New Mexico is rarely one of the first states that someone mentions when they talk about the United States. We’re often overlooked and underestimated. But that’s a mistake. We have a lengthy history, a unique blend of cultures, first-class cuisine, and incredible natural beauty. When growing up in New Mexico, you’ve got plenty to be proud of.

There are many reasons why you should brag about New Mexico. Here are just a few to get you started (not in order of importance)!

1. We have our own cuisine.
Flickr/Jeremy Noble
2. The breakfast burrito was invented here.
Flickr/Emily Lewis
3. We’re the first state to have an official question: “Red or green?” In other words, what’s your chile preference?
Flickr/Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble
4. We have three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Taos Pueblo, Chaco Culture, and Carlsbad Caverns.
Flickr/Kate Dixon
5. Santa Fe is not only the highest state capital, it’s also the longest running one in the country.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
6. The city contains the nation’s oldest house…
Flickr/Paul Narvaez
7. …And church.
Flickr/dslrnovice

Related Stories

Explore 230,000 Acres Of Trails, Flora, and Fauna At New Mexico's Otherworldly Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

Explore 230,000 Acres Of Trails, Flora, and Fauna At New Mexico's Otherworldly Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

 You'll Find A Wide Variety Of Craft Brews At This Women-Owned Brewery In New Mexico

You'll Find A Wide Variety Of Craft Brews At This Women-Owned Brewery In New Mexico

 Get Creative And Customize Your Food Order At Roasted Rooster In Las Cruces, New Mexico

Get Creative And Customize Your Food Order At Roasted Rooster In Las Cruces, New Mexico
8. New Mexico is home to famous folk such as George R. R. Martin.
Flickr/Chris
9. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon who revolutionized e-commerce, is from here.
Flickr/Steve Jurvetson
10. New Mexico’s dramatic scenery inspired artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and many more.
Flickr/Barbara
11. Yet we’re a well-rounded state that is also on the forefront of scientific developments. Between Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Santa Fe Institute, and UNM, the sciences are well-represented.
Flickr/Sandia Labs
This robot, which helps to rescue trapped miners, was invented at Sandia Labs.
12. Did you know that Spaceport America, the first purposefully-designed commercial spaceport in the world, is located in New Mexico?
Flickr/Samat Jain
13. New Mexicans are fascinated by the skies and space. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the biggest ballooning event on the planet.
Flickr/Forsaken Fotos
14. We also have the longest operational aerial tramway in North America, which spans 2.7 miles.
Flickr/Thomas Kriese

If you’ve experienced growing up in New Mexico, what else would you add to this list? Here are even more reasons to be proud of New Mexico.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Growing Up In New Mexico

Leah | April 17, 2020

What are people from New Mexico known for?

New Mexico locals are known for a lot of things - some weird, some great, and all of them just part of the local culture. For example, you'll probably not find many other states where the residents are quite as obsessed with chile. Red, green, roasted, fresh, on top of food or hanging as a decoration - there is no shortage of love for chile in NM. People who live in wetter places might be surprised at how excited people born in New Mexico get when it rains, but cautious when driving in case of flash floods. And certainly, many people from the Land of Enchantment absolutely love the outdoors. With landscapes like the one in this state, who wouldn't?

What are the best things about living in New Mexico?

Part of being here is getting full access to New Mexico bragging rights. New Mexico is a wonderful place to live, with an impressive variety of stunning landscapes, beautiful historic towns, low population density, and plenty of things to see and do. Plus, the food here is terrific and you won't find New Mex like this anywhere else. A vast majority of the year is full of sunshine with jaw-dropping sunsets to go with it. The culture and history of the state are incredibly rich, and New Mexicans are rightfully proud of it.

What is New Mexico known for?

Even though the Land of Enchantment isn't the first state people might think of, it still is known for many things. UFO sightings, historic pueblos, great food, hot air balloon festivals - the list goes on. With such a unique array of landscapes including mountains, cliffs, deserts, and more, it's no wonder people come here to sightsee in the wilderness. The oldest church in the United States is located in New Mexico, and plenty of other parts of the cities have been around long before the country was even formed. With all of that and so much more, it's a wonder why it's not one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
New Mexico, USA