Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Housing
The housing category in this area registers a lower than average score, indicating concerns with housing affordability, appreciation rates and home values falling below average.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ruidoso Downs is a small-sized city located in the state of New Mexico. The city has a population of 2,611 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Ruidoso Downs could be considered less diverse than other cities. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Ruidoso Downs are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 31% of the population also speak Spanish. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ruidoso Downs will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Ruidoso Downs, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and more.
Ruidoso Downs has a livability score of 53 out of 100 and is ranked #232 in New Mexico and #23,945 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Ruidoso Downs may not be a pleasant experience. Unfortunately for Ruidoso Downs, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F), employment (F) and housing (F).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ruidoso Downs has an unemployment rate of 2.43% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ruidoso Downs is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Ruidoso Downs come in at $0, which is 100% lower than the New Mexico average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ruidoso Downs, the home price to income ratio is 0, which is 100% lower than the New Mexico average.
| Statistic | Ruidoso Downs | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.6% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.9% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in New Mexico
See the best places to live in Ruidoso Downs
These are the largest cities in New Mexico
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in New Mexico