For those who’re planning on transferring to New Mexico, add these cities to your listing.
New Mexico is an enormous, mountainous state wealthy in historical past, attraction, 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 at present.
Geographically, the state may 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 also 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 the moment 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 perfect locations to reside in New Mexico, rating them on qualities comparable to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The most effective 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 Worth:$590,000Median Lease Worth:$1,765Average Commute Time:20.2 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.9%
A historic metropolis nestled throughout the large Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe tops our listing as the perfect place to reside in New Mexico. High-notch facilities, a energetic group, and nice out of doors recreation helped the town earn high marks.
Because the oldest U.S. state capital, Santa Fe may very well be thought of historic. In actual fact, it was colonized by the Spanish in 1607, effectively 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 remains to be seen at present.
Whereas the town is house to dozens of centuries-old landmarks, together with the oldest authorities and non secular buildings within the U.S., a contemporary, hip inhabitants thrives. This combination of the outdated and new has bred a uniquely artistic inhabitants, serving to Santa Fe to grow to be a UNESCO Inventive Metropolis. The Santa Fe Worldwide People 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 toes, together with a dry and sunny local weather, the town is usually a nice house for these with persistent ache. And with greater than 320 days of sunshine all through its 4 distinct seasons, everybody can discover one thing to like. June is commonly the most well liked month earlier than the summer season monsoon kicks in, whereas winters may be snowy. 4-season out of doors recreation is a should.
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2. Albuquerque, NM
Inhabitants:560,274Median Sale Worth:$346,000Median Lease Worth:$1,150Average Commute Time:22.2 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.6%
The most important metropolis within the state, Albuquerque (typically 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 Previous 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. All the 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 anticipated to say no within the coming years, Albuquerque continues to develop. A pleasing local weather, an reasonably priced price of dwelling, and interesting employment alternatives have saved individuals 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 Worth:$340,000Median Lease Worth:$975Average Commute Time:18.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:4.4%
Positioned simply 45 miles north of the Mexico border, Las Cruces is a historic desert metropolis boasting a comparatively reasonably priced price 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 vehicles and trains touring between San Diego, CA and Dallas, TX. Nonetheless, at present, the town is best recognized for its youthful environment, agriculture, and cuisines. New Mexico State College calls the town house, together with hundreds of acres of farmland, vineyards, a whole lot of mountaineering trails, and plenty of historic neighborhoods.
The fertile plains surrounding the Rio Grande have supported farming for hundreds of years, and proceed to take action at present. Moreover, as with many cities within the state, railroads performed a pivotal function in Las Cruces’ growth. You’ll be able to be taught all about these histories on the well-liked New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and Las Cruces Railroad Museum.
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4. North Valley, NM
Inhabitants:11,474Median Sale Worth:$485,000Median Lease Worth:$1,395Average Commute Time:22.4 minutesUnemployment Charge: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 plush greenery, the realm is house to outdated 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 foremost points of interest are alongside Interstate 25, however 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue are hotspots as effectively. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Natural Farm, Indian Pueblo Cultural Middle, and Casa Rondeña Vineyard are nice for a time out.
Out of doors fanatics will even discover North Valley interesting. The Rio Grande Nature Middle State Park and the 16-mile-long Paseo del Bosque Path supply glorious venues for strolling, biking, and bird-watching.
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5. Rio Rancho, NM
Inhabitants:110,660Median Sale Worth:$385,000Median Lease Worth:$1,390Average Commute Time:29.9 minutesUnemployment Charge: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 obtainable properties, quick access to the outside, or a profitable advertising marketing campaign, individuals love dwelling subsequent to the Rio Grande River.
In contrast to 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 amazing place to reside. There’s a motive it’s referred to as the Metropolis of Imaginative and prescient, in any case. Just 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 principle 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 Worth:$195,000Median Lease Worth:$890Average Commute Time:17.5 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.2%
Positioned in remoted japanese New Mexico, Roswell loves the unknown – it’s the namesake of the notorious 1947 Roswell Incident, in any case. Immediately, Roswell is understood for its small-town attraction, wild-west environment, and fascination with U.F.O lore.
Because the incident, Roswell has embraced its function in well-liked tradition and now hosts the annual U.F.O Pageant on the incident’s unique date. The Worldwide U.F.O Museum and Analysis Middle can also be situated on the town.
Other than extraterrestrial life, there’s quite a bit to like in regards to the small metropolis. Homes are extraordinarily reasonably priced, you may have quick access to out of doors 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 supplies 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.
Residing in Roswell additionally means you see all 4 seasons. Summers are lengthy and scorching, whereas winters are cool and may be snowy. Spring and fall are usually the perfect instances to be exterior. The local weather may be very dry, however the excessive plains present a venue for robust summer season thunderstorms.
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7. Farmington, NM
Inhabitants:46,237Median Sale Worth:$268,000Median Lease Worth:$875Average Commute Time:17.9 minutesUnemployment Charge: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. Reasonably priced housing, loads of facilities, and straightforward day by day commutes helped earn the town a spot on our listing.
Although Farmington wasn’t integrated till 1901, the area has an extended 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 see proof of simply exterior the town on the close by Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins. Immediately, 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 almost 5,500 toes 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 circumstances a lot of the yr, and a couple of foot of snow falls each winter – good for snowboarding, sledding, or sightseeing.
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8. Clovis, NM
Inhabitants:37,612Median Sale Worth:$192,000Median Lease Worth:$770Average Commute Time:16.3 minutesUnemployment Charge:5.1%
Clovis, a small metropolis close to the Texas border, is the eighth-best place to reside in New Mexico. Initially integrated as a railroad city, the town remains to be recognized for its trains but additionally house to different industries, together with cheddar cheese and agriculture. Limitless flat, grassy plains stretch for so far as the attention can see in each path, damaged up by farmland, streams, and industrial buildings.
Maybe crucial side of the Clovis space is its function in Indigenous historical past. A Paleo-Indian website was found round Clovis relationship 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 recognized to not be the case.
There is usually a scarcity of issues to do in Clovis correct, so individuals typically 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 group might also assist you to meet the town’s residents.
Clovis’s local weather is comparatively dry and really windy, and is inclined to robust storms through the spring and summer season, with thunderstorms and a few tornadoes attainable. Heavy rain typically results in localized flooding. Winter snowfall is widespread, and summers are scorching.
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9. Alamogordo, NM
Inhabitants:31,284Median Sale Worth:$237,000Median Lease Worth:$1,030Average Commute Time:17.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.2%
Nestled towards the imposing Sacramento Mountains within the Chihuahuan Desert, Alamogordo is known for its out of doors recreation, navy base, and exquisite landscapes. Town started as a railroad city and has since grown into a bigger deliberate group with energetic residents. Housing costs are comparatively low, with median hire costs lower than half the nationwide median.
The close by Holloman Air Pressure Base simply to the west performs a serious function in Alamogordo’s tradition and economic system. Holloman accounts for almost half of the town’s economic system, and a big group of veterans and active-duty service members reside in Alamogordo and work on the base.
Folks typically head exterior for enjoyable, and it’s straightforward to see why. White Sands Nationwide Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph Web site are all inside a half hour and are nice locations to discover with pals. Motorsports are well-liked alongside the numerous trails within the desert and foothills of the mountains, too. Snowboarding within the winter can also be straightforward and reasonably priced.
Alamogordo’s local weather is scorching, dry, and stormy in the summertime and funky and sunny within the winter. You will note all 4 seasons dwelling within the space.
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10. Gallup, NM
Inhabitants:20,451Median Sale Worth:$280,000Median Lease Worth:$895Average Commute Time:18,3 minutesUnemployment Charge: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 price of dwelling, however can also 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 at present 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 relationship again hundreds of years, and the Gallup Cultural Middle showcases a few of this historical past by displays and tales.
Like many small cities, individuals typically head out of city for a weekend or day journey. Nonetheless, if you wish to keep on the town, there’s a lot to do, too. Purple Rock Park supplies alternatives for mountaineering, tenting, and climbing amongst historic sandstone cliffs, whereas the Rex Museum showcases the area’s mining and railroad historical past. You’ll be able to’t miss native eating places, both – Don Diego’s, Bombay Grill, the Railway Cafe, and plenty of meals carts through the Saturday Market are favorites.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable resolution 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 components, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 10,000 or higher had been thought of for our New Mexico listing. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
