Moving to New Mexico: Pros and Cons in 2025
Planning a move to New Mexico? You’re in good company. The Land of Enchantment attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Albuquerque or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.
New Mexico has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to New Mexico so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in New Mexico
Relocating to New Mexico has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.
Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Land of Enchantment to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in New Mexico
- ✓Beautiful landscapes
- ✓Rich culture
- ✓Delicious food and wine
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Abundant outdoor activities
Cons of living in New Mexico
- ✖Bad roads
- ✖Lackluster economy
- ✖Scarce job opportunity
- ✖Slow life
- ✖High crime rate
Things to do in New Mexico
Whether you’re moving to New Mexico for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, New Mexico has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.
Popular Attractions in New Mexico
- White Sands National Park
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Bandelier National Monument
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
- Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway
- Loretto Chapel
- Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway
Museums in New Mexico
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Roswell Museum
- Museum of International Folk Art
- El Rancho de las Golondrinas
- International UFO Museum and Research Center
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
- New Mexico Museum of Space History
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
- Palace of the Governors
Parks in New Mexico
- Dripping Springs Natural Area
- Spring River Park and Zoo
- Old Fort Marcy Park
- Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
- City of Rocks State Park
- Elena Gallegos Park
- A Park Above
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park
- Santa Fe River Park
- Veterans Memorial Park
Fun facts about New Mexico
Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.
Discovering these fun facts about New Mexico gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.
- Home of Capulin Volcano: you can view portions of five different states (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Colorado) when you are at the top of this extinct volcano. The volcano was once used as a landscape marker for the Santa Fe Trail.
- The first atomic bomb was dropped in Jornada del Muerto in New Mexico on July 16, 1945. The same design was dropped in Nagasaki Japan only a few weeks later.
- Among the youngest American states: New Mexico was not an American state until 1912. This is because the state is dominated by the Hispanic community and catholic, which kept it from being admitted as a state.
- Santa Fe holds the distinction of being the oldest state capital in the U.S. as well as New Mexico’s oldest city.
- It’s illegal to dance while wearing your Sombrero: don’t even think about dancing while wearing your sombrero because this can land you in jail. Stick to hats if you have to wear one while dancing.
- Home of the Shovel Race Championship
- The world shovel race championship is usually held in Angel Fire, N.M. The race is held every year, and thousands of people come from around the US to be part of it.
- It is the hot air ballooning capital of the world: the city of Albuquerque sees more than 700 local hot air balloons glide over its landscape for two weeks every fall.
- It holds the world record for the largest Navajo Taco: the state produces more than 30 pounds of green chili. This is used in making of a taco. The state holds a world record for the largest taco ever made.
- Home to Bandera Ice Cave: the Bandera ice cave dates back to the 1100 B.C. This makes it one of the oldest caves in the area.
- Has the oldest government building: Santa Fe’s governors’ palace is considered to be the oldest colonial government building in the United States. The building has a lot of history and is a landmark in the state.
- Taos Pueblo is over 900 years old: the Taos Pueblo building is over 900 years which makes it one of the oldest inhabited building. These structures are in excellent condition, and they look like a story building.
- Interestingly, the founder of another American giant Amazon.com–Jeff Bezos–was born (January 12, 1964) in Albuquerque.
New Mexico population and demographics
Thinking about moving to New Mexico? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Land of Enchantment really feels like.
Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.
Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.
Getting to know who lives in New Mexico, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.
| Metric | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Population | 2,113,344 |
| Female | 50.3% |
| Male | 49.7% |
| College graduation rate | 30.05% |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51.9-45.9 |
| Crime index | 38.81 |
New Mexico weather
Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if New Mexico is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.
Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know New Mexico’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.
| Metric | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ |
| Annual snow | 24″ |
Income and cost of living in New Mexico
Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in New Mexico really is.
Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.
The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what New Mexico offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($13.1 billion)
- Professional and business services ($10.5 billion)
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($10.5 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($8.1 billion)
- Retail trade ($5.7 billion)
- Manufacturing ($4.2 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($4.1 billion)
- Construction ($3.7 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($3.4 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($3.1 billion)
| Metric | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $966 |
| Average home cost | $303,910 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,722 |
| Cost of living index* | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 5.9% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in New Mexico
If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what New Mexico has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in New Mexico:
- University of New Mexico
- New Mexico State University
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Eastern New Mexico University
- Western New Mexico University
- New Mexico Highlands University
- Northern New Mexico College
- University of the Southwest
- Southwestern College, Santa Fe
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to New Mexico
After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 10 right here in New Mexico—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.
If you’re getting ready to move to the Land of Enchantment, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.
- Alabama to NM
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Cost of moving to New Mexico
Before you head to New Mexico, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.
How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.
If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.
Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to New Mexico
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to New Mexico.
New Mexico car insurance requirements
Insurance from another state is allowed in New Mexico if it meets the state’s minimums: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. To comply, submit a signed Affidavit of Non-Use/Out-of-State insurance to the New Mexico Insurance Identification Database (IIDB). Ensure you have legal coverage by submitting this affidavit.
New Mexico drivers license requirements
To obtain your New Mexico driver’s license, go to MVD Express with the necessary documents. A driver’s license is needed for both driving and identification, so you must verify your residency and identity. Bring your current out-of-state driver’s license, a form of ID like your social security card, and two pieces of proof of New Mexico address.
FAQ
Is it worth it to move to New Mexico?
Moving to New Mexico is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if New Mexico is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
How much money should I have to move to New Mexico?
On the cost of living index, New Mexico has a score of 94. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in New Mexico?
The average income in NM is $58,722, and the an unemployment rate is 2.9. Home prices are $303,910, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $966.
What is the downside of living in New Mexico?
Like any place, New Mexico has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.
The most common downsides of living in Land of Enchantment include:
- Bad roads
- Lackluster economy
- Scarce job opportunity
- Slow life
- High crime rate
New Mexico Moving Resources
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