New Mexico is part of the Four Corners region along with Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Located in the southern Rocky Mountains of the western United States, this sunny state offers several beautiful and historic cities that may be just right for your next home.
Is New Mexico a good place to live?
New Mexico can be a great place to live for many people. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons, which can be appealing to nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The state has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong influence from Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions.
New Mexico also has a relatively low cost of living compared to some other states, which can make it an attractive option for those looking for affordable housing and a lower overall expense. Additionally, the state has a relatively mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters, which can be appealing to individuals who prefer a more moderate climate.
The state is home to several vibrant cities, such as Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, which offer a range of amenities, including museums, art galleries, cultural events, and a variety of dining options. We’ve ranked eight top cities in New Mexico by rent prices, schools, health care, and entertainment to help you decide which city is best for you.
1. Las Cruces, NM
- Population change: A
- Price: C
- Stores: B
- Schools: B
- Health care: B
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: B
Las Cruces enjoys a picturesque spot in southern New Mexico, situated along the Rio Grande at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and west of the Organ Mountains. Home to New Mexico State University, the city has a distinct college vibe. The average rent is $1,060 for a one-bedroom apartment. The area has good health care and plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Foodies can find unique flavors along the Green Chile Trail. Local highlights include the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and White Sands National Park.
2. Albuquerque, NM
- Population change: D
- Price: D
- Stores: A
- Schools: A
- Health care: A
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: A
The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque has a diverse culture and plentiful options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The city features over a dozen museums and 172 parks. You’ll find more than 150 shops in the Old Town area alone. Health care is outstanding with options including Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital, Lovelace Hospital, The Heart Hospital, and more. The city is home to The University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $990.
3. Roswell, NM
- Population change: C
- Price: A
- Stores: C
- Schools: C
- Health care: D
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: B
Located in southeastern New Mexico on the Hondo River, Roswell is best known as the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash. Though you can find attractions like the International UFO Museum & Research Center, Roswell also features the Spring River Zoo, Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, and other highlights. The city offers plenty of dining with an abundance of Mexican restaurants. Local schools get a moderate grade. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $842, making this an affordable place to call home.
4. Santa Fe, NM
- Population change: C
- Price: F
- Stores: A
- Schools: A
- Health care: A
- Entertainment: A
- Restaurant: A
Santa Fe sits at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains in a valley of the Rio Grande. This is both the oldest and highest capital city in the country. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,674, as this is a highly coveted place to call home. Santa Fe enjoys outstanding grades for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Though the town is just 33 square miles, it features over 400 restaurants, 250 art galleries, and 19 museums. Santa Fe has highly rated public schools making this a popular choice for families. Local health care is excellent as well.
5. Farmington, NM
- Population change: B
- Price: C
- Stores: D
- Schools: B
- Health care: B
- Entertainment: C
- Restaurant: F
Located in New Mexico’s northwest corner, Farmington sits in the San Juan Basin at the junction of the La Plata, Animas, and San Juan rivers. The city offers lush parks, great fishing, and the famous Pinon Hills golf course. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Farmington is $800. Well-ranked for health care and schools, this is a great city for families. With easy access to six national parks and five beautiful lakes, this area suits outdoorsmen and adventure lovers well.
6. Rio Rancho, NM
- Population change: B
- Price: D
- Stores: C
- Schools: D
- Health care: C
- Entertainment: B
- Restaurant: D
Located just 12 miles north of Albuquerque in central New Mexico, Rio Rancho is the third-largest city in the state and one of the fastest-growing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $915. The city gets a moderate health care rating with access to a variety of convenient medical centers. You’ll find diverse attractions including the fully accessible playground A Park Above, the Haynes Community Center and Park, and the historic Casa San Ysidro and San Ysidro Church.
7. Carlsbad, NM
- Population change: A
- Price: F
- Stores: D
- Schools: C
- Health care: C
- Entertainment: D
- Restaurant: C
Carlsbad sits along the Pecos River in the Chihuahuan Desert at the gateway to the stunning Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,100 here. Schools and health care get moderate grades. The local restaurants are satisfyingly diverse with options like savory Red Chimney BBQ and the quaint Pecos River Cafe. Other highlights include the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park and the Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Culture District.
8. Alamogordo, NM
- Population change: F
- Price: B
- Stores: B
- Schools: F
- Health care: F
- Entertainment: F
- Restaurant: C
Alamogordo is nestled in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert. This area offers prime growing conditions for grapes, pecans, and pistachios, making it a delicious destination for wine and nut tastings. The Alamogordo MainStreet district, supported by a state-accredited historical community revitalization program, features over a dozen stores, eight restaurants, five entertainment venues, and two museums. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is just $713, offering an affordable option in a picturesque destination.
Frequently asked questions about living in Santa Fe
New Mexico offers a diverse range of advantages. It has stunning natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and forests, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping. The state has a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Western influences. Additionally, New Mexico has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states.
New Mexico has a varied climate, with regions experiencing different weather patterns. Generally, the state has a dry climate with low humidity. Summers can be hot, especially in desert areas, while winters vary from mild in the southern parts to cold with snowfall in the northern mountains. Spring and fall offer pleasant and mild temperatures across the state.
The job market in New Mexico varies by industry and region. The state has a significant presence in sectors such as government, healthcare, education, and energy. Albuquerque, the largest city in the state, is a major employment hub, hosting several national laboratories and research facilities. Additionally, the tourism and hospitality industry plays a crucial role, particularly in areas like Santa Fe and Taos.
Overall, New Mexico has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states. Housing costs, in particular, are often more affordable than in many major metropolitan areas. However, it’s important to consider that cost of living can vary depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.
New Mexico is renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The state is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and historical sites. Santa Fe, in particular, is known for its thriving arts community and annual events like the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Santa Fe Opera. The state also celebrates traditional Native American festivals and has a rich history of Spanish colonial architecture and traditions.
Final thoughts
Whether you are drawn to the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, or the affordability of housing, New Mexico offers something for everyone. The cities within the state each have their own charm and distinct features. From the vibrant arts scene of Santa Fe to the diverse culture and excellent healthcare in Albuquerque, there are options to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington, Rio Rancho, Carlsbad, and Alamogordo also offer their own attractions and advantages. Overall, New Mexico provides a range of opportunities and experiences that make it a desirable destination for those seeking a new place to call home. Explore our Zumper listings in your favorite destination.
Methodology
- 1-bedroom median rent price – Zumper.com
- Population change – American Community Survey 2021 and 2019
- Stores, schools, entertainment, restaurant, transportation – OpenStreetMap
To determine the best places to live in New Mexico we analyzed data on seven key metrics, including median 1-bedroom rent prices, population change, and the quantity of stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants. 1-bedroom rent prices accounted for 30 percent of the weighted grade. Population change accounted for 20 percent. Stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants accounted for ten percent each.
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