Discover The Best Places to Live in New Mexico in 2025
If you’re considering calling New Mexico home, check out this definitive list of the best places to live in New Mexico!
Over 2 million people live in the beautiful state of New Mexico. That respectable number is no surprise, given the state’s incredible cultural treasures and regional features. From the amenities, gourmet restaurants, and nightlife of Albuquerque to the allure of Los Alamos, those who live in New Mexico have a wide range of excellent options.
New Mexico’s Top 9 Cities to Live in 2025
To help you decide what cities in NM will best suit your unique needs, our Myers & Myers Real Estate team has put together this list of the Best Places to Live in New Mexico for 2025. In addition, you’ll find our suggestions on some of the best areas to live in New Mexico! Our list includes large and small towns in New Mexico in which to live.
Is New Mexico a good place to live? Read more and decide for yourself!
- Los Alamos
- Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho
- Corrales
- Ruidoso
- Farmington
- Artesia
- Santa Fe
- Los Lunas
Los Alamos
Los Alamos tops the list of best areas to live in New Mexico. It is a breathtaking region in central northern New Mexico, across four mesas in White Rock Canyon and Pajarito Plateau. In addition, the public schools are among the best in the state. Also, crime rates are meager, and the median household income is well above the national average. This is due in large part to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The population of Los Alamos is 13,840 (2024).
The Los Alamos National Laboratory is famous for its work on advanced weapons and is responsible for much of the area’s employment. As a result, 43% of the adult population in Los Alamos holds a master’s degree or better, over 30% higher than the national average.
Also, in Los Alamos, you will experience spectacular sights from every direction and a deep sense of community among the locals. Living in Los Alamos is quite pleasant due to its mild climate, with summer temperatures averaging around 70 degrees.
Albuquerque
Second, Albuquerque is on our list of New Mexico’s best cities in to live in. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, with over half a million residents. According to the US Census, Albuquerque’s population is 561,008 (2022). That population has led to the city becoming a cultural centerpiece for the state, teeming with activities for people of all ages.
Albuquerque is one of the cities in NM that offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the top places to live. The city is nestled at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, providing breathtaking views and a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. Residents can use the city’s extensive bike trails, hiking trails, and parks, such as the Sandia Peak Tramway and the Petroglyph National Monument.
Additionally, Albuquerque boasts a mild climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
In addition to its natural beauty, Albuquerque is also a hub for art and culture. The city is home to numerous museums and galleries, such as the Albuquerque Museum and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, which celebrate the city’s diverse history and cultural heritage. The city is also known for its annual Balloon Fiesta, one of the world’s largest hot air balloon festivals, drawing visitors from all over the globe. With a low cost of living, strong job market, and access to world-class healthcare and education, Albuquerque is a great place to call home for individuals and families alike.
Albuquerque’s living costs are low, taxes are reasonable, and employment is abundant. Because of that, Albuquerque is quickly becoming a place where people from all over the country come to live while building their savings. Are you thinking of moving here? Check out the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque, or start searching for homes by viewing the newest homes for sale in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Real Estate Market Report
The average home price in Albuquerque was $402,595 in July 2024 for the trailing twelve months (TTM), and the average home price per square foot was $207 in July 2024 (TTM).
In July 2024 (TTM), the median home price in Albuquerque was $350,000, and the median home price per square foot was $204.
For the TTM July 2024, the most expensive home sold in Albuquerque is $3,100,000.
$315,000 Active 10716 Capricorn Place NW Albuquerque, New Mexico
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,609 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$699,000 Active 116 14th Street SW Albuquerque, New Mexico
2 Beds 2 Baths 3,067 SqFt 0.15 Acres
$319,900 Active 509 Whispering Street SW Albuquerque, New Mexico
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,036 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$339,900 Active 11716 Terra Bonita Way SE Albuquerque, New Mexico
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,523 SqFt 0.11 Acres
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Rio Rancho
If you’re looking for one of the cities in NM on the move, look no further than Rio Rancho. Rio Rancho is amid explosive growth, ballooning by roughly 30,000 residents from 2005 to 2015. This growth is partly due to the city’s work opportunities. According to the 2020 US Census, the population of Rio Rancho is 104,046.
Intel has spent billions of dollars on its Rio Rancho chip manufacturing plant, which manufactures microprocessor chips. Many people are relocating to Rio Rancho to take jobs at the retooled plant. Intel in Rio Rancho has 2,600 employees.
The average income of families in Rio Rancho is around $60,000, exceeding the state average of $43,820. Given that high income, crime is low. A possible downside to Rio Rancho is that the cost of living can be higher than average. Check out these newest homes for sale in Rio Rancho.
Rio Rancho Real Estate Market Report
In July 2024 (TTM), the average home price in Rio Rancho was $394,597, and the average home price per square foot was $206.
In July 2024 (TTM), the median home price in Rio Rancho was $365,000, and the median home price per square foot was $208.
For the TTM July 2024, the most expensive home sold in Rio Rancho is $1,400,000.
$403,990 Active 2453 Balcomie Road NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,519 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$650,000 Active 5402 Grays Peak Trail NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,619 SqFt 0.27 Acres
$389,990 Active 2470 Balcomie Road NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,519 SqFt 0.11 Acres
$320,777 Active 640 Renaissance Loop SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico
2 Beds 2 Baths 1,236 SqFt 0.1 Acres
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Corrales
Corrales, NM, is a beautiful rural village on the Rio Grande River’s west bank just north of Albuquerque. The village works hard to maintain its rural setting, and its population is 8,530. Corrales is one of New Mexico’s best small towns to live in. Many of the homes sit on 1-acre lots or more. Many residents love to live organically and have horses, chickens, and other farm animals.
In addition, it is common to see people riding horses on the ditch banks. Corrales also hosts a farmer’s market that sells fresh, local food and homemade goods.
If you visit, check out Wagners Farms when roasting green Chile (Roasting green Chile is one of the best smells around!) You will also want to dine at Hannah & Nates for some excellent breakfast fare!
Corrales Real Estate Market Report
In July 2024 (TTM), the average home price in Corrales was $766,566, and the average home price per square foot was $285.
In July 2024 (TTM), the median home price in Corrales was $689,000, and the median home price per square foot was $286.
For the TTM July 2024, the most expensive home sold in Corrales is $1,900,000.
$987,970 Active 346 Applewood Road Corrales, New Mexico
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,545 SqFt 2.43 Acres
$995,000 Active 78 Quirks Lane Corrales, New Mexico
5 Beds 3 Baths 3,675 SqFt 2 Acres
$850,000 Active 3 Quiet Lane Corrales, New Mexico
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,328 SqFt 1 Acres
$875,000 Active 651 Calle De Blas Corrales, New Mexico
4 Beds 3 Baths 2,999 SqFt 1 Acres
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Ruidoso – A Place To Explore
Ruidoso is an excellent place in the cool pines of the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range in southern New Mexico. It sits at 6,920 feet above sea level, and the population of Rio Rancho is 7,769. Ruidoso is one of New Mexico’s best small towns to live in. If you love a quiet community with many outdoor activities, Ruidoso may be for you. Both Alto and Grindstone lakes are stocked with rainbow trout for year-round fishing.
Enjoy hiking and wildlife sightings, as the lakes are home to elk, black bears, osprey, and bald eagles. Nearby, Lincoln National Forrest offers hiking and waterfalls. Ski Apache is located about 16 miles from Ruidoso and offers snow skiing and mountain biking in the summer.
Ruidoso Downs and Casino is known for Quarter Horse racing and the All-American Futurity. The All-American Futurity is held on Labor Day and is the richest horse race in North America for 2-year-old horses of any breed. Billy, The Kid Casino, is also at the race track with slot machine action. Inn Of The Mountain Gods is next to Mescalero Lake, which has beautiful scenery, a golf course, restaurants, and casino gambling. Ruidoso is stunning and a hidden gem in southern New Mexico.
Update on Ruidoso
The 2024 Ruidoso wildfires, the South Fork Fire, and the Salt Fire burned over 1,400 Lincoln County, New Mexico structures, including at least 500 homes. The fires began on June 17, 2024, and burned over 30 square miles, displacing about 8,000 people. The monsoon rains also caused flooding on the burn-scarred soil, destroying 200 homes.
Farmington
Farmington is a city in San Juan County in Northwestern New Mexico. It is known for its abundance of entertainment and things to do. Whether you’re looking to explore the Aztec Museum, hop through the city’s local breweries, or spend time at the De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, the city has no shortage of appealing options.
Farmington is a very livable city with an average rent price of just $718 per month and a median household income per household of just below $50,000. To top it off, it enjoys some of the best weather in the state! The population of Farmington is 46,422
Artesia
Artesia is one of the most beautiful cities in New Mexico. It is situated in Eddy County in Southeast New Mexico. It is sometimes called “the city of champions,” which may not be much of an exaggeration. The city boasts championship-quality unemployment numbers that are well below the national average. The population of Artesia is 12,458.
Additionally, their public schools have a 12 – 1 student-to-teacher ratio and boast a superb cost of living. Regarding the cost of living, when looking at the worldwide price of living index, Artesia scores in the low 80s. However, most cities in the United States hover around 100.
Santa Fe – Home Of Artistic Heritage
Santa Fe, located just north and east of the Albuquerque metro area, deserves mention on our list of the best places to live in New Mexico. It hosts some of the state’s most spectacular festivals, architecture, and culture. Santa Fe should be near the top of your list if you’re a history buff or a socialite asking where to live in New Mexico.
In addition, Santa Fe boasts a high quality of life. Despite its scale, it still manages a relatively high average household income of over $50,000. It also boasts excellent commute times of under 20 minutes on average. However, housing costs can be high here compared to the rest of the state. For purchase, the average home price is over $550,000. In addition, rental property is also above the state’s average.
Santa Fe is New Mexico’s capital and has a population of 88,193, making it the fourth-largest city in the state.
Los Lunas
Los Lunas is becoming a great small town in New Mexico due to its healthy economy and new job opportunities. Located just under 35 miles south of Albuquerque, the population of Los Lunas is 17,861 (2021 US Census) people with a rural feel, yet only a 20-minute drive from the bustling metropolis of Albuquerque.
The current economic boom and all the new jobs Los Lunas offers make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to move to New Mexico. Los Lunas is worth considering if you’re looking for good job availability and a healthy economy. A key attraction Los Lunas has to offer is its robust economy, full of job availability and healthy growth. Los Lunas stands out among the best places to live in New Mexico due to its lifestyle options and excellent economic prospects.
Facebook has completed four buildings in its data center and hired many employees. The 750-acre facility is expected to be completed by October 2024. Projections are to hire 400 full-time employees and have 3.8 million square feet over eight buildings.
Los Lunas, New Mexico, is set to receive a significant economic boost with Manna Capital’s commitment and investment of more than $2 billion in constructing an aluminum can sheet rolling mill and recycling center. This ambitious project is estimated to create about 950 high-paying jobs.
Congratulations to Los Lunas for a great job of creating tremendous economic growth for its residents.
Los Lunas Real Estate Market Report
Los Lunas offers affordable housing with lower costs than Albuquerque.
In July 2024 (TTM), the average home price in Los Lunas was $321,773, and the average home price per square foot was $189.
In July 2024 (TTM), the median home price in Los Lunas was $306,815, and the median home price per square foot was $194.
For the TTM July 2024, the most expensive home sold in Los Lunas is $1,180,000.
$185,000 Active 62 Primero Road Los Lunas, New Mexico
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,792 SqFt 1.5 Acres
$230,000 Active 12 Violet Avenue Los Lunas, New Mexico
3 Beds 3 Baths 1,544 SqFt 0.5 Acres
$374,900 Active 415 Adeline Avenue Los Lunas, New Mexico
4 Beds 2 Baths 1,752 SqFt 0.13 Acres
$374,900 Active 355 Adeline Avenue Los Lunas, New Mexico
4 Beds 2 Baths 1,752 SqFt 0.13 Acres
Search homes for sale in Los Lunas.
Wrapping Up Some Great Places to Live in NM
New Mexico is a melting pot of cultural and natural environments. Knowing what you’re looking for and your budget can help you determine which of the best places to live in New Mexico is right for you.
If you’re looking for significant action and a low cost of living, check out cities like Albuquerque or Rio Rancho. For a different vibe, try Los Alamos or Artesia.
No matter what city you go with, brace yourself. New Mexico is a state unlike any other in the country. Upon entering it, you risk getting swept off your feet and having your heart stolen by its incredible beauty.
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