Las Cruces, in southwestern New Mexico, is nourished by the Rio Grande River and the fertile Mesilla Valley, surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and backed in the east by the dramatic peaks of the Organ Mountains. The mountains, whose name derives from vertical stone "needles" that resemble organ pipes, change colors throughout the day from charcoal to purple to rose, rust and gold. Las Cruces is the second-largest city in New Mexico, but it still has the laid-back pace of a much smaller town. The sunny, moderate climate permits year-round outdoor activities. It's no wonder people are drawn here. "What I find special is the people. They are so kind," said Kristen Worthington, who came here from Northern California to find affordable property and pursue a "lifelong dream of working the land." There's a rich blend of Hispanic, Native American and Old Western culture, she added. About an hour northeast of town, White Sands National Park is home to vast gypsum sand dunes, which can be ...