Mountainair, NM

Tucked into central New Mexico at the foot of the Manzano Mountains, Mountainair is a quiet community of around 900 people. The town originally sprang up in the early 1900s as a railroad stop, earning its name from the refreshing breezes that sweep through the nearby mountain pass. Today, the pace is slow and unhurried, offering open skies, starry nights, and a down-to-earth rural lifestyle.

ATTRNationalparks / CC BY-SA 2.5

Mountainair is best known as the gateway to the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, with centuries-old stone ruins like Quarai and Abó just a short drive away. It also holds onto a proud farming past from its days as the self-proclaimed Pinto Bean Capital of the World. Between the scenic high-desert landscapes, quirky local spots like the folk-art-filled Shaffer Hotel, and a tight-knit community, it is a great landing spot for anyone who loves quiet spaces and Southwest history.