Assisted Living in New Mexico

New Mexico has been called many names, including “The Cactus State” and “The Sunshine State,” but perhaps none are more fitting than “Tierra del Encanto,” or “The Land of Enchantment”. The state received this nickname for its natural beauty, which includes vast, painted deserts and tall, majestic mountains. From Santa Fe’s distinct architecture inspired by the region’s native Pueblo peoples, to the more modern landscape of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s cities have an undeniable charm as well. The Land of Enchantment truly has something to offer everyone and is an ideal place to retire.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 50 senior living communities in New Mexico that provide assisted living. The median monthly rate for New Mexico assisted living costs about $4,000.

Top cities in New Mexico

Albuquerque Rio Rancho Las Cruces Santa Fe Hobbs Alamogordo

New Mexico Assisted Living Regulations

Assisted living communities are regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health / Health Facility Licensing & Certification Bureau. Public access to assisted living records and violations history in New Mexico is rated as basic. You can use the state’s Provider Search Form to research the violation history of an assisted living community.

In New Mexico, an assisted living facility is a facility which is operated for the maintenance or care of two (2) or more adults who need or desire assistance with one (1) or more activities of daily living.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in New Mexico is considered to be more affordable than the national average. New Mexico’s costs are rated below average in every index category except grocery prices. New Mexico’s affordability makes it a great option for those looking for a perfect retirement location. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

Cost of Living: 93
Groceries: 101
Housing: 78
Utilities: 88
Transportation: 92

Demographics

In New Mexico, 18% of the population are over the age of 65. In the 2016 presidential election, New Mexico leaned liberal. There are strong Hispanic and Indigneous cultural influences throughout the state. Over ten percent of New Mexico’s population are Native American and nearly 50% of its population are Hispanic or Latino. New Mexico has a very large Spanish-speaking population, and many restaurants and stores in the state do business in both Spanish and English.

2016 Presidential Election

48% voted Democratic
40% voted Republican
12% voted third party

Population

Median age: 38
Over the age of 55: 31%
2018 population: 2,095,428
2020 population: 2,099,500
Estimated 2025 population: 2,109,714

Miscellaneous

36% regularly attend a religious service
37% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
The state has a total of 2,447 congregations
There are 57 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

New Mexico is broken up into four regions: the Great Plains, the Colorado Plateau, the Rocky Mountains, and the Basin and Range region. The state mostly has a cool, semi-arid climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and below average rainfall. However the climate can vary depending on what part of the state you are in. Temperatures can range widely between night and day, and from extreme heat to extreme cold throughout the year. Overall, New Mexico receives light annual precipitation, low humidity, and lots of sunshine.