The top places to retire in New Mexico

New Mexico Business Journal, July, 1998 by Nancy Harbert

These places have amenities that appeal to virtually everyone

A moderate climate, seemingly perpetual sunshine and affordable housing top the reasons why people choose to retire in New Mexico.

Retirees are spread among nearly all communities. Some towns cater to the older population while others seem to attract seniors without trying. The following is a list of the top retirement dries in the state and what makes them so popular. Seven of these dries and towns were cited in the 1995 edition of Retirement Places Rated, a book that ranks the top 183 retirement places in the U.S.

The list is incomplete, in that there are no doubt other communities in the state that are attractive retirement places. In subsequent reports, we'll try to include other locations.

Alamogordo

A low crime rate, a new senior center and proximity to the Sacramento Mountains are only a few attractions of this diverse city of 31,000. The town's public golf course just received a $1.7 million renovation, and a new hospital is expected to open by 1999. Alamogordo ranked 131st in Retirement Places Rated.

Albuquerque

The state's most sophisticated medical facilities, a Veteran's Administration hospital, a network of city-run senior centers and a plethora of golf courses contribute to this city's appeal. Along with a variety of services ranging from meal programs to home repairs, the state's largest city also offers numerous educational opportunities. Albuquerque placed 26th in Retirement Places Rated.

Carlsbad

Retirees enjoy a 4.5-mile path alongside the Pecos River, two golf courses where they can play year-round and fishing at nearby Brantley Lake State Park. Like much of New Mexico, life is informal and affordable here, with a house costing an average of $63,322. Two state-of-the-art senior centers also offer a broad selection of activities.

Deming

Low property taxes and the claim of a citywide system that pumps 99.9 percent pure water from the underground Mimbres River are major attractions. Seniors are very active, working out in the senior therapy pool at an aquatic center, performing in the Deming Goldsingers and operating the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum.

Las Cruces

Although Las Cruces continues a growth spurt begun in the 1980s, year-round golfing and hiking, a respected university, state-of-the-art medical facilities and the friendliness of a small town remain attractions for retirees. Included in the city budget are senior discounts for waste services, bus transportation and smoke alarm services. Las Cruces placed 42nd in Retirement Places Rated.

Rio Rancho

Ever since its beginnings in the 1960s, seniors have been a major segment of this maturing city. Despite its explosive growth in recent years, housing remains affordable and crime is nearly non-existent. Residents especially enjoy being close to, but not an integral part of, its neighbor, Albuquerque.

Roswell

The secret is out about this sophisticated city with an alien reputation. The June, 1998, edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine ranked Roswell as one of the top six places in the country to retire, citing a thriving downtown and cultured arts community. A strong economy and variety of senior programs, classes and living choices add to its appeal.

Ruidoso

This charming town was saluted by Kiplinger's for its great outdoors. There are five golf courses, a horse-racing track, hiking and fishing at Bonita Lake. Ski Apache and Ski Cloudcroft are nearby. Retirement Places Rated ranked the town 176th.

Santa Fe

People interested in the arts and the outdoors find the best of both worlds in Santa Fe. The City Different boasts an abundance of big city amenities and an absence of big city hassles. It ranked 76th in Retirement Places Rated.

Silver City

Active seniors are attracted to this area's gentle four seasons and its location on the edge of the Gila National Forest. A thriving arts community, regional health care center and Western New Mexico University are additional attractions. Despite high housing costs, the town was recently mentioned as one of the country's best small towns on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Kiplinger's also hailed it as one of the country's best retirement spots. Retirement Places Rated ranked Silver City 65th.

Taos

Though Taos doesn't market itself as a retirement center, many retirees think it's the perfect place. The town has dean air and water, a lively cultural scene and no aspirations to grow into something bigger. Taos ranked 82nd in Retirement Places Rated.

Truth or Consequences

People moving to Truth or Consequences enjoy its slow pace, moderate climate and affordable housing (median cost: $55,000-$60,000). They fish at nearby Elephant Butte and Caballo lakes, soak in one of six hot-spring bath houses and socialize at the town's senior center.