Ruidoso, NM is known for its stunning mountain scenery and an array of outdoor activities. From skiing to hiking to fishing, Ruidoso hosts a variety of recreational activities for all ages. There are also plenty of cultural attractions, such as museums and art galleries. Visitors also appreciate the quaint downtown area with its beautiful architecture and unique shops.
The reviews for Ruidoso, NM are overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors citing its pristine natural beauty and friendly atmosphere as highlights. People frequently refer to it as a hidden gem among New Mexico destinations, due to its unspoiled environment and excellent service. Furthermore, travelers report that despite being a small city Ruidoso has plenty to do. From outdoor adventures to shopping to fine dining experiences, Ruidoso provides something for everyone.
based on 12 ReviewsGet to know Ruidoso with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Ruidoso
Love It! - 3/1/2022
Best place in NM to live , unless you like crowds, traffic, crime, and concrete. Plenty of jobs and min wage is now close to $12/hr. Housing is a little pricey but nature is at your doorstep. Elk, deer, wild horses abound.
Read More
Start Your Review of Ruidoso
Lovely scenery - 3/1/2022
I love Ruidoso, or "noisy river". I have always visited but now i live here. Was my first choice if I ever moved. I am so glad I left El Paso, was getting way to big there. Ruidoso is beautiful and small. Nothing fancy just beautiful nature and
Read More
Amazing, don't be a “rude Texan” - 11/4/2021
I’ve lived in this town for nine years and loved it. The weather is by far the best thing about this town. Just don’t be a “rude Texan,“ and you will be fine. Try not to honk at people or act entitled to everything. Don’t be a Karen, and you’ll be fine.
Read More
Thought I'd like it but no - 6/26/2021
Dumpy little town that feels depressed. A few cute shops downtown but mainly consignments and junk stores. Restaurants and grocery stores aren't good. Locals seem a bit down and out. Really disappointing. Some nice scenery but the lakes aren't very vegetated. A hole in the ground that has a little water. Very hot, dry and dusty. Don't see a lot of rich Texans and Californians. More like middle to lower
Read More
Retirement Village/Welfare Town - 2/5/2016
Too small for an aspiring person to grow.
The work force is pretty weak. Most decent employees didn't grow up here; they transplanted from areas where a person has to put forth effort to keep a job. Therefore, the average worker from a big city shines like a superstar, even though all they're doing is being punctual and consistently showing up to work. The people that grow up here learn how to work the welfare system to their advantage because it's more profitable than the minimum wage jobs the town offers. Higher costs of living and poor wages keep the lower and middle classes struggling just to keep ends met. Even when people strive to make something of themselves, the town has a way to suppress ambition and thwart efforts. So, even college graduates struggle to make a living.
Commerce revolves around tourism, so work seems limited to months that are heavy with vacationers, and productive members of the town usually work multiple jobs. The job diversity is
Read More
RuiDoso, NM - 9/12/2012
The economy is heavily tourist based which relates to service industry and minimum wage in a resort community. Great place to retire, not a good place to work. Good help is almost non-existent which is not specific to Ruidoso but all o f New Mexico. Do some research on the Harvey Girls and you will be fully aware of the New Mexico work ethic.
Prices are artificially high, especially gasoline. Prices in Roswell are .30 to .50 cent per gallon lower. The economy caters to wealth Texans and Californians. If you are thinking about moving to Ruidoso to live and work, go somewhere else. You will be sorely disappointed. If you are coming here to retire be aware of the lightening real estate tax in New Mexico. My property tax doubled when I refinanced my home in Ruidoso from $1700 to $3400 per year. The lightening tax is not unique to Ruidoso. It applies to all of New Mexico especially the nicer places to
Read More
Wesley Chapel, Florida - 3/12/2012
Wesley Chapel Florida is a Great place to retire. Close to Tampa and Sarasota. Small town atmosphere. Quiet and
Read More
RUIDOSO-12 YR VETERAN - 10/23/2010
The best thing about Ruidoso is its climate. To me, it is perfect... you get all four seasons. It seems to be never too cold, never too hot. It is usually sunny so you can be outside a lot. The town is working on expanding the mountain biking trails and the ski season was awesome last year. The mountain is about 20 min from town..awesome! Also, you get the hiking to yourself a lot. It's not crowded, in fact you'll probably be one the only one on the trail. The music scene is starting to evolve here which is cool. The town is spread out so even though there are only about 10k people here you can run into someone you know once every couple years...its wild. Down sides: The snow on the mountain is inconsistent. There aren't very many young, progressive, career-oriented people here. There seems to be more low-income hispanic families and lots of old retired people for full time residents. I love Ruidoso but it is limited on things to do. If you want a simple life come here. There is no
Read More
Ruidoso I wish you were closer - 5/25/2007
The climate is wonderful! It is seems to always feel crisp and clean. The cool nights are invigorating and the day's heat is never oppresive. The terraine has a rugged beauty that cannot be ignored. The town has a rolling informal feel that just begs to be slowly discovered. The shopkeepers seem never to be to busy to stop and chat a while. Yes, it is a bit pricey to buy a home there but it is well worth the cost. I would love to retire there but it is too far away from family. So while I am looking for a retirement location closer to home, my first choice will always be
Read More