A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in New Mexico

 

Wide Open Spaces Await Artistic Retirees in New Mexico

New Mexico’s state motto “Land Of Enchantment'' is the perfect description of this retirement destination. Active older adults who love mild winters and sunny days with low humidity will find a home in one of New Mexico’s regions. 

People have been calling this area home since pre-Columbian days. No matter where you live or explore, you’ll find evidence of the indigenous population in the food, architecture, and place names that have blended well with the Spanish who were the first Europeans to settle on the land. Ethnic and cultural diversity is welcomed here to this day. 

Nature loving seniors are also sure to find retirement in New Mexico appealing. Explore mountains, mesas, and valleys from the top of the state all the way to the border with Mexico. The colors of the landscapes inspire artists of all types and talents to capture the magic of every season. 

Each region takes advantage of the weather and offers active older adults a myriad of ways to spend their days. Because New Mexico has over 300 sunny days a year, golfers are able to indulge in their passion all year long. The wide, open spaces mean that hiking and mountain bike trails criss-cross the landscape. In the winter, skiing under clear, blue skies is one of New Mexico’s best kept secrets.  

 

New Mexico’s Enchantment of Seniors

Senior friendly neighborhoods can be found throughout New Mexico. Many of these areas have low maintenance communities thanks to the state’s desert climate.

Northwest Region

Residents of the Northwest region of  New Mexico enjoy the benefits of living near the world-famous Four Corners Monument. It’s the only place in the United States where four states share a border. Retirement-friendly towns of Farmington and Gallup are the centers of the region for shopping and entertainment. Bordering the Navajo Nation, the Northwest Region is loaded with plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails that lead you to hidden fly fishing lakes and rivers, and tranquil paths that pass through the ruins of civilizations that settled the region a long time ago. 

North Central Region

If you’re looking to live in a beautiful area, with plenty of sunshine, mountains,  and a history that goes back at least four centuries this is the area for you! 

The little town of Angel Fire is tucked into an Alpine valley with world-class skiing at your doorstep. Almost fifty percent of the residents are of retirement age. The condominium lifestyle is the most popular choice for active older adults. Whether you’re skiing the slopes in winter or exploring the mountain bike paths in summer, the area gets over 250 days a year of sunshine. 

The city of Santa Fe beckons the artist within you. The colors, symbols, and history is enough to keep residents living an active adult lifestyle exploring the nooks and crannies of their community. The city’s population of active older adults is approaching forty percent. These resident retirees are enjoying their lives in both 55+ communities and all ages communities. Golf course communities and low maintenance, condominium communities dot the landscape and offer easy access to the natural beauty and the conveniences of living near a city. 

Northeast Region 

Unlike the other Northern regions of New Mexico, the Northeast region consists of a unique grassland and marshy landscape. Ute Lake is at the center of all the action in this bucolic region. Small communities like Logan are magnets for retirees looking for a quiet and affordable, waterfront active adult lifestyle.  

Central Region

The center of the state is also the center of activity in New Mexico. Albuquerque has a population of over 500,000 residents. Active older adults who are looking for shopping, dining, theater, and a vibrant nightlife will love living in Albuquerque. The city offers a variety of 55+ communities. Whether you’re looking for a manufactured home community, a luxury apartment rental, an active lifestyle, or an all ages community, you will find a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

The suburbs of Albuquerque spread in all four directions. Active older adults who prefer to live in the Rio Rancho area, can choose from 55+ communities, all ages communities, and age restricted luxury apartment rental communities. 

To the south of Albuquerque lies the village of Los Lunas. This village lies on the historic Route 66 and offers active older adults the choice of all ages and age restricted communities. 

Belen is an affordable suburb featuring 55+ communities near golf courses, while the suburb of Sandia Park offers its residents homes in golf course communities that are geared towards active lifestyles. Bernanlillo has a large population of active older adults at 38 percent, and caters to the active adult lifestyle by offering age restricted communities.  

Southwest Region 

The largest city in the Southwest region, Las Cruces, is the second largest city in New Mexico. With a population of just over 109,000 residents, it’s swiftly becoming a retirement paradise for active older adults. There are four golf courses offering golf course communities with affordable, single level homes. Some of the homes come with golf course views. 

Las Cruces also offers residents seeking the ideal place to indulge in their favorite active lifestyle obsessions without the crowd. Residents will find a variety of manufactured home communities, as well as condominium and age restricted communities. 

Active older adults interested in fishing, boating, and other water sports benefit from access to Rio Grande that flows through the Las Cruces’ Mesilla Valley. Hunting, hiking, and mountain bike trails take residents further into the nearby desert and mountains. The Southwestern region of New Mexico is one of the best spots in the United States for stargazing due to its low light pollution and clear skies. 

A little further to the west of Las Cruces, lies the town of Deming. Conveniently located near the Mexico border and on the way to Arizona, around one-third of Deming’s 15,000 residents are at retirement age. The proximity to Las Cruces, Mexico, and Arizona, while being a rural town is what draws retirees to this little bit of paradise in the sun. 

Southeast Region

When your ideal retirement life includes resort-style living at an affordable price, the Southeast region of New Mexico should be near the top of your list. It’s nestled between the southern peaks of Lincoln National Forest and the unparalleled landscape of White Sands National Park. It’s also conveniently located near the border town of El Paso, Texas and the International border with Mexico. This location means that there are plenty of adventure and active adult lifestyle choices to keep you busy every day. 

The desert town of Alamogordo has an even distribution of ages across all demographics. There are three golf courses for the whole population of 31,000, and more than 250 days of sunshine to practice your favorite sport! 

Housing options in Alamogordo include all ages communities and age restricted communities. The environment is perfect for the affordable option of a manufactured home community. 

The alpine town of Ruidoso is best known as a tourist town. Nearby are two ski resorts and a dedicated sled and tubing park. There’s also a world-class casino and golf-course resort that keeps both locals and visitors entertained year round.  Condominium communities are the most popular type of affordable living for active older adults who want to live a low maintenance lifestyle. 

 

New Mexico’s Top Senior Activities

The deserts and vistas of New Mexico serve as an outdoor playground for its active older adults. Immerse yourself in local culture as you explore natural paradises and learn about local history.

Community Activities

New Mexico’s master planned age restricted communities offer a variety of amenities to help you make the most of your retirement! 

Visit the Clubhouse

Walk down to the community clubhouse for fun and games. Spend time with like-minded fellow community members as you take fitness classes, play card games, and cook in shared kitchens.

Go Swimming

New Mexico’s warm summers and mild winters make it possible to swim all year round. Many 55+ communities in New Mexico have their own heated pools for residents use only. 

Serve Up a Game of Pickleball or Tennis

With over 250 sunny days, a game of pickleball or tennis is a sport you can take part of any day of the year. Stay active with your neighbors in a friendly match, or join a tournament to partake in a serious competition.

Off-Property Senior Activities in New Mexico

You don’t have to travel far from New Mexico’s active adult communities to find exciting adventures for empty nesters. For outdoorsy types, New Mexico has hiking and biking trails plus multiple hunting seasons. Wintertime mountain sports are also popular.

Alternatively, learn about the state’s history at national parks and landmarks. New Mexico also hosts cultural events that celebrate Indigenous history  along with modern theater and festivals. There variety of dining options run the gamut from national chains, to international cuisine, with the world renown New Mexico culinary style at the center of the culture. 

Hike in the Mountains or Desert

Scenic trails make for excellent hiking routes through the foothills and desert. Adventurous seniors can even combine hikes with birding and nature photography!

Go Mountain Biking

The different landscapes that make up the topography of New Mexico means that there are plenty of options for exploring mountain bike trails. The wide, open spaces means you may be the only trekker on that path that day!

Go Golfing with Other Retirees

The clear sunny climate of New Mexico means that no matter where you decide to settle down, there is a golf course open every day of the year. Some of these golf courses are surrounded by a desert landscape. Some of the golf courses are in the mountains and foothills. The variety seems endless. 

 

What Makes New Mexico Special for 55+ Adults

Like many Southwestern states, New Mexico has a dry climate that keeps temperatures mild throughout its four seasons. This means active adults have plenty of opportunities for engaging in outdoor sports even during the winter.

The state’s wide open spaces are perfect for easy hikes and bike rides. They also keep most properties low maintenance, though you can still grow a garden with drought resistant plants.

New Mexico is also notable for its art scene. It’s very friendly to local artists with many venues for sharing your work and improving your skills by painting natural landscapes. Vibrant culture and outdoor adventures make the state well regarded as a retirement destination.

 

Find Your New Home in New Mexico

New Mexico’s senior communities range from upscale and master planned age restricted communities to more diverse all ages communities. Find the right match for your active adult lifestyle.

Age Restricted Communities

Age restricted communities are well suited to 55+ active adults with specially designed fitness programs and activities. They are also peaceful neighborhoods with like-minded neighbors and a welcoming feel.

Condominiums

Master planned condominium communities combine convenience and affordability. HOA’s cover exterior and property maintenance allowing seniors to focus more energy on personal pursuits.

Some condos double as luxury rental apartments for retirees looking to "right size" rather than downsize.

Low Maintenance Homes

Much of New Mexico is desert which lends itself to low maintenance homes. These properties feature single story homes with rock gardens and shrubbery requiring minimal watering.

Manufactured Homes

New Mexico's manufactured housing communities are typically single story. They’re often just the right size for empty nester’s looking for an affordable housing option during retirement.