Sunshine

Florida claims to be the sunshine state but in fact, New Mexico has more sunny daysthan the supposed “Sunshine State.” Florida is actually ranked 7th with 241 days of sun but New Mexico is higher up on the list, with 277 sunny days. Take that, Florida.

We’re the new Hollywood

One of the best TV dramas of all time. The biggest movie of the last five years. A Best Picture winner. Breaking Bad, The Avengers, and No Country for Old Men – these projects all have one thing in common, they were made in New Mexico.

With a lucrative tax break, lots of sunshine, three major studio lots and a growing production crew, New Mexico has become the new Hollywood. Take that, California.

No major natural disasters

Aside from a little flooding and a forest fire now and then, New Mexico is pretty shielded from most natural disasters. Things we don’t have to worry about – earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, and massive floods. Take that, east coast, west coast, tornado alley, low flood plains.

All that sweet, sweet green chile

Memphis pulled pork, Philly Cheese Steak, New Orleans Crawfish – these are all iconic American dishes but none compare to New Mexico green chile. The state’s iconic product recently was named the most iconic American food. New Mexico produces more green chile than any other state and for a good reason. Take that Nebraska and your corn.

The Balloon Fiesta

With over 750 balloons over nine days, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.

We have a freakin’ spaceport!

Located 20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, The Spaceport America will soon host Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo trips to space. Space, people! Take that, Houston.

The original Napa Valley

Spanish monks who needed wine for Mass first started harvesting grapes in the Rio Grande valley in southern New Mexico back in 1629, long before people were doing the same in California.

New Mexico now has more than 20 wineries producing 350,000 gallons of wine annually. Take that, Napa Valley.

Best place to survive a zombie apocalypse

We all know the zombie apocalypse is coming right? Well, when it does you better hope you’re in New Mexico. The state was recently ranked as one of the best statesto survive a zombie apocalypse. New Mexico was ranked fifth, behind Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho. Take that, walking dead.

First Hispanic Female Governor

Love her or hate her, in 2010 New Mexico became the first state to elect a female Hispanic governor.  In 2013, Martinez was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

We got the oldest capital

Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the U.S., beating out Boston, which was founded in 1630. Santa Fe is also the highest capital in the country. Take that, Massachusetts.

Thanks, Judy!