101+ Reasons That I Miss Albuquerque (Rio Rancho, Roswell: real estate market, apartment, renting)

[lobo]

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Is that related to the Abulita's that was - at least in 06-07, etc., on approximately 4th and Montaño? We'd always hit that Abulita's and really loved it. However, never hit the one (if even part of the same family) on Isleta, so thanks heartily for the tip!!!

I don't know. I thought there was one in Bernalillo that was related to this one, but I'm not sure. I know it's been on Isleta for several years.

If you like chicharrion, then some day you should try Chicharroneria Orozco, also on Isleta SW. All they have is pig meat. There's a counter where you can order pork rind, cubed rind, meat trimmings, pork ribs, carnitas, pig's feet, and pig's tail among other things. You can take it home or eat it right there with some fresh tortillas.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by lobo

If you like chicharrion, then some day you should try Chicharroneria Orozco, also on Isleta SW. All they have is pig meat. There's a counter where you can order pork rind, cubed rind, meat trimmings, pork ribs, carnitas, pig's feet, and pig's tail among other things. You can take it home or eat it right there with some fresh tortillas.

I cannot tell you how good this sounds!...

[catfeathers]

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Thanks catfeathers!

Good luck to you! Where in CO would be the possible option? The reason I ask is depending upon the town (and the mountainous altitude of it), while the winter / cold / snow is a "different" kind of winter / cold / snow than an Upper Midwestern one, if it is winter you are hoping to avoid, you might be semi-let down in a good chunk of CO. CO is a gorgeous state with many sunny, bright, beautiful mountain towns, however, winters do still swirl in many portions relatively strongly.

On the other hand, while there are a few scattered chilly winter days in ABQ in the winter, you'd be thrilled - just absolutely thrilled - over the incredible difference.

Hi There!
I only know it could be in the "Denver area" - no firm location yet.

We have never been to Colorado, but I'm thinking if that opportunity would open up first, it would at least get us closer to an area of the country that interests us.

We also have a special needs adult son who would need to find work (either sheltered workshop or with a job coach), and so far, New Mexico seems to have the best programs...but to be fair, I haven't gotten much yet on Colorado's programs. (on a side note..he is the one who coined "Catfeathers"...he said it when cat hair was floating in the air...he always makes me laugh!)

If New Mexico opened up for us, we'd be there in a heartbeat....especially because of the weather!

However, since work is involved, our first choice becomes secondary to THAT which pays the bills! I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on Colorado/Denver area....or lead me to other posts! (I've tried to find them, and read several..one where I believe it was you who pointed out that Wisconsin is not always "Green" either!)

thanks!

[Chris_Crosby]

I wish I could Get the gf to like it here. She hates it and wants to move. I love it. Someday she will open up here eyes! lol

[vegaspilgrim]

Excellent list, EnjoyEP! This reads like a work of poetry of your love for Albuquerque.

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

41. The close proximity to inlaws / family in gorgeous Denver and the stellar summer weather it offers, along with the close proximity to Phoenix along with the stellar winter weather it offers

This one I disagree with. I think the summer in Denver stinks! Thunderstorms practically every single day-- you can never plan on doing any outdoor activities in the afternoon for risk of being electrocuted to death. Tornado warnings with sirens going off all the time, golfball sized hail, cracking windshields and totaling cars. Many stretches of days in a row with everpresent gloom, a lot of brown cloud/ozone pollution, and often quite humid too. Albuquerque might be more consistently hotter (and I'll call Denver the winner when it comes to summer NIGHT weather), but I'd say ABQ's weather is actually better even in the summer. It's hot, but it's not extreme, barbaric heat like Phoenix.

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Of course, I was thusly terrified to venture over the Raton Pass in an amazing blizzard (they actually had had it closed for many hours until shortly before I arrived). Literally...LITERALLY!...the minute I got on the Pass, the snow started to greatly break up to flurries. And...I kid you not...the second I hit the divider and - just like you - saw that glorious, beautiful "New Mexico - Bienvenidos!" sign with the zia, etc., the snow not only completely was gone, but the sun started to shine brilliantly overhead!

I experienced something similar (by way less dramatic) the other day. Sunny day, clear blue skies with just a few white fluffy clouds here and there all day in New Mexico. Then as soon as we crossed the top of Raton Pass, heading back home to Denver-- boom! Cloudy and gloomy the rest of the day.

Originally Posted by catfeathers

Hi There!
I only know it could be in the "Denver area" - no firm location yet.

We have never been to Colorado, but I'm thinking if that opportunity would open up first, it would at least get us closer to an area of the country that interests us.

We also have a special needs adult son who would need to find work (either sheltered workshop or with a job coach), and so far, New Mexico seems to have the best programs...but to be fair, I haven't gotten much yet on Colorado's programs. (on a side note..he is the one who coined "Catfeathers"...he said it when cat hair was floating in the air...he always makes me laugh!)

If New Mexico opened up for us, we'd be there in a heartbeat....especially because of the weather!

However, since work is involved, our first choice becomes secondary to THAT which pays the bills! I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on Colorado/Denver area....or lead me to other posts! (I've tried to find them, and read several..one where I believe it was you who pointed out that Wisconsin is not always "Green" either!)

thanks!

I'd recommend snooping around the Denver forum too, see what you can learn there. There have been a couple of Denver vs Albuquerque threads with extensive discussion, a number of which I've participated in. For a pro-ABQ side of the debate, read some of EnjoyEP's past posts on the subject (a number of them were in response to my posts). For a Denver-biased view, you could check out this thread: Denver vs Albuquerque. Keep in mind with any city-vs city debate, people (myself included) tend to get awfully emotional.

I think your reasoning, catfeathers, is spot on. The two cities are totally different, and ABQ might be ideal for you, but Denver at least gets you a lot physically & culturally closer, way closer to the eventual goal than wherever you are now. As long as you can handle the crappy summer weather.

[yukon]

Originally Posted by Chris_Crosby

I wish I could Get the gf to like it here. She hates it and wants to move. I love it. Someday she will open up here eyes! lol

You could always trade her in on a new model.

[catfeathers]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

I'd recommend snooping around the Denver forum too, see what you can learn there. There have been a couple of Denver vs Albuquerque threads with extensive discussion, a number of which I've participated in. For a pro-ABQ side of the debate, read some of EnjoyEP's past posts on the subject (a number of them were in response to my posts). For a Denver-biased view, you could check out this thread: Denver vs Albuquerque. Keep in mind with any city-vs city debate, people (myself included) tend to get awfully emotional.

As long as you can handle the crappy summer weather.

Thank you Vegaspilgrim! I had starting searching for posts, and believe I have seen a few of yours! I will continue to look further; I appreciate the link; and your response!

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

This one I disagree with. I think the summer in Denver stinks! Thunderstorms practically every single day-- you can never plan on doing any outdoor activities in the afternoon for risk of being electrocuted to death. Tornado warnings with sirens going off all the time, golfball sized hail, cracking windshields and totaling cars. Many stretches of days in a row with everpresent gloom, a lot of brown cloud/ozone pollution, and often quite humid too. Albuquerque might be more consistently hotter (and I'll call Denver the winner when it comes to summer NIGHT weather), but I'd say ABQ's weather is actually better even in the summer. It's hot, but it's not extreme, barbaric heat like Phoenix.

Yeah vegas, but as a long-time Denverite such as yourself, (and I know you were being a little facetious), I think you'd agree that the last two summers in Denver (and this coming from a guy that isn't terribly passionate about Denver, although do like it) haven't been "classical" or "typical" Denver summers.

In fact, I have been amazed by all of the recent tornadic type of activity around the Denver area. While surely tornadoes always can (and have) occurred around Denver, it is rare for the Mile High City to endure a recent stretch like these past two years where things have been so volatile.

Of course, this isn't to say I prefer Denver in the summer to ABQ, but it is the one season of the four that sometimes I enjoyed getting away to simply for a bit of a cool down and cooler (as you pointed out almost winter-like comparatively ) nights.

You being much more of a Denver expert than myself, I think you'd likely agree that these last two years of summers with the ultra-stormy weather, tornadic volatility, etc., are much more the exception than the norm.

(I do agree with you on the humidity factor, as while humidity compared to most of the eastern US in Denver is laughable, compared to other areas in the Southwest, I always found Denver could get some relatively higher humidities and could always "feel" it from ABQ. I have always been shocked that some houses there still use swamp coolers, as I would think Denver gets just too much semi-humid days to make using the swamp coolers that terribly effective).

I just always hate judging seasons for the purposes of outsiders / neophytes based on the experiences of just one or two years of atypical weather. ...

...I guess if folks were to go to ABQ in the ultra-atypical summer of 06 (when the monsoon railed well out of control, flooding and rains went nuts, and days were often fairly cool with some clouds) or similarly bizarrely atypical winter of 06-early 07 (when ABQ endured - by far! - one of the snowiest, coldest stretches in record-keeping history including an incredible 18-inch dump) people would've thought ABQ to either be a damp, flood-prone place (which obviously isn't nearly even close to the norm) or a coldish, snow-filled place (with obviously is even farther from the norm!).

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

I experienced something similar (by way less dramatic) the other day. Sunny day, clear blue skies with just a few white fluffy clouds here and there all day in New Mexico. Then as soon as we crossed the top of Raton Pass, heading back home to Denver-- boom! Cloudy and gloomy the rest of the day.

That is a great story. Good stuff! I am telling you, there are now 4 people here reporting similar type of stories. That Pass knows! CO's a great state, but NM is NM! The Rightful "Sunshine State"!!

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

I'd recommend snooping around the Denver forum too, see what you can learn there. There have been a couple of Denver vs Albuquerque threads with extensive discussion, a number of which I've participated in. For a pro-ABQ side of the debate, read some of EnjoyEP's past posts on the subject (a number of them were in response to my posts). For a Denver-biased view, you could check out this thread: Denver vs Albuquerque. Keep in mind with any city-vs city debate, people (myself included) tend to get awfully emotional.

Good advice here for catfeathers, vegas. I would babble on about a Denver v. ABQ comparison, however, have done so so frequently on the CD Forums that i think it would just be beating a dead horse.

Coming from Wisconsin, a lot of this would boil down to preferences for weather, size, cost of living, pace of life, etc. Just a quicker breakdown:

Denver is the classically "big city" (metro about 1.5-times the size of Milwaukee's)...much commerce / business / industry, and related traffic. Many "big city" amenities. Big airport. Etc. Denver has much of the classic *good* of a big metro, and much of the hassle and *bad* of a big metro as well.

Albuquerque is a more mid-sized biggish city, with the metro not yet hitting a million. Cost of living / housing is less, traffic is much less, etc., but not all of the big city amenities (although many of them) and not as many jobs (but also not the legions of people competing for those jobs as well).

Mountains are legendarily mammoth surrounding Denver to the west, but "farther out" and more of a trek to access them. The Sandias in Albuquerque are gorgeous, albeit not quite as mammoth, but a few minutes' drive from the city and very accessible.

Albuquerque is a very dry area - it is desert, on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. Denver is dry-ish compared to Milwaukee, but semi-arid, averaging 16 inches of rain annually and 60 inches of snowfall.

The big differentiators coming from Milwaukee might be weather. If you are seeking a much more mild / temperate climate, you'll be more apt to find that with ABQ. Denver's winters are certainly much sunnier and dry than Milwaukee's are, and you can have legendarily beautiful days in Denver in the winter commonly (it isn't odd to have sunny warm winter days in Denver in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s). However, Denver actually does average more snowfall in the winter than even Milwaukee (granted, it does melt much, much faster typically, but it still will come in droves) and you will take on many stretches of quite cold / frigid weather.

If you still want more of a Milwaukee four-season climate - tilting towards the cooler months - but on a tempered basis, Denver is a good alternative.

Transversely, to me, while Denver's weather is an upgrade on Milwaukee's, with my weariness for longer winters, cold, snow, etc., Albuquerque's weather fit my bill much better. You still get some winter, but average only 7 to 11 inches of snowfall annually. Also, in ABQ, days in the winter typically average a high in the 50s and a low in the 20s...much nicer than Milwaukee's. And it ends so quickly.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by lobo

I agree that EP should write a book.

That is very kind, lobo, and extremely lofty (although heartily undeserved) praise!! I re-read some of my writings, and my work needs re-editing big-time!! (Admittedly, a few of these were written over one - okay, two - cold Isotopes Slammin' Ambers that I had smuggled up to MKE!!)...


While I have no skills for a book - or for writing for that matter - I actually am tempted to try to write a little article for Albuquerque The Magazine and submit it to them to see if they'd have any interest in publishing it. What I lack in formal writing skills, I make up in being one of the most enthusiastic pro-ABQ people walking the earth!!

[nmnita]

vegaspilgrim, glad to see you posting here again.

NIta