Best Towns for Retirees (Las Cruces, Alamogordo: low crime, living in, costs)

[james57]

I am considering possible retirement or maybe just part time retiree in NM.

As with most retirees, requirements are for low crime area, good medical services available, and low cost housing and low cost of living. Nice weather also.

Just wondered for those with knowledge of NM, which towns are considered the best for the above requirements. My concentration at present are for areas south from Alb.

Some feedback I have already is that there are retirees living in the Socorro, T 0r C, Silver City , and Las Cruces areas.

From my research, I would list Alamogordo and the general Ruidoso areas as sounding like there would be retirees located there also.

It would be much appreciated if anyone could respond about the best areas for retirees to live in southern NM. Thanks.

Jim

[Crackerjack]

Well, when you factor in all of what you are looking for, mild, good weather, good medical, low costs, etc., you are looking at Las Cruces or Alamogordo. Silver City's housing has gone up and Carlsbad doesn't offer a lot on housing or shopping. All in all, I'd pick either Alamogordo or Las Cruces for all of what you are asking.

[ontheroad]

As a recent retiree, myself, I'll second Las Cruces, but veto Alamagordo. Why? Alamagordo is small, appears run-down and has few services (from my short visit and observation).

Las Cruces is more populated, has more services, and is in easier access to a major airport. Housing costs are undoubtedly getting higher as Las Cruces has been publicized widely this year, but it is likely you could find an affordable place to live.

Ruidoso is probably something to consider if you like more temperate weather. I found Las Cruces in June intolerably hot and if you like to walk around, it is impossible at 101 degree days.

Ruidoso at the same time of year was cooler (by about 10-20 degrees). I have a friend in his early 70s, a retiree, who lives year-round in Ruidoso and loves it. However, as far as city for city is concerned, Las Cruces has more services and a larger population.

[catman]

Huh. I doubt that 101 degrees in Las Cruces is anywhere nearly as debilitating as 101 in Fort Worth, due to the increased humidity. That being said, it is rather hot.

From what I've seen of Alamogordo, it isn't the most gorgeous place imaginable, but I don't think it would be too bad to live in. For one thing, it's close to Cloudcroft and the cool mountains. With the exception of sand being blown about at times, its climate isn't bad. Probably very little nightlife, but most retired people don't care for that anyway.

[Crackerjack]

I agree Catman. The reason for Alamogordo is it's location. It is not far from Las Cruces and the mountains. Heat wise, it never did bother me, but living in Phoenix, one of the hottest places in the world, maybe any place seems cool compared to there. But retirees flourish in Phoenix and you see them out on the golf course at 120 degrees, so I don't see why they couldn't handle Las Cruces or Alamo. Also he wants low cost housing and low crime. That rules out several places.

[ontheroad]

Just curious, Catman and Crackerjack, are either of you retirees

Cuz, I am, and I hate hot and love a good night life

[GraphicQueen]

Well, I am retired and so is my husband and we love the heat. Not all older folks want the temperate climate and many of us love the weather in Las Cruces. If not, it would not be building up so much.

GQ

[ontheroad]

Oh, GraphicQueen, I totally agree that many retirees want to be warm, but just not all of us.

And I think Las Cruces is a great place, but I like 4 seasons, the snow, and my cashmere hood.

Originally Posted by GraphicQueen

Well, I am retired and so is my husband and we love the heat. Not all older folks want the temperate climate and many of us love the weather in Las Cruces. If not, it would not be building up so much.

GQ

[Towanda]

I have a friend who retired to Las Cruces about 6 months ago, from the Seattle area. He just loves it there in LC and seems to like the heat okay.

I feel like a lot of it is personal choice. I will be retiring to New Mexico next year, but I could not live in Las Cruces ~ way too hot for me. I will be living in northern NM.

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by Towanda

I feel like a lot of it is personal choice. I will be retiring to New Mexico next year, but I could not live in Las Cruces ~ way too hot for me. I will be living in northern NM.

What part of NM are you moving to? What are the winters like in the area you're going to?