The United States boasts an abundance of enticing retirement havens, from the sunshine state of Florida to charming East Coast towns and the majestic Rocky Mountains. But amidst these options, New Mexico is quietly emerging as a hidden gem of a retirement location, offering a unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Let’s explore why New Mexico is becoming a great retirement destination.
Enjoy the Climate
Located in the American Southwest, New Mexico has a naturally warm climate, with temperatures typically staying about 70 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. On average, temperatures usually don’t go below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, except on occasion during the colder winter months.
But what this means is that for the vast majority of the year, the climate resembles that of warm summer months, even during the spring and fall seasons. This allows residents to comfortably enjoy their days and experience their favorite outdoor activities year-round.
Retiring in northern climates means having to deal with potentially harsh winters that stretch into bordering seasons, depending on the specific location. If handling colder weather for at least half the year is not how you want to spend your retirement years, New Mexico offers perennial summer.
Explore and Admire the Natural Beauty
New Mexico has a plethora of natural beauty and environments to explore for those looking to spend their retirement years relaxing. While the popular image of New Mexico is a desert, the state has a number of different biomes to experience.
Some of the most popular national forests include:
- Sante Fe National Forest, located in the north.
- Gila Wilderness, located in the southwest.
- Coronado National Forest, located in the southeast.
- Carson National Forest, located in the north.
Hiking mountain trails is also a favorite pastime for both locals and tourists, with Picacho Peak, Williams Lake, and Wheeler Peak as some of the most popular trails to explore.
Wherever your interests may be, whether hiking mountains, enjoying leisurely walks through national forests, or the familiar view of the desert, New Mexico has no shortage of places to experience.
Benefit from Wide-Open Spaces
New Mexico, despite being the fifth largest state in the US, has a population density of about 20 people per square mile, which ranks 46th in terms of population density in the United States. This sparse population is not a bad thing though, as it means that there’s plenty of space to move around and that much of the natural beauty remains pristine.
Living in a place with a high population density can make people feel cramped. New Mexico provides that space for you to get comfortable and live in a quiet community, but still remain close to population centers for convenience.
Join Established Communities
Many people opt to join retirement communities, as there are many benefits and luxuries that come with joining them. Some of their benefits include:
Outings Into Town
When you’re living in a retirement community, there are plenty of opportunities to go into town with a group of people to explore and have fun. These outings change up the scenery from week to week, allowing you to see different places and experience new things to keep your day-to-day fresh.
Golfing
A popular sport among retirees, golf is a common amenity of many retirement communities. Many communities even have it as the primary activity for residents. Golfing allows you to be active, socialize, and participate in a low impact sport and keep yourself up and active.
Fitness Centers
In addition to golfing, retirement communities also offer further exercising. The exact amenities of a fitness center can vary greatly from place to place, but many can have swimming pools, free weights, treadmills, and elliptical bikes, to name a few of the more popular items.
Prepared Meals
While retirees are more than capable of preparing their own meals, communities often offer their own meal services, such as restaurants, cafes, and snack bars. These establishments provide residents with a place to sit and eat high-quality meals without having to go into town for a top-rated restaurant.
Maintenance and Home Repair
As every homeowner knows, keeping a house in tip-top shape requires constant upkeep, which can become a burden over time. This is where retirement communities shine. Unlike traditional homes, many communities offer in-house maintenance services, freeing residents from the hassle of finding contractors or tackling repairs themselves. This allows retirees to focus on enjoying their golden years without worrying about leaky faucets or malfunctioning appliances.
Experience Local Culture
Another reason why many people choose to retire to New Mexico is due to the rich culture the state possesses. From the Hispanic-inspired cuisine such as tamales, enchiladas, and sopapillas and honey, to the heritage sites like Chaco Cultural National Historic Park, Taos Pueblo, and Aztec Ruins National Monument, there is no shortage of culture to enjoy.
Other cultural events include the All American Cowboy Fest, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and the Fiestas de Santa Fe, just to name a few.
Explore Your Options and Look into New Mexico
Beyond the stunning landscapes teeming with diverse flora and fauna, New Mexico offers a vibrant tapestry of cultures. This unique blend fosters a welcoming atmosphere for retirees seeking a dynamic and enriching environment. But the charm doesn’t stop there. New Mexico boasts a wealth of retirement communities, catering to various lifestyles and needs. These communities often provide in-house maintenance, social activities, and access to exercise facilities, freeing retirees from everyday burdens and allowing them to focus on enjoying their golden years. Understanding what New Mexico has to offer can significantly ease the transition process and help retirees make an informed decision about their future home.
Often the most important factor for people looking to retire is joining retirement communities, places where they can live comfortably, remain social, and maintain their independence. Turtleback Mountain Resort offers beautiful, comfortable New Mexico golf communities that allow residents to stay active. With our new fitness center breaking ground in 2024; weekly theme nights at our restaurant, The Club; and new-construction homes with a 1-year builder’s warranty, there’s no shortage of convenience and luxury for our residents. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings.
