Let’s face it, New Mexico is a shoo-in for the title of “Most Underrated State” because an alarming number of our fellow citizens don’t even realize that the Land of Enchantment is part of the United States. However, even when you look beyond that misguided belief, there are plenty more reasons why New Mexico is awesome. Here are a handful of them:

1. We have more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other state.
Flickr/mksfca
In case you’re wondering, those would be Taos Pueblo, Chaco Canyon, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
2. Many of the oldest sites in the country are located in New Mexico.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
For instance, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital. It was founded in 1610, years before the Pilgrims had even made a packing list.
3. We have our own distinct culture.
Flickr/Sharon Sperry Bloom
Indigenous people have lived in New Mexico for centuries (there are 19 pueblos in our state). You'll also find Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo influences.
4. These influences combine to create New Mexican food.
Flickr/Eugene Kim
Other states might have signature dishes, but we have our own cuisine.
5. When it comes to chile, we rule the universe!
Flickr/Jim Legans, Jr
Fine, just the world. But did you know that 37% of chile grown in the U.S. come from the Land of Enchantment?
6. Without us, Thanksgiving would suck.
Flickr/Jill
It wouldn’t be Turkey Day without pecan pie and 27% of all the pecans produced in the U.S. are grown right here.
7. Many people believe that all of New Mexico looks like this:
Flickr/optictopic
...but they're wrong. This is a geographically diverse state, and our scenery deserves more credit than it receives.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
8. You know how everyone raves about the Rockies being the country’s most impressive mountain range? We agree and we’d know because the Southern portion of the Rockies is in the Land of Enchantment.
Flickr/Dustin Spengler
In fact, there are more than 80 mountain ranges here. Our tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak, is 13,161 feet high.

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9. While we’re bragging about size, we also have the planet’s largest gypsum dunefield.
Flickr/Robert Shea
You probably know it as White Sands.
10. Much of our state is covered with wilderness areas and national forest land, which means endless opportunities for hiking.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through New Mexico.
11. There are also oodles of ghost towns here.
Of Silver and Silence/Flickr
If you’re intrigued by abandoned places, you’ll never be bored.
12. As much as New Mexicans appreciate solitude, we also know how to celebrate.
Flickr/Snapshots of The Past
Las Fiestas de Santa Fe have taken place each year since 1712! This photo depicts the celebration in 1921.
13. We host the most impressive ballooning event on the planet.
Flickr/josephbergen
If the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. The festival holds the Guinness World Record for the most balloons launched in one hour - 345 of them!
14. What do historic trading routes like the Old Spanish Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, and El Camino Real have in common? New Mexico.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
For centuries, New Mexico has been a haven for travelers. You can still drive along portions of the original Route 66.
15. New Mexico has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists and authors.
Flickr/Jimmie Quick
Georgia O’Keeffe, Willa Cather, Tony Hillerman… the list goes on.
16. Our state has also influenced the film industry.
Flickr/Eva Rinaldi
Over 100 movies have been shot here, many of them Westerns.
17. The many labs and research facilities in New Mexico contribute to our understanding of science and to advancements in technology.
Wikimedia Commons/Los Alamos National Laboratory

So, what is there to do in New Mexico? Turns out, everything. What would you add to this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re looking for specific, underrated spots in the Land of Enchantment, check out the 10 most underrated places in New Mexico that you must check out ASAP!

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What Is There To Do In New Mexico?

Tori Jane | August 10, 2022

Where are the best places to live in New Mexico? 

New Mexico is a state filled to the brim with incredible state parks (35 sites total), relaxing hot springs, and so many fun things to do outside that it’s impossible to list it all even on a thousand pages. Of course, like anywhere else, there are some places to live here that are simply the best, and we love them. We suppose the best small town in New Mexico to live in at the time of this writing is the town of Corrales, which is home to some of the most awesome wineries in New Mexico (yes, we have those) and the lowest poverty rate statewide. We also really love Rio Rancho, which is the third-largest city in New Mexico and known for its more affordable cost of living.  

What is the cost of living in New Mexico compared to other states?  

Based on a nationwide average of “100”, which means any amount below 100 is cheaper than the United States average, New Mexico ranks at 88.4. The median home cost in New Mexico is $246,000 compared to the rest of the states' median home cost of $291,000. Utility costs are very, very slightly higher than the national average at 100.4, but every other category, including health, housing, groceries, transportation, etc., is well below.  

What are the best parts of living in Albuquerque, New Mexico?  

Oh, man, where to begin? Albuquerque is easily one of the best places to visit in New Mexico, and if you decide to live here, that’s even better! Living in Albuquerque, you’ll encounter so many different cultures all blending into one beautiful city. You’ll find influences from Native American folks, Mexico, and, of course, something that’s all our own. You’ll immerse yourself in one of the best arts districts in the entire state – if not the entire country! The best restaurants in Albuquerque will always be calling your name, and you can’t miss the world-famous annual festivals in Albuquerque either. Life in New Mexico is a vibrant thing – especially in ABQ.  

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