Best Places to Live in New Mexico 2022
If you’re considering calling New Mexico home, then be sure to check out this definitive list of the best places to live in New Mexico!
Over 2 million people live in the wonderful state of New Mexico. That respectable number comes as no surprise given the incredible cultural treasures and regional features the state has to offer.
From the amenities, gourmet restaurants and nightlife of Albuquerque, to the allure of Los Alamos, those who choose to live in New Mexico have a wide range of excellent options at their fingertips.
To help you decide what New Mexico city will best suit your unique needs, our team at Myers & Myers Real Estate have created this article. Below you’ll find our suggestions on some of the best places to live in New Mexico!
1) Los Alamos
Los Alamos tops the list of best places to live in New Mexico. Los Alamos is a breathtaking region in New Mexico. It is situated across four mesas in White Rock Canyon and Pajarito Plateau.
The schools here are among the best in the state. Crime rates are also exceptionally low and the median income is well above the national average. This is due in large part to the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory is famous given its work on advanced weapons. Since the laboratory is responsible for much of the employment in the area and due to the specialized nature of that employment, 43% of the adult population in Los Alamos holds a masters degree or better. That number is over 30% higher than the national average.
In Los Alamos expect spectacular sights, a deep sense of community, and a very mild climate with summer temperatures averaging around 70 degrees.
2) Albuquerque
Albuquerque comes in second on our list of best places to live in New Mexico. Albuquerque with its over half a million residents is the largest city in New Mexico. That population has led to the city becoming a cultural centerpiece for the state teeming with activities for people of all age groups.
There has been a huge influx of business in Albuquerque including Amazon and Netflix.
In Albuquerque, you can enjoy treasures like the Science Center, Children’s Museum and Biological Park to name a few.
If the high population makes you worry about educational quality, think again. Despite Albuquerque’s size, it still enjoys one of the most favorable student to teacher ratios when compared to similar cities at 14 students to every 1 teacher.
Cost of living is 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 lavishly while building their savings. Check out all homes for sale in Albuquerque.
3) Rio Rancho
If you’re looking for a city on the move, look no further than Rio Rancho. Rio Rancho is in the midst of explosive growth having ballooned by roughly 30,000 residents from 2005 to 2015.
This growth is due largely in part to the work opportunities the city offers. Rio Rancho is the economic hub of Sandoval County and consequently, houses many hiring businesses.
Intel is ramping up production of micoprocessor chips in Rio Rancho. Rumor has it that there will be 1800 high paying jobs at the plant!
The average income of families in Rio Rancho is around $60,000. A number that exceeds 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 averages. The average rent in the city, for example, is $864.00 which is higher than most of the state. Check out homes for sale in Rio Rancho.
4) Corrales
Corrales NM is a rural village located on the west bank of the Rio Grande River and located just north of Albuquerque. The village of Corrales works hard to maintain it’s rural setting with a popluation of less than 10,000 residents. Many of the homes sit on 1 acre lots or more. Many residents have horses, chickens, and other farm animals. It is very common to see people riding horses on the ditch banks. Corrales also hosts a farmers market. Check out Wagners Farms when they are roasting green chile. Roasting green chile is one of the best smells around. You will also want to have breakfast at Hannah & Nates! Check out homes for sale in Corrales NM.
5) Ruidoso
Ruidoso is a small village located in the cool pines of the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range in Southern New Mexico. Ruidoso sits at 6,920 feet above sea level with a population of less than 8,000. If you love a quiet town with lots of 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 bear, 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 located at the race track with slot machine action.
Inn Of The Mountain Gods is located next to the Mescalero Lake with beautiful scenery, a golf course, restaurants, and casino gambling.
Ruidoso is absolutely stunning and a hidden gem in southern New Mexico.
6) Farmington
Farmington is a city located in San Juan County. The city is known for its abundance of 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.
With an average rent price of just $718.00 per month and a median income per household of just below $50,000, Farmington is a very livable city. To top it off, it enjoys some of the best weather in the state!
7) Artesia
Artesia is a beautiful New Mexico city that is situated in Eddy County. It is sometimes referred to as “the city of champions” and that may not be much of an exaggeration.
The city boasts championship quality unemployment numbers that are well below the national average. They have a 12 – 1 student to teacher ratio. They also boast a superb cost of living.
On the subject of the cost of living, when looking at the worldwide cost of living index, Artesia scores in the low 80’s. Most cities in the United States hover around 100.
8) Sante Fe
Absolutely deserving of a mention on our best places to live in New Mexico list is Sante Fe. Sante Fe is host to some of the most spectacular festivals, architecture and culture the state of New Mexico has to offer.
If you’re a history buff or a socialite asking where to live in New Mexico, Sante Fe should be near the top of your list.
Sante Fe boasts a high-quality of life. To that end, despite its scale, it still manages a relatively high average household income at over $50,000. It also boasts excellent commute times at under 20 minutes on average.
Housing costs can be high here in comparison to the rest of the state. For purchase, the average home price is over $550,000. Rental property is also above the state’s average.
Wrapping Up Some of the Best Places to Live in New Mexico
New Mexico is a melting pot of both cultural and natural effervescence. When making the move here, knowing what you’re looking for and your budget can inform which of the best places to live in New Mexico is right for you.
If you’re looking for big action and/or 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 run the risk of getting swept off your feet and having your heart stolen by its incredible beauty.
If you’re looking to move to New Mexico and are interested in the Albuquerque or Rio Rancho areas, our team at Myers & Myers Real Estate can help. Here are some great tips if you are buying and selling a home at the same time.
We have special insight into both areas that can help you find the perfect home at the perfect price. We’ve been getting our clients exceptional value for years on their home buying journeys. We want to do the same for you!
Learn more about the properties we have to offer in both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho today.
Also, feel free to contact us if you need help finding a type of property not listed on our site.
Myers & Myers Real Estate
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