Best Towns for Retirees

[ontheroad]

I'm currently in north central NM (Taos) and I checked the temperatures now in

Taos 52F
Santa Fe 56F
Las Cruces 66F

Generally, in the summer months the difference between south NM, and north is about 20 degrees or more. The difference even between Albuquerque and Santa Fe and Taos area can be 10-20 degrees in the summer (or warmer months).

Thus far this fall, moving into winter, the temperatures has been as low as 23F in the early morning hours, but consistently when the sun comes out--which is nearly 95% of the time, the early morning and afternoon go up to 50 or more. The sun is so warm at this higher elevation that I have rarely needed a winter coat this season in the PM.

Don't know if that helps put it, the weather,into better perspective.

[Crackerjack]

Just curious, Catman and Crackerjack, are either of you retirees Cuz, I am, and I hate hot and love a good night life - by Ontheroad

Ontheroad, I am not retired. Living in Phoenix, I know a lot who are though. I love the mountains too. I can see though that many retirees do like heat, but not all. My grandma was always as hot as a chili pepper and needed cold temps all the time, but one of my older sisters is content at 100 degrees, well not 100, but sure feels like it to me!

[james57]

In my case, I am not a hot weather person. But I also can't take the very cold weather. Here in Illinois, I am talking about temps below zero consistently during the winter months.

In reviewing the possibilities, I can see living in Alamogordo or even Las Cruces during the winter, but not during the summer. I have been to Las Vegas and Orlando during June and both were too hot. Even with the dry heat, once it gets up over 100, its just too much for me. So to enjoy my retirement I would avoid that.

So guess for just a winter home, the lower altitude towns in southern NM would work for me. But for more of a year round living, I would need to consider areas like Ruidoso or Silver City. Right now I plan to check out southern NM during a trip I plan to take in Feb next year.

My inclination right now considering all factors is to select either the Alamogordo area or perhaps north of Ruidoso. Since I also like smaller towns , Capitan has appeal for me. But need to see the area first to decide.

Again thanks to all for your comments.

Jim

[Towanda]

Hi Jammie.

My husband and I have owned land in Eldorado near Santa Fe for 14 years. We will build our retirement home there.

The climate at Santa Fe is perfect for us .... we very much prefer cooler weather, rather than hot like Las Cruces.

Good thing we all like different places!

[Crackerjack]

Jim, to me, you described Silver City. It is mild, not too hot, not too cold. It is a small city. It has all the basics you need and you can go down to Las Cruces for more shopping. It has good medical. The only thing is the homes are getting costly since it has been discovered. You can still find bargains though, if you look. I would look at nearby towns too, to the east and up in the north. I would avoid the nearby southern towns due to the mines being located there.

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by james57

In my case, I am not a hot weather person. But I also can't take the very cold weather. Jim

You might be better off on the West Coast. All of the Southwest has an arid continental climate with a temporal range of about 80-85 degrees (difference between average winter lows and average summer highs). There isn't anyplace where the amplitude of temporal range is narrower; all you can do is pick where the median of the range lies. If you want to live where it doesn't get below 20 at night in winter, you'll have to put up with 100 degree days in summer. If you want to live somewhere it doesn't get much above 80 in summer, you'll have to expect sub-zero temps in winter (at least at night). Outside the tropics, it takes proximity to an ocean to get the mild summer/mild winter combination.

[james57]

comments. I have been thru the area once back in 2003. Stayed overnight and did like the town.However, I was on my way to Tucson for spring training so couldn't stay long. Will check the area more thoroughly if I can make it back there this coming year. Unfortunately housing wise, I am limited to something under $100,000.

Jim

[catman]

Ontheroad: No, I'm not retired, but I'm starting to think about it. Whether I retire before I move to NM or not will have a lot to do with where I move. I don't mind "hot" as long as it's not humid (and it's not 120 F!). A "good night life" ties in with my career as a professional musician. If I move before I retire, it will have to be to a location near Albuquerque/Santa Fe, such as Moriarty. I doubt if I could find work in the small towns.

[Crackerjack]

Originally Posted by james57

comments. I have been thru the area once back in 2003. Stayed overnight and did like the town.However, I was on my way to Tucson for spring training so couldn't stay long. Will check the area more thoroughly if I can make it back there this coming year. Unfortunately housing wise, I am limited to something under $100,000.

Jim

You are welcome Jim. I would look over in Mimbres, Santa Clara, San Lorenzo or over up in Gila, Cliff and Buckhorn. They are small so not a lot of homes to choose from but these areas will have homes cheaper than Silver City. They are still close to Silver City though.

[Blanco]

Alamogordo is the place. We are moving there soon. There are a lot of services there and is just the right size. Home prices are good there and golf prices are good.... You couldn't give me Las Cruces (but that is me). It is just to big... Alamo. may not look real spiffy at first but there is a lot of new going in. Close to the mtns. and a lovely little town of Tilarosa.

Good luck,
April