Best places to live in New Mexico
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in New Mexico
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in New Mexico using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Farmington
- Population: 45,258
- Median home value: $186,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $868 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $54,480
- Top public schools: San Juan College High School (A), Country Club Elementary School (A-), McKinley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Navajo Preparatory School (C), Emmanuel Baptist Academy (unavailable), Sacred Heart Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4021 Vista Pinon Dr, Farmington ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $868 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $54,480
- Top public schools: San Juan College High School (A), Country Club Elementary School (A-), McKinley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Navajo Preparatory School (C), Emmanuel Baptist Academy (unavailable), Sacred Heart Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4021 Vista Pinon Dr, Farmington ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#24. Portales
- Population: 11,854
- Median home value: $116,200 (52% own)
- Median rent: $776 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $37,921
- Top public schools: Portales Junior High School (B+), Lindsey-Steiner Elementary School (B+), Valencia Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 512 Rogers Rd, Portales ($359,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $116,200 (52% own)
- Median rent: $776 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $37,921
- Top public schools: Portales Junior High School (B+), Lindsey-Steiner Elementary School (B+), Valencia Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 512 Rogers Rd, Portales ($359,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#23. Placitas
- Population: 4,686
- Median home value: $366,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $80,224
- Top public schools: Placitas Elementary School (B+), W.D. Carroll Elementary School (C), Bernalillo Middle School (C)
- Pictured: 37 Agua Sarca Rd, Placitas ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,700 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,168 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $80,224
- Top public schools: Placitas Elementary School (B+), W.D. Carroll Elementary School (C), Bernalillo Middle School (C)
- Pictured: 37 Agua Sarca Rd, Placitas ($975,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#22. Artesia
- Population: 12,262
- Median home value: $177,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $834 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,839
- Top public schools: Yeso Elementary School (A-), Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-)
- Pictured: 68 W Compress Rd, Artesia ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $177,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $834 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,839
- Top public schools: Yeso Elementary School (A-), Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-)
- Pictured: 68 W Compress Rd, Artesia ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#21. Ruidoso
- Population: 7,791
- Median home value: $180,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $770 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $50,114
- Top public schools: Capitan Elementary School (A-), Vaughn Elementary School (B+), Capitan High School (B)
- Pictured: 101 Homestead Loop, Ruidoso ($1.8 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $180,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $770 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $50,114
- Top public schools: Capitan Elementary School (A-), Vaughn Elementary School (B+), Capitan High School (B)
- Pictured: 101 Homestead Loop, Ruidoso ($1.8 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#20. El Cerro
- Population: 3,202
- Median home value: $185,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $938 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 35 Berry Hill Farms Rd, Los Lunas ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $938 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 35 Berry Hill Farms Rd, Los Lunas ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Alamogordo
- Population: 31,384
- Median home value: $113,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $791 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $42,204
- Top public schools: Holloman Middle School (A-), Holloman Elementary School (A-), Mountain View Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Legacy Christian Academy (A-), Imago Dei Academy (A-), Father James B. Hay School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2207 Casa Bonita Ln, Alamogordo ($737,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $113,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $791 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $42,204
- Top public schools: Holloman Middle School (A-), Holloman Elementary School (A-), Mountain View Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Legacy Christian Academy (A-), Imago Dei Academy (A-), Father James B. Hay School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2207 Casa Bonita Ln, Alamogordo ($737,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#18. Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- Population: 6,114
- Median home value: $447,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $760 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $64,732
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 5821 Padre Roberto Rd NW, Los Ranchos ($2.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $760 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $64,732
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 5821 Padre Roberto Rd NW, Los Ranchos ($2.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#17. North Valley
- Population: 13,449
- Median home value: $221,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $852 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $53,744
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 9804 Bona Terra Loop NW, Albuquerque ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $221,500 (80% own)
- Median rent: $852 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $53,744
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 9804 Bona Terra Loop NW, Albuquerque ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#16. Santa Fe
- Population: 83,922
- Median home value: $280,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,080 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $57,972
- Top public schools: New Mexico School for the Arts (A), Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Santa Fe Preparatory School (A+), St. Michael's High School (A), Fayette Street Academy (A)
- Pictured: Tano Point Est, Santa Fe ($15.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $280,800 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,080 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $57,972
- Top public schools: New Mexico School for the Arts (A), Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: Santa Fe Preparatory School (A+), St. Michael's High School (A), Fayette Street Academy (A)
- Pictured: Tano Point Est, Santa Fe ($15.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#15. Santa Teresa
- Population: 5,515
- Median home value: $186,300 (67% own)
- Median rent: $849 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $51,529
- Top public schools: Santa Teresa Middle School (B+), La Union Elementary School (B), Santa Teresa Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 103 Equestrian Ln, Santa Teresa ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,300 (67% own)
- Median rent: $849 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $51,529
- Top public schools: Santa Teresa Middle School (B+), La Union Elementary School (B), Santa Teresa Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 103 Equestrian Ln, Santa Teresa ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Eldorado at Santa Fe
- Population: 5,823
- Median home value: $386,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,647 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,073
- Top public schools: Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A), El Dorado Community School (B+)
- Pictured: 12 Camino Rosa Linda, Santa Fe ($3.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,647 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,073
- Top public schools: Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A), El Dorado Community School (B+)
- Pictured: 12 Camino Rosa Linda, Santa Fe ($3.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#13. Socorro
- Population: 8,460
- Median home value: $135,600 (62% own)
- Median rent: $636 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $41,271
- Top public schools: Cottonwood Valley Charter School (B+), Midway Elementary School (B), San Antonio Elementary School (B-)
- Pictured: 2319 State Road 1, Socorro ($399,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $135,600 (62% own)
- Median rent: $636 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $41,271
- Top public schools: Cottonwood Valley Charter School (B+), Midway Elementary School (B), San Antonio Elementary School (B-)
- Pictured: 2319 State Road 1, Socorro ($399,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#12. Carnuel
- Population: 1,305
- Median home value: $244,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $877 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $62,604
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 37 Silverhills Ln SE, Albuquerque ($589,900, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $244,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $877 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $62,604
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 37 Silverhills Ln SE, Albuquerque ($589,900, 2 bedrooms)
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#11. Las Cruces
- Population: 102,102
- Median home value: $155,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $788 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $43,022
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), White Sands Elementary School (A), Desert Hills Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Las Cruces Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 3305 Majestic Rdg, Las Cruces ($985,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $155,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $788 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $43,022
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), White Sands Elementary School (A), Desert Hills Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Las Cruces Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 3305 Majestic Rdg, Las Cruces ($985,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Paradise Hills
- Population: 4,656
- Median home value: $182,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $62,070
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Paradise Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9690 Asbury Ln NW, Albuquerque ($419,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $182,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $62,070
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Paradise Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9690 Asbury Ln NW, Albuquerque ($419,500, 3 bedrooms)
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#9. Albuquerque
- Population: 559,374
- Median home value: $198,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $873 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $52,911
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory Academy (A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (A+), Sandia Preparatory School (A+), Bosque School (A+)
- Pictured: 721 Chavez Rd NW, Albuquerque ($2.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $198,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $873 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $52,911
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory Academy (A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (A+), Sandia Preparatory School (A+), Bosque School (A+)
- Pictured: 721 Chavez Rd NW, Albuquerque ($2.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#8. Valencia
- Population: 2,018
- Median home value: $165,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $545 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $65,139
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1 Del Cerro Ct, Los Lunas ($412,605, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $545 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $65,139
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1 Del Cerro Ct, Los Lunas ($412,605, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Rio Rancho
- Population: 96,210
- Median home value: $190,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $66,856
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), Mountain View Middle School (A), Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gospel Light Baptist Academy (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable), Living Word Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1401 Bridger Rd NE, Rio Rancho ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $66,856
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), Mountain View Middle School (A), Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gospel Light Baptist Academy (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable), Living Word Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1401 Bridger Rd NE, Rio Rancho ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Mesilla
- Population: 2,280
- Median home value: $213,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $727 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $47,388
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), J. Paul Taylor Academy (A-), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1010 Calle De El Paso, Las Cruces ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $213,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $727 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $47,388
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), J. Paul Taylor Academy (A-), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 1010 Calle De El Paso, Las Cruces ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Corrales
- Population: 8,588
- Median home value: $447,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,094 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,580
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Sandia View Academy (B+), Cottonwood School (unavailable), Sandia View Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 440 Chaparral Ln, Corrales ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,094 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,580
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Sandia View Academy (B+), Cottonwood School (unavailable), Sandia View Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 440 Chaparral Ln, Corrales ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. San Ysidro
- Population: 2,060
- Median home value: $197,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $751 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $75,883
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-), East Picacho Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 1105 Villita Loop, Las Cruces ($270,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $197,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $751 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $75,883
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-), East Picacho Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 1105 Villita Loop, Las Cruces ($270,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Sandia Heights
- Population: 3,571
- Median home value: $465,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $107,104
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A)
- Pictured: 802 Horned Owl Dr NE, Albuquerque ($885,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $465,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $107,104
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A)
- Pictured: 802 Horned Owl Dr NE, Albuquerque ($885,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#2. White Rock
- Population: 5,751
- Median home value: $301,500 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,253 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $135,964
- Top public schools: Los Alamos Middle School (A), Pinon Elementary School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 86 Confianza St, White Rock ($643,043, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $301,500 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,253 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $135,964
- Top public schools: Los Alamos Middle School (A), Pinon Elementary School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 86 Confianza St, White Rock ($643,043, 3 bedrooms)
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#1. Los Alamos
- Population: 12,666
- Median home value: $308,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $116,116
- Top public schools: Mountain Elementary School (A+), Los Alamos Middle School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 112 Monte Rey Dr N, Los Alamos ($610,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $308,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $116,116
- Top public schools: Mountain Elementary School (A+), Los Alamos Middle School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 112 Monte Rey Dr N, Los Alamos ($610,000, 3 bedrooms)
