11 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In New Mexico
The arid, high-desert paradise of New Mexico isn't called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. This peaceful southwest state offers scenic views, rich cultural experiences, and incredible food. Every October, it also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts nearly 1 million visitors from around the world every year.
New Mexico is certainly an underrated state, especially when it comes to affordability. According to Zillow, the state's average home value is $307,000, making it one of the most affordable states.
The state is also beautiful. Northern New Mexico has green, mountainous terrain that receives heavy snowfall each winter. The southern part of the state, though, is a vast desert, and sees summer temperatures climb into the triple digits. No matter the climate retirees choose, with top towns like Farmington, Gallup, Silver City, and Las Vegas, New Mexico offers many affordable towns worth considering for retirement.
Gallup
Gallup, a small city with 22,000 residents, is located just 25 miles east of the New Mexico-Arizona border. Gallup has a median home value of $214,000 and a rich cultural heritage that locals will appreciate. The Gallup Flea Market offers fresh finds each week, and for Native American jewelry and pottery, Perry Null Trading and Nugget Gallery can't be beat.
Retirees can enjoy brisk walks and unbeatable scenery from Red Rock Park, which has a perfect view of the region's famous red cliffs, the Zuni Mountains, and Church Rock. It offers hiking trails and camping for adventurous retirees. For those seeking something with a little more kick, the Mentmore Shooting Range is a perfect choice.
Las Vegas
While this town shares its name with its Nevada counterpart, Las Vegas is a quiet, laid-back community ideal for retirees seeking peace, relaxation, and scenic views. Las Vegas has a population of almost 13,000 and a median home value of $218,000, giving it a small-town feel without being too small. Las Vegas was an important stop on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, which residents can learn more about at the City of Las Vegas Museum & Rough Rider Memorial Collection.
Plaza Antiques and Roughrider Antiques are popular for retirees in the area, and for those seeking outdoor recreation, there are few choices better than Las Vegas. Storrie Lake State Park and the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge have various trailheads that locals enjoy.
But for those who think they can only get Las Vegas's scenic views outdoors, the Dwan Light Sanctuary begs to differ. It provides a heavenly array of prismatic light and never fails to impress.
Farmington
Farmington, in the northwestern corner of the state, is surrounded by several historic monuments and wildlife areas. The town of 47,000 residents has a median home value of $267,000 and plenty to do. Farmington Museum showcases the town's history, and Berg Park offers scenic walks along the Animas River. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a popular destination for those looking to learn more about the region's ancient past.
But outdoor recreation isn't the only fun to be had in Farmington. Residents can peruse the artifacts at the Museum of Navajo Art & Culture or browse the goods at the town's many antique stores, such as Dusty Attic and Fabulous Finds. For golf enthusiasts, nothing beats the greens at Pinon Hills Golf or Civitan Golf Course.
Silver City
Tucked away in the Gila Wilderness, this former mining town is home to historic buildings and stunning views. Silver City has a population of just under 11,000 and a median home value of $220,000, making it perfect for retirees who like a small-town community with the conveniences of a larger town.
The city was founded in 1870 as a mining town, as silver and copper were valuable deposits in the area. Today, Silver City retains a lot of its historical charm. The Silver City Museum offers residents a deeper look into Silver City's colorful past. The proximity to the Gila National Forest helps retirees in Silver City have a healthy, active retirement. Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs is located just a short drive northeast of town, and offers several hiking trails and showcases the region's ancient history.
Retirees will appreciate the rich history and walkability of Silver City. Downtown art galleries include local hotspots like Light Art Space and the Diana Ingalls Leyba Studio & Gallery, which showcases the artistic talents of local and regional artists.
Grants
Nicknamed "The Uranium Capital of the United States," Grants' colorful history is undeniable. In 1950, a local hiker discovered uranium ore in the nearby Haystack Mountains, and the name stuck. Today, Grants has a population of 9,000 and a median home value of $145,000, attracting retirees from across the country with its affordable prices and breathtaking views.
El Malpais National Monument provides a diverse volcanic landscape that's unlike anything else in the region. It's many hiking trails give locals an in-depth view of the ancient lava rivers that once flowed across the land. Those interested in the Mother Road, Route 66, will appreciate the Route 66 Drive-Thru Arch, and the New Mexico Mining Museum teaches visitors about the region's once-booming industry.
Shopping local is a major point in Grants, and the downtown region has various boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries. Bella's Boutique, Five22 Boutique, and Jenny's are some of the most popular.
Truth or Consequences
Also called "T or C," Truth or Consequences has a population of just under 6,000 and a median home value of $151,000, making it a solid entry on our list of most affordable New Mexico towns. Retirees will enjoy the stunning Elephant Butte Lake State Park, located just outside town, named for its uniquely shaped rock formation. Locals flock to Elephant Butte Lake year-round for fishing, swimming, and boating.
The main draw of Truth or Consequences is its hot springs. The town boasts not one or two, but ten bathhouses offering relaxation and spa services. Retirees can enjoy a therapeutic soak in any one of the town's dedicated bathhouses. The top bathhouses in Truth or Consequences include Riverbend Hot Springs and Hoosier Hot Springs & Inn.
For those seeking some shopping between soaking, Rebel Roadrunner and Wildflower Boutique have plenty of unique goods in the town's downtown region.
Moriarty
Since Moriarty is about 40 minutes east of Albuquerque, retirees can be close to the city while enjoying small-town tranquility. Moriarty has just over 2,000 residents with a median home value of $223,000. It is primarily a farming community, with sprawling fields of alfalfa and beans.
October brings the annual festivities at McCall's Pumpkin Patch, with fun for all ages. Microbreweries thrive in New Mexico, and locals can sample the local wares at Moriarty's Sierra Blanca Brewing Company. Aviation is a popular pastime among those who live near Moriarty, and this dedication is showcased in the US Southwest Soaring Museum. Moriarty also has several antique stores, such as The Whole Kit N' Caboodle and Country Friends Antiques.
Alamogordo
An hour's drive northeast of Las Cruces, the south-central New Mexico town of Alamogordo has a population of 31,000 people and a median home value of $216,000. The town's size and affordability make it an attractive choice for retirees on a budget.
But it's not just the prices that draw retirees to the area. Alamogordo has a proud history and showcases it in its many museums. People come from all over the country to visit White Sands National Park and experience the snow-white dunes. The New Mexico Museum of Space History takes a closer look at Alamogordo's significance during WWII and the Manhattan Project.
Other attractions in Alamogordo include the Heart of the Desert Pistachios and Wine, with its locally-grown pistachios. Retirees can enjoy sunny days on the green at Desert Lakes Golf Course or a hike at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
Deming
Founded in 1881 and named after the wife of a railroad tycoon, Deming has grown a lot since its early days as a railroad town. It's now a thriving desert town in the southernmost part of New Mexico with a population of 15,000 and a median home price of $153,000.
Like many southern New Mexico towns, Deming enjoys warm temperatures year-round. Retirees will enjoy scenic walks around the Voiers "Pit" Park, with its creek and views of the Florida Mountains. Luna Rossa Winery and Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill are popular places to eat and unwind, and the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum takes a deeper dive into the town's rich history.
The nearby City of Rocks State Park is a popular camping and hiking spot, well known for its unique rock formations and desert flora and fauna.
Roswell
Roswell isn't shy about its "out of this world" history. After all, the city is best known for being the alleged site of a UFO crash back in 1947. It has a population of 48,000 and has a median home value of $169,000, making it one of the larger towns in the state that's still budget-friendly for retirees.
Roswell has many attractions that lean into its UFO history, such as the International UFO Museum and Gift Shop and Spaceport Roswell. But Roswell's not just about aliens. It's also an artistic town with many local artists, whose work is showcased in museums such as the Roswell Museum and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. Retirees will appreciate the desert scenery and local wildlife at the J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center, where they can enjoy shade from the many trees on the hottest summer days.
Carlsbad
Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the southern New Mexico town of Carlsbad is smaller than nearby Roswell, with 32,000 residents and a median home value of $234,000. The Carlsbad Museum gives residents a closer look at the town's history, and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park provides stunning sights of the region's desert flora and fauna year-round.
Carlsbad's hot, dry climate attracts retirees seeking to spend their golden years in a warm, sunny place. Lake Carlsbad Golf Course has relaxing outdoor recreation on its expansive greens. The Pecos River Antiques Mall and Blue House Bakery & Cafe showcase Carlsbad's hospitable charm.
Find The Perfect Retirement Community In The Land of Enchantment
New Mexico has a lot to offer retirees. From national and state parks offering breathtaking views to hole-in-the-wall establishments teeming with local small-town charm, there is something for everyone in New Mexico.
Great food, rich history, and stunning views are just a few of the things New Mexico has to offer. Retirement in New Mexico often means sunny days, warm temperatures (for most or all of the year, depending on which town), and never a dull moment. Even the larger cities, like Roswell and Farmington, retain the same small-town charm as their lesser-known towns.
In New Mexico, retirees will keep their days and their wallets full.
