best places live new

New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, is a diverse state with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From buzzing metropolitan cities to quaint rural villages, from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico truly has something for everyone. Whether you are considering a move to the Land of Enchantment or just looking for a new place to explore, we have compiled a list of the 15 best places to live in New Mexico to help you make an informed decision.

Why New Mexico?

New Mexico is a unique state with a lot to offer its residents. Did you know that New Mexico has an official state tree, the Pinyon Pine? This tree is a symbol of the state and produces tasty and nutritious pinyon nuts that can be sprinkled on salads for added texture. With a population of 2 million, New Mexico is home to a diverse and hard-working community, with a strong Latino presence.

When choosing a place to live, there are several factors to consider, such as crime statistics, the quality of public schools, and median house prices. Finding all this information in one place can be challenging, which is why we have done the hard work for you. Our list of the 15 best places to live in New Mexico takes into account these factors and more to help you find the perfect place to call home.

Los Alamos

  1. Location: Nestled beneath the Pajarito Mountain Jemez Mountain Range
  2. Population: Eleven thousand residents
  3. Median Household Income: Around six figures
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. Bradbury Science Museum
  6. Bandelier National Monument
  7. Fuller Lodge Art Center
  8. Manhattan Project National Historical Park
  9. Los Alamos History Museum
  10. Ashley Pond
  11. Pajarito Brewpub and Grill
  12. Los Alamos Little Theater

White Rock

  1. Location: A safe and happy place with over six thousand residents
  2. Best for: Families
  3. Median Home Value: Around $350,000
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. White Rock Visitor Center
  6. Overlook Park
  7. White Rock Overlook
  8. Diablo Canyon Recreation Area
  9. Otowi Bridge

Sandia Heights

  1. Location: A suburb of Albuquerque
  2. Population: Over three thousand residents
  3. Median Rent: Over $1,000 per month
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. Sandia Peak Tramway
  6. Turquoise Museum
  7. La Luz Trail
  8. Tinkertown Museum
  9. Sandia Peak Ski Area
  10. Sandia Crest
  11. Balloon Fiesta Park
  12. Casa Rondena Winery

Eldorado at Santa Fe

  1. Location: Santa Fe County
  2. Population: Over six thousand residents
  3. Best for: Retirees
  4. House Prices: Above-average due to quality of build and value for money
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Santa Fe Plaza
  7. Meow Wolf Sante Fe
  8. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
  9. Museum of International Folk Art
  10. Santa Fe Farmers Market
  11. New Mexico Museum of Art

Corrales

  1. Location: Sandoval County
  2. Community: Thrives on agricultural income
  3. Crime Rate: Consistently low
  4. Education: Top schools offering A-rated education programs
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Corrales Growers Market
  7. Acequia Vineyards & Winery 
  8. Corrales Winery
  9. Red Horse Riding Company
  10. A Park Above
  11. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co

Mesilla

  1. Location: Doña Ana County
  2. Population: Over two thousand residents
  3. Safety: Ranked as the second safest place in New Mexico
  4. House Prices: Below the national average
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Mesilla Plaza
  7. Fountain Theatre
  8. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
  9. Gadsden Museum
  10. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces

Rio Rancho

  1. Location: Home to over ninety-one thousand residents
  2. Best for: Families
  3. House Prices: Around $200,000 for a 4-bedroom family home
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. Elevate Trampoline Park
  6. Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
  7. Rio Rancho Premiere 14
  8. Tinkertown Museum
  9. Rio Rancho Events Center
  10. Haynes Community Center and Park
  11. Rio Rancho Aquatic Center
  12. Vista Hills Park

Paradise Hills

  1. Location: Bernalillo County
  2. Population: Over four thousand residents
  3. Best for: Millennials
  4. Future Growth: Expected population boom in the next decade
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Private Balloon Flights
  7. La Luz Trail
  8. New Mexico Steam Locomotive Railroad Historical Society
  9. Routes Bicycle Tours
  10. Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum
  11. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  12. Albuquerque Museum

Albuquerque

  1. Location: Largest city in New Mexico
  2. Population: Half a million people
  3. Affordability: Property prices below the national average
  4. Crime Rate: Considered less than ideal
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Albuquerque Museum
  7. ABQ BioPark Zoo
  8. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
  9. Tingley Beach
  10. Cliff’s Amusement Park
  11. Kimo Theatre

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

  1. Location: Bernalillo County
  2. Population: Affluent and highly educated
  3. House Prices: Slightly above the national average
  4. Community: Diverse population with strong educational background
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Campo at Los Pobloanos
  7. Casa Rondena Winery
  8. Vernon’s Speakeasy
  9. Big Jim Farms
  10. Balloon Fiesta Park

Las Cruces

  1. Location: Nearly 50/50 split of owned and rented homes
  2. Best for: Families and young professionals
  3. Affordability: Less than $200,000 for entire homes
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. Mesilla Plaza
  6. White Sands National Park
  7. Dripping Springs Natural Area
  8. New Mexico State University
  9. Plaza de Las Cruces
  10. Las Cruces Railroad Museum

North Valley

  1. Location: Over eleven thousand residents
  2. Best for: Families
  3. Affordability: Several affordable family homes available
  4. Entertainment & Activities:
  5. ABQ BioPark Aquarium
  6. A Park Above
  7. Petroglyph National Monument
  8. Cliff’s Amusement Park
  9. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
  10. Albuquerque Museum

Santa Fe

  1. Location: Over eighty-three thousand residents
  2. Culture: Artistic and creative city
  3. Affordability: Expensive compared to other cities in New Mexico
  4. Economy: Strengthening with diverse population
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Santa Fe Plaza
  7. Museum of International Folk Art
  8. San Miguel Chapel
  9. New Mexico Museum of Art
  10. Palace of the Governors History Museum

Edgewood

  1. Location: Santa Fe County with expanding town limits
  2. Population: Over three thousand residents
  3. Safety: One of the safest places to live in New Mexico
  4. House Prices: Just over $200,000
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Wildlife West Nature Park
  7. Tinkertown Museum
  8. Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop
  9. Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
  10. Hinkle Fun Center Amusement Park

La Huerta

  1. Formerly: Carlsbad North
  2. Population: Over one thousand residents
  3. Affluence: Average annual income of nearly $90,000
  4. House Prices: Steeper than in other parts of New Mexico
  5. Entertainment & Activities:
  6. Tenacatita Beach
  7. Restaurante Martin
  8. Lucky Bull Grill

Whether you are looking for a vibrant city life or a peaceful rural retreat, New Mexico has a place for you. From the ski slopes of Los Alamos to the artistic streets of Santa Fe, the Land of Enchantment offers a diverse range of communities to suit every lifestyle. So, pack your bags and start your adventure in one of the 15 best places to live in New Mexico. Your perfect home is waiting for you!