We’ve all encountered people who don’t realize that New Mexico is part of the U.S., but even those with a grasp of geography don’t always appreciate the wonders of the Land of Enchantment. If you’re thinking less-than-loving thoughts about our state, here are 18 things to love about New Mexico that should remind you why it’s a truly awesome place to live.

What makes you proud to be a New Mexican?

Flickr/Ryan Schreiber

Roadrunners can take on a rattlesnake and win. That’s one hardcore bird. Lesson: don’t underestimate a New Mexican!

Wikimedia Commons/NBC Television

That means New Mexico is responsible for half of every sugary cereal-filled cartoon fest you ever had on a Saturday morning.

Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture

The real Smokey Bear was rescued in the Capitan Gap Fire in New Mexico. Obviously, fire prevention has always been crucial but no other area of disaster management has run such a successful PR campaign, and it’s all inspired by this little cub.

Flickr/bruthanick

Since dinosaurs didn’t leave Yelp reviews, we can’t say for sure that they liked New Mexico but they certainly traveled through our state. Go to Clayton Lake State Park and see for yourself. For more info.

Flickr/Andy Langager

Taos Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo are two of the oldest communities in the nation.

Flickr/Joe Bartolini

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Taos Pueblo and Chaco Culture National Historical Park can all be found in the Land of Enchantment.

Flickr/Michele

We have several state-of-the-art labs, and Microsoft started here.

Wikimedia Commons/Steve Jurvetson

Wikimedia Commons/vagueonthehow

We claim him because he was born in Albuquerque and raised in both Duke City and Ruidoso.

Flickr/Emily Lewis

Start your day off right.

Flickr/Carlos del Vaca

New Mexican chile is the best, hands-down.

Flickr/KrisNM

The skies here are always astounding but just in case you needed another reason to look up…

Wikimedia Commons/Dave Bunnell

Lechuguilla Cave goes down 1,604 feet and, while not an official record category, it’s also a strong contender for “world’s prettiest cavern.”

Flickr/mnchilemom

The views are incredible. For more info.

Flickr/Larry Lamsa

USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards named the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which connects Chama with San Antonito, the best train ride in the nation. For more info.

Flickr/Kyle Murphy

Home ownership rates, the pay gap between men and women, and attending a four-year college were all factored into the rankings.

Flickr/Kent Kanouse

(Pictured: the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.)

Flickr/Ron Reiring

How can you fail to be moved by landscapes like these?

Here are 20 reasons why the Land of Enchantment might be the perfect place for you.

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Address: New Mexico, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Love About New Mexico July 03, 2020 Leah What are the best things about living in New Mexico? Life in New Mexico is something many people enjoy on a daily basis. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of things to love about living there, from its scenery to its culture. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in New Mexico than in any other state, just one indicator that the history and culture in the state are incredibly rich and alive and well today. People living there are able to enjoy the amazing New Mexican cuisine, including some of the best chile you’ll find in the world. The state gets, on average, 358 days of sunshine a year - basically year-round! You won’t find too many gloomy days here, and that’s a perk many enjoy. What is New Mexico known for? New Mexico is known for many things, from historic cities to its iconic sights along Route 66. Santa Fe is by far one of its most famous places, and the beauty, as well as the art influence it has, proves why. Tons of people far beyond the state’s borders also know about the annual, dazzling Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Another well-known aspect of the state is its absolutely stunning natural areas. Towering canyons, deep gorges, mesmerizing caverns, open plains, and rugged mountains are just a few of the many picture-worthy spots there. Is New Mexico a great place to live? If you’re considering living in the Land of Enchantment, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be able to enjoy the best things about New Mexico pretty much year-round. The state is not densely populated, so there is plenty of space to stretch and enjoy your own space. You’ll always be a short drive away from quiet natural areas, especially if you live in some of the most picturesque towns and cities. Many of the top-ranking cities for quality of life in NM have a combination of excellent school systems, low crime levels, plenty of nearby amenities, decently low cost of living, and more. Plus, how many other states do you know of where living in a lovely looking adobe home is pretty common?

The OIYS Visitor Center

Things To Love About New Mexico

July 03, 2020

Leah

What are the best things about living in New Mexico? Life in New Mexico is something many people enjoy on a daily basis. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of things to love about living there, from its scenery to its culture. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in New Mexico than in any other state, just one indicator that the history and culture in the state are incredibly rich and alive and well today. People living there are able to enjoy the amazing New Mexican cuisine, including some of the best chile you’ll find in the world. The state gets, on average, 358 days of sunshine a year - basically year-round! You won’t find too many gloomy days here, and that’s a perk many enjoy. What is New Mexico known for? New Mexico is known for many things, from historic cities to its iconic sights along Route 66. Santa Fe is by far one of its most famous places, and the beauty, as well as the art influence it has, proves why. Tons of people far beyond the state’s borders also know about the annual, dazzling Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Another well-known aspect of the state is its absolutely stunning natural areas. Towering canyons, deep gorges, mesmerizing caverns, open plains, and rugged mountains are just a few of the many picture-worthy spots there. Is New Mexico a great place to live? If you’re considering living in the Land of Enchantment, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be able to enjoy the best things about New Mexico pretty much year-round. The state is not densely populated, so there is plenty of space to stretch and enjoy your own space. You’ll always be a short drive away from quiet natural areas, especially if you live in some of the most picturesque towns and cities. Many of the top-ranking cities for quality of life in NM have a combination of excellent school systems, low crime levels, plenty of nearby amenities, decently low cost of living, and more. Plus, how many other states do you know of where living in a lovely looking adobe home is pretty common?

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Life in New Mexico is something many people enjoy on a daily basis. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of things to love about living there, from its scenery to its culture. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in New Mexico than in any other state, just one indicator that the history and culture in the state are incredibly rich and alive and well today. People living there are able to enjoy the amazing New Mexican cuisine, including some of the best chile you’ll find in the world. The state gets, on average, 358 days of sunshine a year - basically year-round! You won’t find too many gloomy days here, and that’s a perk many enjoy.

What is New Mexico known for?

New Mexico is known for many things, from historic cities to its iconic sights along Route 66. Santa Fe is by far one of its most famous places, and the beauty, as well as the art influence it has, proves why. Tons of people far beyond the state’s borders also know about the annual, dazzling Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Another well-known aspect of the state is its absolutely stunning natural areas. Towering canyons, deep gorges, mesmerizing caverns, open plains, and rugged mountains are just a few of the many picture-worthy spots there.

Is New Mexico a great place to live?

If you’re considering living in the Land of Enchantment, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be able to enjoy the best things about New Mexico pretty much year-round. The state is not densely populated, so there is plenty of space to stretch and enjoy your own space. You’ll always be a short drive away from quiet natural areas, especially if you live in some of the most picturesque towns and cities. Many of the top-ranking cities for quality of life in NM have a combination of excellent school systems, low crime levels, plenty of nearby amenities, decently low cost of living, and more. Plus, how many other states do you know of where living in a lovely looking adobe home is pretty common?