We’ve all encountered people who don’t realize that New Mexico is part of the U.S., but even those with a grasp of geography don’t always appreciate the wonders of the Land of Enchantment. If you’re thinking less-than-loving thoughts about our state, here are 18 things to love about New Mexico that should remind you why it’s a truly awesome place to live.

1. We have the toughest state bird.
Flickr/Ryan Schreiber
Roadrunners can take on a rattlesnake and win. That’s one hardcore bird. Lesson: don’t underestimate a New Mexican!
2. William Hanna of Hanna-Barbera (the famous animation duo) was born here.
Wikimedia Commons/NBC Television
That means New Mexico is responsible for half of every sugary cereal-filled cartoon fest you ever had on a Saturday morning.
3. Speaking of bears, fire prevention messages wouldn’t be half as cute without New Mexico.
Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture
The real Smokey Bear was rescued in the Capitan Gap Fire in New Mexico. Obviously, fire prevention has always been crucial but no other area of disaster management has run such a successful PR campaign, and it’s all inspired by this little cub.
4. It was a tourist hotspot for dinosaurs!
Flickr/bruthanick
Since dinosaurs didn’t leave Yelp reviews, we can’t say for sure that they liked New Mexico but they certainly traveled through our state. Go to Clayton Lake State Park and see for yourself. For more info.
5. The oldest continuously inhabited buildings are in New Mexico.
Flickr/Andy Langager
Taos Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo are two of the oldest communities in the nation.
6. While we’re on the subject of history… we have three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Flickr/Joe Bartolini
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Taos Pueblo and Chaco Culture National Historical Park can all be found in the Land of Enchantment.
7. New Mexico is on the cutting edge of science and technology.
Flickr/Michele
We have several state-of-the-art labs, and Microsoft started here.
8. If you rely on Amazon then you should love our state.
Wikimedia Commons/Steve Jurvetson
The man behind Amazon, Jeff Bezos, was born in Albuquerque.
9. Neil Patrick Harris.
Wikimedia Commons/vagueonthehow
We claim him because he was born in Albuquerque and raised in both Duke City and Ruidoso.

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10. Breakfast burritos were invented - and perfected - here.
Flickr/Emily Lewis
Start your day off right.
11. We literally spice up your life.
Flickr/Carlos del Vaca
New Mexican chile is the best, hands-down.
12. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event on the planet.
Flickr/KrisNM
The skies here are always astounding but just in case you needed another reason to look up…
13. The deepest cave in the country is part of Carlsbad Caverns.
Wikimedia Commons/Dave Bunnell
Lechuguilla Cave goes down 1,604 feet and, while not an official record category, it’s also a strong contender for "world’s prettiest cavern."
14. At 2.7 miles long, Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the country.
Flickr/mnchilemom
The views are incredible. For more info.
15. The best train ride in the U.S. is also in New Mexico.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards named the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which connects Chama with San Antonito, the best train ride in the nation. For more info.
16. According to Trulia, Albuquerque leads the country in gender equality.
Flickr/Kyle Murphy
Home ownership rates, the pay gap between men and women, and attending a four-year college were all factored into the rankings.
17. New Mexico inspired much of the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe, along with many other writers and artists.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
(Pictured: the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.)
18. Our scenery is simply breathtaking.
Flickr/Ron Reiring
How can you fail to be moved by landscapes like these?

What makes you proud to be a New Mexican?

Here are 20 reasons why the Land of Enchantment might be the perfect place for you.

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More to Explore

Things To Love About New Mexico

Leah | July 03, 2020

What are the best things about living in New Mexico?

Life in New Mexico is something many people enjoy on a daily basis. The Land of Enchantment has plenty of things to love about living there, from its scenery to its culture. There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in New Mexico than in any other state, just one indicator that the history and culture in the state are incredibly rich and alive and well today. People living there are able to enjoy the amazing New Mexican cuisine, including some of the best chile you'll find in the world. The state gets, on average, 358 days of sunshine a year - basically year-round! You won't find too many gloomy days here, and that's a perk many enjoy.

What is New Mexico known for?

New Mexico is known for many things, from historic cities to its iconic sights along Route 66. Santa Fe is by far one of its most famous places, and the beauty, as well as the art influence it has, proves why. Tons of people far beyond the state's borders also know about the annual, dazzling Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Another well-known aspect of the state is its absolutely stunning natural areas. Towering canyons, deep gorges, mesmerizing caverns, open plains, and rugged mountains are just a few of the many picture-worthy spots there.

Is New Mexico a great place to live?

If you're considering living in the Land of Enchantment, you'll be happy to know that you'll be able to enjoy the best things about New Mexico pretty much year-round. The state is not densely populated, so there is plenty of space to stretch and enjoy your own space. You'll always be a short drive away from quiet natural areas, especially if you live in some of the most picturesque towns and cities. Many of the top-ranking cities for quality of life in NM have a combination of excellent school systems, low crime levels, plenty of nearby amenities, decently low cost of living, and more. Plus, how many other states do you know of where living in a lovely looking adobe home is pretty common?

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