Living in an active 55+ community offers a vibrant, social, and fulfilling lifestyle for retirees. These communities are designed with amenities and activities tailored to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Residents enjoy access to fitness centers, swimming pools, golf courses, and walking trails, promoting physical health and well-being. Social interaction is fostered through clubhouses, organized events, hobby groups, and social clubs, allowing residents to forge new friendships and maintain an active social life. Many communities also offer educational classes, arts and crafts, and volunteer opportunities, encouraging lifelong learning and personal growth. The low-maintenance living, with services such as landscaping and home repairs included, provides residents with more free time to pursue their interests. Safety and security are often emphasized, creating a worry-free environment. Overall, active 55+ communities provide a supportive and engaging atmosphere, enabling retirees to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Over its relatively long history it has also been occupied by Native American populations and has been part of the Spanish viceroyalty of New Spain, a state of Mexico and a U.S. territory. Among U.S. states, New Mexico has simultaneously the highest percentage of Hispanic Americans (some recent immigrants and others descendants of Spanish colonists) and the second-highest percentage of Native American after Alaska (mostly Navajo and Pueblo peoples). As a result, the demographics and culture of the state are unique for their strong Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. Amerindian cultural influences. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the state population was 1,954,599 in 2006, a 7.45% increase since 2000.