New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, is known for its stunning mountains and vast expanses of land to explore. The cities in this state are great for vacations, but they also stand out as places to spend your retirement. Access to smooth transportation, social amenities, and good healthcare allow retirees to enjoy the benefits of nature. From the colorful landscapes of Mesilla to the green pastures of Corrales and the Manzano Mountains in Los Lunas, there are plenty of places to explore in your free time. If you’re planning to retire in 2024, learn about eight of the best cities in New Mexico to consider.
Corrales
If you’re thinking about the perfect city to retire to in 2024, Corrales should be at the top of your list. Typically, retirees look for quiet areas to spend their retirement, and with its acres of green pastures and plenty of attractions where you can have a drink, stroll, and just relax, Corrales is worth considering.
Corrales has a rich history of beverage making and retirees can enjoy evenings at Corrales Winery, Casa Vieja Brewery and Ex Novo Brewery to sit back and enjoy conversation or marvel at the beautiful scenery of the Sandia Mountains. If you want to see history or buy groceries, you can solve that problem at the local Corrales Growers Market and Casa San Ysidro, a historical museum, and you might find some friendly faces there too. In retirement, healthcare facilities must also be considered and Corrales covers that with its Corrales Family Practice. With a median home value of $749,000 and an above-average cost of living, it offers all the amenities retirees need.
Ruidoso
Sightseeing and less stressful outdoor activities add color to retirement. In Ruidoso, a charming mountain resort in the Sierra Blanca, there are plenty of ways to relax and stay fit during your retirement.
Some places in Ruidoso are true monuments, such as the Lincoln National Forest, which covers around 4.7 million acres of suburban land. You can hike, picnic, or even camp in this area. If you enjoy skiing, Ruidoso Winter Park fits perfectly into your plans. The town’s homey atmosphere makes it attractive to retirees. The Lincoln County Medical Center has friendly staff and management to take care of your healthcare needs, and with a low median home value of $448,000, you can find a nice, cozy place to stay and save the extra money for more fun activities.
The Moon
Enjoy the beauty and natural wildlife of New Mexico with Los Lunas as your preferred retirement option. From its unique wildlife to its many outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the charm of the city, Los Lunas ensures retirees feel comfortable without overspending, as the median home value is $360,000 as of June 2024.
If you’re bored at home and want to go for a walk, head to Los Lunas Riverside Park. With a 1.2-mile trail and acres of space for hiking and picnicking, it’s a great place to spend afternoons and evenings. You should also visit the Manzano Mountains for more sightseeing. The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts is a busy place. Here you’ll learn about its crowning moments and a little about other surrounding villages, and you’ll also meet other retirees who are there to have a good time. Finally, Los Lunas Medical Center facilitates medical care for retirees.
Roswell
If you plan to retire in Roswell, you’re in for the best retirement anyone could wish for. Healthcare will be the least of your worries, with facilities like Lovelace Regional Hospital and Eastern New Mexico Medical Center just around the corner.
Roswell is also quite an interesting place due to the alleged UFO crash in 1947. The incident was called the “Roswell Incident” and caused a wave of controversy internationally. After this incident, the town bought its alien reputation and built numerous UFO attractions and museums. If you are interested in aliens and extraterrestrial objects, Roswell will blow your mind. You can visit the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, the Alien Zone Area 51, and the International UFO Museum & Research Center. Buying a home here is more affordable than in the US, as the median home price is around $277,000.
Farmington
Farmington is a quaint town in the heart of the Four Corners region that offers outdoor entertainment. There are many attractions for retirees who love art, nature or diverse culture.
The arts scene in Farmington is very active and you can experience it in the historic downtown or at the Downtown Maker’s Market. The annual Outdoor Summer Theater production offers a taste of local artistic expressions and productions. For retirees who want to explore the natural landscape in Farmington, there is plenty of space for hiking and off-roading. Explore the Bisti Badlands, Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Four Corners Monument, Glade Run Recreation, Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Ruins.
Farmington is a gem for your retirement in 2024 and with a median home value of $360,000, prices are reasonable.
Truth or consequences
Could you live with the consequences of telling the truth? That’s a good question to ask your fellow retirees if you live in this never-boring town called Truth and Consequences. Renamed in 1950 after the hit radio show Truth and consequencesit has always made a name for itself as one of the cities with unusual names.
It is popular not only because of its name, but also because of its soothing natural hot springs where you can soak in the warm waters. Some of the springs here are Blackstone Hotsprings and Riverbend Hot Springs. After a soothing soak, you can head to Truth or Consequences Brewing Co. where you can meet other retirees, have a drink, and enjoy some nice conversation. The Geronimo Springs Museum is another place you must visit, and it offers other exciting activities such as exhibits and tours that make the trip worthwhile.
Retirees can also easily access Sierra Vista Hospital-Truth or Consequence on 9th Avenue. With a median home value of about $175,000, Truth and Consequences is one of the most affordable areas to buy a home in 2024.
Mesilla
Living in Mesilla is likely your dream retirement. Colorful vistas, adobe homes, and plenty of restaurants to enjoy as you age. Homes in the city have a median home value of $511,000 in 2024 and range from multi-family homes if you want to have family over to small, cozy apartments.
Retirees can stroll the Mesilla Plaza, perusing the items on display and enjoying the cool weather and warm atmosphere. For retirees fascinated by the food culture, Andele Restaurant and Double Eagle Restaurant are some of the best spots here, and you can double up on your wine at Heart of the Desert Pistachios and Wines, Mesilla’s tasting room. For outdoor adventures, take a trip to Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, and you can take a stroll to Saguaro Farms to purchase fresh produce. Antique shops like Cafe de Mesilla and the New Mexico Vintage Market preserve Mesilla’s cultural essence, and you’re sure to find other locals and retirees there, too. In case of an emergency, Three Crosses Regional Hospital in Las Cruces is not far away to meet your needs.
Grants
About an hour from Albuquerque, Grants is a vibrant but undiscovered New Mexico town that is a sight to behold. With a median home value estimated at $225,000 and a population of about 10,000 people, Grants attracts retirees, and you should consider retiring there, too.
This small village is the county seat of Cibola, but it doesn’t feel small. It has attractions that make it feel close to home. The main street is filled with shops and boutiques that catch the attention of passersby. At the New Mexico Mining Museum, you can learn about the mining history of the place known as the “Uranium Capital of the United States.” The Cibola Arts Council operates a museum and art gallery where you can find cool local art and other exhibits to purchase or add to your gallery. While the history of the place is a major selling point, Cibola General Hospital is another factor that draws retirees to reside in Grants.
If you want to make your retirement the best it can be, these small towns in New Mexico are worth a try. Good healthcare and a relatively low cost of living can help you save extra money to fund the retirement of your dreams. From the colorful views of Mesilla to the hot springs in Truth or Consequences, there are plenty of things that make retirement enjoyable. If you’re looking for a place to retire in 2024, consider one of these towns in the Land of Enchantment.
