Where you live is often determined by the location of family members or by job opportunities. However, sometimes you find yourself at a juncture in life where your options are more open. The decision about what makes a city a great place to call home is always subjective. However, most of us care about factors like the cost of living, employment, amenities, and crime levels. Those with school-aged children also worry about the quality of education, while some people consider climate really important. Areavibes analyzes these factors and assigns a liveability score to places throughout the U.S.

With a rating of 83/100, Los Alamos has the highest liveability score in New Mexico. Here are 8 reasons why you might be tempted to move here:

1. Los Alamos is in a beautiful location.
Flickr/Mark Kaletka
Los Alamos sits on the Pajarito Plateau, surrounded by views like this.
2. It’s a great environment for outdoorsy people.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Hike through nearby Valles Caldera National Preserve or explore the cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. Wander through the many trails in the Jemez Mountains and discover natural hot springs and vibrant red rocks.
3. Los Alamos County is the healthiest in New Mexico.
Flickr/Tim Menzies
A whopping 99% of Los Alamos residents have easy access to parks and recreation areas, which encourages people to exercise and stay fit.
4. It’s close to larger cities.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Los Alamos only has a population of 12,019 people. However, it’s located 34 miles from Santa Fe, so residents can take advantage of amenities in our state capital as well.

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5. It’s a pretty safe place to live.
Flickr/Jeff Hay
Crimes in Los Alamos occur at a 62% lower rate than the state average. There is also 42% less crime in Los Alamos than the national average.
6. Salaries are high and unemployment rates are low.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
The average income per capita is $52,891. To put that in perspective, the national average income per capita is $28,555. The unemployment rate in Los Alamos is only 2.5%. Since the main employer is Los Alamos National Laboratory, people in scientific and technical fields will find the greatest job opportunities here.
7. The school system is good.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Students in Los Alamos score 15% above the national average in tests.
8. The city has low pollution rates.
Flickr/moshebar
Air quality here is 81% better than the national average.

Would you like to live in Los Alamos? If this city doesn’t meet your specific criteria, check out “The 9 Best Places To Live In New Mexico” for further inspiration.

*All statistics come from areavibes.com.

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