Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Tucked in a Sprawling National Forest at 9,000 Feet Above Sea Level, Cloudcroft is Remote, Rustic and a Little Touristy
Sitting at an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level and swaddled by more than a million acres of woods in the Lincoln National Forest in south central New Mexico, the sleepy little village of Cloudcroft started out as a planned tourist retreat in the late-1800s. It was only accessible by rail, and its famous Lodge at Cloudcroft, once managed by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, hosted such notables as Clark Cable, Judy Garland and Pancho Villa.
Even today, the luxurious Lodge is Cloudcroft's lifeblood. It is an imposing Victorian structure that may or not be haunted (its elegant, white-cloth restaurant, Rebecca's, is, however, named after the resident ghost). Guests come in search of fresh mountain air, blue skies, high country solitude and inspiration. Cloudcroft's residents enjoy these things every day.
The cost of living is 10% below the national average, and the median home price is $350,000, reflecting a 1% increase from a year ago. Homes, many of which are cabins, are tucked in the forest. The only way in and out of town is via two-lane Highway 82.
Nearly 800 people call Cloudcroft home, and of those, 46% are age 45 or better. The population has remained steady during the last decade. Politics lean to the right. The crime rate is below the national average.
Cloudcroft is remote and rustic, but also a little bit touristy. Burro Street is reminiscent of an Old West movie, with a long wooden boardwalk and frontier facades on storefronts. Not a lot goes on in this mountain hamlet, but there are a few festivals, including the Memorial Day May Fair and Oktoberfest.
Residents enjoy two golf courses, and the one at the Lodge, which is open to the public, is one of the highest elevation golf courses in the country. Other recreational amenities, including casino gambling and horse racing, are within 50 miles. Camping, hiking and backpacking are opportunities unlimited.
Basic supplies can be found in town, but residents travel to Alamogordo (population 33,000), 18 miles to the west, for more dining and shopping options.
Cloudcroft does not have a hospital, but Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center (CHRISTUS Health) is in Alamogordo. Ruidoso, 25 miles away, also has a hospital.
The Michael Nivison Public Library is small with limited hours, but it has free wi-fi and a friendly staff.
Sacramento Mountains Senior Services provide a number of services, including are recreation activities, insurance assistance, health screenings and nutrition classes at the Cloudcroft Center, as well as home delivered meals.
Cloudcroft does not have a public transportation system.
Summer temperatures are in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Winters can get chilly, with temperatures dipping into the teens and 20s. On average, the town receives 75 inches of snow and 30 inches of rain per year. Humidity is practically non-existent.
This part of the country is often in a drought. Many residents keep a back-up water tank.
Often called the “Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico is a state of striking contrasts, blending rugged desert landscapes, snowcapped mountains, and fertile river valleys with a rich cultural heritage.
Known for its blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, the state offers unique traditions in art, food, and architecture—seen in places like Santa Fe’s adobe buildings, Taos’s art colony, and Albuquerque’s vibrant festivals.
Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to its vast hiking, skiing, and stargazing opportunities, while history buffs explore ancient pueblos and Spanish missions.
The cost of living is generally below the national average, making it attractive to retirees, though healthcare access can be more limited in rural areas.
With its dramatic scenery, diverse culture, and slower pace of life, New Mexico offers both inspiration and tranquility for those looking to call it home.
The state is somewhat tax friendly for retirees.
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2025. All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Reproducing any original part of this publication without written permission from Webwerxx, Inc. is plagiarism. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this website, but some information may have changed since each article and/or report went online, and Webwerxx, Inc. is not liable for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.