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Best Places To Live in New Mexico

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Best Places To Live in New Mexico

Loaded with history, art and culture, plus stunning desert and mountain scenery, these cities are the best places to live in New Mexico.

By Livability on March 29, 2016

It’s hard to beat the sunshine and incredible landscape you’ll find in New Mexico, known as The Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is one of the least densely populated states in the country and has many Native American communities and a large Spanish-speaking population, giving it a rich heritage and unique culture.

Mining, gas and oil extraction, and quarrying are the largest contributors to the growth in New Mexico, but food processing, printing and publishing are also important industry sectors. Farmers and ranchers also contribute to the state’s economy, with beef, milk, hay, pecans, corn, wheat, cotton, sorghum and peanuts produced here. Its central location and business-friendly environment also make New Mexico an ideal place to start or build a business.

Stunning natural surroundings make this state stand out, with scenic mountains, desert and mesas. Three national parks are found here, as well as 35 state parks. New Mexico’s distinctive culture is evident in the many museums, historic sites and cultural centers in cities and towns across the state. The arts play a prominent role here, too, with art galleries, festivals and museums all providing an interesting perspective on what makes this New Mexico special. Here’s a look at some of the best places to live in New Mexico.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico, during autumn with the downtown skyline and the Sandia Mountains in the distance. Albuquerque is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
iStock/Davel5957
Albuquerque, New Mexico, during autumn with the downtown skyline and the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

Albuquerque is a best place to live in New Mexico. 

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city with a population of nearly 573,000 and records 310 days of sunshine a year! So, what’s not to love? Plus, there’s Native American culture, fabulous food, Western charm and it’s affordable, so it’s easy to see why this is such a desirable place to live. Petroglyph National Monument Park is one of the highlights, with more than 25,000 carved images left behind by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center documents the history and culture of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos, plus there are other fascinating museums to visit. October’s International Balloon Fiesta is a sight to behold and is known as the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. Outdoor recreation abounds, from hiking and biking to rafting, bouldering and kayaking. It’s no wonder Albuquerque is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.

What is so special about the culture in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is an interesting mix of Mexican, Native American and Spanish influences, which carries over to the art, food, architecture and traditions found in the city. Adobe buildings still remain in Old Town, which was founded in 1706 and has a plethora of shops, art galleries, museums and dining spots. Albuquerque’s diverse culture is also presented in the various murals that dot the city.

Read more about living in Albuquerque, NM.

Carlsbad

A visitor hikes through the Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Carlsbad is a best place to live in New Mexico.

Located in southeast New Mexico along the banks of the Pecos River, Carlsbad has a population of nearly 32,000. The city is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert, the largest desert in North America. Retirees are drawn to Carlsbad due to the small-town atmosphere and warm weather. Residents also enjoy the Pearl of the Pecos (POP) Arts and Culture District with art galleries, restaurants and boutique hotels. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens attracts families to see rhinos, wallabies and giraffes, and nearby Brantley Lake State Park offers boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking and bird-watching.

What is Carlsbad best known for?

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is one of only 20 World Heritage Sites in the United States, celebrated its 100th year in 2023 and is an oasis for nature lovers. Its rich geological history can be seen in the deep rocky canyons, stalagmites and stalactites, desert flowers and wildlife, and more than 119 caves of all sizes. Enjoy a 9.5-mile drive through scenic desert landscape or lace up your boots and explore more than 50 miles of primitive trails. Thousands of bats leave the cave on their nightly search for food during Bat Flight from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. 

Read more about living in Carlsbad, NM.

Las Cruces

A scenic view of the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, with the Organ Mountains in the distance.
iStock/SWInsider
A scenic view of the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, with the Organ Mountains in the distance.

Las Cruces is a great city to live in New Mexico.

Las Cruces is the second-largest city in New Mexico with a population of a little over 115,000. The city is the economic and geographic center of the Mesilla Valley and the home of New Mexico State University. The White Sands Test Facility and the White Sands Missile Range are located here, making the federal government the city’s largest employer. Adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range is Spaceport America, the first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world, where anchor tenant Virgin Galactic helped create the space tourism industry.  Each Wednesday, residents flock to the Farmers & Crafts Markets of Las Cruces, a mainstay for over 50 years that features locally made food, produce and crafts. The city offers beautiful traditional architecture and distinctive artwork that showcase the city as a crossroads of Indian, Hispanic and American cultures. The Chile Pepper Institute on the campus of NMSU is internationally known for its research and education on — what else? — chile peppers. 

What kind of festivals does Las Cruces have?

Because Las Cruces is such a mix of cultures, there are numerous fun festivals that residents can enjoy. Ranging from a balloon fiesta to the state fair, the city pulls out all the stops throughout the year. Other events on tap include the Whole Enchilada Fiesta, Renaissance ArtsFaire, the Harvest Wine Festival, Day of the Dead festival, Cinco de Mayo celebration and many more.

Read more about living in Las Cruces, NM.

Los Alamos

An image of a park pond with ducks in downtown Los Alamos, New Mexico.
iStock/benedek
Set 7,300 feet above sea level, Los Alamos, NM, is surrounded by mountains that offer hiking, biking and skiing.

Los Alamos is a best city in New Mexico.

Los Alamos is a familiar name for most people due to its role in World War II as the home of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Today, it is a well-known interdisciplinary research institution working on behalf of national security. The city’s largest industries include professional, scientific services, manufacturing and food services. This mountain community consistently ranks as one of Livability.com’s Best Small Towns in America and rightly so. It’s a recreational wonderland, set 7,300 feet above sea level, with more than 120 hiking and biking trails and easy access to the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos gives the city of over 13,000 a college-town atmosphere, attracting young families and professionals.

Why is the Los Alamos National Laboratory so important?

Los Alamos was the site of the secret laboratory where some of the brightest minds in the country designed and built the world’s first atomic weapons that were used in the bombing of Japan in 1945. The Los Alamos National Laboratory, a National Historic Park, still conducts world-class research to help protect our country. The lab has a museum in downtown Los Alamos, where visitors can learn more about the importance of the Manhattan Project.

Read more about living in Los Alamos, NM.

Rio Rancho

An image of downtown Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Rio Rancho is a best place to live in New Mexico.

It’s easy to see why Rio Rancho was named as one of the Best Places To Live in 2023 by Livability.com. With nearly 300 days of sunshine, a striking landscape, affordable housing, good health care and ample job opportunities, it’s no wonder Rio Rancho is a popular city to call home. No matter where you live, you’ll be close to one of the 50 city parks and lots of trails for hiking and biking. Health care, high-tech manufacturing and retail are the city’s largest industries. Rio Rancho, with a population of just over 109,000, is known as one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico, thanks to its high quality of life. It’s also a hop, skip and jump from the larger city of Albuquerque.

What makes Rio Rancho so attractive for families?

Rio Rancho offers a wealth of amenities that make it great for young families. There are quality public and private schools, and the median sale price of a home is $340,000, which is less expensive than similar medium-sized cities. Rio Rancho has a low crime rate, plenty of parks and other attractions that are geared for families.

Read more about living in Rio Rancho, NM.

Roswell

A couple walks around the Lea Lake area of Bottomless Lake State Park near Roswell, N.M. Roswell is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht
A couple walks around the Lea Lake area of Bottomless Lake State Park near Roswell, New Mexico.

Roswell is a great city to live in New Mexico.

People who move to Roswell think it’s out of this world! Yes, it’s the home of the International UFO Museum & Research Center, but Roswell also has a thriving economy with major employers in the aerospace, health care and energy sectors. Agriculture is also prominent, ranking as the 12th-largest dairy-producing county in America. In fact, Leprino Foods operates one of the world’s largest cheese plants, employing 600 workers in Roswell. The city of 48,000 offers a friendly environment with tree-lined streets and beautiful mountain views (and things to do outdoors!), centrally located in the Pecos Valley.

What is Roswell best known for?

In 1947, the U.S. Army recovered a “flying disk” (metallic and rubber debris from a military balloon) from a ranch near Roswell. That one incident began the city’s association with extraterrestrials. Today, Roswell has a UFO museum and research center, lots of businesses that are centered around the alien theme, such as the flying saucer-inspired McDonald’s, and draws lots of tourists interested in everything otherworldly. The city hosts the UFO Festival every summer, beaming in some 40,000 visitors.

Read more about living in Roswell, NM.

Santa Fe

The downtown skyline of Santa Fe, N.M. at dusk.Sante Fe is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
iStock/Sean Pavone
The downtown skyline of Santa Fe, New Mexico, at dusk.

Santa Fe is a best city in New Mexico.

Santa Fe, population 90,000-plus, has made a name for itself for myriad reasons. Distinctive adobe architecture, art markets and galleries galore (about 250!), 20 different museums, magnificent desert vistas and world-renowned restaurants make for a stellar place to visit — and to live. As the oldest capital city in the country, government is the largest employer followed by hospitality — Santa Fe attracts 1 to 2 million visitors annually. Residents get to experience all four seasons with more than 320 days of sunshine. And what’s not to love about a city with a Margarita Trail, where you can sample more than 40 different margaritas?

What makes Santa Fe so distinctive?

Spanish and Native American culture pepper this New Mexican city. In fact, the country’s oldest structure, the Palace of the Governors, was built in the early 1600s. And Santa Fe made history when it became a UNESCO Creative City in 2005 — one in 10 jobs here are connected to the arts. In addition, much of the city’s culture revolves around New Mexico’s 23 Native American tribes, nations and pueblos. Santa Fe is considered to be the third-largest art market in the U.S. based on sales and is known as one of our country’s great art cities, which makes Santa Fe one of the best places to live in New Mexico.

Read more about living in Santa Fe, NM.

Thinking of Moving to New Mexico?

Finding a great place to live in New Mexico doesn’t have to be a chore. We have more resources for moving to New Mexico as well as other best places to live in the Southwest. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S .

Other Great Places To Live Near New Mexico

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