Top-ranked school districts, low costs of living, and diverse and historic communities make Los Alamos, White Rock, and Lovington among some of the best cities to live in

New Mexico

The

World Population Review

ranks New Mexico among one of the best states to live in across the U.S. But what makes the Land of Enchantment so enchanting?

Aside from being home to five national park sites, 11 national monuments, and some of the best desert recreation in the country, New Mexico is steeped in cultural history—from the Northern Pueblos outside of Los Alamos to the former Route 66 station in Grants. And that’s on top of the state’s expanding economy and above-average healthcare. But how to choose the best city for you?

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What makes a good place to live?

Whether you’re relocating for a job or looking to find your dream home, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect place to live. From access to fresh groceries to the affordability of an area to the vibes and values of a community—each and all of these factors determine how livable a place is for you. But where to start looking, and how to narrow it down?

To help you out, we’ve rounded up the facts on seven New Mexico towns: White Rock, Grants, Lovington, Carlsbad, Los Alamos, Valencia, and Sandia Heights. This list includes cities both great and small—and across them all, we’ve tracked the following features:

Median household income

Median home price

Cost of living

Quality of schools

Crime rates

Healthcare

Average commute times

FEMA risk index ratings

Using the above metrics, we’ve narrowed down the best places to live in New Mexico based on three distinct categories: the best places for families, the most affordable places, and the best places to buy a house that can become your forever home. Ready to discover New Mexico’s best cities? Read on for the inside scoop—and to find the perfect place for you.

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The best places for families to live in New Mexico

Whether you’re putting down roots for the first time or relocating to expand your growing family, education, safety, and community life are key factors in finding the perfect place—that’s why these two New Mexico cities stand apart from the rest.

White Rock

Location: Los Alamos County, NM

Population: 6,410

Median household income: $135,964

Median home price: $360,600

Nestled along the Rio Grande where it cuts through the wide and stunning White Rock Canyon is the city of White Rock. With top-ranked public schools, lower-than-average commute times, and family-friendly amenities, White Rock is the ideal New Mexico city for families to call home. In fact,

Niche.com

ranks White Rock the #1 place to raise a family in the state.

Just 14 minutes outside of Los Alamos—but with half the population size—-White Rock offers families a small-community vibe without sacrificing convenience. With ever-increasing employment opportunities and property values, White Rock promises to be a place where your family can put down roots and grow—and over 90% of residents own their own homes.

The city’s two elementary schools, Charisma and Pinon, are among some of the highest-ranked schools in the state, along with nearby Los Alamos middle and high schools. And if the 93% graduation rate doesn’t impress, White Rock’s abundance of local parks, trails, and overlooks are sure to take your breath away.

Los Alamos

Location: Los Alamos County, NM

Population: 12,666

Median household income: $116,116

Median home price: $308,100

In close second is

Los Alamos

, a city of discovery and opportunity—and currently, the second-highest ranked city for families in all of New Mexico. From its superb school districts and vibrant community to low crime rates and lower costs of living, Los Alamos has it all.

As the county seat, Los Alamos has a more suburban feel in comparison to nearby White Rock—but as the gateway to three national parks, you’ll find it easy to escape the bustle of city-living and experience the vast beauty of Northern New Mexico.

Most residents in Los Alamos own their own homes, but with median rent prices at $1,253 families can find the perfect place within their budget. As an added plus, Los Alamos has excellent public transport and tons of shopping centers and grocery stores—there’s even a farmer’s market and local co-op!

But what really sets the city apart is its community life. A town steeped in history and culture, Los Alamos is the perfect place to cultivate young curious minds—from the

Bradbury Science Center

to the

Art Center

and

Nature Education Center

, opportunities for learning, growth, and making unforgettable family memories abound in Los Alamos.

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The most affordable places to live in New Mexico

When it comes to settling down in the right place, the cost of living is often at the top of the list of determining factors. New Mexico’s overall cost of living is slightly below the U.S. average, but that number can vary from city to city—and places like Los Alamos and White Rock are among some of New Mexico’s more expensive cities.

That’s why we’ve singled out three towns in particular as the best affordable places to live in New Mexico. In this article, affordability is based on the overall costs of living in an area and average commute times, which influence fuel expenses.

Grants

Location: Cibola County, NM

Population: 9,036

Median household income: $41,475

Median home price: $101,900

Just over an hour west of

Albuquerque

, you’ll find the scenic town of Grants, nestled in the shadow of Black Mesa. Located along one of New Mexico’s designated

scenic byways

, Grants offers locals more than just stunning desert landscapes and historic Route 66 charm—it’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the state.

The average median home price is 2.5 times the average median household income, making Grants the fifth most affordable city in New Mexico. The city’s low cost of living doesn’t come at the expense of amenities—Grants is steeped in local history, having originated as a railroad logging town and later a beacon along Old Route 66, and also serves as the gateway to several national sites and monuments, including the San Mateo Mountains and the Cibola National Forest.

From the city’s charming rural vibe, you’d never guess the average commute is only 15 minutes—10 minutes below the national average. If you’re interested in feeling out the community without making a long-term commitment, Grants’ median rent of $686 makes it easy and cost-friendly to try something temporary.

Carlsbad

Location: Eddy County, NM

Population: 29,278

Median household income: $69,786

Median home price: $150,300

With a median home price to income ratio of 2.2,

Carlsbad

is the second most affordable place to live in New Mexico. In Carlsbad, affordability won’t cost you opportunities—the city supports several community development projects, from the

Youth Sports Complex

to a

performing arts center

. It’s also a gateway to

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

, located just north of the city.

Despite higher price tags on properties, Carlsbad remains one of the most affordable cities in New Mexico with above-average income rates—and nearly 70% of Carlsbad residents own their own homes. This, coupled with an average 19-minute commute, makes living and working in Carlsbad more affordable than the national average.

Low in cost and rich in experiences, Carlsbad abounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation—from

Carlsbad Lake

to the

Carlsbad Waterpark

and

Carlsbad Museum

, there’s something for every resident to enjoy.

Lovington

Location: Lea County, NM

Population: 11,400

Median household income: $60,401

Median home price: $121,000

For a cost of living you can’t beat anywhere else in the state, live in Lovington, New Mexico.

The city’s cost of living is 23% below the national average—but Lovington’s far from behind the times. The city’s rural-suburban feel, progressive community values, and growing economy make it the perfect place for young professionals and individuals. Low crime rates and low taxes also make it a great place for families!

Lovington promises an active community and regularly hosts

events

for locals, from networking events to community cleanups and block parties!

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Best places to buy a house in New Mexico

If you’re looking to put down permanent roots in New Mexico by buying a house, you’ll want to consider more than just median home prices—it’s also important to take a look at the local climate, including an area’s FEMA risk index, to ensure you’re putting down roots that won’t get unexpectedly torn up.

Valencia

Location: Valencia County, NM

Population: 1,807

Median household income: $33,293

Median home price: $183,400

Looking for a community with rural charm and low costs of living? Valencia could be the perfect place for you! The city has a cost of living 14% below the national average, and with property values on the rise, it’s a buyer’s market for those interested in owning a home in the area.

Located just under 30 minutes from Albuquerque proper, Valencia maintains a relaxed community feel without too much distance from urban amenities. And similar to its city neighbor, Valencia’s

FEMA risk index

is relatively moderate, with the highest associated risks including drought and riverine flooding.

Sandia Heights

Location: Bernalillo County, NM

Population: 3,363

Median household income: $105,068

Median home price: $595,300

A suburb of Albuquerque, Sandia Heights is the perfect community for those looking to experience quieter living and a slower pace of life without sacrificing proximity to the city. Only 20 minutes outside Albuquerque, Sandia Heights is great for individuals and families, with great schools and local nightlife.

Most Sandia Heights residents own their own homes, although the housing market is “somewhat competitive” according to

Redfin’s 2022 overview

. Despite the moderate competition, you can feel confident investing in a home in Sandia Heights—home appreciation is on the rise, climbing 6.4% in the last year, and the area’s

FEMA risk index

is ranked as relatively moderate, with the greatest natural risks in this area being lightning and cold waves.

Los Alamos, again!

Location: Los Alamos County, NM

Population: 12,666

Median household income: $116,116

Median home price: $308,100

That’s right, we’re including Los Alamos on this list twice—in fact, it would be an oversight not to! As we’ve already covered, Los Alamos boasts some of the best school districts in the state, and that’s on top of low crime rates and lots of community events and activities! Whether you’re starting out on your own, looking for a place to raise a family, or simply want to pursue your passions, Los Alamos is the perfect place to put down permanent roots.

Los Alamos property values have been steadily on the rise, and the market is growing competitive as the city gains state and national recognition for its amenities, resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Despite its proximity to big-scale natural areas like national parks and monuments, Los Alamos isn’t at a high risk of experiencing natural disasters. The city’s

FEMA risk index

is among the lowest in the nation at 0.3%, and the biggest climate concerns tend to center around high summer temperatures. For these reasons, Los Alamos is one of the best places in the state to call home.

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How to find affordable homeowners and car insurance in New Mexico

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