Los Alamos 81 Exceptional
Los Alamos Livability #2 ranked city in New Mexico#1,486 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Los Alamos

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Los Alamos?

Los Alamos is a mid-sized city located in the state of New Mexico. The city has a population of 13,326 residents. The majority of Los Alamos residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Los Alamos will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Los Alamos is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in New Mexico, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Los Alamos and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Mexico and national averages.

Using data and statistics Los Alamos has received a livability score of 81 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Los Alamos ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Los Alamos ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Los Alamos has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Los Alamos does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Los Alamos has a violent crime rate of 56 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Los Alamos, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

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, Los Alamos has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Los Alamos meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Los Alamos. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Los Alamos are simply unattainable. The median home price for Los Alamos homes is $579,453, which is 104.4% higher than the New Mexico average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Los Alamos, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 19% lower than the New Mexico average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Los Alamos

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      Los Alamos transportation information

      Statistic Los Alamos New Mexico National
      Average one way commute15min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.5%79.8%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%10.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.4%1.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.5%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home6.2%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Los Alamos, NM data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.