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New Mexico Real Estate For Sale
Despite New Mexico’s location in the desert, it is anything but empty. Instead, the state is known for its artist communities, vibrant scenery, many cultural festivals, and delicious food. The laid-back and open community in New Mexico is one reason it’s a popular choice for retirees and those looking to escape the business of more populated states. Along with the low cost of living and proximity to places like California and Texas, it’s easy to see why New Mexico real estate is gaining popularity.
New Mexico Real Estate Market
When it comes to real estate for sale in New Mexico, you will find some of the most unique offerings in the nation. Even the most luxurious real estate in New Mexico are not the skyscrapers, penthouses, and modern buildings you would see elsewhere. Instead, they may look like small, dirt-walled houses with flat roofs, projecting beams, stepped levels, and rounded walls. This style is called an adobe house, and they are a defining feature of much of the New Mexico real estate.
Housing Types in New Mexico Real Estate Market
Adobe homes are particularly suited to the desert-like conditions in the state because they are built of a material mix of earth and straw. The big, thick walls help to insulate the home and help it maintain either coolness or heat, depending on the current weather. In the summer, you’ll find many adobe homes with the doors open at night to bring the coolness in and last throughout the day, as if the home was air-conditioned. While you can find any style of home in the New Mexico real estate market, these homes are in high demand and often bring the unique charm one is looking for in the area.
You may also notice that most real estate in New Mexico have features designed around the state’s natural climate and geography. Because water is a precious resource, a type of landscaping that requires almost no irrigation, xeriscaping, is often used alongside indigenous plants and desert landscaping. To add a bit of contrast, small water features like a pond are popular, as are fire pits and courtyards.
Homes for sale in New Mexico are also known to be affordable, with the typical value coming in at around $291,000. This is reflective of the state’s overall low cost of living and explains why nearly 70% of residents have chosen to invest in New Mexico real estate.
Schools in New Mexico
For the 338,000 students spread across New Mexico’s 146 districts, New Mexico offers an excellent public education. Whether you already have children or are considering starting a family, there are schools throughout the state that can help you reach your family’s educational goals.
Some of the top school districts that serve New Mexico real estate include:
- Albuquerque Public Schools are located in the largest city in New Mexico. The large district performs well above state averages on all standardized tests. In addition to remarkable academics, the district also has a range of sports teams, including both the girls’ and boys’ state basketball champions.
- Los Alamos Public School District reports math, science, and reading proficiency levels well above the rest of the state, as well as a 90% graduation rate.
- Cloudcraft Municipal Schools is a more rural district, covering an expansive range of small communities. The schools utilize natural elements in the area for an immersive learning experience, and students spend a lot of time outdoors. This includes the Bears athletics program, which offers more rural families a chance to come together.
- Dora Municipal Schools regularly earn “A” ratings from the Department of Education. Dora Elementary has also earned the title of National Blue Ribbon School.
For those seeking to further their education, New Mexico is home to 18 colleges, including four graduate-level schools and a tribal school. These include New Mexico State College and the selective New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Real Estate
What is the nearest commercial airport in New Mexico?
New Mexico real estate has access to eight passenger service airports. Of these, two are international: Albuquerque International Sunport and Las Cruces International Airport.
What landscapes and attractions are a must-see in New Mexico?
Many of New Mexico’s largest draws include the natural beauty and history of the state. Pecos National Historical Park encompasses elements of prehistoric archeology and Civil War battlefields, while the 33,000-acre Bandelier National Monument has evidence of human presence from over 11,00 years ago among its beautiful canyons. The Petroglyph National Monument and Taos Pueblo are other historical sites, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park has the largest limestone chamber in North America within its caves.
The state also has many museums and festivals that draw in those with unique interests. This includes the 9-day-long Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, as well as the UFO Festival. Due to Roswell’s history of alien-related incidents, the city is home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The library contains nearly 55,000 documents related to extraterrestrial life!
Which industries are popular in New Mexico?
The key industries in New Mexico are aerospace and defense, agriculture (especially the chiles!), government, and tourism. The state is also home to a number of large healthcare companies.
Is New Mexico a good place to retire?
For those looking to retire somewhere with a peaceful lifestyle and beautiful scenery, New Mexico real estate is a natural choice. The state is moderately tax-friendly for retirees, with part of Social Security income and retirement account withdrawals being tax-exempt. The low cost of living and affordable housing also makes New Mexico a great state for those on a fixed income.
What is the weather like in New Mexico?
Despite what we associate with a desert, New Mexico actually has a varied climate, and many parts of the state experience all four seasons. Summers reach a high of 88 degrees, while winter can get as low as 20 degrees. The main feature of New Mexico’s climate is the dryness, with only 15 inches of rain per year on average.
Living in New Mexico
Though it wasn’t made a state until 1912, putting it at 47th in the nation, New Mexico has a long and rich history that is evident wherever you are. A combination of Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and American influences means that the communities are unique and engaging, with art and history at every turn.
Things to do in New Mexico
At Bandelier National Monument, you can begin taking in this historical significance and view signs of human habitation from 11,00 years ago, including Petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. The state also boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, Taos Pueblo, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Whether at one of these locations or on other adventures, the landscapes in New Mexico are unparalleled, offering rich colors and beautiful mountains. It’s easy to see why residents spend so much time outdoors hiking, horseback riding, climbing, rafting, cycling, and kayaking.
You might also find locals participating in a unique activity: ballooning. New Mexico is host to the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a multi-day event that includes performances, competitions, and a Balloon Cam all centered around hot air balloons. While some residents only ride during the festival, it wouldn’t be unusual to see others out during the rest of the year.
If hot balloons aren’t your thing, there is nearly always another celebration or festival to enjoy. Whether it is a crane festival or a wine festival, New Mexico is big on community events. You can also flock to Roswell for the annual UFO Festival. The city’s history of alien sightings has made it a tourist destination for those interested in the extraterrestrial, and the festival draws crowds from around the globe!
Food in New Mexico
Of course, other celebrations in New Mexico are centered around food. The Mexican food in New Mexico is a different variety than what some would call Tex-Mex, but equally delicious and often rooted in native cultures. Breakfast burritos, enchiladas, and sopaipillas are all available at nearly every junction in the state. You’ll also see the iconic chile in most restaurants. In fact, if you’re ever asked “red or green?” this is most likely what it means!
Alongside your dinner, you can also enjoy top-quality wine, thanks to New Mexico’s long history of wine production. The state boasts 60 wineries that produce 900,000 gallons of wine per year. You can visit a wine trail or enjoy local bottles from wineries like Acequia Vineyards and Winery, Gruet Winery, and St. Clair Winery, to name a few.
Arts and Culture in New Mexico
Art lovers will also find a home in New Mexico real estate. The larger cities have a host of art museums, theaters, and world-class opera available, and smaller towns have often been known to become small artist colonies. Locally crafted jewelry, clothing, and home décor are easy to find throughout the state and bring a uniquely New Mexican flare to the community. One of the most famous artists to come from New Mexico is Georgia O’Keefe, and a museum dedicated to her work is in Santa Fe, while other galleries throughout the state have additional pieces.