In case you’re planning on transferring to New Mexico, add these cities to your checklist.
New Mexico is an unlimited, mountainous state wealthy in historical past, appeal, and pure wonders. For hundreds of years, native Puebloan, Apache, and Navajo peoples have inhabited the land, deeply influencing the area’s tradition and historical past. Historic artwork, artifacts, and constructions are displayed all through the state, showcasing this heritage. Later, Spanish colonization launched new structure, faith, and traditions, that are nonetheless outstanding immediately.
Geographically, the state will be divided into 4 areas: the Nice Plains to the east, the Colorado Plateau to the west, the Rocky Mountains to the north, and the Basin and Vary area within the southern third. The Chihuahuan Desert, together with the White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Parks, can be situated within the south.
New Mexico’s local weather is predominantly dry, with variable annual precipitation. Whereas the mountains obtain extra rainfall, the state has confronted extended droughts since 1999, resulting in a rise in wildfires and heavier reliance on the Colorado River for municipal and agricultural water. It’s at present within the midst of a extreme drought. It’s essential to think about local weather dangers earlier than transferring to New Mexico.
So, which cities within the Land of Enchantment are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the very best locations to reside in New Mexico, rating them on qualities equivalent to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The perfect locations to reside in New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
North Valley, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Roswell, NM
Farmington, NM
Clovis, NM
Alamogordo, NM
Gallup, NM
1. Santa Fe, NM
Inhabitants:89,167Median Sale Value:$590,000Median Lease Value:$1,765Average Commute Time:20.2 minutesUnemployment Price:2.9%
A historic metropolis nestled inside the large Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe tops our checklist as the very best place to reside in New Mexico. High-notch facilities, a energetic neighborhood, and nice outside recreation helped the town earn prime marks.
Because the oldest U.S. state capital, Santa Fe may very well be thought of historical. Actually, it was colonized by the Spanish in 1607, properly earlier than Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Importantly, native Pueblan, Apache, and Navajo peoples had inhabited the land for hundreds of years prior. This distinctive cultural mixture closely influenced the area’s structure, faith, and delicacies, which continues to be seen immediately.
Whereas the town is house to dozens of centuries-old landmarks, together with the oldest authorities and spiritual buildings within the U.S., a contemporary, hip inhabitants thrives. This combination of the previous and new has bred a uniquely artistic inhabitants, serving to Santa Fe to grow to be a UNESCO Artistic Metropolis. The Santa Fe Worldwide Folks Artwork Market, Conventional Spanish Colonial Market, and Santa Fe Indian Market are among the many most well-known and draw vacationers from across the nation.
Positioned at 7,199 ft, together with a dry and sunny local weather, the town is usually a nice house for these with power ache. And with greater than 320 days of sunshine all through its 4 distinct seasons, everybody can discover one thing to like. June is usually the most well liked month earlier than the summer season monsoon kicks in, whereas winters will be snowy. 4-season outside recreation is a should.
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2. Albuquerque, NM
Inhabitants:560,274Median Sale Value:$346,000Median Lease Value:$1,150Average Commute Time:22.2 minutesUnemployment Price:3.6%
The biggest metropolis within the state, Albuquerque (usually abbreviated as “ABQ”) is situated simply 60 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Although it’s the state’s cultural and financial hub, the town has a notably shorter colonial historical past, settled by the Spanish in 1706.
Town originated alongside a bend within the Rio Grande River and has since unfold east all through the valley. Older neighborhoods like Outdated City and Barelas line the Rio Grande, whereas newer neighborhoods like Eldorado Heights and Supper Rock stretch into the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Adobe structure is outstanding all through the town.
Albuquerque is situated within the high-elevation northern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert, and thus has a really dry and sunny local weather. A lot of the metropolis’s 9 inches of rain falls through the summer season monsoon season. The entire metropolis’s water comes from underground aquifers, the Colorado River Basin, and the Rio Grande River, so water safety is a serious concern. Efforts to preserve and reuse water have been profitable, fortunately.
Whereas New Mexico’s inhabitants is predicted to say no within the coming years, Albuquerque continues to develop. A pleasing local weather, an reasonably priced value of dwelling, and interesting employment alternatives have stored folks coming for years. Occasions just like the Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta and Route 66 Summerfest are an added bonus.
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3. Las Cruces, NM
Inhabitants:114,892Median Sale Value:$340,000Median Lease Value:$975Average Commute Time:18.7 minutesUnemployment Price:4.4%
Positioned simply 45 miles north of the Mexico border, Las Cruces is a historic desert metropolis boasting a comparatively reasonably priced value of dwelling, sunny climate, and quick access to the outside. It’s located within the Chihuahuan Desert west of the Organ Mountains, inside an hour from the White Sands Nationwide Park. Most land surrounding Las Cruces is owned by the federal government.
Because the second-largest metropolis in New Mexico, Las Cruces has lengthy served as a midpoint for automobiles and trains touring between San Diego, CA and Dallas, TX. Nonetheless, immediately, the town is healthier identified for its youthful ambiance, agriculture, and cuisines. New Mexico State College calls the town house, together with hundreds of acres of farmland, vineyards, a whole lot of mountain climbing trails, and lots of historic neighborhoods.
The fertile plains surrounding the Rio Grande have supported farming for hundreds of years, and proceed to take action immediately. Moreover, as with many cities within the state, railroads performed a pivotal position in Las Cruces’ improvement. You possibly can study all about these histories on the common New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and Las Cruces Railroad Museum.
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4. North Valley, NM
Inhabitants:11,474Median Sale Value:$485,000Median Lease Value:$1,395Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Price:1.5%
North Valley, an Albuquerque suburb, is the fourth-best place to reside in New Mexico. Identified for its riverfront trails, historic irrigation ditches, and luxurious greenery, the realm is house to previous adobe properties, native farms, and horse ranches. Pretty reasonably priced housing and rental costs helped contribute to the town’s rating, together with entry to the outside and big-city facilities.
North Valley is pretty unfold out, so many errands would require a automobile. Nonetheless, as you drive, you’ll get to benefit from the centuries-old tree-lined streets and buildings. A lot of the metropolis’s principal sights are alongside Interstate 25, however 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue are hotspots as properly. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Natural Farm, Indian Pueblo Cultural Heart, and Casa Rondeña Vineyard are nice for a time out.
Outside fanatics may also discover North Valley interesting. The Rio Grande Nature Heart State Park and the 16-mile-long Paseo del Bosque Path provide wonderful venues for strolling, biking, and bird-watching.
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5. Rio Rancho, NM
Inhabitants:110,660Median Sale Value:$385,000Median Lease Value:$1,390Average Commute Time:29.9 minutesUnemployment Price:4%
The fastest-growing metropolis in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is a gridded suburb 15 miles northwest of Albuquerque. Whether or not it’s due to the town’s ample room for development, loads of accessible properties, quick access to the outside, or a profitable advertising marketing campaign, folks love dwelling subsequent to the Rio Grande River.
Not like many cities in New Mexico, Rio Rancho may be very new. Town didn’t exist sixty years in the past, however has since turned a dusty panorama into an incredible place to reside. There’s a purpose it’s referred to as the Metropolis of Imaginative and prescient, in any case. Much like most suburbs, facilities are bundled collectively at malls, just like the Rio Rancho Market, and neighborhoods are constructed as separate developments. Unser Boulevard and Pat D’Arco Freeway are the primary strips on the town.
Employment alternatives are a serious plus of dwelling in Rio Rancho. Town is house to the Intel Company’s giant manufacturing plant, offering quite a few job alternatives and contributing to the native economic system.
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6. Roswell, NM
Inhabitants:47,109Median Sale Value:$195,000Median Lease Value:$890Average Commute Time:17.5 minutesUnemployment Price:3.2%
Positioned in remoted jap New Mexico, Roswell loves the unknown – it’s the namesake of the notorious 1947 Roswell Incident, in any case. As we speak, Roswell is thought for its small-town appeal, wild-west ambiance, and fascination with U.F.O lore.
Because the incident, Roswell has embraced its position in common tradition and now hosts the annual U.F.O Pageant on the incident’s unique date. The Worldwide U.F.O Museum and Analysis Heart can be situated on the town.
Aside from extraterrestrial life, there’s quite a bit to like in regards to the small metropolis. Homes are extraordinarily reasonably priced, you will have quick access to outside adventures, and you may spend a time out in town to take a look at native artwork and discover the area’s historical past. The flat, desert panorama additionally gives a pleasant backdrop for the miles of round farmland to the southeast, parks alongside the Pecos River, and strolling trails on the town. The Spring River Parkway is the most well-liked path.
Dwelling in Roswell additionally means you see all 4 seasons. Summers are lengthy and scorching, whereas winters are cool and will be snowy. Spring and fall are usually the very best instances to be outdoors. The local weather may be very dry, however the excessive plains present a venue for sturdy summer season thunderstorms.
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7. Farmington, NM
Inhabitants:46,237Median Sale Value:$268,000Median Lease Value:$875Average Commute Time:17.9 minutesUnemployment Price:3.4%
Sitting on the confluence of the La Plata, Animas, and San Juan Rivers in northwestern New Mexico, Farmington is surrounded by cultural treasures and rugged landscapes. Inexpensive housing, loads of facilities, and simple every day commutes helped earn the town a spot on our checklist.
Although Farmington wasn’t included till 1901, the area has a protracted historical past. The Anasazi, Navajo, Apache, and Utes peoples lived within the space for hundreds of years previous to colonial settlement within the 1870s, which you’ll be able to see proof of simply outdoors the town on the close by Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins. As we speak, round 34% of scholars in Farmington are Indigenous, and the town celebrates this historical past yearly on the Totah Pageant. The Navajo Reservation lies simply to the west.
Oil, pure fuel, and agriculture are the biggest industries on the town. A couple of casinos are additionally close by.
Farmington sits at practically 5,500 ft in elevation, simply 50 miles from the peaks of the San Juan Mountains. This implies quick access to 14,000-foot mountains, miles of trails, winding rivers, and deep canyons. The nice and cozy, dry local weather makes for nice situations many of the 12 months, and a few foot of snow falls each winter – good for snowboarding, sledding, or sightseeing.
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8. Clovis, NM
Inhabitants:37,612Median Sale Value:$192,000Median Lease Value:$770Average Commute Time:16.3 minutesUnemployment Price:5.1%
Clovis, a small metropolis close to the Texas border, is the eighth-best place to reside in New Mexico. Initially included as a railroad city, the town continues to be identified for its trains but in addition house to different industries, together with cheddar cheese and agriculture. Countless flat, grassy plains stretch for so far as the attention can see in each course, damaged up by farmland, streams, and industrial buildings.
Maybe a very powerful side of the Clovis space is its position in Indigenous historical past. A Paleo-Indian website was found round Clovis courting again some 12,000 years, at which a number of Clovis factors had been recovered – integral items of human historical past. These had been initially believed to be proof of the primary human tradition within the Americas, however that is now identified to not be the case.
There is usually a scarcity of issues to do in Clovis correct, so folks usually head out of city for journey and leisure. Mountain biking at Osage Hills and Ned Houk Park, biking alongside Llano Estacado Boulevard, or visiting Ute or Fort Sumner Lake are nice choices. Becoming a member of a neighborhood softball staff may provide help to meet the town’s residents.
Clovis’s local weather is comparatively dry and really windy, and is vulnerable to sturdy storms through the spring and summer season, with thunderstorms and a few tornadoes doable. Heavy rain usually results in localized flooding. Winter snowfall is frequent, and summers are scorching.
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9. Alamogordo, NM
Inhabitants:31,284Median Sale Value:$237,000Median Lease Value:$1,030Average Commute Time:17.7 minutesUnemployment Price:3.2%
Nestled in opposition to the imposing Sacramento Mountains within the Chihuahuan Desert, Alamogordo is known for its outside recreation, navy base, and delightful landscapes. Town started as a railroad city and has since grown into a bigger deliberate neighborhood with energetic residents. Housing costs are comparatively low, with median hire costs lower than half the nationwide median.
The close by Holloman Air Drive Base simply to the west performs a serious position in Alamogordo’s tradition and economic system. Holloman accounts for practically half of the town’s economic system, and a big neighborhood of veterans and active-duty service members reside in Alamogordo and work on the base.
Folks usually head outdoors for enjoyable, and it’s simple to see why. White Sands Nationwide Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph Website are all inside a half hour and are nice locations to discover with mates. Motorsports are common alongside the numerous trails within the desert and foothills of the mountains, too. Snowboarding within the winter can be simple and reasonably priced.
Alamogordo’s local weather is scorching, dry, and stormy in the summertime and funky and sunny within the winter. You will notice all 4 seasons dwelling within the space.
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10. Gallup, NM
Inhabitants:20,451Median Sale Value:$280,000Median Lease Value:$895Average Commute Time:18,3 minutesUnemployment Price:3.9%
What started as a railroad city alongside historic Route 66, Gallup is now a small metropolis bordering the Navajo Reservation. Affordability, facilities, and navigability helped the town earn the quantity ten spot. Town’s local weather is scorching, dry, and stormy, with cool and nice winters.
Gallup has a remarkably reasonably priced value of dwelling, however can be located inside one of many poorest counties within the nation; over 30% of residents reside beneath the poverty line. Town’s economic system used to revolve round mining and the railroad, however immediately is centered round healthcare and repair.
The Navajo Reservation borders Gallup to the north, west, and south, closely influencing the town’s tradition, delicacies, and economic system. The area has an Indigenous historical past courting again hundreds of years, and the Gallup Cultural Heart showcases a few of this historical past by reveals and tales.
Like many small cities, folks usually head out of city for a weekend or day journey. Nonetheless, if you wish to keep on the town, there’s loads to do, too. Pink Rock Park gives alternatives for mountain climbing, tenting, and climbing amongst historical sandstone cliffs, whereas the Rex Museum showcases the area’s mining and railroad historical past. You possibly can’t miss native eating places, both – Don Diego’s, Bombay Grill, the Railway Cafe, and lots of meals carts through the Saturday Market are favorites.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to reside. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 10,000 or higher had been thought of for our New Mexico checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
