Relocating From MA (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Socorro: transplants, rent, mobile home)

[bsgke]

Hi Everyone!
My family and I are life-long residents of MA. Though we love Boston, the cost of living and awful winters are driving us away. We are looking for a new start and are hoping to make the move during this upcoming summer. I have a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and was a teacher, but chose to stay home with our baby in 2007. My husband is a welder, and has worked with all metals, etc. We realize the economy is tough everywhere, but it seems a bit worse in certain parts. We originally planned on relocating to the Carolinas, but jobs are just unavailable. We have a teen daughter, who needs to be in place by the start of the next school year. I have some family in Albuquerque, so the southwest is our next place to research. We only can afford a home for around $100K, since I am not working. Does anyone have any ideas on areas that are family-oriented, with good schools, and receptive to "transplants" from the Northeast? Thank you in advance for the help!

[Zoidberg]

Since you have less of a concept of space than a local would, you may be able to find a $100k 1/1 or 2/1 home on the outskirts of the metro area. I'd still rent though, as this would turn your husband into an extreme commuter.

You might try a more rural part of NM than Albuquerque; the cost of living is lower, the cost of raising a family is lower, and wages for welding are about the same. In fact, some towns in eastern NM are in desperate need of them.

Since you're looking at an extreme change of scenery, I'd look a little further than Albuquerque. It may be more comfortable than Boston but there may be other locations more comfortable for your particular situation.

[lisdol]

You might be able to find a mobile home for under 100K in the Edgewood area and your daughter could try to get into the East Mountain High charter school, which, unless she is in band or sports, might be a better "good" school than Moriarty High. The elem schools in Edgewood are nice.

Other places where homes are that cheap - you might find something in Rio Rancho. You might find something in the SW quadrant of ABQ out on the west side south of I-40 (but I would not choose to live there).

Like Zoidberg said, if your husband will commute into Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Edgewood can turn it into a long commute for this area, in not only time, but mileage.

I don't know anything about the career field but I would check into what Zoidberg said about other parts of the state.

[joanie55]

Coming from Boston, you're going to be in for a culture shock even in Albuquerque so I wonder if the more rural areas could be even MORE of one for you. If you want change, you'll get it. If I were you I would rent first, see if NM is for you and then buy. Cost of living is way lower than MA. As far as receptive to transplants goes, there are a lot of transplants in Alb, most of them from California. Though the local Hispanic population resents them sometimes, (mainly because some are viewed as snobbish and the cost of living rose because they could afford to spend more on housing having sold very expensive homes in CA) if you are friendly to people and show an interest in the culture, people will respond in kind. When I lived there I had a friend who was from MA who loved it but eventually left because she said she "wanted to get back to civilization." It really is in many ways the wild west. The weather is a piece of cake compared to what you're used to back east. And I really found it was the least stressful place I've ever lived - life is pretty easy in Alb. The pace is slow, people are friendly, it's easy to get around in - not too big, not too small - no real natural disasters to speak of - you're not bracing for the next hurricane, fighting your way through blizzards, or practicing tornado drills. Like any place, it has its good points and bad. I always felt that if you were not Hispanic you never really fit it there because it truly is a Hispanic town (I get ripped for saying that on this forum all the time but still believe it's true) but unlike south Florida, people are pretty honest there and you don't have to worry about some con artist trying to fleece you out of your last dime. I don't regret living there at all - I enjoyed most of my time there. Having said that, I don't regret leaving either, just wish I had not chosen south Florida. Good luck to you!

[GregW]

I suggest checking New Mexico Tech University in Socorro. Google their website. IIRC they have a fairly steady demand for mechanics, machinests, welders and similar tradesmen as well as a local demand for teachers. Socorro is about 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

I also suggest using the State of New Mexico website for all sorts of information. Also get a atlas form Benchmark Maps.

I am planning to retire to NM.

[bsgke]

Thank you all for your helpful info. We will ceratinly do our research. It is all so overwhelming! Hopefully my husband will find a job soon and we will be able to call a new state "home"!