The state of New Mexico boasts a sunny climate, a varied scenery, and a rich cultural legacy. However, a lot of people are opting to leave the state for a variety of reasons in spite of these benefits. New Mexico is among the top 10 states that people are escaping, with a net loss of almost 17,000 families between 2020 and 2021, according to the US Postal Service.
Why are they leaving?
The dearth of economic prospects in New Mexico is one of the primary causes of the state’s population exodus. With one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, the state has been finding it difficult to recover from both the recession and the epidemic. Many people, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and education sectors, are searching for better employment and greater salaries in other states.
The high expense of living in New Mexico is another factor driving out residents. Recent increases in the cost of housing, taxes, and utilities in the state have made it more difficult for many citizens to afford their homes. Concerns have also been raised regarding the long-term underfunding and understaffing of public services like infrastructure, health care, and education.
The yearning for a different lifestyle is a third factor driving out of New Mexico. Some people are looking for an area that is more urban or suburban that offers more entertainment, facilities, and variety. Some choose a more natural or rural environment with lower levels of crime, pollution, and traffic. Some are also driven by family or personal goals, such retiring, getting married, or taking care of kin.
Where are they going?
The top 10 states that New Mexicans are relocating to, per United Van Lines’ annual national movers research, are:
- Arizona
- Texas
- Colorado
- Florida
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Nevada
- Idaho
- Utah
For New Mexicans, these states provide a host of advantages, including more prospects for employment, more recreational opportunities, milder weather, and reduced taxes. Some of these states, like Arizona and Texas, which share a border and a sizable Hispanic population, also have historical and cultural ties to New Mexico.
New Mexicans are most frequently relocating to the following cities:
- Phoenix, AZ
- Denver, CO
- Dallas, TX
- Austin, TX
- Las Vegas, NV
- Los Angeles, CA
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
- Boise, ID
- Salt Lake City, UT
These cities, which are among the most dynamic and rapidly expanding in the nation, provide New Mexicans with a variety of activities, including a thriving nightlife, a wide variety of dining options, cultural events, and beautiful scenery. Additionally, there are a lot of New Mexicans working in fields like technology, healthcare, and education in some of these locations.
Conclusion
The state of New Mexico has numerous advantages, but it also faces many difficulties. For a variety of reasons, including financial, lifestyle, and economic ones, many people are relocating out of the state. They are relocating to states and towns that provide them with more prospects, advantages, and levels of satisfaction. However, due to New Mexico’s distinctive culture, environment, and climate, some citizens are also choosing to remain there or relocate there. The destiny of the state is evolving along with its population.
