10 Charming Small Towns in New Mexico You’ll Want to Call Home
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If you’re thinking about moving to New Mexico, bustling cities like Albuquerque or Las Cruces might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, New Mexico’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 10 charming small towns in New Mexico, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
Portales, situated in eastern New Mexico, is a small town with a strong connection to agriculture and education. Home to Eastern New Mexico University, the town has an academic energy while retaining a relaxed, rural atmosphere. One of Portales’ major draws is its peanut farming industry, celebrated each year during the Peanut Valley Festival. During the event, visitors can sample local peanut-based treats and enjoy arts and crafts. The town also has outdoor spaces like Oasis State Park, a favorite spot for fishing, hiking, and camping.
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Los Alamos is best known for its pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Visitors can explore this fascinating past at the Los Alamos History Museum and the nearby Bradbury Science Museum. Both of these attractions offer insight into the town’s legacy in science and technology. Located at the edge of the Jemez Mountains, Los Alamos is surrounded by outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking at Bandelier National Monument. This monument allows visitors to view the ancient cliff dwellings and see the lives of the area’s original inhabitants.
Grants is located along historic Route 66 and has a strong mining heritage with volcanic landscapes. The town’s nearby El Malpais National Monument has ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and caves perfect for hiking and exploring. Locals and visitors enjoy learning about the area’s uranium mining history at the New Mexico Mining Museum. The museum provides a fascinating look into the region’s industrial past. Every fall, the town celebrates the Grants Route 66 Balloon Rally, filling the skies with colorful hot air balloons and attracting ballooning enthusiasts from across the state.
Taos is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town has long been a hub for artists, with the Taos Art Colony playing a significant role in its creative heritage. Visitors can explore galleries and studios in the downtown area or visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Taos Ski Valley during the winter months for some of the best skiing in the Southwest. Meanwhile, the Rio Grande Gorge has opportunities for hiking and whitewater rafting during warmer seasons.
Belen is often called the “Hub City” due to its central location and historic connection to the Santa Fe Railway. The Belen Harvey House Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the town’s railroad past, with exhibits showcasing its role as a key stop for travelers on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Each December, Belen hosts its popular Christmas parade, filling the streets with festive lights and holiday cheer. Feeling hungry? Dining options in Belen include Pete’s Cafe, a beloved spot serving traditional New Mexican cuisine.
Sunland Park sits right on the New Mexico-Texas border, giving it a unique blend of cultures and attractions. The town is best known for the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, where horse racing and slots bring in locals and visitors from nearby El Paso. Just a short drive away is the Franklin Mountains State Park, offering hiking and mountain biking with sweeping desert views. For something a little different, Sunland Park is also home to the Western Playland Amusement Park, a fun spot for thrill rides and all-day entertainment. The town’s location makes it easy to hop between New Mexico, Texas, and even Mexico for day trips.
Gallup, often called the “Heart of Indian Country,” is famous for its deep Native American heritage and trading post culture. The town is known for its stunning collection of Navajo rugs, pottery, and jewelry, and you’ll find plenty of unique shops and galleries along Route 66. Every summer, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial brings together tribes from across the country for parades, traditional dances, and more, making it one of the area’s biggest events.
Los Lunas has grown rapidly in recent years, but it still holds onto its small-town charm. The town is just south of Albuquerque and has become a nerve center for both businesses and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Tome Hill offers incredible hiking, with panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley, while the El Cerro de Los Lunas Preserve is perfect for trail running or simply soaking in the desert landscape. Locals love grabbing a bite at Benny’s Mexican Kitchen, a longtime favorite known for putting their famous green chile sauce on everything.
Socorro is particularly known for its connection to the science community. Just outside town, the Very Large Array—those giant satellite dishes you’ve probably seen in movies—sits out in the plains, making for a unique day trip. Socorro is also a popular spot for birdwatchers who go to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, where you can catch sight of sandhill cranes and other migrating birds. After a day of exploring, locals head to the Socorro Springs Brewing Company for a cold beer and pizza.
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Ruidoso is a mountain escape in southern New Mexico, known for its cool temperatures and outdoor activities. In the winter, Ski Apache is the go-to spot for skiing and snowboarding, while warmer months bring hiking and mountain biking in the Sierra Blanca range. Ruidoso Downs Race Track is another big draw, especially during the summer racing season when visitors from all over the region come to watch the horses. Midtown Ruidoso is packed with quirky shops, galleries, and restaurants, including The Cornerstone Bakery & Café, where you can grab some of the best cinnamon rolls in town.
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