Pros and Cons of Moving to New Mexico

Land of Enchantment

The US state of New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment” because of its rich history, culture, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe are the biggest cities. With only 2,096,829 residents (2019 census), it is one of the least populated states in the country. You will see large stretches of empty land with scenic landscape here.
10% of the residents of the states are actually immigrants and 70% of them have come from neighboring Mexico. The state also has a large native population. 11% of the residents have a native American parent. In recent years, many residents of have moved away from the state, but the overall population has still grown because of the arrival of the immigrants.
Only 2,000 new people started living in the state between 2017 and 2018 July. Most of them have been from Florida, Maryland, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio. Fewer people, of course, means a higher per capita GDP, which is a good reason to consider living in New Mexico.

Top Employers in New Mexico:

• Federal Government / State of New Mexico;
• Wal-Mart;
• Sandia National Laboratories;
• Los Alamos National Laboratory;
• The University of New Mexico;
• New Mexico State University;
• Presbyterian Healthcare Services;
• Ernest Health;
• New Mexico Department of Health;
• Lovelace Health System.

Home prices

One of the main factors that influence people’s desire to relocate is the cost of housing. New Mexico can boast ones of the lowest prices for homes as their median price is 5% cheaper than the national one – it is only $187,000.
Rental prices in the state are also rather affordable. The most expensive city to live in New Mexico is Santa Fe. One-bedroom apartment in and outside the city center costs $1,166 and $903 respectively. The rental prices in Albuquerque are even lower – $841 and $735.

Cheapest Places to Live in New Mexico:

Cost of Living in New Mexico

The state’s cost of living index of 96.3, which is below the nationwide index of 100. This means, you will need less money here. That’s a wonderful reason for relocation to New Mexico. You will be able to save money if you live in the state.

Average Monthly Costs in Santa Fe (2 Adults + 2 Children)

• Housing - $1,006;
• Food - $784;
• Childcare = $1,237;
• Transportation = $1,176;
• Healthcare = $806;
• Other necessities = $722;
• Taxes = $812.

Average Monthly Costs in Albuquerque (2 Adults + 2 Children)

• Housing - $873;
• Food = $739;
• Childcare = $1,213;
• Transportation = $1,141;
• Healthcare = $808;
• Other necessities = $650;
• Taxes - $729.

Average Monthly Costs in Las Cruces (2 Adults + 2 Children)

• Housing = $753;
• Food = $721;
• Childcare = $1,116;
• Transportation = $1,095;
• Healthcare = $835;
• Other necessities = $595;
• Taxes - $634.

Are you planning to relocate to the state? Let us examine the Pros & Cons.

Relocation to New Mexico – The Benefits

There are many benefits of living in New Mexico.

1. Unique culture and traditions

New Mexico is a state with a long history and a rather diverse ethnicity. You will find many people belonging to the native American tribes and also many Latinos and Hispanics. Moreover, there are big communities of African-Americans, Asians and Middle Eastern people. It has contributed to a unique culture with many exclusive traditions. You will see many architecture styles, exclusive arts, including painting and pottery, dancing, and even food. The state’s cuisine has been greatly influenced by Mexican and Spanish foods.

2. Beautiful nature

New Mexico has beautiful landscapes. Start your journey along the desert and in a couple of hours you will be in the mountains. You can walk in the forests, rest on the bank of rivers and enjoy the state’s canyons and valleys.
The air is extremely clean, even the metropolitan areas have some of the least polluted air in the country. NM also has beautiful skies. It is a perfect place to gaze at the stars and the constellations as they are incredibly distinct and bright.

3. Warm climate

The climate is mild and continental. The residents enjoy all four seasons. Enjoy warm and sunny weather in the summer and snowfall in the winter. The main feature of the local climate is dryness – there is an abundance of sunshine and very little precipitation throughout the year. It is one of the reasons why this state has such clean air, making NM an excellent choice for retirement.

4. Wines

The state has some of the oldest vines that have been growing since the 1960s. Local wine is incredibly tasty as it has been influenced by Spanish traditions. There is even a True Wine Trail in the state. Visit all the best wineries.

5. Long history

New Mexico is a state with the long history. Relocation to New Mexico has been happening for centuries. Discover the state’s many ties with the native American tribes. Santa Fe is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited US city. This area is believed to be the origin of the American Cowboys. Also, no other state has so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites – three of them are in NM.

6. Entertainment and recreation

You will find a great variety of entertainment options and activities. Moving to New Mexico makes sense if you enjoy the outdoors. You can do hiking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, skiing, climbing, and horse riding.
The creative arts flourish here – you can enjoy everything from painting, designing, opera, to theatre. Many events and festivals are also held, one of which attracts people from all corners of the world – The Annual Balloon Fiesta. Plus, you will also have free access to gambling, as the casinos are legal in the state.

Disadvantages

Relocation to New Mexico has some disadvantages as well.

1. Job opportunities

Historically, New Mexico hasn’t been the best place to find a well-paid job. The unemployment rate is 5%, which is higher than the national average of 3.6%. However, all that is changing now as the state is doing better economically in recent times. Many industries like construction, finance, and healthcare are doing well. Jobs in the construction industry has grown 9% in the last year. Job opportunities in the finance sector have also grown by an impressive 4.8%.

2. Low-quality education

New Mexico has the highest number of PhDs in 2000, but primary and secondary school education is not that great. The state has been even accused of violating the constitutional rights of students by not providing them with sufficient education. In 2018, only 25% of the students in grades 3-11 managed to pass Maths test, and 31% completed a test in English arts successfully.

3. Bad roads and traffic

The state has some of the poorest rural roads. 25% of all rural roads in the state have been reported to increase the risk of traffic fatalities. Many bridges are also in poor condition. The state has achieved the distinction of having the “Most Dangerous Road in the USA” – the U.S. 666 or “The Devil’s Highway”. Also, many hilly roads are not in the best condition.

4. Higher crime rate

Unfortunately, the crime rate is also higher. The percentage of violent crimes per 1,000 residents is 8.6, while the national average is only 3.7. The number of property crimes is also higher than the national average – 39.42% vs. 24%. The state has also legalized the use of stun guns and tasers for self-defense.

Tips for Moving to New Mexico

Relocation to New Mexico has its own peculiarities. It is good to remember the following if you are thinking of living in New Mexico.

1. Learn Spanish

English is the main language. But many residents here speak Spanish because of the higher number of Hispanic people and also the state’s close proximity to Mexico. Many residents will often use some Spanish words instead of the English and there are those who only speak Spanish. It will be good to learn Spanish for easy communication.

2. Visit the DMV office

You have to register your car when you start living in New Mexico. It won’t cost a lot of money. No inspection is required. You will need a car because public transportation is well-developed only in Albuquerque.

3. Avoid moving in the hot summer months

The dry climate together with hot summer days may be difficult for people who are not used to this. At first, you may feel exhausted. If you can decide when to move, choose spring or autumn when the temperature is not so extreme.

4. Forget about stereotypes

Be prepared to meet all types of people from different ethnic groups. You may see mixed race couples and their children as well as gay pairs. Try not to think stereotypically and leave them behind when you decide to relocate.

Moving to New Mexico – Where to Relocate

Have you decided the city where you want to live? Most of the state settlements are small towns and villages. But there are several big cities with metropolitan areas as well. Here are the most popular places to live in New Mexico.

Santa Fe

One of the most popular cities in New Mexico, but it is still a small city. Santa Fe’s metropolitan area has a population of 84,683. It is the oldest state capital in the USA dating back to 1610. Santa Fe has also been designated as a Creative City by the UNESCO due to its focus on folk art, crafts and design. Science and technology has grown in the city in recent times and attracted thousands of tourists.

Albuquerque

The state’s most populated and largest city. Often called the Duke City, it is home to more than half a million people. Albuquerque attracts many artistic and creative people, especially because of the many fairs that are held there. You can see the world’s second-longest passenger aerial tramway and the largest International Balloon Fiesta. Many high-tech companies are concentrated here. Most people, though, are employed in the scientific laboratories, air force base, and the solar systems.

Rio Rancho

The third largest and fastest growing city in NM. Its population has almost reached 100 thousand in a territory of 103.7 square miles. Most of the residents are employed in technology. The major employers are Intel and HP. The other well-developed industries are education and healthcare.

Las Cruces

The second largest city and an economic, cultural, and agricultural center of the southern part of the state. Most people are into government jobs. The other major employers are in education, healthcare, retail, and services. This is a beautiful city with the Organ Mountains in the background. Many festivals are held here.

Ruidoso

A small village in the Sierra Blanca Mountains. Located in a very scenic area, the village resort attracts many visitors in the winter for skiing. There is also a casino and a golf course.

Moving Costs

The cost of moving to New Mexico will depend on where you are located presently, the number of rooms to be moved, your inventory, manpower requirements for the job, and some other factors. It is always best to work with a fully licensed, insured, and professional moving and packing company. California moving company can help you with your short and long-distance relocation help. We can move both houses and commercial establishments. Always work with the professionals.
California Movers offers a full list of services connected with relocation, so your moving experience will always be pleasant. You can also save on your cost of moving.