6 Best Places to Live in New Mexico in 2024

New Mexico is one of the newer states, an event that took place in 1912 when it became the 47th member of the Union. The area had, however, been settled much earlier, originally by the Spanish in the 16th century and later becoming part of the American Frontier territory in the 1860s.

Fast forward to today, and the “Land of Enchantment,” as it has officially been nicknamed, continues to be a great place to live for those who enjoy cultural and outdoor activities, as well as a mild, arid climate with little humidity. For those who are considering a move here, there are numerous great communities to choose from. For ideas and inspiration, check out these six best places to live in New Mexico in 2024. 

Silver City

Located in the southwest corner of the state near the border with Arizona, Silver City has become an increasingly popular place to live in New Mexico. In addition to its reasonably priced real estate and great public amenities, this town of around 10,000 people serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Gila National Forest, attracting adventurers, artists, and history buffs alike. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a big draw and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people who inhabited the area over 700 years ago through its well-preserved and ancient cliff-side homes.

Silver City also boasts a vibrant downtown area with a thriving arts scene featuring galleries, studios, and murals celebrating local and regional artists. The Mimbres Region Arts Council is a staple of the town’s artistic community, as are fun events like the Silver City Blues Festival.

Los Alamos

Its location 45-minute drive northwest of Santa Fe, the state capital, is certainly a plus for residents of Los Alamos, ensuring the amenities of the much bigger city are available if and when needed. Known as the birthplace of the atomic bomb, the town's historical significance is celebrated in the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Bradbury Science Museum which offer interactive exhibits on the facility's current research and its origins with the Manhattan Project. The Laboratory is also a hub of innovation for modern technologies such as hydrogen and fuel cells.

The town also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with events like the Los Alamos ScienceFest celebrating its scientific heritage, while the Los Alamos Farmers Market, held each Thursday, offers local produce and crafts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Los Alamos serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Pajarito Plateau, including the Bandelier National Monument. Here, visitors can explore ancient cave dwellings and petroglyphs amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The town is also surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest, providing recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing at the nearby Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

Ruidoso

Ruidoso’s location in the lovely Sierra Blanca mountain range of New Mexico is certainly a plus in the minds of the town’s residents. Known for its cooler climate due to its altitude, the town is a popular alternative to the desert heat so common elsewhere in the state. Ruidoso is an especially popular place to live (and visit) for horse lovers due to the presence of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, home to the world-famous All American Futurity, the richest quarter horse race in the world. This world-class venue also hosts the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium, a celebration of cowboy culture with music, cooking, and rodeo events.

Other lifestyle plusses include the town’s proximity to the Lincoln National Forest, a vast expanse of wilderness featuring endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The forest is also home to Ski Apache, the southernmost ski resort in the United States.

Taos

Its location near the border with Colorado is a plus for those choosing to live in Taos, allowing residents easy access to a wide array of fun things to do in both states. Not that you’d ever want to leave Taos given its scenic high desert setting at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Points of interest include the Taos Pueblo, an ancient Native American community dating back over 1,000 years. This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of multi-storied buildings that have been continuously inhabited for centuries, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the enduring traditions of the Taos Pueblo people. 

Outdoor pursuits here include exploring the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the second-highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System and popular for its breathtaking views, while the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a vast playground for those who enjoy hiking, fishing, and white-water rafting.

Edgewood

Just off the I-40 and only a 30-minute drive from downtown Albuquerque, Edgewood has for decades been a popular stop-over for those traveling the iconic Route 66 highway. Whether you choose to live here or are passing through, there's plenty to do, from visiting attractions such as the Moriarty Historical Society & Museum with its local history exhibits, or participating in the popular Edgewood Music & Arts Festival, which celebrates local talent with live music, art exhibits, and craft vendors.

Those who enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle are also well-catered to in Edgewood. Highlights include hiking and biking in places like South Mountain and Cedar Grove, or visiting the Wildlife West Nature Park, a mix between a zoo and a sanctuary for native wildlife and plants in their natural environment.  

Corrales

Corrales is a great place to live in New Mexico for those who enjoy an intimate, village-community feel. Much of the appeal is due to its location along the banks of the mighty Rio Grande River. Wine lovers are also in for a treat thanks to the Corrales Winery where guests can enjoy tasting sessions of locally produced wines. The town is also an art and cultural hub, with the always much-anticipated Corrales Art Studio Tour being a big draw with opportunities to mix and mingle with the artists as they work.

The Corrales Harvest Festival is another fun community event to participate in and celebrates traditional music, dance, and agricultural demonstrations. Other highlights include the Corrales Bosque Preserve with its miles of trails along the Rio Grande; and the Casa San Ysidro: The Gutiérrez-Minge House, part of the Albuquerque Museum and home to a large collection of artifacts and traditional New Mexican architecture.

 The Final Word 

Thanks to its often dramatic desert landscapes, its rich cultural heritage, as well as its never-too-cold weather, New Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular place to live in the USA. Across the Land of Enchantment, individuals and families alike are finding great places to settle down that offer quality lifestyles, with towns like Los Alamos, Corrales, Ruidoso, Edgewood, and Taos all standing out as among the best. Find out more with this list of the seven best places to live in New Mexico in 2024.