18 Reasons Why Anyone Who Hates New Mexico Can Just Shut Up

We’ve all encountered people who don’t realize that New Mexico is part of the U.S., but even those with a grasp of geography don’t always appreciate the wonders of the Land of Enchantment. If you’re thinking less-than-loving thoughts about our state, here are 18 things to love about New Mexico that should remind you why it’s a truly awesome place to live.

1. We have the toughest state bird.

Roadrunners can take on a rattlesnake and win. That’s one hardcore bird. Lesson: don’t underestimate a New Mexican!

2. William Hanna of Hanna-Barbera (the famous animation duo) was born here.

That means New Mexico is responsible for half of every sugary cereal-filled cartoon fest you ever had on a Saturday morning.

3. Speaking of bears, fire prevention messages wouldn’t be half as cute without New Mexico.

The real Smokey Bear was rescued in the Capitan Gap Fire in New Mexico. Obviously, fire prevention has always been crucial but no other area of disaster management has run such a successful PR campaign, and it’s all inspired by this little cub.

4. It was a tourist hotspot for dinosaurs!

Since dinosaurs didn’t leave Yelp reviews, we can’t say for sure that they liked New Mexico but they certainly traveled through our state. Go to Clayton Lake State Park and see for yourself. For more info.

5. The oldest continuously inhabited buildings are in New Mexico.

Taos Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo are two of the oldest communities in the nation.

6. While we’re on the subject of history… we have three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Taos Pueblo and Chaco Culture National Historical Park can all be found in the Land of Enchantment.

7. New Mexico is on the cutting edge of science and technology.

We have several state-of-the-art labs, and Microsoft started here.

8. If you rely on Amazon then you should love our state.

The man behind Amazon, Jeff Bezos, was born in Albuquerque.

9. Neil Patrick Harris.

We claim him because he was born in Albuquerque and raised in both Duke City and Ruidoso.

10. Breakfast burritos were invented - and perfected - here.

Start your day off right.

11. We literally spice up your life.

New Mexican chile is the best, hands-down.

12. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event on the planet.

The skies here are always astounding but just in case you needed another reason to look up…

13. The deepest cave in the country is part of Carlsbad Caverns.

Lechuguilla Cave goes down 1,604 feet and, while not an official record category, it’s also a strong contender for "world’s prettiest cavern."

14. At 2.7 miles long, Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the country.

The views are incredible. For more info.

15. The best train ride in the U.S. is also in New Mexico.

USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards named the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which connects Chama with San Antonito, the best train ride in the nation. For more info.

16. According to Trulia, Albuquerque leads the country in gender equality.

Home ownership rates, the pay gap between men and women, and attending a four-year college were all factored into the rankings.

17. New Mexico inspired much of the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe, along with many other writers and artists.

(Pictured: the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.)

18. Our scenery is simply breathtaking.

How can you fail to be moved by landscapes like these?

What makes you proud to be a New Mexican?

Here are 20 reasons why the Land of Enchantment might be the perfect place for you.