2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Highlands, NC vs Ruidoso, NM

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Highlights
Are people in Ruidoso older or younger than people in Highlands?
- The Median Age in Ruidoso is 9.6 years younger than in Highlands.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ruidoso or Highlands?
- Ruidoso housing costs are 64.4% less expensive than Highlands housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ruidoso or Highlands?
- The average commute for residents of Ruidoso is 4.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Highlands.

Things to do in Highlands?
Living in Highlands, NC is an absolute dream. With its charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this small town home. The community is incredibly welcoming and it's not hard to make friends or find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. There are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for all ages, from hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to picturesque lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a range of excellent restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. All in all, Highlands is a wonderful place to call home!

Things to do in Ruidoso?
Ruidoso, NM is a small town nestled in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. It's home to a friendly community of people who all enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, whether that's hiking, biking, fishing, or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas. Life here is laid back and relaxed—a place where you can truly savor life's simple pleasures. With its abundance of activities, picturesque scenery and warm hospitality, Ruidoso is a great choice for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

 Highlands, NCRuidoso, NMUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,636329,725,481
 Median Income$52,070  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock50.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$794,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.36  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Highlands    4 Reviews

Love BestPlaces, but most of their statistics are incorrect for the actual town of Highlands which is extremely expensive. I assume they are using information from Macon  More

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Over 5 years ago

This used to be a quaint, quiet, sweet little town, but it has ballooned into a rich man's Mecca. Fist of all, it's a tiny town... so parking is at a premium and it gets  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have run two businesses in Highlands. It is a very seasonal business trend. The rents are high and so is the cost of doing business, including labor cost, cost of  More

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Reviews for Ruidoso    12 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

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  More

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Over 4 years ago

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  More

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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  More

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