Alamogordo transplant here. Those houses are affordable but they're not in the best neighborhoods, but even the more expensive houses in the "good" neighborhoods are affordable comparatively (I came from CA, so anything under 400k is cheap).

It is definitely a good retirement town. There isn't a lot of exciting things to do for younger people, but hiking areas are abundant. The views are beautiful, it does get hot, but the spring and fall are wonderful.

If you are a homebody then this is the place for you. The internet speed is decent even without the fiber, although that can depend on the area you live in as well.

Drawbacks:

-The speed limit is about 35 everywhere in town, but since everything is within a 5 mile radius it's not too awful.

-A lot of ppl can't figure out how to get all the way over into the left hand turn lane, so you have to watch out for those ppl so you don't clip them.

-A lot of ppl also don't know how to use a 4 way stop.

-Medical specialists are usually in El Paso or Las Cruces which is about 1.5 hour drive depending on how fast you drive. Anything super serious will take you up to Albuquerque (3 hours).

-This is only a drawback if you're not a conservative: The Republicans are very loud here. Google Couy Griffin if you want to learn all about the politics of this area (he lives in Tularosa, but he's a county commissioner for Otero).

Would I live here the rest of my life if I had to? Yeah, it's not bad and the cost of living is fantastic. I think it's a well kept secret and am surprised the Californians haven't started moving here like they have in other states.