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.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
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.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
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.
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 is a small-sized city located in the state of New Mexico. The city has a population of 7,879 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Ruidoso is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Ruidoso are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 24% of the population also speak Spanish. Based on an average age of 50, Ruidoso appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ruidoso will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Ruidoso, New Mexico. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Ruidoso and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education and other important metrics.
The livability score in Ruidoso is 65 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 62nd percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Ruidoso has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-). There are some categories that Ruidoso scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Ruidoso has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Ruidoso come in at $204,900, which is 26.8% higher than the New Mexico average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ruidoso, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 34.3% higher than the New Mexico average.
| Statistic | Ruidoso | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.7% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.5% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in New Mexico
These are the largest cities in New Mexico
These are the 10 cheapest cities in New Mexico
See the best places to live in Ruidoso