There are so many reasons that living in New Mexico is the best. However, given that New Mexico’s population hovers at a little over two million and there are roughly 318 million folks living in the U.S., most people haven’t gotten the memo that our state is an awesome place to live. On the one hand, we’d like to keep it that way. Then again, we also feel obliged to share the enchantment of the Land of…well, Enchantment, with others. Here are just a few of the many reasons to move to New Mexico. (Added bonus: this also acts as a public service announcement to inform people that New Mexico is one of the 50 states.)

1. New Mexican culture is a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo influences.
Flickr/DoD News
Culture stands at number one pros on the list of pros and cons of living in New Mexico.
2. As a result, our cuisine is both distinctive and delicious. Breakfast burritos, sopaipillas, green chile cheeseburgers… what more could you want?
Flickr/theturquoisetable
If you're asking yourself, why visit New Mexico? The food, of course! You'll find the best, most delicious food in New Mexico.
3. Speaking of chile, we grow the best in the nation (maybe even the world).
Flickr/Christina Kennedy
When you move to New Mexico, you'll enjoy a whole lot of iconic foods.
4. Some kind of annual celebration is always taking place, from alien festivals to balloon fiestas, crane festivals (pictured) and wine festivals.
Flickr/mwwile
5. While we’re on the subject of wine, did you know that New Mexico’s vines are some of the oldest in the country? Monks smuggled them out of Spain and began cultivating them here around 1629!
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Another of the top pros when it comes to the pros and cons of living in New Mexico? You'll have so many New Mexico wineries to visit.
6. Ours is an old state with a long history, from dinosaurs to the Clovis people and highly sophisticated Native American cultures.
Wikimedia Commons/National Park Service
You'll find a ton of interesting stories in New Mexico's history.
7. We have three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, Taos Pueblo, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. That's more than any other state.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Mayer
8. We have architecture like this…
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
And this…
Flickr/Mike Tungate
9. The arts flourish in New Mexico. Painting, theater, world-class opera. We have it all.
Facebook/Santa Fe Opera
If you move to New Mexico, you'll never want to leave, or...you'll miss so much.

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10. The job market is diverse. Key industries include aerospace and defense, energy, agriculture (chiles in particular), government, and tourism. It’s also one of the few places where you can call yourself an artist without necessarily needing a day job.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
11. The cost of living is reasonable. In most parts of the state, it hovers around the national average.
Wikimedia Commons/Neomexicanus lc
Take a peek at these affordable places to live in New Mexico.
12. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. Our landscapes are unparalleled.
Flickr/Ron Reiring
13. And it's easy to get out there and explore them. There are more hiking trails here than you could walk in a lifetime. Other fun activities include cycling, horseback riding, climbing, rafting, kayaking, and even ballooning.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
If you move to New Mexico, you'll definitely want to start exploring by heading out on these eight best hikes in New Mexico.
14. When you're craving solitude, it's never far away.
Flickr/Joel Sowers
15. Even in our cities, the air is clean. Albuquerque and Santa Fe have both appeared on lists of the least polluted cities in the U.S.
Flickr/John Fowler
16. Light pollution is also low, which allows us to marvel at night skies such as these.
Flickr/Mike Lewinski
Flickr/Mike Lewinski
17. During the day, there’s lots of sunshine.
Flickr/Johathan Cutrer
18. And our sunrises and sunsets blaze with color.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Check out some amazing New Mexico sunrises.

What’s your favorite part about living in New Mexico?  Is it New Mexico’s natural beauty? New Mexico’s history? New Mexico’s small towns? Or the food in New Mexico? Let us know what you think the pros and cons of life in New Mexico are in the comments. We know that New Mexico is a good place to live and we love sharing our state with others.

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More to Explore

Living In New Mexico

Leah | May 29, 2020

Where is the best place to live in New Mexico?

 

With so many beautiful cities and towns, there are many great places to consider if you plan on moving to New Mexico. Spots like Edgewood, conveniently located 20 miles out of Albuquerque and 50 miles from Santa Fe, are ideal for those who want a quiet spot without losing out on amenities. Ruidoso, often known for the great skiing in the area, is more than just a vacation spot. People love living there for the low unemployment rate, reasonable cost of living, and stunning views. Here is a list of the best towns in New Mexico to live in.

What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico?

 

Some of the best things about New Mexico are also some of the most unique that you won't find anywhere else. From visiting a Rattlesnake Museum to exploring the extraterrestrial in Roswell, there is certainly no shortage of unique things to do that make living here all the more fun. You can spend the night in an actual cave, Kokopelli's Cave, in complete luxury complete with a waterfall shower. New Mexico is also home to the world's largest pistachio, part of a wonderful pistachio farm you can visit and tour. It's called McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch, located near Alamogordo. Along with that, you can also do just about every possible outdoor activity here. Hike to the tops of mountains, explore underground caves, and explore other-worldly terrains like the Bisti Badlands.

What are the friendliest towns in New Mexico?

 

If you're considering living in New Mexico, you will be happy to know that there are many friendly, charming towns all across the state that have lovely communities. Madrid, a town with a population of just around 200 people, is picturesque and full of art galleries. It's part of the Turquoise Trail and the tight-knit community hosts fun events every year. Looking for something a bit quirky? Pie Town doesn't disappoint with a name like that. There are only 186 people here so everyone tends to know each other, and every year they host a pie festival and have a few cafes that serve up tasty homemade slices.

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