2025’s Most Underrated Towns in New Mexico

"This small town of 6,000—famous for its unforgettable name, changed from Hot Springs in 1950 to win a radio contest—offers a unique blend of quirky charm and laid-back relaxation. Truth or Consequences (or T or C, as locals affectionately call it) remains best known for its naturally heated mineral waters. Several spas throughout the town offer soothing experiences, from historic bathhouses to sleek, modern facilities.

At Blackstone Hotsprings, guests can enjoy mid-century-themed rooms with private soaking tubs, while Riverbend Hot Springs provides tranquil pools overlooking the Rio Grande—perfect for unwinding under the desert sky.

Downtown T or C, as locals call it, features a growing collection of art galleries, vintage shops, and locally owned restaurants in colorful historic buildings. The monthly Second Saturday Art Hop showcases the town's evolving creative scene. At the same time, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, just minutes away, offers New Mexico's largest body of water for boating, fishing, and swimming. Even with so much to see and do, the town often falls under the radar due to its remote location, quite far from major cities."