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**Top 5 Cities to Film in New Mexico**

New Mexico is a stunning state with a variety of landscapes and unique cultures. Its dramatic deserts, rugged mountains, and historic towns offer filmmakers many different settings to choose from. Whether you’re filming a Western, a modern drama, or a science fiction movie, New Mexico has something to offer. In this article, we will explore the top five cities to film in New Mexico.

### 1. **Albuquerque**

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, and it is one of the most popular filming locations in the state. The city’s vibrant culture, historic architecture, and stunning natural surroundings make it a great place for filmmakers. Albuquerque’s downtown area is filled with a mix of modern and historic buildings, giving filmmakers a variety of urban settings to work with.

The city is known for its beautiful sunsets, desert landscapes, and nearby Sandia Mountains, all of which can be used to create breathtaking backdrops for outdoor scenes. One of Albuquerque’s most famous locations is Old Town, a historic district that has been around since the 1700s. The adobe buildings, narrow streets, and charming plazas of Old Town make it perfect for period films or movies that need a Southwestern feel.

Albuquerque has also become famous as the filming location for the hit TV series *Breaking Bad*. Many fans of the show visit the city to see the iconic filming spots, such as the car wash and Saul Goodman’s office. The city’s mix of urban and natural environments, along with its deep connection to film and television, makes Albuquerque one of the best places to film in New Mexico.

### 2. **Santa Fe**

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and is well-known for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. The city is famous for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and cultural landmarks, all of which provide filmmakers with a rich and visually stunning setting.

The downtown area of Santa Fe is filled with adobe-style buildings that give the city a distinctive look. The Plaza, which is the heart of Santa Fe, is surrounded by historic buildings and shops, creating an old-world atmosphere. This makes Santa Fe an ideal location for filmmakers looking to capture the essence of the Southwest. The city’s rich history, combined with its artistic and cultural heritage, makes it a perfect backdrop for both period films and contemporary stories.

Santa Fe’s surrounding landscapes are also incredibly scenic. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which are just outside the city, offer filmmakers dramatic views and rugged terrain. Many filmmakers come to Santa Fe for the opportunity to capture the beauty of the desert and mountains in their films. The mix of culture, history, and natural beauty makes Santa Fe one of the top cities to film in New Mexico.

### 3. **Taos**

Taos is a small town in northern New Mexico that is known for its incredible landscapes and artistic community. The town is surrounded by the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains and has a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that appeals to filmmakers looking for a more intimate setting.

One of Taos’ most famous landmarks is the Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. The adobe buildings of the pueblo, along with its cultural significance, make it a unique location for filmmakers who want to capture the history and spirit of the Southwest.

The natural beauty of Taos is also a major draw for filmmakers. The Rio Grande Gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and rushing river, is a stunning location for outdoor scenes. In the winter, the nearby Taos Ski Valley provides a snowy mountain setting that can be used for everything from action scenes to romantic winter getaways. Taos’ combination of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it one of the most charming places to film in New Mexico.

### 4. **Las Cruces**

Las Cruces is a growing city in southern New Mexico that offers a wide range of filming locations. The city is surrounded by the rugged Organ Mountains, which create a striking backdrop for outdoor scenes. The desert landscape around Las Cruces is both beautiful and dramatic, making it perfect for Westerns, thrillers, or films that require an isolated, open setting.

One of the most popular filming locations in Las Cruces is the nearby White Sands National Park. The park’s vast dunes of white gypsum sand create an otherworldly landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. Filmmakers have used White Sands for science fiction films, desert scenes, and even music videos because of its unique and striking appearance.

Las Cruces also has a historic downtown area, with old-fashioned shops, restaurants, and adobe buildings that provide a charming, small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re filming a Western, a science fiction movie, or a drama, Las Cruces has the locations you need to bring your vision to life.

### 5. **Roswell**

Roswell is a small city with a big reputation. Known worldwide for the famous Roswell UFO incident, the city has embraced its connection to extraterrestrial life, and filmmakers have taken notice. Roswell’s quirky and mysterious atmosphere makes it a fun and unusual place to film, especially for science fiction and mystery films.

The city’s UFO Museum and Research Center is one of its most famous landmarks, and it has been featured in many films and TV shows. The museum and the surrounding city are filled with alien-themed attractions, creating a playful and offbeat environment that appeals to filmmakers looking for something different.

Beyond its connection to UFOs, Roswell is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and open skies, making it an ideal location for outdoor scenes. The nearby Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers filmmakers the opportunity to capture New Mexico’s natural beauty, with its wetlands and wildlife providing a serene and picturesque setting. Whether you’re filming a science fiction movie or a nature documentary, Roswell has something to offer.

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### Why New Mexico Is a Great Place to Film

New Mexico’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique architecture make it a dream location for filmmakers. One of the state’s biggest advantages is its dramatic and varied natural settings. From the white sands of Las Cruces to the towering mountains of Taos, New Mexico offers filmmakers the opportunity to shoot in some of the most beautiful and striking locations in the world.

In addition to its natural beauty, New Mexico has a rich cultural history that is reflected in its architecture and cities. The adobe buildings of Santa Fe and Taos provide a distinct Southwestern look that is hard to find anywhere else. Filmmakers who want to capture the essence of the Southwest will find no shortage of locations in New Mexico.

Another reason New Mexico is a great place to film is its connection to film and television. Albuquerque and Santa Fe have become popular filming hubs, with many major films and TV shows choosing to shoot in the state. The success of shows like *Breaking Bad* has put New Mexico on the map as a top filming destination, and the state continues to attract filmmakers from around the world.

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### Conclusion

New Mexico is one of the best places to film in the United States. Its top cities offer a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for filmmakers. Albuquerque, with its urban energy and stunning landscapes, is a versatile location for any film project. Santa Fe’s rich cultural heritage and adobe architecture provide a unique backdrop for films that want to capture the spirit of the Southwest.

Taos, with its artistic community and dramatic natural surroundings, offers filmmakers a peaceful and scenic setting, while Las Cruces’ White Sands and rugged mountains provide a striking and otherworldly backdrop. Finally, Roswell’s quirky and mysterious atmosphere makes it a fun and offbeat location, especially for science fiction films.

Whether you’re filming in the desert, the mountains, or a historic town, New Mexico has the locations you need to bring your story to life. The state’s diverse cities, stunning landscapes, and welcoming film community make it a top choice for filmmakers from around the world.