New Mexico’s vast lands are the perfect setting for a peaceful retirement. The mountains and the diverse landscapes add a beautiful view to the many things that make this state an ideal place to call home.
NewHomeSource has rounded up the top 10 cities for retirees in New Mexico. Find the perfect city that meets your lifestyle needs in your retirement and get ready to buy your dream retirement home.
1. Deming
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.3%
Median Home Value: $95,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 135
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 722
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Deming is a thriving business and agricultural city in New Mexico, conveniently located on Interstate 10. It’s famous for serving as a backdrop for the filming of popular movies – and it also has one of the world’s largest chili processing plants. There are plenty of things to do in Deming like rockhounding and collecting, hiking, and camping.
2. Roswell
Percentage of the Population Over 65:15.6%
Median Home Value: $105,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 406
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,805
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Roswell is nestled between three rivers – the Spring, the Hondo, the Pecos – and is a big ranching community. Roswell’s reputation of all things extraterrestrial plays a big part in their community. You will find space and art museums, a downtown alien strip, and other alien-themed attractions. But, this city is not all UFOs and tin foil hats; you will have plenty of things to do outdoors, including exploring wildlife rescue sites. Roswell even has a winery that may suit your taste.
3. Sunland Park
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.8%
Median Home Value: $111,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 65
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 207
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 14
In the corner of New Mexico, bordered by Texas and Mexico, Sunland Park is a very unique city. You can get your outdoor fix on the hiking trails at the Sierra De Cristo Rey, take a family trip to the Western Playland Amusement Park, or test your luck at the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. There are local restaurants and businesses that give Sunland Park its close community feel. You can also purchase fresh fruits and veggies at the farmers market every Saturday in the summer and fall.
4. Alamogordo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
Median Home Value: $113,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 109
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 796
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Alamogordo is one of the best places to live if you want to experience all New Mexico has to offer. With 287 days of sunshine and perfect weather, the outdoor activities are top-notch. You can golf year-round, explore the over 100 maintained trails where you can hike. If you are the more adventurous type, you can venture out on pack/saddle horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorcycling in the sunny months. And during the snowy months, you can take a short drive to ski resorts. This retiree-friendly community welcomes anyone looking to make Alamogordo their destination.
5. Portales
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.6%
Median Home Value: $116,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 58
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 331
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Portales’ authentic small-town community is just one of the many things that make this city the perfect place to retire. Though it is a college town, there are plenty of activities for retirees to enjoy. The various public parks offer swimming pools, walking and jogging trails, tennis courts, and a golf course. You can also take a short drive to the Oasis State Park for picnic areas, campsites, hiking trails, and fishing. You can even take advantage of the college scene and enjoy live entertainment like plays, musicals, symphonies, and recitals. Sports fans will appreciate their multiple live games, such as football, basketball, and a thrilling rodeo.
6. Lovington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.8%
Median Home Value: $116,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 12
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 260
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
This friendly city is perfect for a relaxing retirement. Living here means a close-knit community, plenty of space, and idyllic weather. While most activities require a short drive, the day-to-day life of Lovington has a lot to offer like libraries, museums, golf courses, and parks.
7. Las Vegas
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%
Median Home Value: $117,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 107
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 412
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Another small town in New Mexico, Las Vegas, gets its charm from the many small businesses that make up the Old-Town Historic District. The antique shops, book stores, coffee shops, and local vendors make shopping a unique experience every time. Las Vegas is also a short drive from two National Forests and the Storrie Lake State Park, prime places where you can camp, hike, fish, and take a boat trip around a lake.
8. Clovis
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.8%
Median Home Value: $125,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 573
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,599
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Clovis is a family-friendly city where residents take great pride in their music, agriculture, and cowboys. With annual events like professional and youth rodeo, art performances, and the Clovis Music Festival, you are bound to enjoy the community’s high spirits.
9. Gallup
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.5%
Median Home Value: $132,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 437
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,397
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
Located on Route 66, this city is brimming with beautiful art, fascinating outdoor adventures, and rich Native American and Indigenous history. Gallup considers itself the epicenter of Native American art, producing 70 percent of authentic art. So you can bet the community sponsors some wonderful ceremonies, festivals, and markets. If art isn’t your thing, there are also hiking and biking trails, bull riding, and rodeos. And you are sure to enjoy sampling some delicious, authentic Mexican and New Mexican cuisine.
10. Silver City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.9%
Median Home Value: $134,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 15
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 62
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Retirees love living in the cool, crisp year-round climate, making Silver City a magnet for outdoor lovers. Right outside of town, national forests and recreational trails offer camping and hiking. Explore the rich history of Silver City by visiting its many museums and art centers. Afterward, you can dine with friends at one of the many local restaurants.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in New Mexico
Is New Mexico tax-friendly for retirees?
New Mexico is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security retirement benefits are taxable in New Mexico, but they are also partially deductible. The exemption is $2,500 for taxpayers under the age of 65. For seniors 65 or older, there is an $8,000 deduction on retirement income if the household adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $28,500 for single filers, or $51,000 for married people filing jointly.
How much do you need to retire in New Mexico?
New Mexico is renowned for its low cost of living, about 3.1% lower than the national average.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
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