Article Contents
Whatever comes to mind when you think of New Mexico, there is no denying the fact that the ‘Land of Enchantment’ is an oasis of dreams that can come true, especially for seniors thinking about retirement!
In today’s article, we discuss what makes New Mexico an ideal destination to find a serene happily ever after and the resort-like retirement communities where that happiness lies!
Mexico: Is it an excellent place for retirement?
New Mexico has a rich cultural history that paints a vivid portrait of what the ‘Land of Enchantment’ looks like. Despite its dry, warm climate, New Mexico is a beautiful location to consider retiring to. If you plan on waking up daily to breathtaking sights without a stressful backlog of worries, then the retirement communities here will serve that very purpose!
Top sightseeing locations for seniors in New Mexico
A happy retirement is not just about relaxation; it’s also about welcoming new adventures, something you can experience in New Mexico! Listed below are some of the best magnetic attractions for seniors!
The last one is the best place to be if you believe in extraterrestrial life!
- White Sands National Park.
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
- Bandelier National Monument.
- Santa Fe Plaza.
- Petroglyph National Monument.
- Taos Pueblo.
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
- Taos Ski Valley.
- International UFO Museum and Research Center.
Finding the best retirement communities in New Mexico
Here are five factors to look out for for the ideal New Mexico retirement home!
- An ideal retirement community will be well structured, meaning rooms and halls with breathing space. Even small retirement homes have rooms designed in a manner so as not to make residents feel suffocated.
- Look for communities that have a year-round activity program. This means stimulating activities like group yoga sessions, game nights, exercise routines, and seasonal activities.
- A good retirement facility offers a space to make an internal community of friends. And since it is New Mexico, there are plenty of opportunities for group outings like hiking, camping, and more.
- The best retirement communities will provide an atmosphere and lifestyle, allowing you to age gracefully in the comforts of a resort-like environment that reflects home!
- Always look for basic facilities like medication management, meal preparation or in-house nutritionist, support with activities of daily living, and transportation services.
Top 10 retirement communities in New Mexico
Let’s take a look at some of the best-reviewed and well-structured retirement communities in the Land of Enchantment! There are many senior communities across New Mexico, but we have compiled the best ten worth looking at!
1. Brookdale Valencia – Albuquerque
Who has yet to hear of ‘Brookdale retirement communities’? One of the best names in senior living, Brookdale offers an inviting atmosphere. With a focus on personalized care, this community provides residents with assisted living and memory care. From a well-designed structure to every amenity a senior needs, Brookdale Valencia is the place to start your retirement journey.
2. Palmilla Senior Living – Albuquerque
At Palmilla Senior Living, residents will find a community that blends elegance with comfort. Settled in the scenic foothills of Albuquerque, it offers a range of amenities intended for an active and engaging living.
3. Kingston Residence of Santa Fe – Santa Fe
Kingston Residence of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is part of the Kingston Healthcare chain of retirement communities. You can find them in Ohio, North Carolina, and Indiana. What makes this retirement community number 3 on our list is the level of dedication their team provides, the services, and the intricate reviews!
4. Morada Albuquerque – Albuquerque
Albuquerque is home to some of the best 55 plus communities in New Mexico, and it just so happens Morada Albuquerque is one of them! With a senior-specific health and wellness approach added to their calendar, this retirement community ensures every exclusive program is catered for older adults, allowing them to thrive in a nurturing, relaxed environment.
5. The Neighborhood In Rio Rancho – Rio Rancho
The Neighborhood in Rio Rancho is a community that combines the comforts of home with the support of a dedicated team who are ready to meet every requirement of its residents! From spacious accommodations to a rich calendar of activities, if you want a fulfilling journey during your retirement, this is the ‘neighborhood’ to move into!
6. The Montebello on Academy – Albuquerque
Premium retirement communities do not get any better than this! The Montebello on Academy is set against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains! From a private dining room to bars and cocktail lounges, you won’t feel like you are in retirement but like an all-inclusive resort for seniors!
7. The Montecito Santa Fe – Santa Fe
If you are looking for a resort-style living during your retirement years, then look no further than The Montecito Santa Fe. Why? Because this community is a blend of extravagance in a homely environment, it will have none of the drawbacks and all the fun!
8. Fairwinds Rio Rancho – Rio Rancho
On top of incredible services and a well-designed facility, here are just a few amenities residents will get if they choose Fairwinds Rio Rancho, like a salon and barbershop, Fitness Center (to keep your strengths up), activity and games rooms, a restaurant, library, gather space for large groups and much more! Did we mention the retirement community is also pet-friendly?
9. Morning Star Assisted Living &Amp; Memory Care Rio Rancho – Rio Rancho
Another resort-like, well-structured senior living community, this place will have you eager to live out the rest of your life in a grand atmosphere, with every supporting hand taking care of your daily living activities.
10. Beehive Homes Retirement Communities
One of the best aspects of the great over 55 communities in New Mexico is that the best names can be found in almost every major city; such is the case for Beehive Homes. Beehive Homes Retirement Communities is an assisted living respite care facility specializing in memory care!
Are 55+ communities in New Mexico costly?
- Assisted living: $4,772
- Home care (month): $4,885
- Home care (hourly): $25.62
- Nursing home (private): $8,874
- Nursing home (semi-private): $8,067
- Memory care: $3,400 – $3,600
- Independent living: $$2,000- $2,500
As you can see, New Mexico retirement communities can be quite affordable! While memory care and independent living services can be slightly costly (the rates are higher than the national average), other services are within reach!
So, if you are looking for affordable retirement communities in New Mexico, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Ruidoso, and Los Lunas are cities worth looking into!
Paying for retirement
If you are thinking about, or maybe worried that your current finances will not get you through retirement, fret not. One of the best things about retirement in America is that much financial support is available to help navigate your r journey. Here are some options to look into!
- Senior apartments are relatively cheaper if retirement communities are not an option (but luckily, New Mexico is affordable).
- Housing is available and accessible for those on Social Security.
- You can convert your 401k into a self-directed IRA to strengthen your retirement income!
- Try comparing your Roth IRA against a savings account and see which is better in the long run.
- If you have a retirement nest egg in place, that is an option to break out.
If you would like a more in-depth understanding of how to pay for care services and facilities for retirement communities in particular, then read the articles below!
Final thoughts
New Mexico is seriously worth considering if you are considering retirement in an affordable state in America! Be it for great retirement communities, monumental attractions, or simply the view, New Mexico offers something for everyone!
This place is ‘enchanting’ for a reason, and we hope this article has highlighted that!
FAQs
Is New Mexico a good state for retirees?
Yes, New Mexico is a great state for retirees. It has a low cost of living, a mild climate (somewhat dry but not overbearing), affordable retirement communities, and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The state also has numerous tax benefits for retirees, including a state income tax exemption for Social Security benefits.
What is the best city in New Mexico to retire in?
The best city in New Mexico to retire in would have to be Santa Fe. Depending on your individual preferences, Santa Fe has a lot to offer for retirees. Some of the most popular cities for retirees are Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
Is New Mexico an affordable place to retire?
The cost of living in New Mexico is about 3.1% lower than the national average. Private home care is affordable and is the exact cost of assisted living communities. In addition, living costs are relatively low as well, making it easier for seniors who are living on a budget.
What are the pros and cons of retiring in New Mexico?
The benefits of retiring in New Mexico are that:
- The climate is lovely despite being sunny and dry.
- Plenty of outdoor recreation.
- The cost of living is low.
- A rich cultural history.
The cons are as follows:
- High altitude may cause sickness to seniors who aren’t used to it.
- The crime rate is high in many cities.
- The roads could be better.
- Traffic is often heavy.
