Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ruidoso is a small-sized city located in the state of New Mexico. The city has a population of 8,058 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 91% of Ruidoso residents are White, 4% Black and 0% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Ruidoso are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 24% of the population also speak Spanish. In Ruidoso, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 50, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ruidoso will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Ruidoso, New Mexico. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Ruidoso and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, 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 Ruidoso has received a livability score of 64/100. This score is ranked in the 55th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ruidoso has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A) and housing (A-). Ruidoso does not score well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ruidoso market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ruidoso is actually affordable. The median home price for Ruidoso homes is $373,351, which is 31.7% higher than the New Mexico average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ruidoso, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 38.1% 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 | Ruidoso | New Mexico | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.7% | 79.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.5% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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