Truth or Consequences, New Mexico: Retirement Town in the Southwest
Why choose a retirement town in New Mexico?
Ask most Americans to name a state popular with retirees, and they inevitably mention Florida first. While the Sunshine State is the undisputed favourite for folks seeking golden rays for their golden years, more and more senior citizens are choosing Southwestern states like Arizona and New Mexico to avoid the humidity and hurricane potential of Gulf Coast locations. The generally dry air in New Mexico is welcome, especially for seniors who suffer from arthritis or respiratory conditions. While New Mexico is a huge state geographically and the climate varies slightly by region, one thing is fairly constant: bright, bearable sunshine abounds. Even New Mexico’s state flag pays homage to the glowing sun.
In addition to the weather, retirement towns like Truth of Consequences enjoy relatively low costs of living because, at least for the time being, New Mexico is one of the poorer states of the Union. But New Mexico is also one of the most diverse states, with large Native American and Hispanic populations (including both Mexican Americans and colonial Spanish descendents). Accordingly, New Mexico retirement towns provide more opportunities for cultural exchange. And of course, there are all the beautiful national parks, monuments, and other landscape attractions that Florida sorely lacks. For active seniors who want to do more than play bridge in a Starbucks, retirement towns like Truth or Consequences, New Mexico make an exploratory Southwestern lifestyle accessible.
Why Truth or Consequences?
There are plenty of communities in New Mexico that welcome permanent retirees and “snowbirds” (people who drive RVs down from the North to enjoy the temperate winters). So why would someone select T or C?
First, Truth or Consequences is located about midway between Albuquerque and El Paso, right off of I-25 (the major north-south corridor in New Mexico). The bustling city of Albuquerque is only two hours away, easily accessible as a day trip but far enough to keep the pace of live in Truth or Consequences slower and the crime rate far lower. Also within a few hours of Truth or Consequences are parks like White Sands National Monument and Cibola National Forest and growing art towns like Silver City. Even closer are the many ghost towns of Sierra County and Elephant Butte State Park, which features one of New Mexico’s largest bodies of water for recreation.
The town of Truth of Consequences itself is actually home to hot mineral springs (remember the community’s original name?). Bath houses, originally made of adobe, were gathering spots for early residents of the area. These days, the mineral waters are still revered for their therapeutic powers and help Truth of Consequences’ reputation as a health-oriented retirement town in the Southwest. Building on the apparent healing powers of the mineral springs, T or C is the base for a number of small alternative therapy spas, like the Charles Motel and Spa (www.charlesspa.com), which offers ayurveda treatments, massage, and reflexology in addition to mineral baths. Alternative therapies are especially popular in northern New Mexico, but Truth or Consequences is proof that even smaller towns south of Albuquerque offer some “new age” health services.
As of February 2006, real estate prices in Truth or Consequences are low compared to other parts of the country. However, they are on the rise quickly, especially after the state announced plans to build a spaceport (just 25 miles south of the retirement town) for commercial flights by an enterprising company called Virgin Galactic. Truth or Consequences may benefit from new development as the area endeavors to become the center of recreational space travel for wealthy private citizens around the world. The quiet town may liven up dramatically in a few years, and while opinions are mixed, many local residents believe the spaceport will improve economic conditions in the area for those still in their working years. If nothing else, property values should spike, meaning that an investment in Truth of Consequences real estate could benefit future generations well after retirees pass on.
The Truth – and the Consequences!
Considering the generally pleasant climate, the plentiful days of manageable sun, the proximity of cultural attractions and recreational activities, the mineral spas, the ideal distance from Albuquerque, and the exciting future developments, Truth of Consequences, New Mexico is becoming a premier retirement town in the Southwest. Forget Florida! Move here to the Land of Enchantment when you’re ready to collect on that pension.
