Best suburbs to live in New Mexico
Cities may have the nightlife, but the convenience and affordability of the suburbs are becoming hot as the millennial generation moves into its homebuying phase. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shook up workplace norms and superheated the housing market, folks have been flocking away from major urban centers.
In Colorado, for instance, lesser-known suburbs outside of Denver such as Boulder have become magnets for young parents, ranking among the biggest destinations for out-of-state millennials who chose to move in 2023. And companies are taking note of the trend as well: Many are establishing satellite offices and new headquarters in less urban areas.
Stacker compiled a list of the best suburbs to live in New Mexico using data from Niche's 2024 Best Places to Live. Niche ranks places to live based on an array of factors, including the cost of living, educational level of residents, housing costs, and quality of schools.
#6. Rio Rancho, New Mexico
- Population: 104,351
- Median household income: $78,978
- Median home value: $246,700 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,357 (19% rent)
- Top public schools: Nex+Gen Academy (grade A+), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School (grade A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (grade A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (grade A+), Sandia Preparatory School (grade A+), Menaul School (grade A+)
#5. Corrales, New Mexico
- Population: 8,495
- Median household income: $94,966
- Median home value: $488,300 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,201 (11% rent)
- Top public schools: Nex+Gen Academy (grade A+), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School (grade A), Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science (grade A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (grade A+), Sandia Preparatory School (grade A+), Menaul School (grade A+)
#4. Mesilla, New Mexico
- Population: 1,647
- Median household income: $65,809
- Median home value: $293,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $916 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Arrowhead Park Early College High School (grade A+), J. Paul Taylor Academy (grade A minus), Las Cruces High School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Las Cruces Catholic School (grade A), Mesilla Valley Christian School (grade A minus), Mission Lutheran School (grade unavailable)
#3. Sandia Heights, New Mexico
- Population: 3,205
- Median household income: $151,991
- Median home value: $593,100 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,567 (4% rent)
- Top public schools: Nex+Gen Academy (grade A+), La Cueva High School (grade A+), Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Albuquerque Academy (grade A+), Sandia Preparatory School (grade A+), Menaul School (grade A+)
#2. White Rock, New Mexico
- Population: 5,592
- Median household income: $144,661
- Median home value: $420,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,356 (3% rent)
- Top public schools: Los Alamos High School (grade A), Los Alamos Middle School (grade A), Chamisa Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (grade unavailable), Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (grade unavailable)
#1. Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Population: 13,460
- Median household income: $130,342
- Median home value: $410,100 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,222 (35% rent)
- Top public schools: Los Alamos High School (grade A), Mountain Elementary School (grade A), Barranca Mesa Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Ponderosa Montessori School (grade unavailable), Canyoncito Montessori School & Child Care Center (grade unavailable), Las Cumbres Community Services - Conjunto Preschool (grade unavailable)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 40 states.
