Kingfish Bay
Calabash, North Carolina
Alamogordo, New Mexico
What It Is Like to Retire in Alamogordo
Alamogordo is a town in southern New Mexico with a population of about 35,000. The area has a very diverse economy thanks to Holloman Air Force Base, the White Sands Missile Range, and a successful economic development commission which has brought several large businesses to the area. Alamogordo is the county seat and economic center of Otero County. Photos of Space History Museum and the Alamogordo Zoo courtesy of Wikipedia and AllenS.
There is a surprising amount going on in Alamogordo thanks to the New Mexico Museum of Space History, a zoo, and a performing arts center. White Sands National Monument is nearby. Skiing and a casino are both available in the area. There are nice city parks. Desert Lakes Golf Course is a city-owned golf course. Photos of New Mexico History of Space Museum and Park Zoo by AllenS in the public domain.
Where to Retire in Alamogordo and Home Prices
There is at least one active adult community near Alamogordo (see Amber Skies). Real Estate Values
The median listing price of a home was $209,000 in mid 2024, according to Zillow.com, which is about 65% of the national median.
What Is Special about Alamogordo
Great climate and scenery in southern New Mexico. Diverse and strong economy. Lower than average cost of living. White Sands National Monument and Lincoln National Forest. Close to skiing and the Mountain Gods Casino.
What Is Not Special about Alamogordo
The area is remote and it is in the desert. There are widespread reports from people who do not like living here (overpriced, boring/depressing, too dependent on the military).
Who Will Like Retirement in Alamogordo
People who like the outdoors and New Mexico. Ex military personnel will find many services available.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Holloman Air Force Base accounts for an estimated 50% of the local economy. But several new businesses have set up operation here. As the county seat and economic center of the region Alamogordo has plenty of commerce.
Climate and Physical Environment
Alamogordo is the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert on the western flank of the Sacramento Mountains in south central New Mexico. It is located to the northeast of the popular retirement destination of Las Cruces. The average July high temperature is 93 and the average January high is 55 (the average low is 29). The wettest month is August (2").
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Alamogordo has widely supported library, the Flickenger Performing Arts Center, and the New Mexico Museum of Space History. The Rohovec Fine Arts Center on the New Mexico State University at Alamogordo campus also stages productions. There are several major festivals a year, including the White Sands Invitational Balloon Festival. There are other museums as well. The Alameda Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in the U.S. Southwest.
Crime
The crime rate is well below the national average in Alamogordo.
Medical facilities
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center is a private not-for-profit 99-bed general hospital that serves the Alamogordo area.
Transportation
Z-Trans is the mass transit system; Alamogordo-White Sands Municipal Airport provides general aviation and some scheduled air service; Alamogordo is above average in walkability when compared to other communities. There is an active Rails to Trails project.
Comments on "Alamogordo"
David says:
Just curious, but is there any reason to be worried about living in Alamogordo due to the nuclear fallout from the 1945 bomb test?