Bosque Farms, New Mexico

Although it is less than 20 miles from downtown Albuquerque, Bosque Farms retains a rustic, rural atmosphere. Orchards sit to the north. Lined with cottonwoods, the Rio Grande River flows on the west. Scrubland stretches to the east until it meets the volcanic necks and mesas in the distance, creating a diverse landscape. Wildlife is all around.

The local rodeo association maintains arena facilities for horse-related events and for the town's annual fair.   There is also a yearly car show.  There are some very good, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, including Benny's, a roadside place with green chili burritos. Hay's Honey and Apple Farm has organic produce.

Neighborhoods are low density with few trees and have roads without sidewalks. Ranch ramblers and adobe styles are common.   Many properties have a shed or barn for livestock.  

The Isleta Indian Reservation borders the northern tip of Bosque Farms and has a casino, a golf club, and fishing lakes.  The hiking and birding trails of Manzano Mountain State Park are just 15 miles away.   

Population:  4,500 (city proper)

Age 45 or Better:   43%

Cost of Living:   9% above national average

Median Home Price: $465,000

Climate:   Summer daytime temperatures can reach the low-100s but are generally in the 90s.  Winter temperatures are in 20s, 30s and 40s.   On average, the area receives eight inches of rain and a dusting of snow each year. The elevation is 4,850 feet above sea level.

At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients?  No.  The nearest hospital that accepts Medicare patients in on the south side of Albuquerque, about 15 miles away.

At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission?    No.  The nearest accredited hospital is on the south side of Albuquerque, about 15 miles away.

Public Transit:   No

Crime Rate:   Below the national average

Public Library:   Yes

Political Leanings:  Liberal

College Educated:  25%

Is New Mexico Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement?   Somewhat

Cons:   None

Notes:   A lot of homes that do not look like much from the outside are very nice on the inside.   Home prices have increased 4% since last year, and the population has remained steady during the last decade.

Recommended as a Retirement Spot?   Yes, especially for people who want to have a horse, some chickens, maybe a goat or two, etc.

New Mexico:

The first Europeans in this area were the Spanish in 1542. The first settlement grew up on the Rio Grande River in 1598, and Saanta Fe was founded as the capital in 1610. The United States won most of New Mexico in the 1848 Mexican War and received the remainder in the 1853 Gadsden Purchase.

During the Civil War, Union troops won New Mexico from the Confederacy. Geronimo surrendered in 1886, and soon after the Apache Wars and most other Native American conflicts ended.

New Mexico has been a leader in energy development and research since 1945. Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, as well as Sandia laboratories, were, and are, instrumental in the solar, nuclear, and geothermal areas of energy development.

The state also has rich mineral deposits and has a large supply of potassium salts and uranium. Copper, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, silver, gold, lead, as well as molybdenum bring in substantial revenue. Farm and ranching poducts include sheep, sorghum, pecans, cotton, peanuts and more.

Fun sites to visit include the Carlsbad Caverns, the ruins located at Fort Union, Inscription Rock at El Morro National Monument, White Sands and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.