Wide open prairies covered in scrub brush, canyon lands and big skies are what greet visitors to New Mexico.  This is dry, hot country with a stark beauty.  Spanish influence is strong, and the cost-of-living is below the national average.   There are a few pockets of civilization, including Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Meadows

This community was built in 1972 and is located on 55 acres six miles north of downtown Albuquerque.  Homes are for sale and are fairly inexpensive.   The majority of residents are from Kansas, New York and New Jersey.  There are age restrictions (one person in each household must be 55), and the average age is 72.  Children are not allowed as residents.   Santa Fe, a wonderful town for shopping and dining, is about an hour away.

Rio Rancho Homes

This is a large retirement community (91,000 acres) located nine miles north of Albuquerque.   Rio Rancho is one of the fastest growing communities in the country with a population of about 60,000.   It is also a young community (the average age is 35), so it may not be what every retiree is seeking.  Children are also allowed.  Sixty-five percent of the residents are from New Mexico; the rest are from California, New York and Texas.   Single family homes and town homes are for sale.   Amenities include golf, tennis, swimming pools, walking paths and a library.