Doña Ana, NM

Located just a few minutes north of Las Cruces along the Rio Grande, Doña Ana is one of the oldest permanent settlements in southern New Mexico. Its story dates back centuries, taking its name from Doña Ana Robledo during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt before becoming an established village in the 1840s. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile valley, building adobe homes and starting the farming traditions that still define the surrounding area.

ATTRNational Trails Office ( US National Park Service ) / Public domain

Today, the village offers a quiet, relaxed pace steeped in local history. At the center of town stands Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, an adobe church built in the 1850s that remains an active community landmark. Living here means enjoying open skies, pecan groves, and mountain views, all while keeping a quick commute down Interstate 25 for schools, healthcare, and dining in Las Cruces.