SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque has reclaimed the top spot on MovieMaker Magazine’s annual list of "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker – Big Cities." Albuquerque earned the top spot among large cities for the seventh year running, while in the small cities and towns category, Santa Fe once again topped the list, and Las Cruces ranked eighth best this year. Story continues below Business: Quantum computing company to open new development hub in New Mexico Community: 8 NM eateries, chefs and bars make James Beard Awards semifinalists list National: NM Department of Justice challenging order ending birthright citizenship "As someone who returned to New Mexico after years of working in the California film industry, I can personally attest to the incredible opportunities and quality of life our state offers filmmakers," Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office, said in a news release. "Our diverse locations, skilled workforce, and competitive film incentives continue to attract productions of all sizes. This recognition from MovieMaker Magazine underscores what many of us already know: New Mexico is simply the best place to live and work as a moviemaker." Top ten list of big cities 2025: Albuquerque, New Mexico Toronto, Ontario, Canada Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois Calgary, Alberta, Canada New Orleans, Louisiana Miami, Florida  Austin, Texas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Cincinnati, Ohio MovieMaker Magazine described Albuquerque as having a "bustling production schedule, deep crew base, excellent tax credits, affordability, light traffic, abundant natural beauty, and — most of all — commitment to growing its film industry." The magazine also highlighted some of the big productions that were filmed in the city such as Ari Aster’s "Eddington", Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s "Honey Don’t", and a new Jordan Peele film. Last year, the Duke City clinched the No. 2 spot in the top big cities in North America category. In 2023, Albuquerque ranked No. 5 and previously held the No. 1 spot for four years, from 2019 to 2022. As for the list of smaller cities and towns, Santa Fe once again secured the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive year. Las Cruces also made the list for the third year in a row, this time staying at the No. 8 spot. Top ten list of smaller cities and towns 2025: Santa Fe, New Mexico Fort Lauderdale, Florida Wilmington, North Carolina Providence, Rhode Island Savannah, Georgia St. Petersburg, Florida Ashland, Oregon Las Cruces, New Mexico Knoxville, Tennessee Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada and Missoula, Montana MovieMaker Magazine turned the spotlight onto Santa Fe's "top notch" facilities including indoor and outdoor places to film. The magazine also noted Las Cruces' growing film scene and its attractive film incentives. MovieMaker Magazine compiles its annual list based on film production activity, tax incentives, cost of living, lifestyle, and access to resources. To see the magazine's full list for 2025, click here.