Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
South Valley, New Mexico is a medium-sized city with a population of 40,361 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, South Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of South Valley are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 50% of the population also speak Spanish. In South Valley, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make South Valley your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in South Valley, New Mexico could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Valley and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Valley to New Mexico and the national average.
South Valley has a livability score of 58/100 and is ranked #134 in New Mexico and #20,276 in the USA. This is a lower than the national average livability score as South Valley does not rank well for most categories. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. South Valley scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A) South Valley does not score well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their South Valley apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 South Valley is real estate affordability. The median home price for South Valley homes is $270,689, which is 4.5% lower than the New Mexico average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 2.4% higher than the New Mexico average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | South Valley | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.5% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.5% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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