Want to Move Near White Sands, Wondering About Jobs (Las Cruces: look for a job, living in)

[4774]

Hi,

I'd like to move near White Sands just for its mystical and spiritual qualities. I've never been in the area, I am in Ohio, but know I'd enjoy this part of NM and the surrounding area at least for a while.

Which is closer to the White Sands park, Las Cruces or Alamogordo?

Also, I am not really specialized in any job, so I am worried about getting a job if I move to either city. Craigslist looks rather dismal for both Las Cruces and Alamogordo, a lot of $8/hr. jobs, which is worse than here in Cincinnati, which I expect is also a bit cheaper to live in than in NM!

Any ideas or suggestions on where to look for a job once I'd get out there? For instance, I could start gaining experience in the area before moving, etc.

Thanks.

[Poncho_NM]

I've never been in the area, I am in Ohio, but know I'd enjoy this part of NM and the surrounding area at least for a while. Maybe, maybe not. I would recommend you come out for a visit.

Which is closer to the White Sands park, Las Cruces or Alamogordo? - Alamogordo

jobs, which is worse than here in Cincinnati, which I expect is also a bit cheaper to live in than in NM!- Maybe, maybe not.


Jan. 2011 cost of living index in Alamogordo: 83.7 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Alamogordo-New-Mexico.html#ixzz1o56ZwIXQ

Jan. 2011 cost of living index in Cincinnati: 89.8 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Cincinnati-Ohio.html#ixzz1o56fMAcW

[N8!]

Highly suggest you come visit White Sands for a week in late July-early Aug to see if it's one of those place that's great to visit from time to time, but you probably wouldn't want to live there.

[TKO]

The closest you could come to living there is Alamogordo. White Sands is a National Monument surrounded by military reservations so you're not going to live there. Alamogordo is about the least spiritual place I can think of. La Luz would be the closest community that has a vibe. Google up the La Luz lights (redundant as that search is).

[JordanJP]

I wasn't aware that there was anything mystical or spiritual about White Sands.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by JordanJP

I wasn't aware that there was anything mystical or spiritual about White Sands.

White Sands was mystical and/or spiritual to me a few times...


Rich

[JordanJP]

I don't get what would be mystical or spiritual about it, that's all.

[joqua]

Originally Posted by JordanJP

I don't get what would be mystical or spiritual about it, that's all.

You need to visit during one of the times when the gates are open for "Full Moon Nights." Then come back here and tell us your reaction.

[TKO]

I'll correct my previous post thanks to a pm from Joey Saint, the Google doesn't really come up with much.

To the best of my recollection: the name La Luz came, as you would expect, from a group of Spanish travelers going up the Tularosa Basin for whatever reason. They had been subject to the alkaline water and they and their livestock were in bad shape. When they got to the area of La Luz canyon they saw what appeared to be a floating light, like a lamp, leading them into the canyon and an abundance of fresh water. Since then there have been many reports of people seeing an unexplained floating light in the area.

I just assumed others had heard of it (no?) and I'm surprised at the lack of material on the web about it. Not sure where I first heard of it, but if you asked locals of La Luz, Tulie or Alamo, I think it's pretty common knowledge. Then again, maybe I had my leg pulled long ago only to feel it today.

I see it's mentioned here but don't know in what context: Spirits of the Border: The History and Mystery of New Mexico (on Amazon)

[Joey Saint]

Thanks TKO, even if it's just a tale, it's a pleasant one.