parks, and of course, the golf course. And some of the best real estate in Sonoma Ranch is on Golf Club Road.

Golf Club Road only has homes on the south side, the side that lines the back 9 holes of the golf course. These homes are great investments, but most importantly they are luxurious. I recently listed the home at 1206 Golf Club.

1206 Golf Club is as luxurious as they come. This comfortable home has awesome views of the Organ Mountains from the dining room, library, great room and owners suite. The 13x34 garden room off of the owners suite is so relaxing, with a water feature and locked gates for privacy. Large covered patio with Organ Mountain views is an extension of the living area. Great for entertaining. Take a look at the pictures to get a better idea of how great this home really is.

That's right, it's the Rio Grande and it travels right through the middle of Dona Ana County on the west side of Las Cruces.

The Rio Grande has sustained nature and culture for thousands of years. Today, it offers residents and tourists recreation, agriculture, natural ecosystems and more.

One of the best assets having the "Big River" run through Las Cruces is the great trail network that comes with it. If you are looking for an easy walk in nature, the Rio Grande offers you a peaceful and flat place to get that exercise. And the community has recognized it. Not only are there trails, but there is a community park just north of the Picacho bridge and there is a state park on the southern end.

Located along the western bank of the Rio Grande, the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is New Mexico's newest state park. It's 942 acres include Chiuhaha Desert and wetlands in the Rio Grande floodplain. People who visit learn about wildlife, conservation, and cultural resources, among other things. It's also a great location for a special event. For instance, there are perfect spots in the park, along the river for a wedding.

North of Las Cruces you find more homes and farms along the Rio Grande. Las Cruces is historically a farm community. Many farms still thrive along the river.

The river attracts and sustains a wide variety of other recreation including hunting and fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In many ways, recreation in the river corridor provides a vital connection to experiencing and appreciating the river, and educating the public about its past, present, and future.

In the future the Rio Grande may provide an extensive trail system through New Mexico. It is proposed to have a system that stretches from Bernallio, NM to Las Cruces, NM. This system has been identified as the number one priority for state recreation. If successful, it would be one of the longest and flattest of its kind, attracting unique tourism and economic development. This state-wide system would easily link up to the local system we already have.

For these reasons and more, living in the Valley along side the Rio Grande is very desirable. I just listed a home on Shalem Colony Trail. This home has great valley and mountain views. It's close to the Shalem Colony bridge giving you easy access to the River and its trail network. It's also along the Robledo Mountains where mountain trails of all kinds can be found.

5855 Shalem Colony Trail is a southwestern home with a pool and natural landscaping. It's in a great location for views and access to the natural recreation of the Robeldo Mountains and Rio Grande. Visit my real estate flier for more information and photos.

If you are on the west mesa looking east, one of the first things you see is the lush valley. Whether it's green farm fields, pecan trees or the Rio Grande, there's nothing like a view that includes the valley. Then you have the city. When I'm showing homes on the west mesa I'm captivated

 by looking out over the city, identifying new buildings, thinking about the growth and feeling blessed to live in such a great place. As your eyes keep moving up you get to the prize, the Organ Mountains.

You really can see them from just about anywhere. Many of the clients I have relocating say it was the views of the mountains that first caused them to stop here. Whether they were traveling through or coming to visit friends, people who come to Las Cruces are mesmerized by the glorious view. Just like the rest of us who enjoy it every day.

Let's get back to the west mesa. If you live on the west mesa not only do you get these great views from your home, but you get them as you walk around your neighborhoods or through the arroyos. If you're golfing at Picacho Hills, you get the views from just about every hole. And if you live out there you really know how spectacular it is to watch the city lights come on as the mountains are changing colors.

If you aren't from Las Cruces then you may have a hard time imagining what we mean when we say that the mountains change

 color. But you can literally watch the mountains change from a light purple to a dark orange, and watch the sky behind them light up with red, blue, orange and just about every other color.

If you're looking for a place to call home that gives you this great view then consider 7040 Purple Mountain Ave. in Picacho Hills. This luxurious home has upgrades throughout with tile and wood flooring. Best of all, its back yard has a great living and entertaining space where you can enjoy the setting sun and the view looking out across the valley as the purple mountains light up

In this area you have many recreation options: Meerscheidt Recreation Center, Unidad Park, a skate park, BMX tracks, as well as multiple ball fields for baseball, soccer or football. Soon you will the Region Aquatic Center will be complete.

Meerscheidt Recreation Center features great low/no cost programs including yoga, indoor basketball, step, tai chi, circuit training classes and more. It also has pool tables, events for kids, day care, and playgrounds.

Unidad Park is a playground built by volunteers from the community. It is a giant wooden park that provides kids with a great place to play games and exercise their imaginations. Most afternoons you can find kids playing tag or hide-and-seek.

The multiple ball fields are home to most of the community sports leagues. On any given night there are leagues playing baseball, soccer, football or other sports.

This area is also traditionally the place for the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, the 4th of July celebration, and other community wide celebrations. The size of the open space there makes it a great place for large gatherings of people who want to watch fireworks or visit the carnival.

If you have a family and are looking for a great affordable neighborhood to live in there are several surrounding this recreation area. Giving your children access to the skate park, BMX tracks, ball fields and playgrounds just down the street will help keep both you and them happy. These neighborhoods are a true family environment.

If you are looking for a home in an environment like this you should take a look at this home on Birch Drive. It is just around the corner from these great areas, plus it is across the street from an entirely different park with a playground and plenty of grass. It is a great deal for under $100,000. Look at the detailed flier and photos of this affordable home in a great family neighborhood.

In the last decade Las Cruces grew fast because of its great location and small business opportunities. In addition, much of this growth was due to the nation-wide recognition that Las Cruces got from organizations like the AARP. The AARP recognized Las Cruces for its superior weather, culture, arts, people and its sunshine.

For what ever the reason, retirees are quickly moving to Las Cruces and those that have made the trip are satisfied and spreading the word. One of the areas of town that they are spreading the word about is Sonoma Ranch.

Sonoma Ranch is one of the newest master planned communities in Las Cruces located on the eastern side of town. With an extensive walking path system and an 18 hole golf course, Sonoma Ranch offers retirees exceptional recreational opportunities. In addition to recreation, the newest hospital, new restaurants and new shopping centers have opened up just down the street. Sonoma Ranch is a great asset to our community and very attractive to retirees. This is because Sonoma Ranch has subdivisions designed exclusively for people aged 55 plus.

One of these retirement communities, the Boulders at Sonoma Ranch, is located along the back 9 holes of the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. Here are a few of the great features you get in the Boulders:

* Gated entrance/ exit
* Beautifully designed and maintained common areas
* 1500 square foot clubhouse with full kitchen, outdoor natural gas grill, outdoor natural gas fireplace
* Pool and spa
* Fitness center
* Walking trails
* Fully landscaped and maintained front yards
* Community organized activities

If you are a retiree looking to take advantage of today's real estate market take a look at 1766 Oro Piedras in the Boulders.  This home has one of the most convenient locations in the Boulders. It is located close to the club house and mailboxes, and it offers views of the mountains and the city lights. In addition, the features are extensive. Click here to see photos and a virtual tour.

If you are interested in retiring in southern New Mexico contact me for help.

Here is the expanded article from AARP Magazine.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO
Tina and Doug Bailey (http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/dream_towns.html)

Like many residents of Las Cruces, Tina and Doug Bailey are happy to talk about the city's wonderful weather, the cultural perks that come with living in the same town as New Mexico State University, and the delicious New Mexico-style Mexican food (Las Cruces calls itself the chile capital of the world). But also like most people, the Baileys struggle a little to explain the ethereal charm of this desert town, set at the foot of the Organ Mountains, that has of late attracted so many retirees. "It's the light," says Tina, 56, who moved here in 1971 and married Doug, 64, a California transplant, in 1985. "It just makes everything look and seem so beautiful; that's why so many painters come here."

What's more, Las Cruces, despite its rapid growth and its rank as New Mexico's second-biggest city, still has a relaxed pace and affordable prices. Real-estate prices in Las Cruces are climbing (the median home price in 2005 was $168,000), but they're still a far cry from those in Santa Fe (median house price: $470,000). "We can get in the car and drive to Santa Fe for the weekend, without having to pay those housing prices," Doug says.

The Baileys, who own a government-contracting company, still work but are inching their way toward full retirement. And they're conscious of laying the groundwork they believe will keep them happy in Las Cruces well into old age. Both are avid swimmers, and they work out often with the Las Cruces Aquatic Masters Team. Both also are active volunteers, and they're big fans of the local arts. "We really love the musical and theatrical productions the university does. We pay around $300 for season tickets to the symphony, fifth row, center," says Tina. "We've had these seats ever since we married, and we're lucky as it's often sold out."

Why the locals love it...

Las Cruces is a bargain 
In addition to having low property taxes, New Mexico taxpayers 65 and older may exempt up to $8,000 (single filer) or $16,000 (married, filing jointly) from any income source if the income is under $28,500 (single filers) or $51,000 (filing jointly). If you're 100 or older, you pay no income tax whatsoever.

Lifestyle perks 
Thanks in part to the facilities of New Mexico State University and the growing retiree population, Las Cruces has plenty of outdoor fitness options, including four golf courses. And the mountains offer great hiking and camping.

Great escapes 
Santa Fe, with its many cultural events and festivals, is a four-hour drive. The gypsum hills of the White Sands National Monument are 40 miles away, while Juarez, the nearest shopping town in Mexico, is just an hour's drive away.

Residents love 
Watching the sun set over the Organ Mountains. "There are oranges, blues, purples, greens, sometimes in the winter there's a dusting of snow, it's always breathtaking," says Tina. "We don't get tired of it."

Average temperature in summer: 95° F

Average temperature in winter: 65° F

Number of sunny days per year: 330

Casual supper for two at Peppers on the Plaza, and maybe even a run-in with the ghosts of star-crossed lovers who are said to haunt it: $40

Hot tickets: Las Cruces Symphony, $25

Tortugas Mountain has several trails that circle around it for hiking or mountain biking. One leads to the top where the elevation reaches 4,931 feet. From the top of this mountain you can see just about everything! There are some amazing views of the growth on the east, the space between the mountains and the development, the lush Rio Grande Valley and everything in between.

For hikers this is an easy trail that is well suited for beginners. Mountain bikers may want to wait until they have more experience before giving these trails a try.

There are now two parking areas, one on the east and the other on the west with another planned on the south side. However, you don't necessarily have to drive because there are many primitive trails through the desert that one can take if you live in the right place.

One of these neighborhoods that could be the right place for a hike to the Tortugas Mountain is a new subdivision called La Tierra Escondida.

While this hike could take up your morning, it would be a great stretch through the desert where you can see the arroyos, plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert. The best part is that it would end atop a mountain giving you 360 degree views of Dona Ana County.

La Teirra Escondida is surrounded by open space. Much of this space if owned by the Bureau of Land Management and offers great horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking.

This subdivision has lush natural vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. It includes tennis courts, fitness and walking paths, and equestrian trails.

There are plenty of lots available in La Tierra Escondida but there are also homes ready for move in like 6015 Lazo del Norte. This home is gorgeous! It includes a casita with a fireplace, courtyard with fireplace and water feature. The back patio is 15x37 and covered. There is another 13x17.9 patio off the master bedroom. This really is a one of a kind home! Click here for some great pictures and more information.

Del Rey Boulevard soon have a bridge over the Sandhill Arroyo. Home owners who live off Del Rey have been requesting this improvement for years and their persistence has finally paid off.

The $2 million project, funded by the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be completed in early 2011.

The Sandhill Arroyo is one of the largest arroyos in Las Cruces. It carries water from the Organ Mountains to the Rio Grande. As you can imagine, along the way it picks up a lot of water. Del Rey is about half way down its path and never had adequate improvements for crossing the arroyo. During rainy season this can cause headaches to residents.

In addition to the bridge, the city of Las Cruces had started addressing the concerns by building a large water retention pond on the east mesa. This retention pond, nicknamed Watterfalls, is 15 acres and cost about $3 million. It protects neighborhoods throughout the east mesa and in the future will give a much-needed recreation area for east mesa children. For the residents along Del Rey during the rainy season it stops the water rushing down from the mountains which greatly reduces the amount of water crossing Del Rey.

Over the years the Sandhill Arroyo has made crossing the road difficult, caused multiple reconstructions and ultimately led to serious safety concerns. Now home owners can rest at ease. They will finally have a cross-able access point to their homes during a heavy rain.

These projects are just in time for the rebounding real estate market in Las Cruces. The affordable neighborhoods off Del Rey Blvd. range from new to well established. Let me know if you are looking for a home in this improved area of town. There are many great options!

Realtor websites (like this one)

Broker websites (like steinborn.com)

National websites (like Realtor.com)

Magazines (like Real Estate Guide)

Newspapers (like the Sun News)

Other (If other, what?)

The web has become a very popular source for real estate information. It gives you 'on the spot' information on prices, locations, pictures, and even virtual tours. I would guess that the web has become or is becoming the best source for real estate information. But I'm curious what you think. Let me know.

Living near the base of the mountains gives you views, privacy and easy access to the natural surroundings. One of the best access points to the mountains is Dripping Springs Natural Area.

Dripping Springs offers an easy hike through nature and history. If you haven't made your way up this trail before then you haven't seen the variety of nature that we have at our fingertips, or if you live in Talavera, your doorstep.

Wildlife, trees and wild flowers, this hike has it all. At the top of the hike rests several historic buildings known as Van Patten's Mountain Camp or later as Dripping Spring's Resort. Each of these buildings have their own history and today you can still find the natural springs that provided them with fresh water. To read more about the history click here.

Today you can hike around the buildings, find the artificial reservoir, or at the right time of year a small waterfall. The total area has just over 4 miles of easy hiking trails starting from the visitor center. There are also 12 picnic sites and one large family picnic site. Unfortunately there is no camping or pets allowed.

It still surprises me how many residents have yet to take this hike to see how wonderful our natural surroundings are. Having these treasures is a blessing and if you are looking to live close to them Talavera is one of your best options.

Talavera is a small community just up the street from New Mexico State University. The homes there range from affordable to luxurious. If you're looking for a home in the upper $400k price range and want to live close to nature then 4020 Quail Brush Ct. is worth your consideration.

Built in 2008, 4020 Quail Brush has over 3,000 square feet and great mountain and city views. Click here to see pictures and read more about it.