First off, I wouldn't just count out Santa Fe. Go to where the balance of work, home and environment supports you and don't just go by the 'lowlights' or shockers about the area. I'm not saying it should be your top choice, just don't count it out. There
are some very expensive properties there. The retirees and Arts crowd have brought in outside money and pushed the values up so high, that the reported averages and top home values are untouchable. That doesn't mean everyone else has moved out. There
are options. Where are all the people working retail/tourism/service living? They're not all commuting from Albuquerque, I can tell you that. Most of the pumped up properties are right around downtown, and in the surrounding foothills. Consider: those same folks that are pushing up the downtown home prices are the ones that, along with some of the tourists, have the time and disposable income to spend on things like...spas and massages.
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I noticed you've worked at a fitness center. Albuquerque would add the possibility of working for or at one of the many fitness centers. Use the forum search function to look for 'gym' links. There are a couple of active threads on this topic.
Finally, for the most part, I think of Albuquerque as more 'down to earth' than Santa Fe. No empirical data, just a feel you get from all the high end art and jewelry shops that fill and surround Santa Fe's downtown and Canyon Road. Not saying Albuquerque doesn't have that, but as a whole it's more spread out and very unpretentious.