Best places to raise a family in New Mexico
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in New Mexico
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in New Mexico using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Edgewood
- Population: 6,071
- Median home value: $194,100 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,067 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $64,931
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Edgewood Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 143 Square H Rd, Edgewood ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $194,100 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,067 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $64,931
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Edgewood Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 143 Square H Rd, Edgewood ($750,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- Population: 6,114
- Median home value: $447,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $760 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $64,732
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 980 Bonita Rosas Rd NW, Los Ranchos ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $760 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $64,732
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 980 Bonita Rosas Rd NW, Los Ranchos ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Alamogordo
- Population: 31,384
- Median home value: $113,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $791 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $42,204
- Top public schools: Holloman Middle School (A-), Holloman Elementary School (A-), Mountain View Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Legacy Christian Academy (A-), Imago Dei Academy (A-), Father James B. Hay School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 58 S Canyon Rd, Alamogordo ($599,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $113,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $791 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $42,204
- Top public schools: Holloman Middle School (A-), Holloman Elementary School (A-), Mountain View Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Legacy Christian Academy (A-), Imago Dei Academy (A-), Father James B. Hay School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 58 S Canyon Rd, Alamogordo ($599,000, 3 bedrooms)
#22. Bosque Farms
- Population: 3,876
- Median home value: $209,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $933 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $52,105
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1090 Konkol Farm Rd, Bosque Farms ($499,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $209,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $933 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $52,105
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1090 Konkol Farm Rd, Bosque Farms ($499,000, 3 bedrooms)
#21. Truth or Consequences
- Population: 5,894
- Median home value: $85,300 (64% own)
- Median rent: $493 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $23,988
- Top public schools: Truth or Consequences Middle School (A-), Truth or Consequences Elementary School (B), Hot Springs High School (B-)
- Pictured: 9 Mud Cyn, Truth or Consequences ($355,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $85,300 (64% own)
- Median rent: $493 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $23,988
- Top public schools: Truth or Consequences Middle School (A-), Truth or Consequences Elementary School (B), Hot Springs High School (B-)
- Pictured: 9 Mud Cyn, Truth or Consequences ($355,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Los Lunas
- Population: 15,589
- Median home value: $161,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $56,250
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 35 Berry Hill Farms Rd, Los Lunas ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $161,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $56,250
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 35 Berry Hill Farms Rd, Los Lunas ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Farmington
- Population: 45,258
- Median home value: $186,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $868 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $54,480
- Top public schools: San Juan College High School (A), Country Club Elementary School (A-), McKinley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Navajo Preparatory School (C), Emmanuel Baptist Academy (unavailable), Sacred Heart Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 96 Road 3777, Farmington ($793,777, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,800 (64% own)
- Median rent: $868 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $54,480
- Top public schools: San Juan College High School (A), Country Club Elementary School (A-), McKinley Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Navajo Preparatory School (C), Emmanuel Baptist Academy (unavailable), Sacred Heart Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 96 Road 3777, Farmington ($793,777, 5 bedrooms)
#18. Portales
- Population: 11,854
- Median home value: $116,200 (52% own)
- Median rent: $776 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $37,921
- Top public schools: Portales Junior High School (B+), Lindsey-Steiner Elementary School (B+), Valencia Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1915 Virginia Ests, Portales ($324,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $116,200 (52% own)
- Median rent: $776 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $37,921
- Top public schools: Portales Junior High School (B+), Lindsey-Steiner Elementary School (B+), Valencia Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 1915 Virginia Ests, Portales ($324,900, 3 bedrooms)
#17. Atoka
- Population: 1,193
- Median home value: $149,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,003 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $60,679
- Top public schools: Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-), Hermosa Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 9 and 13 Short Track Ln, Artesia ($215,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $149,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,003 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $60,679
- Top public schools: Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-), Hermosa Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 9 and 13 Short Track Ln, Artesia ($215,000, 3 bedrooms)
#16. El Cerro
- Population: 3,202
- Median home value: $185,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $938 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 11 Racca Rd, Los Lunas ($499,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $938 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 11 Racca Rd, Los Lunas ($499,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Santa Teresa
- Population: 5,515
- Median home value: $186,300 (67% own)
- Median rent: $849 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $51,529
- Top public schools: Santa Teresa Middle School (B+), La Union Elementary School (B), Santa Teresa Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 5357 Crawford Rd, Santa Teresa ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,300 (67% own)
- Median rent: $849 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $51,529
- Top public schools: Santa Teresa Middle School (B+), La Union Elementary School (B), Santa Teresa Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 5357 Crawford Rd, Santa Teresa ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Artesia
- Population: 12,262
- Median home value: $177,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $834 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,839
- Top public schools: Yeso Elementary School (A-), Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-)
- Pictured: 1502 Zydeco Pl, Artesia ($583,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $177,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $834 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,839
- Top public schools: Yeso Elementary School (A-), Artesia Zia Intermediate School (A-), Artesia Park Junior High School (A-)
- Pictured: 1502 Zydeco Pl, Artesia ($583,000, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Las Cruces
- Population: 102,102
- Median home value: $155,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $788 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $43,022
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), White Sands Elementary School (A), Desert Hills Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Las Cruces Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 4454 Purple Sage Dr, Las Cruces ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $155,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $788 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $43,022
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), White Sands Elementary School (A), Desert Hills Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Las Cruces Catholic School (A)
- Pictured: 4454 Purple Sage Dr, Las Cruces ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Eldorado at Santa Fe
- Population: 5,823
- Median home value: $386,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,647 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,073
- Top public schools: Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A), El Dorado Community School (B+)
- Pictured: 49 Via Del Caballo, Santa Fe ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $386,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,647 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $78,073
- Top public schools: Academy for Technology & the Classics (A), Turquoise Trail Charter School (A), El Dorado Community School (B+)
- Pictured: 49 Via Del Caballo, Santa Fe ($2.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
#11. Albuquerque
- Population: 559,374
- Median home value: $198,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $873 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $52,911
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory Academy (A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (A+), Sandia Preparatory School (A+), Bosque School (A+)
- Pictured: 721 Chavez Rd NW, Albuquerque ($2.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $198,200 (60% own)
- Median rent: $873 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $52,911
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory Academy (A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (A+), Sandia Preparatory School (A+), Bosque School (A+)
- Pictured: 721 Chavez Rd NW, Albuquerque ($2.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#10. Carnuel
- Population: 1,305
- Median home value: $244,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $877 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $62,604
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 12 Siempre Verde Dr NE, Albuquerque ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $244,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $877 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $62,604
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Pictured: 12 Siempre Verde Dr NE, Albuquerque ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Valencia
- Population: 2,018
- Median home value: $165,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $545 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $65,139
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 12 Cactus Dr, Los Lunas ($245,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $545 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $65,139
- Top public schools: Bosque Farms Elementary School (B+), Sundance Elementary School (B+), Katherine Gallegos Elementary School (B+)
- Pictured: 12 Cactus Dr, Los Lunas ($245,000, 2 bedrooms)
#8. Paradise Hills
- Population: 4,656
- Median home value: $182,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $62,070
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Paradise Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5016 Russell Dr NW, Albuquerque ($260,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $182,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,121 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $62,070
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Paradise Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5016 Russell Dr NW, Albuquerque ($260,000, 3 bedrooms)
#7. Rio Rancho
- Population: 96,210
- Median home value: $190,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $66,856
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), Mountain View Middle School (A), Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gospel Light Baptist Academy (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable), Living Word Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5500 Kim Rd NE, Rio Rancho ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,167 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $66,856
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), Mountain View Middle School (A), Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gospel Light Baptist Academy (A-), St. Thomas Aquinas School (unavailable), Living Word Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5500 Kim Rd NE, Rio Rancho ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#6. San Ysidro
- Population: 2,060
- Median home value: $197,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $751 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $75,883
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-), East Picacho Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 890 Lopez Rd, Las Cruces ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $197,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $751 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $75,883
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-), East Picacho Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 890 Lopez Rd, Las Cruces ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Mesilla
- Population: 2,280
- Median home value: $213,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $727 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $47,388
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), J. Paul Taylor Academy (A-), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 2526 Snow Rd, Las Cruces ($559,500, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $213,500 (64% own)
- Median rent: $727 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $47,388
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (A), J. Paul Taylor Academy (A-), La Academia Dolores Huerta Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 2526 Snow Rd, Las Cruces ($559,500, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Corrales
- Population: 8,588
- Median home value: $447,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,094 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,580
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Sandia View Academy (B+), Cottonwood School (unavailable), Sandia View Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7027 Corrales Rd, Corrales ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,600 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,094 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $85,580
- Top public schools: Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A), Nex+Gen Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Sandia View Academy (B+), Cottonwood School (unavailable), Sandia View Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7027 Corrales Rd, Corrales ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Sandia Heights
- Population: 3,571
- Median home value: $465,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $107,104
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A)
- Pictured: 804 Mountain Hawk Dr NE, Albuquerque ($845,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $465,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $107,104
- Top public schools: La Cueva High School (A), Early College Academy (A), College & Career High School (A)
- Pictured: 804 Mountain Hawk Dr NE, Albuquerque ($845,000, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Los Alamos
- Population: 12,666
- Median home value: $308,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $116,116
- Top public schools: Mountain Elementary School (A+), Los Alamos Middle School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 90 San Juan St, Los Alamos ($510,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $308,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,042 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $116,116
- Top public schools: Mountain Elementary School (A+), Los Alamos Middle School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 90 San Juan St, Los Alamos ($510,000, 4 bedrooms)
#1. White Rock
- Population: 5,751
- Median home value: $301,500 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,253 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $135,964
- Top public schools: Los Alamos Middle School (A), Pinon Elementary School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 377 Cheryl Ave, Los Alamos ($268,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $301,500 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,253 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $135,964
- Top public schools: Los Alamos Middle School (A), Pinon Elementary School (A), Los Alamos High School (A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 377 Cheryl Ave, Los Alamos ($268,000, 3 bedrooms)
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