The Pros and Cons of Living in New Mexico

Julia Roberts, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, Holly Holm, and Rudolfo Anaya—these celebs have something in common: They have lived or still live in New Mexico.  

There’s so much more to living in New Mexico than the scenic forests surrounding Santa Fe. And you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire or a famous actor to enjoy living in New Mexico since its cost of living won’t drain your bank account…in most counties…more on that later. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of the Land of Enchantment. 

Pros

1. Affordable Housing Prices and Rents

One advantage that New Mexico has over other states is its affordable housing and rental market, depending on which county you live in.

On average, homes cost $350,300. However, that amount fluctuates as you travel throughout the state. For instance, the average listing price of a home in the Santa Fe area runs about $543,750, whereas if you travel to the southern part of the state, specifically to Chaves County, you can expect to pay $180,000.

 The monthly average rent ranges from $709 for a studio apartment to $1,289 for a three-bedroom home. Again, these amounts vary from one region to the next. In Santa Fe County, you’ll pay between $1,317 (one-bedroom apartment) and $1,960 (three-bedroom home) per month.

On the opposite end of the cost spectrum, a one-bedroom apartment in Lea County costs about $889 per month, and the rent for a three-bedroom home is an average of $1,642. 

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2. The Cost of Living

Along with lower housing prices, you can count on an overall low cost of living. In fact, New Mexico’s cost of living ranks 5% lower than the rest of the country. Necessities like groceries and healthcare services fell 2% lower than all the other states. You’ll see prices like $307 per month for food and $9,907 per year for a family of four.  

Additionally, utilities, on average, cost around $362, which includes electricity, water, natural gas, internet, and phone.

As far as your commute goes gasoline costs about the same as the national average, at $3.52 in some counties; however, you can expect to pay as low as $2.86 per gallon. 

3. Excellent Educational Opportunities

Despite its reputation (more on that later), New Mexico offers some unique and effective educational opportunities for students of all ages. As with any other state, parents have to do the navigating.

Starting with the youngest pupils, all school districts and communities offer free Pre-K classes for three and four-year-olds. Moreover, many private schools provide daycare or pre-K classes with scholarships for eligible families.

Moving into the elementary and secondary grade levels, the following school districts ranked high as of 2024:

1. Texico Municipal Schools
2. Las Alamos public schools
3. Artesia public schools
4. Rio Rancho public schools
5. Dora Municipal schools
6. Fort Sumner municipal schools
7. Corona municipal schools
8. Cloudcroft municipal schools

In addition to the public schools, New Mexico boasts of numerous public charter schools and private schools as well as organizations which support parents who homeschool their children.

When looking beyond high school graduation, your student can gain a stellar education and training in any of the following post-secondary institutions:

1. New Mexico State University
2. University of New Mexico
3. Eastern New Mexico University
4. New Mexico Tech
5. Central New Mexico Community College
6. Clovis Community College
7. New Mexico Highlands University
8. New Mexico Military Institute (consisting of a middle and high school and a two-year college)

From certifications to four-year and postgraduate degrees, you can find the best program to suit your student’s interests while avoiding the out-of-state fees. Don’t forget to check out the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, the Trio, Gear-up, and Avid programs, and other scholarship opportunities.

4. Growing Industries

What do Stranger Things and Breaking Bad have in common? Both Netflix originals were filmed in New Mexico. Plus, Netflix has established another studio in Albuquerque. Thus, the film industry is alive and well in the Land of Enchantment.

Another fast-growing industry relates to aerospace research and innovation, which comes as no surprise with New Mexico’s vast, open spaces, three Air Force bases, and three national labs. You can see why NASA has utilized the White Sands Missile Range for shuttle landings and why Virgin Galactic and Spaceport America call New Mexico home.

5. Natural Wonders

Speaking of White Sands (the largest gypsum deposit in the world), you’ll find no shortage of natural wonders that make you feel as if you’re magically stepping into another world. Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most well-known examples, with a network of over 100 caves in the Chihuahuan Desert.  Another remarkable sight is the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, which attracts scuba divers from all over the country. As you venture further north, you’ll find Bandelier National Monument. This scenic canyon contains ruins of ancient cultures that date back 11,000 years.

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6. Fascinating Historical Connections  

Living in New Mexico also involves intriguing encounters with the past. From the ancient Anasazi ruins to the Roswell Museum’s re-creation of Robert H. Goddard’s famous workshop, you’ll gain glimpses into New Mexico’s unique place in history.

Plus, there’s no shortage of political conspiracies, such as the Lincoln County War, which involved multiple courtroom (and gun) battles between the Murphy/Dolan and Tunstall/McSween cattle outfits (and, of course, the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid). But why settle for reading about it when you can visit the very buildings and fields in Lincoln where the violence started on February 18, 1878, with the murder of John Tunstall?

Who can forget the Trinity Site near Alamogordo, where the first detonation of a nuclear device took place? Although the McDonald Ranch House, where the plutonium core was created, has since been restored, the area is off limits to the public—except for limited semiannual tours provided by the Department of Defense.

7. Cultural Diversity

Another appealing aspect of living in New Mexico is its rich cultural diversity. While much of the state’s population can trace its roots back to the first Spanish explorers and settlers, a growing number are recent immigrants from Mexico. 

Likewise, New Mexico has23 federally recognized Native American tribes scattered throughout the state. The largest is the Navajo Nation, which spans most of the Four Corners region. As you travel through the northwest quadrant of the state, you’ll encounter 19 Pueblos as well as the Jicarilla and Fort Sills Apache tribal lands. 

To the South, while traveling from Alamogordo to Ruidoso, you’ll pass through the Mescalero Apache Nation. Each community has distinctive qualities, from its languages and dialects to its ceremonial customs and governing councils.

In addition to the Hispanic and Native American cultures, you’ll find a variety of ethnic groups, especially in Albuquerque. Likewise, in the smaller towns, it’s not uncommon to meet folks from various parts of the globe, considering the number of military bases that host trainees from other nations, plus the International Law Enforcement Academy in Roswell. And that’s not counting the diverse populations on the college campuses.

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8. Amazing Events

Yet another not-so-well-known perk of living in New Mexico is the many events that you can find throughout the state. On any given weekend, you can choose from a vast selection of festivals that celebrate spirituality, cuisine, art, and music in all communities, big and small. From the world-renown International Balloon Fiesta to the Hatch Chile Festival, you can partake in the cultural diversity in any region of your choice. 

Another fun fact is that you can find a concert featuring your favorite musical artist or band. You can also catch a theatrical performance at Popejoy Hall or Spencer Theater. 

9. The Climate

New Mexico’s climate gives an advantage with its year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. The lower elevations seem to have a prolonged “summer” season that lasts from May until mid-October. During the winter months, you’ll rarely see extreme cold weather events, but the temperatures can dive down to the twenties in some parts.

At the same time, if you love ski weather during the winter, you have options for snowy regions like Ruidoso, Taos, Angel Fire, and Red River, just to name a few.

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Cons

1. The Crime Rate

As with any state, New Mexico has its disadvantages, one of which is the crime rate. As of March 2024, the crime rate surpassed the national average with an astonishing 3765 crimes per 100,000. This stat includes all categories of incidents, from petty misdemeanors to homicides. 

2. Low Ranking in Education

Another unfortunate factor associated with living in New Mexico is its ranking among the states in education at Number 50. While this statistic may not reflect every single school, parents often have to do their homework to find the best district to meet their children’s educational needs.

3. Few Job Options in Small Communities

Along with its ranking in crime and education, you might find your job search challenging if you wish to live in any of the small towns or villages. With a sparse population comes fewer employment opportunities unless you’re close enough to commute to one of the bigger cities of 50,000 and up. Or your commute could involve a job in the agricultural or energy sector.

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4. The Commute for Medical Appointments

In addition to fewer jobs in rural communities, you have little choice and access to medical care. On the one hand, most small towns and villages have at least one clinic, but if you need more extensive care or a diagnostic test, you’ll have to travel to a location that has those facilities. In many cases, this involves a trip to Albuquerque, which has multiple hospitals, or to Las Cruces. Other situations may require out-of-state travel to Lubbock or El Paso, Texas, depending on your location.

5. Cost of Living in the Northern Half

An additional characteristic you might find odd is the distinct difference in the cost of living between the northern and southern halves of the state. Strangely enough, you’ll pay double or more for housing, necessities, and taxes in Santa Fe’s surrounding regions as compared to the southern counties.

6. Isolation in Rural Communities

Moreover, some inhabitants may claim that the feeling of being isolated is not exaggerated. If you opt for a property that has multiple acres of land and plenty of room for your home and other amenities, you might feel some degree of loneliness—unless you were purposely looking for an isolated area.

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7. Isolation from Shopping Options in Rural Communities

Naturally, rural living means fewer store choices and more travel to the bigger towns to find some of your favorite retailers. For instance, Roswell offers a few small businesses with unique items, but to find an Old Navy, you’ll need to plan a trip to Albuquerque or Las Cruces—both of which are three hours away.

8. The Fearsome Insects

This next factor may not be a deal breaker, but for individuals who have entomophobia or arachnophobia, it presents a challenge. 

In New Mexico, you might encounter some insects that resemble something from another planet. One prime example is the vinegarroon, which is far less harmful than it looks. In fact, there are two vital reasons why you should never try to kill it. First, it preys upon the insects that would destroy your plants. Second, it emits a horrible vinegar-like odor when it goes on the defensive. 

Also, mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches can get annoying, but a visit from the exterminator curbs the problem.

9. The Climate

Yes, we have touched upon this topic. However, the summer temperatures often climb into the triple digits with almost zero humidity. 

Moreover, at random times during the year, the wind kicks up. The gusts can reach as high as 30 miles per hour. Thus, the best measure you can take in these situations is to stay indoors when possible.

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Still Have Concerns about the Isolation in New Mexico?

With Interstates 40 and 25 running through all four directions, getting items shipped to your home poses no issues with easy travel access into and out of the state. Furthermore, many businesses have formed partnerships with fulfillment logistics companies that have strategic locations close to the major highways, airports, and railways. 

In other words, if you live in a rural community but want to avoid the trek to Albuquerque, Las Cruces, or Santa Fe, ordering items online is an effective solution to your shopping dilemma.

Conclusion

Looking at all sides of any location greatly helps when deciding where to relocate. Nonetheless, taking the time to explore the Land of Enchantment up close can lead to a more informed decision. After all, New Mexico offers many amenities for singles just starting their careers or even young couples searching for the ideal place to raise a family. 

The low cost of living and access to affordable non-emergency medical transport services also gives New Mexico an extra edge for retirees who may want a quiet community (with plenty of golf courses!). 

After learning more about the state with the oldest capital in the U.S., you might ask yourself two more important questions. Red or green? With or without onions?