2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ruidoso, NM vs Waynesville, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Waynesville older or younger than people in Ruidoso?
- The Median Age in Waynesville is 3.0 years younger than in Ruidoso.

Are housing costs cheaper in Waynesville or Ruidoso?
- Waynesville housing costs are 12.9% more expensive than Ruidoso housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Waynesville or Ruidoso?
- The average commute for residents of Waynesville is 4.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ruidoso.

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.

Things to do in Waynesville?
Waynesville is a small town located in Haywood county, North Carolina. With a population of around 9,500 people, it is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers easy access to outdoor recreation attractions such as Lake Junaluska and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

 Ruidoso, NMWaynesville, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,087329,725,481
 Median Income$45,414  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$282,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.6  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ruidoso    12 Reviews

Over 3 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 3 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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Reviews for Waynesville    4 Reviews

The post below was written a little less than 10 years ago and only a few months prior to my move to Waynesville. Anyone who moves to any city should do research before  More

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Over 17 years ago

Waynesville is a small town trying to keep up with the big dogs across the mountains. It puts on shows and have festivals downtown but it is not good enough. I have  More

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For those of us who weren't reared there, Waynesville, NC lends itself best to being a small-town retirement community. The "Gateway to the Smokies" is a blissfully  More

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