Should I Retire in New Mexico?
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
January 28, 2024 — People ask, should I retire in New Mexico? The answer is easy if you are looking for a place to retire that has a varied climate, mountains, deserts, a big city (Albuquerque), small towns, ski resorts, and plenty of wide open spaces. It is also much less crowded than more traditional and popular retirement destinations like Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas. In this article we will explore the pluses and minuses of a New Mexico retirement, along with some of the best places to retire in the Land of Enchantment.
New Mexico Climate
The State has a climate that many people will find as excellently suited for retirement. For folks who like low humidity, New Mexico is dry with a semi-arid climate. The northern sections experience winter, while the southern realms have warm winters. Generally the altitude is high and even has some mountains over 12,000 feet. The eastern portion of the State is more like the Great Plains. The southern portion borders on El Paso, TX, and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico.
New Mexico Taxes in Retirement
Tax Burden: At 10.2% the total tax burden in New Mexico is the 25th lowest of all the states (TaxFoundation.org).
Marginal Income Tax Rates: The New Mexico income tax has marginal rates from 1.7% to 5.9%.






Comments on "Should I Retire in New Mexico?"
craig says:
The climate is excellent, but that's where the good news ends.
The crime is perpetual and out of control in all areas due to the
unchecked gangs that continue flooding into that city.
Our home was vandalized multiple times before we moved and
the police department is so minimally staffed they couldn't respond
to our call to investigate.
We has security cameras that showed the scumbags doing their
break-in, but the police said these gangs had overtaken the city.
If you move there you're putting your personal safety and property
at extreme risk!
Jini says:
Craig: Which community?
JS says:
Craig is correct! Crime is over the top! We moved away to retire elsewhere.
JBear says:
Craig and JS: Are you open to sharing specifically which communities or areas you are referring to? Thanks!
Bob says:
Last I checked Deming was west of Las Cruces not east. Thank you
Editor's Comment: Thank you Bob for the correction - sharp eyes! We have changed that in the article.