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Ruidoso, New Mexico

What It Is Like to Retire in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is a mountain resort in New Mexico. Located in south-central New Mexico, its population is just under 8,000. ENMU Ruidoso Campus is a two-year community college here. Major development projects in Ruidoso include large housing subdivisions, condos, and retail establishments There is good skiing nearby at Ski Apache. Ruidoso Downs is a suburb and home to Ruidoso Downs (flat) horse racing track, the Billy the Kid Casino, and the Hubbard Museum of the American West. Ruidoso gets its name from the creek running through town, Rio Ruidoso (noisy river). Nearby towns such as Alamogordo are also interesting retirement destinations. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia in the public domain: downtown by Dennis Adams and Ruidoso Downs by Bill Hirshfeld. Topretirements wrote a special feature about New Mexico retirement, including pros and cons.

Where to Retire in Ruidoso and Home Prices

There are a number of new developments suitable for 55+ residents in the area (see link at top left). Some people opt to live in cabins or small houses in the surrounding mountains. Small cabins are available in the low $100's. Luxury homes on bigger lots go for much more. According to Zillow, the median home value was $220,546 in early 2021.

What Is Special about Ruidoso

Ruidoso is a mountain resort town with great alpine scenery and recreation; Its altitude (6920') means very pleasant temperatures in summer; It is fast growing and has many different places to live; Ruidoso Downs and Ski Apache; Lower than average cost of living. Ruidoso is a very walkable town.

What Is Not Special about Ruidoso

As in rapidly developing town growth can get out of hand. There is concern about the future water supply. It is also quite remote. Forest fires and floods are a concern in some areas.

Who Will Like Retirement in Ruidoso

Outdoors people, horse racing fans, people who like living in the mountains. Ruidoso is a popular resort for Texans.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism, construction, gambling.

Climate and Physical Environment

Ruidoso lies in the rugged Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico, where it merges with the Sacramento Mountains to the south. Winters are cool with the average Jan. daily temperatures are in the 30's (F.). The area experienced flash flooding in 2008.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are several western theme museums in nearby Ruidoso Downs. Ruidoso has several art galleries. The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts is a top-notch facility with more than 500 seat capacity. There are numerous festivals such as the Smokey Bear Stampede throughout the year. It has some interesting shops. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Hotel, Casino, and Resort offers dining, gambling, entertainment, and recreation. Horse racing is available in Ruidoso. Continuing education is available at the branch of the Eastern NMU Community College.