America's 'City Of Unconditional Love' Is An Underrated Gem Out West With Affordable Living

In times of global strife and economic uncertainty, how does a visit to the "City of Unconditional Love" sound? That is what awaits at Silver City in New Mexico, a tranquil oasis in the remote southwest corner of the state that blends Old West charm with a lively modern cultural and culinary scene. With a population of less than 10,000 people and situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet, it is a walkable and friendly underrated gem that provides a welcome respite from both the rat race and the arid landscape below.

As the name might suggest, Silver City was founded in 1878 after prospectors struck a rich seam of silver ore in the nearby hills. In contrast to the peaceful modern vibe, it was a pretty wild place back then, frequented by outlaws like Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Nowadays, it is a laid-back hideout that welcomes the curious traveler, and its remoteness is part of the appeal. A two-and-a-half hour drive from the nearest international airport in El Paso, Texas, and a three-hour ride from Tucson, Arizona, it is perhaps best visited as part of a road trip. The cost of living for Silver City locals is relatively low, an attractive benefit that also bodes well for tourists. The average hotel prices are as little as $64 a night, and a decent meal in a regular restaurant costs around $18 per head. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Silver City's historic downtown area, with its frontier-style stores and old-school movie theater, has a pleasingly retro feel, and it is many visitors' first stop. It's a fun place to browse the locally-owned boutique shops, art galleries, and the farmer's market, not to mention dropping in for a bite or an ice cream at one of the cozy restaurants and cafes. There aren't a huge number of must-see sights in the city itself, but it is worth swinging by Silver City Museum and Fort Bayard to get a sense of the town's colorful history.

The real highlights are outside Silver City, and its small size makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. A visit to the nearby Mining District provides a fascinating insight into the quest for riches that gave birth to the city, including one of the largest open pit copper mines still working today. For outdoor lovers, the city is a gateway to the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest, one of the wildest places in the lower 48 states. It's a sweeping wilderness of wooded canyons and peaks that makes for a great hiking adventure, and be sure not to miss Catwalk Recreation Area with its canyon walkway suspended above a gushing creek. You can also take a step further back into human history by visiting the amazing Gila Cliff Dwellings, an evocative collection of remarkably well-preserved abodes built inside natural caves by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago.

Since it was featured in an article in the New York Times, Silver City has become a low-key foodie destination in recent years, and there is no shortage of good eats to sink your teeth into. Corner Kitchen has become something of a local institution, a friendly, family-run joint that serves comforting home-cooked meals until things run out. If you're in the mood for some delicious smoked meat, Iron Door BBQ and Grill is a popular food truck that serves terrific ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and tacos. 

Whiskey Creek Zócalo draws hungry diners throughout the day with its offer of brunch, wood-fired pizza, vegan options, and live music in the evenings, while Little Toad Creek is a brewery and distillery where you can enjoy pub grub washed down with craft beers and cocktails. For something a little more upscale, book a table at La Vie Est Un Bistro, an intimate French restaurant where acclaimed Haitian-American chef Jason C. Pierre cooks with flair and love.

Silver City also has a diverse calendar of events throughout most of the year, so check ahead to see what is scheduled before you visit. Highlights include the Tour of the Gila, a cycle race that attracts hundreds of competitors each year, the annual Wild West Rodeo and Fiesta Latina in the summer, and the Gila River Festival in the fall. In short, it is never a bad time to head out to this part of New Mexico and see what's going on.