do you regret moving to albuquerque? (Las Cruces, Santa Fe: for sale, rental, car insurance)

[joanie55]

Originally Posted by tripleplay54

The best thing Albuquerque has going for it is the weather. We have a mild climate for all seasons when compared to most other areas. One reason the DWI rate is so bad is the fact that we are one of the poorest states. Very little money is available to help with the root of the problem of drinking, which is rehabilitation. The population base we have in NM contributes to the problem of recurring alcoholism and the 2 major interstates contribute to the drug problems. Other areas are going to have their problems also, but as I said in the beginning, the weather is great. All other aspects need alot of work to bring this city out of the dark ages.

You are correct about poverty being a contributing factor to the DUI/rehab factor. There I believe are only 2 treatment centers in the state one is in Taos and I can't remember about the other one. It perplexes me actually why some big shot investors don't open up treatment centers there when there is obviously a high alcoholism problem. Most insurances companies pay for this type of treatment and treatment centers are HUGE money makers.

[Sanariot]

Originally Posted by stingraynm

So far, the highlight for me since I moved here in March was Crosby, Stills, and Nash at the Sandia Casino (kudos). Many might call those guys "old has-beens", but many of us also grew up learning guitar to a few of their tunes. Also, I got to see a band that my parents saw at Woodstock, and that's a pretty cool - and rare - opportunity.

No, CSN is cool. I was talking more like Eddie Money. He has a show coming up. Then on another extreme, so does Slipknot. Why can't we get anything "decent" here?

As far as highlights go, I've been back here for a few months now (lived in ABQ for two years in the '90's) and I haven't seen anything musically yet. But I did get to see a Carlos Mencia comedy show at Rt. 66 Casino.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by joanie55

You are correct about poverty being a contributing factor to the DUI/rehab factor. There I believe are only 2 treatment centers in the state one is in Taos and I can't remember about the other one. It perplexes me actually why some big shot investors don't open up treatment centers there when there is obviously a high alcoholism problem. Most insurances companies pay for this type of treatment and treatment centers are HUGE money makers.

Law enforcement is a big money maker, too. The penal system can suck off both the perpetrator and the tax payer after the deed is done. Good luck arguing with that faction of society... many are trying and I make sure to offer those courageous efforts a voluntary contribution to offset my involuntary contribution that goes into suppressing sensible policies aimed at reducing recidivism.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Sanariot

No, CSN is cool. I was talking more like Eddie Money. He has a show coming up. Then on another extreme, so does Slipknot. Why can't we get anything "decent" here?

As far as highlights go, I've been back here for a few months now (lived in ABQ for two years in the '90's) and I haven't seen anything musically yet. But I did get to see a Carlos Mencia comedy show at Rt. 66 Casino.

I was quoting you, but wasn't actually saying that's what you'd think, so sorry to come across that way. I was really just talking about the whines we'd get from whatever crowd actually enjoys groups like Slipknot. I'd say we're on the exact same page as far as what we'd like to see. I remember seeing that Carlos Mencia was coming, but I was out of town during his visit. I would've loved to see that.

I saw Tom Petty twice in Boise, and the second time he came he reduced the ticket prices because he enjoyed that crowd so much. Folks like him represent the true "minstrel" variety, who got into the music and performance industries for passion instead of money. Blessed are those who write their own music and further develop their talents even after the limelight.

Altogether, though, if we could get even a portion of the high profile shows/concerts that go through the SoCal and Phoenix area, I'd be happy.

[Papillion1707]

I lived in Albuquerque for 6 years and I thought they were some of the best years of my life. The people were nice, the desert was beautiful, and I just loved taking walks down in the Bosque. The only thing that I have been constantly dissapointed with was the downtown core. The skyline is beautiful and I think that change would ruin it, but I just wish it was bigger. It's a big city and I think that people need to reconize it more and stop dismissing it as a desert ghost town. When I would get home from a night out it would be sunset and the Sandias would be that fantastic watermelon pink and on those nights I simply would't accept living anywhere else. Go Lobos!!!

[lemon&lime]

I've been back since November and do not regret it at all; if anything, I regret leaving. Albuquerque is a little challenging emotionally for me for some reason; when I first moved here in 2000 I went to a chiropractor who said there was some kind of vortex here that stirs people up. Don't know if that is true but some days I feel kind of sad here, probably due to the poverty and my own bad choices, which, "because" of the vortex, are more amplified. I can't imagine where else I would live though and am back for good.

[loborick]

Albuquerque needs some good promoters to bring in good shows. I believe the Journal Pavilion is owned by Clear Channel and they bring in most of the acts there, which are usually either heavy metal or country (I'm not a fan of either). Sandia probably has the best shows, but that is only during the summer and it does seem heavy on classic rock.

Albuquerque is in a weird position. JP is owned by Clear Channel, so no promoter can put on shows there. Sandia is owned by the pueblo and I don't know how they work with private promoters. Tingley Coliseum is a barn and no one wants to play or put on shows there. What ABQ needs is a venue that promoters can bring shows into. And a 12k arena isn't going to be big enough for the major acts touring.

[James1975]

I'm interested in NM, but need a college for our son and a lake for our recreational/therapy needs.

Elephant Butte looks VERY appealing but is it far from Burqe or Las Cruces?

[truckzter]

Mortimer aptly replied ...

Originally Posted by mortimer

> ... what kind of subhuman imbeciles speed in parking lots???

(A) People with an overdeveloped sense of entitlement

(B) People with no empathy

(C) People who are always running late and don't mind making
___ other people pay for their inability to plan more effectively.

(D) Sociopaths in general

----------------------------------------------------

I'd like to ask who was paid to plan and build UNM's [pathetic] parking structure by Johnson Center? That building is ridiculously too narrow [especially when speeders are around], and I can barely get my Scion tC in through the entrance if there is a line of cars trying to leave. I think the univ. should get its money back [and stop asking faculty/staff to donate parts of their paychecks]! Someone was on crack when it was approved ... or hoping we'd all drive Smart Cars or something!

I'm pretty happy with Abq (been here since August). I've ridden the 66 bus, and it's not too bad. =) I'd like to find a really good local (or traveling) ballet company to watch .. or go to the Orchestra/Symphony. There is an obsession over the chile/chili that I cannot appreciate, though. I like green and red chile .. just not on everything. I look forward to having time for the Santa Fe Opera, and I should get off the treadmill and run some trails, too. I will be here until I finish my PhD (until 2012 or 13), and then I will leave and probably not come back. Abq isn't as bad as I heard/assumed, and I should be pretty content here until I get out on the job market.

[lone sailor]

So many things that could be said at this point after reading every single post in this thread. My comments boil down to personal choice and preference. What's good for this goose isn't necessarily good for the gander. For those that don't like ALB or for those that move away, come back, and then leave again, perhaps the problem is not this city, perhaps the problem is you. Make a decision and stick to it. Stop with all this "the grass is greener on the other side" nonsense. Life, and where you live, for the most part, is all in what you make of it. You can live in the best place on earth and be miserable because you make yourself that way, or you can live in the worst place and feel like you're on top of the world. I'm not saying everything is going to be perfect in ALB, but please, please, take a look in the mirror and cast judgment on yourself before placing your blame for all these so called problems. I can guarantee you one thing, there are millions of people that ain't got it as good as you do.

I refuse to sugar coat anything. So you can take that for whatever it's worth.