8 Best Places To Retire In New Mexico

Thinking of retiring in a town with unmatched access to the outdoors, where fast-flowing rivers flow around the foothills of awe-inspiring mountains? Start scoping for a spot in New Mexico. The neck-straining Sangre de Christo Mountains — and the red sunsets they cast; the Rio Grande, one of North America’s longest rivers, and the warm, pleasurable climate, especially in the southern parts — are features that can make retirement quite the adventure. Of course, there is room for improvements, especially in healthcare access — but if you know where to look, New Mexico can feel like one, long party. Discover below the 8 best places to retire in New Mexico.

Las Cruces

Forbes named Las Cruces among the 25 Best Places To Retire in the United States — not in New Mexico. That means most retirees will want to pay attention to New Mexico’s second-largest city. Las Cruces — or “The City of the Crosses” — is along the Rio Grande, just 38 miles northwest of El Paso, Texas. Retirees will enjoy a yummy range of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities here, including at venues such as the Rio Grande (it is the fifth-longest on the continent), the dune-filled White Sands National Park, and the Organ Mountains. The climate here is relatively warm, so no bone-cutting colds; the cost of living is 16% below the national average; and many good hospitals abound, including Memorial Medical Center, a 2023 recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award. Finally, although Las Cruces residents have a median age of 33, those aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is in west-central New Mexico and is the state’s largest city. Although snowfalls are not off the charts, they are rare. Similarly, winters are relatively mild; so don’t think about Minnesota-level colds. Albuquerque is backdropped by the Sandia Mountains, a feature that speaks to its outdoor appeal. Plus, the aerial tramway is the longest cable-car route on Earth. If you want something closer, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is just 10 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. You can watch cranes and hummingbirds, explore scenic trails, or spend some quiet time by yourself. Of course, there is the Rio Grande and the one-of-a-kind ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden. Remember, you have excellent access to big-city amenities, including award-winning hospitals. The social scene is just as desirable. Empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 26% of the population. In September 2024, the median listing home price in Albuquerque was $374,900.

Taos

Taos is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the highest point in New Mexico: Wheeler Peak. It is also about an hour from Santa Fe. Expect four seasons here — and enjoy the many recreational activities appropriate for each. Moreover, a retiree will be at the doorstep of the Taos Ski Valley, one of America’s premier ski resorts. One can choose to live with peers at Taos Senior Living, a warm retirement community at the centrally located Taos Enchanted Village — or the Valverde Commons LLC. You will love walking your dog at Kit Carson Park, wandering through the many historic sites, or exploring the museums in town, including the Harwood Museum of Art. With the Holy Cross Hospital right in town, there is no need to worry about healthcare access. That said, one of the most comforting aspects about retiring in Taos is the demographics. Empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 38% of the town’s population. But it comes at a cost. The median listing home price in Taos was $670,000 in September 2024.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe was founded in 1610 and hence, is the oldest capital city in the United States. It is secreted at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and features a dry, invigorating climate, making it ideal for retirees seeking sunshine. There is a lot of mountain skiing in the area, meaning winters and summers are almost equally busy. Then again, art is a big element here, and there are several spots to admire eye-catching exhibits. For example, the Museum of International Folk Art, founded in 1953 by a wealthy Chicagoan, claims to hold the world’s largest cross-cultural traditional folk art collection. A retiree will enjoy an occasional stroll along the Santa Fe River, exploring Hyde Memorial State Park, and enjoying quiet moments — amid lovely 360-degree views at sites such as the nearby Nambe Lake. Moreover, there are several hospitals to choose from, including the award-winning CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Santa Fe’s social landscape also hits the right spot, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 33% of its population. The median listing home price in Santa Fe was $762,500 in September 2024.

Corrales

Do you want the convenience of living close to a big city without having to endure all the hassle? Consider planting your roots in Corrales. Corrales is a quiet, quaint village just north of Albuquerque. This means a retiree will enjoy the best of both worlds: fantastic access to big-city amenities — and the calm that comes with living away from a big city. The temperature in Corrales can be as low as 21°F or as high as 94°F; nothing brutal. According to a May 2024 nationwide survey by the South Dakota-based financial media company MarketBeat, Corrales is among the most coveted retirement destinations in the United States. It was ranked 30 out of 130 other locations.

You can get a few ponies and let the days roll by, hit up the many trails at Corrales Bosque Preserve Access Point, zip along the Thompson Fenceline Trail, or enjoy a crisp Merlot on a Wednesday evening at the Milagro Vineyards. There is the Corrales Growers market as well, so no need to worry about fresh groceries. Similarly, Albuquerque hosts many excellent hospitals, meaning a retiree will enjoy fantastic access to healthcare. The median listing home price in Corrales was $735K in September 2024. However, this is the most exciting part: The median age of Corrales residents is 56. Empty nesters aged 60 and above comprise 43% of the population.

Truth Or Consequences

Aside from its intriguing name, Truth or Consequences is an exceptional retirement venue for several reasons, including affordability. The median listing home price in Truth or Consequences was just $177,500 in September 2024. It has numerous restaurants where one can drop by for a slow, mid-week brunch, local hot springs to soak in and be rejuvenated, and several shaded parks to people-watch and mingle with fellow residents. You can make frequent visits to Riverbend Hot Springs, enjoy an afternoon stroll through the Hot Springs Bathhouse Historic and Commercial District — a quaint, charming stretch speckled with neat artwork — or explore Caballo Lake State Park. Sierra Vista Hospital is in town and provides surgical, medical, and emergency services. Moreover, a retiree will find a crowd to roll with, bearing in mind residents aged 60 and above comprise 32% of the population.

Silver City

Although Silver City does not boast a San Fransisco-level nightlife, seniors who love the outdoors will be living the best part of their lives. There is the tranquil Gila National Forest, loved for its awesome views and curvy trails; the panoramic (but intimidating) Boston Hill — Lake Roberts — and Chino Mine Vista Point, a popular pull-over with a spectacular viewing area just off the highway. You will enjoy doorstep access to Gila Regional Medical Center, a 68-bed acute care hospital feted with the 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award; the 131-year-old Western New Mexico University — and Scott Park Golf Links — whose greens are enticingly smooth and well-maintained. On the social side, 26% of Silver City residents are fellow empty nesters aged 60 and above, meaning you will find a supportive social circle. The median listing home price in Silver City was $347,000 in September 2024.

Ruidoso

Living one’s sunset years surrounded by lots of tasty restaurants, a still, majestic forest, and awe-inspiring mountainscapes is a deal few retirees should let pass. You can spend a sunny Tuesday paddling a boat at Grindstone Lake, reeling in a yummy catch at the Alto Reservoir, sniffing some fresh, crisp air at Cedar Creek Trails — or enjoying the relaxing noise of a river at the Two Rivers Ruidoso River Park. Lincoln County Medical Center is conveniently located in town and has been providing medical services in the area since when Harry Truman was president of the United States. One in 3 residents here are fellow empty nesters, meaning the social landscape here fits like a glove. In September 2024, the median listing home price in Ruidoso, NM was $439,000.

The Takeaway

Retiring in New Mexico is retiring where you can go float down a river on a whim, paddle a lake, wake up to awe-inspiring views of a snow-capped mountain, hear the laughter of children, reminisce with a fellow empty nester, reel in a yummy catch — or enjoy a slow brunch in an old-timey Mexican restaurant down the street. And if you enjoy your foods revolving around taco shells or tortillas, the contest is not even close. That said, look for a town with a good hospital — or conveniently close to one. When all factors are considered, the towns and cities highlighted here are some of the best places to retire in New Mexico.