New Mexico, state in the SW United States. At its northwestern corner are the so-called Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet at right angles; New Mexico is also bordered by Oklahoma (NE), Texas (E, S), and Mexico (S). Because irrigation opportunities are few, most of the arable land is given over to grazing. There are many large ranches, with cattle and sheep on the open range year round. In the dry farming regions, the major crops are hay and sorghum grains. Onions, potatoes, and dairy products are also important. In addition, piñon nuts, pinto beans, and chilis are crops particularly characteristic of New Mexico. Pinewood is the chief commercial wood. Much of the state's income is derived from its considerable mineral wealth. New Mexico is a leading producer of uranium ore, manganese ore, potash, salt, perlite, copper ore, natural gas, beryllium, and tin concentrates. Petroleum and coal are also found in smaller quantities. Silver and turquoise have been used in making jewelry since long before European exploration. In 1943 the U.S. government built Los Alamos as a center for atomic research. The first atom bomb was exploded at the White Sands Proving Grounds in July, 1945. The growth and use of military and nuclear facilities continued after World War II. High-altitude experiments were apparently responsible for a 1947 incident near Roswell that led to persistent claims that the government was concealing captured extraterrestrial corpses and equipment. In the 1990s the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, deep in salt formations near Carlsbad, was readied for storage of nuclear wastes, amid controversy. New Mexico's climate, tranquillity, and startling panoramas have made the state a place of winter or year-round residence for those seeking health or a place of retirement. Many writers and artists have made their homes in communities such as Taos and Santa Fe, including D. H. Lawrence and Georgia O'Keeffe. The Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo, and some Ute, live on federal reservations within the state—the Navajo Nation, with over 16 million acres (6.5 million hectares), is the largest in the country—and the Pueblo, a settled agricultural people, live in pueblos scattered throughout the state. At the beginning of the 1990s the Native American population of New Mexico was more than 134,000.

Ranching is a mainstay of the New Mexican economy along with farming. Major crops include hay, nursery stock, pecans and chile peppers. The state is a leader in nuclear, solar, and geothermal energy research and development. New Mexicans derive much of their income from mineral extraction. The federal government is a major employer in New Mexico providing more than a quarter of the state jobs. Those coming to the state to work should check out New Mexico apartments to rent.

New Mexico still ranks as an important center of American Indian culture with some American Indians still living on federal reservations. New Mexico has a landscape that ranges from wide, rose-colored deserts to mesas and snowcapped peaks. There are national forests that contain millions of acres. New Mexico has the highest percentage of people of Hispanic ancestry of any state and publishes election ballots and a driving manual in both English and Spanish. The state hosts three air force bases and the White Sands Missile Range. Albuquerque population has continued to explode with a number of retirees, especially among the armed force veterans and government workers moving to the area. Retirees can find a variety of housing and apartment rentals in New Mexico.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Monument, Native American Indian Reservations and native pueblos draw many visitors each year to New Mexico. Albuquerque also hosts the famed Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The state is home to the renowned Santa Fe Opera, museums and art galleries. Tourists also enjoy Taos Ski Valley, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and a number of casinos located on Native American Indian Reservations. The many attractions make living in New Mexico very pleasurable and apartment rentals are available.

University of New Mexico, located in Albuquerque is noted for its unique Pueblo Revival architectural style. It is ranked in the top 15 primary care oriented medical schools in the country. New Mexico State University has been rated as one of Americas 100 Best College Buys for offering the highest quality education at the lowest cost. It is also home to the NASA Space Grant Program. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, known as New Mexico Tech is world renowned for its undergraduate engineering and technology and has been turned into a major research center for homeland security. The university bought the town of Playas, New Mexico for use as a research and training facility for the first responders and counter-terrorism programs. Students can find a wide range of apartments for rent in New Mexico as they pursue their education.