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. Tucumcari
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.60%
Median Home Value: $49,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.73
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.46
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 71
Get your kicks on Rout 66 when you retire in Tucumcari! This beautiful town has the best that rural New Mexico, including a funky culture, beautiful scenery, and great museums. There is more than Rout 66 in Tucumcari, a fabulous dinosaur museum and the luxurious Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course. You’ll love retired life here!
2. Zuni Pueblo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.70%
Median Home Value: $72,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 40.3
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 54.4
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 196
Zuni Pueblo is a beautiful suburb of Albuquerque, perfect for retirees who want easy access to the city, without the noise and price tag. Zuni Pueblo serves up beautiful vistas of the New Mexico desert, perfect for active adults who love hiking and exploring Mother Nature.
3. Shiprock
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.30%
Median Home Value: $77,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.18
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 7.26
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 152
Shiprock, NM is the perfect retirement spot for anyone who wants to enjoy rural living and an active lifestyle. The iconic Shiprock natural feature offers up unbeatable hiking, allowing retirees to reconnect with Mother Nature. After a fun day of hiking, head over to a great Shiprock restaurant like El Navajo Cafe or Chat N Chew for a tasty meal.
4. Chaparral
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12%
Median Home Value: $82,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.89
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 7.49
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 118
Chaparral is a great town on the Texas/New Mexico border that gives retirees easy access to El Paso, without plunking your home right in the middle of a bustling city. Chaparral’s beautiful natural setting is perfect for any active adult who loves Mother Nature. You’ll love exploring Hueco Tank State Park and the Orang Mountain National Monument.
5. Truth or Consequences
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 24.40%
Median Home Value: $85,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.46
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 10.89
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 98
Retiring in Truth or Consequences means getting to enjoy the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. At Elephant Butte you can enjoy lazy days on the water and some of the best hiking in the state. For a different kind of lazy day head over to the Sierra Grande Spa and Lodge for a truly luxurious time.
6. Anthony
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.3%
Median Home Value: $89,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.35
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 7.73
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 136
Retirees who want to hit the ground running will love life in Anthony, NM. This beautiful town gives you easy access to the sublime Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park for exciting opportunities for exploration. The Museum of Nature and Science is a fun place to visit with or without the grandchildren. You’ll never get tired of life in Anthony.
7. Deming
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.80%
Median Home Value: $95,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 9.3
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 49.54
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 94
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.
8. Raton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 25.5%
Median Home Value: $100,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.14
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 7.94
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 97
Raton, NM embraces its Wild West culture. Retirees in Raton can spend their days exploring the Raton Museum, and the historic downtown. Fun shopping opportunities include Flat Mountain Trading Company and Solano’s Boots and Western Wear. A striking natural setting completes Raton’s amazing offering for retirees and residents of all ages.
9. Belen
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.2%
Median Home Value: $102,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 19.26
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 49.85
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 37
Belen has something for everyone. This charming rural town artfully combines a funky culture with the Wild West. Visit the Mountain Goddess Apothecary and the Belen Art League and Gifts for exciting shopping. Finish your day at one of the many local breweries, wineries, and pubs,
10. Grants
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.4%
Median Home Value: $107,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.22
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 19.96
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 77
Grant, NM is one of of the best places to retire if you want to spend your golden years exploring some of the most amazing natural scenery in the country. El Malpais National Conservation Area features amazing views of iconic rock formations exploding out of beautifully wooded trails. Staying active and healthy in Grant truly is easy and fun.
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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