Growing up in a small town is a unique experience. Some people love it at the time, while others only appreciate it in retrospect. There’s a lot to be said for living in a rural setting. Life is calmer and connections tend to run deeper. Here are 10 reasons why growing up in New Mexico – especially a small town – is the best:

1. You're close to nature.
Flickr/Brandon
Sure, there might not be a movie theater in town, but it's hard to be bored when you're surrounded by natural beauty.
2. The entertainment options are exciting in a whole different way.
Flickr/Sean Rowe
Can you go BMX biking in the middle of a city? I think not. In a rural setting, you can let off steam with activities that require lots of space like skiing, ATVing, or horse-riding.
3. You spend time with animals.
Flickr/Beth
Begging for a pony might actually prove effective because there's room for larger pets in the country. At the very least you can add a big dog to your family! You also have wildlife sightings of one kind or another most days.
4. The soundtrack of your life is infinitely better.
Flickr/J. N. Stuart
Bird song and crickets are way more relaxing to listen to than horns and sirens.
5. You can enjoy the stars.
Flickr/Mike Lewinski
Without air or light pollution, you can marvel at the sky almost every night.

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6. There's minimal traffic.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Less traffic means less stress and a smooth drive to work. It's safer for kids to walk or bike around town and, when it's time for them to learn to drive, they'll have an easier time of it than city teenagers.
7. The whole town turns out for celebrations and parades.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Small town events are the best.
8. Odds are you have family nearby.
Flickr/Joe Hall
Family members often live in the same small town. Regular time together helps families to stay close and connected.
9. You play an important role in your community.
Flickr/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
People in small towns help each other out. This sense of belonging and community stays with you for life.
10. People in small towns are more friendly.
Flickr/Justin Ennis
You probably know or at least recognize everyone in town. That's a whole bunch of people who care about you and yours.

Do you have any treasured memories of growing up in New Mexico? If you love living here, you might enjoy reading about some other reasons the Land of Enchantment is great to live in.

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Growing Up In New Mexico

Leah | July 29, 2020

Is New Mexico a great place to live?

There are many people who would say life in New Mexico is the best they've experienced. While living in the Land of Enchantment might not be for everyone, there are many reasons why this state is known to be a good one to settle down in. There are many splendid towns and cities rich in culture and history to live in, plus lots of wide-open space to have some alone time. The food is a big plus if you love flavorful and colorful meals. The chile is said to be the best in the country, possibly even the world. People are generally very friendly, too, and the natural beauty of the landscape is another part of why New Mexico is a great place to live.

What are the best things about living in New Mexico?

If you plan on living in New Mexico, you can look forward to quite a few perks. While the state does have some large cities, the wilderness is never far and there are tons of parks to explore. New Mexico's rich cultural history is strong within its communities and you can take part in festivals, traditions, and - of course - enjoy the amazing New Mexican cuisine. There is quite a variety of scenery here, too. It's not just desert - there are high plans, mountain ranges, forests, and incredible canyons. If you love sunshine, you'll love this place. There are, on average, around 300 sunny days per year.

What is the smallest town in New Mexico?

Growing up in New Mexico small towns is a special thing, but even your hometown might be considered pretty large compared to the tiniest town in the state. There are a handful of places with under 100 residents, such as Encino Village in Torrance County with only 82 residents or Mosquero Village with just 93. That's nearly double the population of one of the state's smallest towns, though. In Union County, there is a village called Folsom that only has a population of 56 people. This tiny town is located near the Capulin Volcano National Monument.

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