As the new destination for new homeowners, New Mexico’s cultural melting pot is slowly shedding the shadow of its “poor relative” image. Jobs are abundant, schools are properly funded, and streets are becoming safer which is all thanks to the oil and gas boom. The magnificent state of New Mexico has almost 2 million residents. This is not surprising given the state’s great cultural and geographical treasures. Those who choose to reside in New Mexico have a wide range of fantastic options at their fingertips, from the amenities, gourmet restaurants, and nightlife of Albuquerque to the enchantment of Los Alamos. If you’re thinking about relocating to New Mexico in 2023, be sure to check out this comprehensive list of best place(s) to live in the state including retirees.
Best Place to Live in New Mexico in 2023
Are you looking for a place to call home away from home, a place where you may feel at ease? Are you looking for a beautiful spot to start a business or raise a family?
Where could possibly be the best place to live in New Mexico in the year 2023? One might ask.
Well, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best place(s) to live in New Mexico and Some of these places are also dwelling places for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years and spend whatever they’ve earned.
#1. Los Alamos
This is undoubtedly the best place to live in New Mexico is Los Alamos. Los Alamos is a stunning New Mexico location. White Rock Canyon and Pajarito Plateau have four mesas.
The schools here are top-notch. Less than 1% of residents are unemployed. Los Alamos National Laboratory is largely to blame.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is notable for its work on sophisticated weapons. Because of the laboratory’s importance and the specialized nature of its work, 43 percent of Los Alamos’ adult population has a master’s degree or above. This is over 30% over the national average.
Expect stunning views, a strong sense of community, and a warm environment with summer temps about 70°.
#2. White Rock
Small settlements like White Rock showcase New Mexico’s natural beauty. With approximately 6,000 residents White Rock is consistently ranked as one of the best place(s) in New Mexico to live. You can start a family and with all of the amenities, you can expect a favorable school system, a virtually non-existent crime rate, and one of the state’s highest median household incomes (a very respectable $121,518) from one of the most desirable towns. Additionally, the cost of living in such a prestigious location will cost you $283,100, or if you want to rent, it’ll cost you $1264. This makes this side of New Mexico a perfect place for retirees to live in given by their aim of enjoying life after work years.
#3. Sandia Heights
Sandia Heights is one of Albuquerque’s most popular commuter suburbs with excellent public transportation and a safe, family-friendly environment; it provides the best of the large city without the inconveniences. Home prices are exorbitant ( say a huge $437,500 to buy a property and a similarly high $1139 to rent a property), but given that the average homeowner earns a very high median household income of $101,395, it’s unlikely to put a dent in their wallets. Given the high median rent, it’s no wonder that 91% of the population lives in their own house.
Furthermore, Sandia Heights is a great place for parents to raise their children, with a population of 3,300 people and 35 good public schools nearby.
#4. Eldorado At Santa Fe
It’s easy to see why the little town of Eldorado At Santa Fe is such a big appeal for retirees, with its easygoing, serene ambiance and sedate pace of life. While there are more old faces than young in the town, there is still much to keep everyone pleased, including a wide choice of conveniences, shopping complexes, recreational facilities, and outdoor hobbies. A home in the town isn’t cheap (a single-family house will set you back roughly $375,600), but most residents have a typical household income of $76,583, so you’re unlikely to recieve too many complaints.
#5. Corrales
Corrales, New Mexico is a small community on the Rio Grande River’s west bank, about north of Albuquerque. With a population of fewer than 10,000 people, the community of Corrales fights to maintain its rural surroundings and thrives on agricultural income. Many of the houses are on one-acre or larger lots. Horses, chickens, and other farm animals are kept by many inhabitants. People riding horses on the ditch banks are fairly prevalent. A farmers market is also held in Corrales.
Corrales has a low crime rate that gives both long-time residents and newcomers plenty of peace of mind. This is due, in part, to the locals’ strong community-oriented mindset. Several festivals are held throughout the year to bring the community together to share and enjoy life in New Mexico.
Corrales 45 public schools are doing exceptionally well. The top five schools can all provide an A-rated education program to their students, which helps them stand out when applying to universities later on.
#6. Mesilla
This small settlement in Doa Ana County falls out among New Mexico top five finest place(s) to live in 2023. However, Mesilla is the first of our selected cities to offer monthly rents below the national average, according to our research. Furthermore, Mesilla rents are for $753 per month on average, which is a good deal given the median home value of $255,000.
Mesilla is also the second safest city in the state of New Mexico. Settlers are keen to inform newcomers that crime and violence are rarely a problem in this Las Cruces area.
Additionally, Mesilla is the kind of dynamic, diversified city that so many would love to live in, with cultural events like the yearly Cinco de Mayo, the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiestas, and the extremely popular lighting of luminarias on Christmas Eve.
Because retirees want to enjoy life after their working years, this part of New Mexico an ideal place for them to live.
#7. Rio Rancho
Affordable home? Check. Low rate of violent crime? Check. A welcoming, diversified community? Check. Good schools, a diverse range of community events, delicious food alternatives, and outstanding cultural and social facilities? Check, Check, Check, Check.
Rio Rancho is home to 91,800 people or over 5% of the population of New Mexico! With so many people living in the neighborhood, infrastructure and amenities have been adequately funded. Locals frequent restaurants such as Indigo Crow Cafe and Heaven Dragon, and Rio Rancho is developing a vibrant social scene.
The place also has some of the greatest schools in the state, so parents looking for quality education for their children will have little to complain about. From elementary school to high school, this suburb has some of the best schools in the state.
Rio Rancho’s average home prices may appear high at first look, yet the value for money is exceptional. You can enjoy a high quality of life and a typical income of $63,180 for a very low home price of $189,000
#8. Paradise Hills
With housing just a smidgeon above the national average at $185,200, a small, family-friendly community of 5,576, a low crime rate, a well above average median household income of $64,512, access to a first-rate school system, a booming job market, a tiny unemployment rate of 4.5%, and a similarly small poverty rate of 8.2%, the list of reasons Paradise Hills makes our list is extensive.
#9.Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, although not the state capital, It is residence to half a million people and is located in the High Desert.
According to expectations for a large city, joblessness is a non-issue; employment options are numerous, and the living cost is reasonable. Unfortunately, due to the fact that it is a major metropolis, the crime numbers are less than ideal. To summarize, when locals refer to their city as the “land of magic,” it is safe to imply that they skim over these issues; perhaps we should do the same.
When compared to other big cities, real estate in Albuquerque is extremely affordable. The average property price in the area is $185,000, with the average monthly rent hanging around $799.
#10. Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
In contrast to many of its contemporaries, the affluent, highly educated, and hospitable Los Ranchos de Albuquerque stands out because of its well-maintained parks, good schools, an abundance of amenities, and a household income that, at $61,217, is one of the highest in the state. In light of the area’s great demand for real estate, it should come as no surprise that it is not inexpensive: a good-sized family house in the area will set you back $350,900 on average. Rent, on the other hand, comes in at $728 per month, which is significantly below the national average.
#11. Las Cruces
Las Cruces has a diversified population, with almost equal numbers of residents living in owned and leased dwellings. It also has a similar cost of living to Albuquerque CDB; $743 per month for rentals and $148,000 for complete homes.
Las Cruces is attracted by its accessibility to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument and the Robledo Mountains. The average household income in this city is just $41,000 per year, which is $12,000 less than the national average.
Notwithstanding this, the people of Las Cruces are living happily and content. A good variety of public schools keeps parents happy, outdoor activities and entertainment keep kids happy, and an improving job market keeps workers happy.
12. North Valley
North Valley, a suburb of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, has 11,221 residents. Despite some high-priced properties on the market, North Valley has many inexpensive family homes. With a modest $140,000 investment, you may acquire a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. North Valley is a popular place to raise a family, and with 42 public schools to select from, parents may feel secure in their choice.
The residents of North Valley are a diverse group of people. The average household income in this area is $45,000 per year; it is a place where hardworking individuals strive to keep their families happy and comfortable.
13. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, the state capital, is a popular tourist destination, thus bringing your friends and family to visit you won’t be an issue if that’s one of your concerns about relocating to New Mexico. However, with a tax rate of 17.60 %
Sante Fe should be on the top of your list whether you’re a history enthusiast or a socialite looking for a place to reside in New Mexico.
Sante Fe has a high standard of living. As a result, despite its size, it maintains a comparatively high average household income of more than $50,000. It also has excellent commuting times, with an average of under 20 minutes.
In relation to the rest of the state, housing costs might be quite high. The average home costs more than $300,000 to buy. The value of a rental property is also higher than the national average.
Santa Fe has 1.84 medical centers per 1,000 residents, which places it fourth, and 1.53 recreation centers per 1,000 persons, which places it third. The city is also well-known for its arts and culture. It features a number of museums, including one dedicated to Georgia O’Keefe, who was featured in a minor episode of the popular New Mexico television show Breaking Bad.
#14. Edgewood( Ruidoso)
Ruidoso is a fantastic alternative for individuals who want to be close to the natural beauty of the American West, as it is located within the Sierra Blanca mountains and near the Mescalero Tribe, an American Indian reservation. It does, however, have the largest tax burden on the list, at 18.00 %.
Ruidoso is ranked fifth on this list for medical centers per 1,000 residents, with 1.90 medical facilities per 1,000 residents. Seniors account for 27.50 %, making it the town with the second-highest percentage of seniors. Ruidoso Downs Race Track, a prominent horse-racing venue, is located in Ruidoso.
#15. La Huerta
La Huerta, formerly known as Carlsbad North, is home to a close-knit community of 1,100 people. They’re not just close-knit, but they’re also prosperous. La Huerta has a population of successful career people, with an average annual salary of $84,900.
House prices are substantially higher than in other sections of New Mexico, but with a median rent of $634, there are possibilities for renters here. Only 18% of individuals live in rented housing, so you’ll have to seize opportunities as quickly as they arise.
Best Place To Live In New Mexico For Retirees 2023
If you want to spend your retirement age somewhere exceptional, New Mexico is an excellent retirement destination since it is both warm and culturally diverse.
However, retiring in a new state, such as New Mexico, or in any state for that matter, necessitates much forethought. Your tax status, home, doctors, and other factors will all change at the same time during a transfer like this. In other words, you’ll want money to be the last thing on your mind. Otherwise, you may find your exciting move to a new location to be far more stressful than it needs to be.
The list below is arranged based on a number of factors as the most challenging problem for retirees is ensuring that their funds will survive for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, the overall tax burden in each city was taken into account as a result of this and because medical treatment is very important we’ve also analyzed the number of medical facilities per 1,000 residents.
- Taos
- Silver City
- Placitas
- Santa Fe
- Ruidoso
- Los Alamos
- Aztec
- Corrales
- Los Lunas
- Deming
Conclusion
The bottom line is that New Mexico is one the best place(s) to live and still do business if you’re planning on relocating in 2023, or starting a family, or even settling down. Also, New Mexico is a fantastic option for retirees looking for a pleasant and tranquil area to cool off and spend their golden years or retirement time. So we’d say that New Mexico is an excellent choice for a work trip, a weekend escape, a vacation destination, wedding party destination, or even a sabbatical leave.
FAQs
What places can i possibly relocate to in new mexico in 2023?
The best place to think about when considering coming to live in New Mexico in 2023 should be one of the cities below
- Los Alamos
- Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho
- Corrales
- White rock
- Sandia heights
- Sante Fe.
Is relocating to new mexico worth it for retirees?
New Mexico is a yes-yes for retirees looking for a pleasant and tranquil area or place to live in and spend their golden years or retirement time.
Is Santa Fe a good place to retire?
It’s a Great Place to Retire
This is one best place that features many desirable amenities for retirees that want to live in New Mexico: comfortable weather, relative seclusion, friendly people, and more. These luxuries are attractive to any potential resident, but there are more practical reasons why over 20% of Santa Fe’s residents are 65 or older.
Is moving to New Mexico a good idea?
It is a beautiful and laid-back state and also a favorite place of senior citizens, who relocate there with great pleasure, using senior moving services. The employment opportunities are growing while the cost of living in New Mexico is within the means of most families. It is close to both Texas and California.