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Independent Living in New Mexico

Overview of Independent Living in New Mexico

New Mexico has been called many names, including “The Cactus State” and “The Sunshine State,” but perhaps none are more fitting than “Tierra del Encanto,” or “The Land of Enchantment.” The state received this nickname for its natural beauty, which includes vast, painted deserts and tall, majestic mountains. From Santa Fe’s distinct architecture inspired by the region’s native Pueblo peoples, to the more modern appeal of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s cities have an undeniable charm as well. The Land of Enchantment truly has something to offer everyone and is an ideal place to retire.Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 20 independent living communities in New Mexico. The median monthly cost of independent living in New Mexico is about $2,800.

Top-rated Independent Living facilities in New Mexico

12
12 Photos available
2
2 Floor plans available

Brookdale Santa Fe

640 Alta Vista, Santa Fe, NM 87505
10
Review Score
57 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Fred C - I'm a current/former resident or client

It is like living at a Resort in this facility. Because of the staff and operating procedures one is more relaxed and can enjoy their old age. Thanks!

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8
8 Photos available

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

920 Riverview Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
9.9
Review Score
97 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

It was the most cheerful experience we had meaning the tour. I would recommend it to them based upon n friendliness and mainly an employee named {name removed] She is the best, and very helpful to me.

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12
12 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

Sandia Vista Senior Living

500 Paisano St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
9.4
Review Score
106 reviews
Kim S - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I thought the community was so great at Sandia Vista Senior Living. I loved it more than my mom. She's unfortunately in a nursing home now. I love this place.

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Albuquerque

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12
12 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

Sandia Vista Senior Living

500 Paisano St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
9.4
Review Score
106 reviews
Kim S - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I thought the community was so great at Sandia Vista Senior Living. I loved it more than my mom. She's unfortunately in a nursing home now. I love this place.

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8
8 Photos available

Paloma Landing

8301 Paloma Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
9.5
Review Score
36 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Sandra - I live or lived in this community

I would definitely and have recommended to others that Paloma Landing is the best place to live. Everyone is very friendly. This includes residents as well as all staff members. Everyone from Day 1 makes you...

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2
2 Photos available

The Village At Alameda

8810 Horizon Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87113
9.4
Review Score
34 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The Village at Alameda is a very nice place. Mom and Dad really like it. The food is good. The staff is great. The place is clean. They keep the apartments clean. If extra cleaning is needed, it is taken...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Rio Rancho

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8
8 Photos available

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

920 Riverview Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
9.9
Review Score
97 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

It was the most cheerful experience we had meaning the tour. I would recommend it to them based upon n friendliness and mainly an employee named {name removed] She is the best, and very helpful to me.

Get Pricing
14
14 Photos available

The Rio Grande

2331 Westside Boulevard Southeast, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
8.8
Review Score
28 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Eileen M - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

We really are impressed and are so happy that he is happy. For my brother in law, I can rank all of the above at a 5. He says that he hopes he dies there! It's a lovely community. The rates increase on his...

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7
7 Photos available

Avamere at Rio Rancho

1000 Riverview Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
8.2
Review Score
76 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The staff treat my mom with compassion and respect. The building feels like someone's home, not sterile or clinical. Based on the experience we have had, we would recommend this community to other families...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Santa Fe

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12
12 Photos available
2
2 Floor plans available

Brookdale Santa Fe

640 Alta Vista, Santa Fe, NM 87505
10
Review Score
57 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Fred C - I'm a current/former resident or client

It is like living at a Resort in this facility. Because of the staff and operating procedures one is more relaxed and can enjoy their old age. Thanks!

Get Pricing
13
13 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

The Legacy at Santa Fe

3 Avenida Aldea, Santa Fe, NM 87507
8.6
Review Score
25 reviews
CM - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one loves the activities provided for the residents. There is a daily schedule that's she's memorized to make sure she doesn't miss bingo and black jack. I'm happy that the staff is very attentive...

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13
13 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

Las Soleras Senior Living

5011 Las Soleras Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87507
8.7
Review Score
26 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a current/former resident or client

None to compare. Facilities are clean, safe, and upscale decorated. Staff is professional, courteous, helpful, front desk staff is present at all times. Backyard is lovely for sitting outside. Dining room is...

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Top-rated Independent Living facilities in Las Cruces

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74
74 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

Solstice Senior Living at Las Cruces

151 North Roadrunner Parkway, Las Cruces, NM 88011
9.1
Review Score
44 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Solstice is fabulous. I have recently added Hospice in-home care through Ambercare. Solstice has been wonderful and working with care providers. Solstice provides so many opportunities for their residents...

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21
21 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

The Village at Northrise

2880 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces, NM 88011
8.7
Review Score
16 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Skip P - I'm a current/former resident or client

My mom was a resident of the memory care unit, the staff was friendly, and caring, with the residents. [New resident] the director was extremely knowledgeable, and personable. The meals they prepared were...

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16
16 Photos available

Haciendas at Grace Village

2802 Corte Dios, Las Cruces, NM 88001
8.5
Review Score
31 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

When it comes to the meals, there could be more of a variety. However, everything else is great and we would recommend them to other families based on the experience we have had so far.

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New Mexico laws and regulations for independent living communities

Since stand-alone independent living communities don’t provide senior care services, they don’t need to be licensed in New Mexico. However, several of our partner communities are part of combined senior living facilities that provide assisted living services. Known in the state as Assisted Living Facilities for Adults (ALFs), these communities are licensed by the New Mexico Department of Health’s Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau.[01]

If you choose a combined ALF as your independent living community, it may be helpful to understand some of the laws and regulations that will impact the assisted living portion of the facility:[01]

  • ALFs must provide three meals a day in addition to evening snacks.
  • Caregivers must support seniors with medications, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, social activities, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
  • Staff must include an administrator, direct care staff, and a licensed nurse.

Check out our New Mexico assisted living laws and regulations page for more detailed information.

Rental laws

Before moving into an independent living community, you’ll sign a contract that should include the details of your rental agreement. Just as you would for a traditional apartment, we recommend first familiarizing yourself with your rights as a renter in New Mexico:[02]

  • You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your unit, meaning that your landlord cannot freely enter.
  • You have the right to a written rental agreement.
  • Your landlord must keep the community and your unit safe and in good working condition.
  • Your landlord is responsible for making repairs.
  • Your landlord is also responsible for supplying access to running hot and cold water, heating and air conditioning, and proper waste containers.

View the full New Mexico renter’s guide for more information.

Reasonable accommodations and modifications

If you’re a senior with a disability, you also have protections under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These include the right to reasonable accommodations and modifications.

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to rules and policies in your community. These include assigning accessible parking spaces, moving rental payment dates to match disability payments, and living with a service animal in a community that doesn’t allow pets.[03]

Reasonable modifications are changes made to your unit’s physical environment. These include bathroom grab bars, entryway ramps, and doors that are wide enough for a wheelchair.[03]

New Mexico Department of Health contact information

NMHealth
1190 S. St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone: 1-883-796-8773

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Survey reports

New Mexico’s Licensing Authority requires on-site inspections, known as surveys, and annual license renewals.[01] If the independent living community you’re interested in is part of an Assisted Living Facility for Adults (ALF), you can access its license and survey reports online.

Visit New Mexico’s Health Care Provider Search and select “Assisted Living Facility” in Step 1. For Step 2, search for a community by the county, city, provider name, or all. Next, click “Submit.” Click “View Reports” under the name of the facility you’re interested in, and click within each survey report to view the results.

References

  1. New Mexico Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy. 2015 ed. Assisted Living Facilities for Adults.

  2. New Mexico Legal Aid. (2018). Renter’s guide.

  3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Reasonable accommodations and modifications.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.