If you’re of a “certain age” and pondering retiring to a sunny climate, you may want to consider Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sure, Bugs Bunny always said he’d taken a wrong turn here, but it may be exactly the right destination for your retirement years! Albuquerque has a lot to offer folks who want to escape winters that require a snow shovel.
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The top 10 reasons to pick Albuquerque for retirement
1. Mild climate: You probably won’t need a snow shovel if you choose Albuquerque for retirement. Sure, it gets a bit of snow from time to time, but it’s likely to melt before you need to shovel. Winters do have a bit of nip to them, but nothing compared to colder cities in the north. Summers have warm, dry days that are cooled by monsoonal rains. Other than after a monsoon, you don’t have to worry about humidity because it’s a dry heat (and cold)! Learn more about Albuquerque’s weather here.
2. Affordable: Compared to many other popular retirement destinations, Albuquerque is quite affordable. One report says retiring in New Mexico costs 8.9% less than the United States average.
3. Outdoor recreation: If you’re planning for an active retirement with lots of time to enjoy the great outdoors, Albuquerque is the place for you! Albuquerque has invested heavily in developing and maintaining open spaces, which provide habitat for wildlife while also offering places to hike, bird watch, and simply enjoy nature. Golfing, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and even hot-air ballooning are all things to enjoy in and near Albuquerque.
4. Rich cultural heritage: New Mexico celebrates many cultures, including the Native Americans who were here first, the Spanish culture that came next, and the many other people and nationalities who have found Albuquerque to be a great place to live.
5. Food: Albuquerque’s food scene just keeps getting better! It’s not all Mexican or New Mexican food, although we love our chile (red or green is the state question)! A recent article in Eater magazine listed Albuquerque as one of 11 cities worldwide to visit for the food with an accompanying article listing 25 essential restaurants in Albuquerque. This piece singled out the Nob Hill area for hosting many exciting eateries. In addition, Albuquerque was recently listed by Thrillist as one of the best cities for vegan restaurants.
6. Healthcare: If you’re a retiree, you’re likely considering access to quality healthcare for any place you’d live. Fortunately, Albuquerque is home to several hospitals and specialty healthcare providers. Read more about Albuquerque healthcare and other industries here.
7. Culture: Do you love to explore museums, art galleries, and enjoy live theater and concerts? Then you’ll love Albuquerque! There’s so much to experience you won’t have time to miss that job (as if!).
8. Hanging with your peers: There are a lot of activities and resources for seniors in Albuquerque, including eight senior and multigenerational centers operated by the City of Albuquerque. Enjoy sports and recreation activities, the arts, learning opportunities, trips and outings, meals, special events, and support groups. Of course, seniors itching to stay busy volunteering can find numerous ways to put their talents to good use.
9. Community: One thing people often say about New Mexico is that the people are so friendly and that the pace of life is a bit more relaxed. Sure, they may call it the “Land of mañana” but that just means there’s always time tomorrow to get it done! Take time today to meet your new neighbors, try a new restaurant, and explore your new community. Be productive tomorrow . . . or not!
10. And there’s more: Albuquerque is centrally located and allows for easy day trips to places like Santa Fe, Taos, and the area’s Native American pueblos. Hop on the Rail Runner Express for a day in Santa Fe and you don’t even have to worry about driving! Head south to the Bosque del Apache for world-class birding, north to Valles Caldera National Preserve, or head to the Four Corners to explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites and visit the Navajo lands.
