New Mexico is best known for its diverse landscape. The land of wine has a rich history, but it is deceptively young.

Despite certain places having been inhabited for thousands of years, New Mexico is one of the youngest states in the country.

From mountains to deserts, valleys to the oasis, and cities to villages- New Mexico has it all. Let’s take a look at the best places to live in New Mexico:

Los Alamos

Don’t be fooled by its small-town vibe, Los Alamos is everything you’d wish for in a place, and more.

Situated among four mesas and overlooking the Rio Grande Valley, Los Alamos, like all of New Mexico has some fantastic landscape. So you already know some spectacular views are awaiting you. There are trails for hiking, parks, golf courses, ski slopes, and playgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors.

One reason why people enjoy so many outdoor activities is because of the superb weather. Los Alamos receives almost 300 days of sunshine, so there is little to no chance of your plans being spoiled by rain. Those living in Los Alamos are lucky enough to enjoy all four seasons, where summers are bearable and winters are cool.

The restaurant scene is diverse, catering to all taste buds. There is Mexican food, Indian restaurants, good ol’ pizza places, and sushi spots.

If you are an art or history buff, there is something for you too. You can visit the Los Alamos Creative District, Los Alamos Little Theater, Bradbury Science Museum, etc.

The schools are good, among which Barranca Mesa Elementary School and Los Alamos High School are public schools that are rated well. There are also private institutions in the city if you prefer that.

With so much going on, we’d hardly call Los Alamos a small town. It seems like the place to be!

Corrales

Corrales offers rural living with urban benefits. Being a small town, it has managed to stay free of problems like traffic congestion, dirt and pollution, and too many people.

It has a population of only 8,700 and the median income reaches around $70,000 to $80,000.

The town of Corrales has agricultural roots, but it has come a long way since. There’s art, food, and businesses- things that make Corrales one of the best places to live in New Mexico.

The residents of Corrales, although diverse, lean towards the wealthy side. There are old residents, young families, and young adults that make up the population. Many of these people have called Corrales their home for years. There are good schools in the district, and a good majority of people are educated and degree holders. This is also reflected in the high median income of the city.

Corrales is small in size and that has given birth to a strong sense of community. The people are close together, warm, and welcoming. Despite its size, there is always something to do in the town. Plenty of festivals take place throughout the year, there are winery tours, farmer markets, and trails.

The quiet, laidback lifestyle, high standards of living, and good median incomes make Corrales a good place for those working remotely. The Internet is readily available, provided by services such as Xfinity that give up to 1000 Mbps of speed- ideal for anyone working remotely.

Albuquerque

You probably know this one already… Do Breaking Bad and Heisenberg ring any bells?

Albuquerque is where most of the Emmy-winning series was shot, and the world now knows Albuquerque as Walter White’s hometown.

Albuquerque is on our list of the best places to live in New Mexico. It is one of the largest cities in the state and has a population of half a million. The city is beautiful, culturally rich, and has a diverse population.

The cost of living here is lower than the national average, and housing is affordable too, with low median costs. Although the state taxes property and income, they are still low- allowing residents of Albuquerque to live and work comfortably.

The weather here is amazing, the city experiences over 300 days of sunshine. So you will get to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and all the fun outdoor activities. The Copper Trailhead in the Sandia Mountains has trails for running, hiking, and biking.

The Cibola National Forest is where you can go hunting, fishing, and even horseback riding! Other famous spots in the city include Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.

Despite living in a big city, the people of Albuquerque haven’t put on thick skin. They are very nice and friendly people. Moving here won’t have you feeling out of place, you will be welcomed.

If you are an entrepreneur, Albuquerque will be a good place to move for you. There are funding programs like Technology Research Collaborative and State Investment Council’s Catalyst Fund. There is a special focus on tech startups and software technology, so there is a good opportunity for growth here.

Being a big city translated to different people and loads of diverse yet authentic cuisines.

But what New Mexico is most known for is their chile, and boy do they love it. August-September is the chile harvest season, so there are many festivals celebrating it. There are chef shows and festivals where you can enjoy fragrant roasted chiles, beers, BBQs, and much more.

The city can also prove to be a good home for digital nomads. The low costs of living and the amenities provided coupled with free wifi access in neighborhoods and city facilities make Albuquerque a good place for those working remotely.

Wrap Up

New Mexico has a rich cultural history and is one of those laid-back states. Moving here will give you a chance to catch your breath, and live a good-paced peaceful life with all the amenities you can wish for.