New Mexico is nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, as the state features picturesque desert landscapes, temperate climates, and a bevy of activities. New Mexico has also gained a reputation as a popular destination for retirement. People are attracted to the state, in large part, because of the welcoming climate and culture that they find there.
Here are five facts about retiring in New Mexico for those thinking about making the state a permanent home.
1. Low Population
The total population of the state is just over 2 million people,
Sperling's Best Places noted. Being boxed in isn’t as common in New Mexico as it is on other more densely populated states such as California, Florida, and Arizona (at least not yet).
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2. Low Cost of Living
Currently, the median house in New Mexico costs roughly $151,900 while “the [overall] cost of living is 3.1% lower than the national average. That makes much of the state far less expensive than Arizona’s most famous retirement havens,"
MarketWatch reported.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/retire-here-not-there-new-mexico-2014-06-13
In addition, there are some cities in New Mexico (Albuquerque being one) in which the cost of living is so low that it may be possible to retire while living on Social Security alone,
U.S. News & World Report said. For seniors expecting to earn less income during their retirement, New Mexico may be a safe spot.
3. Low Crime Rate
Cities like Los Alamos, Farmington, North Valley, and Rio Rancho scored among the lowest in terms of crime rate
in a Movoto list of the best places to live in the state. Alamos’ crime rate is 1620 crimes per 100,000 people, while North Valley’s crime rate is “52 percent lower than the rest of the state.”
4. Rich Culture and History
New Mexico was originally home to Native Americans before being settled by the Spanish. As a result, there is an abundance of “Native American and Mexican festivals, exhibitions and craft markets that take place throughout the year, while the state is home to several cultural centers and museums with a focus on these unique ethnic groups,"
TripAdvisor noted. There are also a number of historical sites that date back as far as the 12th century. In other words, there’s plenty of history to learn about and become immersed in.
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5. Outdoor Adventure
When many people hear the words “New Mexico,” they automatically picture the desert. New Mexico is also home to a vast array of mountain ranges, ideal for skiers, climbers, and mountain bikers,
the New Mexico Tourism Department said. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing. Many (if not all) of these activities can be enjoyed year-round.
There are a number of perks to retiring in New Mexico. Granted, each individual’s and couple’s situation is different. That being said, retirees must determine whether the pros can outweigh the cons and lead them to retirement in New Mexico.
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