These days there are lots of folks seeking out the sunshine and lower cost of living.

The locals business are actually fun to support

You know the drill.

Bountiful outdoor recreation

If you love the outdoors then theres definitely a place here for you.

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/turtix)

If youre used to the hot, wet blanket of east coast summers you could kiss that goodbye.

Delicious southwestern cuisine

This one could have easily been at the top of the list but here we are.

And our famous hatch green chile peppers go great oneverything.

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)

Abundant sunshine

Pining for a place with endless desert sunshine?

Living in New Mexico youll find just what youre looking for.New Mexico is the second sunniest statein America.

What a game changer!

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)

Just knowingthe sun will come out tomorrowmakes all the difference for me.

People are open

8.

People visiting from different parts of the country are often stunned at the landscapes here.

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument | (BLM/Bob Wick)

Low cost of living

Looking to save some money on your move?

Perhaps looking to retire in New Mexico?

The cost of living in New Mexico is one of the top reasons I enjoy living here.

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)

I can safely say the dream is still alive in the land of enchantment.

Cons of Moving to New Mexico

1.

Lack of jobs

Got a job lined up already?

living in new mexico, moving to new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/gmeland)

Phew, youre in the clear.

Dont take my word for it.

New Mexico is currently ranked the3rd worst job marketin the country.

moving to new mexico, living in new mexico

White Sands National Park | (Courtesy NPS)

The jobs that exist seem to be heavily concentrated around the extreme ends of the scale.

Or, if youre a nuclear physicist then theres some good government jobs for you as well.

Most folks in between will likely struggle.

living in new mexico, misspelled albuqueruque sign

Albuquerque misspelled on an official roadway sign | (New Mexico DOT)

Low paying salaries, especially for the west coast

Hooray!

You found an employer thats hiring and theyve chosen lucky old you for the position.

Not so fast, did you check to see what the salary is?

moving to new mexico, living in new mexico

Living in New Mexico | (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)

The fruits of these efforts are still waiting to ripen.

Thinking of all the outdoor activities that come with warmer weather and more sunshine brings joy to all.

Im not talking about a nice, easy breeze or even a steady, perhaps calming exchange of air.

For me, this would be the main reason I would move out of New Mexico again.

Its that level of annoyance.

Getting from one city or town to the next is an ordeal that requires quite a bit of driving.

And on that haul, theres often very little in between.

Out here, theres a lot of open space and big sky.

It wont be easy.

Are you ready for this?New Mexico has theworst ranked education systemin America.

50 out of 50 states.

Thats right, 50 out of 50 (again).

Living in New Mexico youll notice things are all too commonly, and embarrassingly misspelled.

I sometimes wonder if spellcheck doesnt work in this state.

But then the sad reality sets in of the failings of our education system here.

High violent crime rates

Looking for a safe spot to call home?

Such is the case in New Mexico where desperate times lead folks to act out of desperation.

The terribly dry climate

Some of you may be wondering if youre having a little Deja vu.

This was in fact listed as a pro as well.

Neither do my lips.

andthis lip balm (life changing!

)non-negotiable while living in New Mexico.

There are moments where I envy my cousins on the east coast and their beautiful skin.

But those moments are fleeting.

Far more fleeting than the miserable humidity they must cope with for most of the year.

Low life expectancy

Rounding out the cons of living in New Mexico is perhaps the greatest downer of all.

An actual matter of life and death.New Mexico has the9th lowest life expectancyof any state in the US.

The low life expectancy goes hand and hand with the lack of education and high poverty rates.

FAQ Life in New Mexico

Is New Mexico a good place to live?

New Mexico is a good place to live for certain folks but there are also challenges to consider.

So, it depends on what you are looking for.

Is New Mexico a good place to retire?

What are the best cities in New Mexico?

People that live in New Mexico are commonly referred to as New Mexicans.

New Mexico is thewhatstate?

(nickname)

New Mexico is known as the land of enchantment.

How is the weather in New Mexico?

The weather in New Mexico can vary greatly depending on the region and the time of year.

Thunderstorms are also common during the summer, providing some relief from the heat.

In general, the state is considered as a place with a semi-arid and desert climate.

Whats the cost of living in New Mexico?

The cost of living in New Mexico is generally lower than the national average.

Whats the median home price in New Mexico?

The median home price in New Mexico is currently $304,147.

What are the top industries in New Mexico?

The top industries in New Mexico include:

Whats the median salary in New Mexico?

The median salary in New Mexico is currently $51,243.

Is New Mexico a tax-friendly state?