Questa Info Requested (Taos, Chama, Red River: transplants, motel, homes)

[dallassprings]

I have a male friend interested in moving to Questa. Does anyone have any idea about the job market there? What r the companies hiring and what industries and salaries are average. I already know stats (Questa is mostly all Hispanic Catholics making $22,000 median per year). Also are there any nursing homes nearby. Is cable, TV, internet available? Thanks for any info in advance.

[nm_photojournalist]

I would have to guess that the $22,000 medium income for Questa, is per household, not individuals.
Questa is a tiny, mostly Hispanic community, that made it's "living" from a large mine there...what kind...I forget..."Moly...something." The mine was a disaster to both the environment, and community...except for the wages.
RE: Nursing homes nearby, job market, etc. There are none, there is none.
Look elsewhere! There just isn't much opportunity however in any community in NM under at least 25,000.
I didn't want anyone to have to go without "any" replies! :-)
There are zillions (or does it just seem that way) of Texans coming to New Mexico. Wish they would stay home, and enjoy their humidity!
Just kidding...I was one too until I "escaped" many years ago.
Good luck to your amigo in his search for Shangi-La...West!

[mortimer]

Molybdenum -- a substitute for Nickel in making steel

[catman]

Yes, I've passed by the molybdenum mining opeartions several times. I don't know that it's hurt the environment outside of its immediate area, but it has made an ugly scar that can easily be seen on Google Earth. I had great food once in Questa, on the way to "Wild River Gorge" to the west, where the Rio Grande has cut a splendid canyon. I love that area, but it's for retirement only, and it does have real winters.

[PacificBlu]

I plan on visiting Questa in October for a hunting trip. I'm assuming there aren't many lodging choices does anyone have any suggestions?

[sjbasin]

Questa gives new meaning to the term "heavy metal"....

Taos Daily - Horse Fly; The alternative news source for Taos, New Mexico

[kensgirl]

Hi, Dallas,
I actually live in the Questa area. Let me answer some of your questions:
Jobs - it's true that the 2 largest employers in the area are the MolyCorp mine and the school district. Many people in this area have their own businesses (like me!) or commute to Taos to work or are retired. In recent years, we've seen an increase in the number of artists in the area, to the point we now have an annual artist tour in August.
Nursing Homes - none here in Questa or Red River, but there are in Taos, which is about 30 minutes south of here.
Cable, etc. - Some areas have cable while others need Satellite. Obviously, there is internet! Again, varies from Satellite or DSL based on actual location. Qwest for DSL, Kit Carson for satellite, Comcast for Cable.
Prices for land and housing are probably the cheapest in all of Taos county. The majority of residents have been here all their lives. However, there are transplants from all over (including myself).
We do get all 4 seasons here - fall is gorgeous. We've had a particularly snowy winter this year, but we also have very nice summers - an 80 degree day is a heat wave.

Let me know if you have any other questions

[kensgirl]

Originally Posted by catman

I had great food once in Questa, on the way to "Wild River Gorge" to the west, where the Rio Grande has cut a splendid canyon.

You must be talking about Ruth's! She makes a mean red chile. On the weekends, it's always packed!

[kensgirl]

Originally Posted by PacificBlu

I plan on visiting Questa in October for a hunting trip. I'm assuming there aren't many lodging choices does anyone have any suggestions?

In Questa, there's one motel right by Hwy 38, the Sangre de Cristo motel. Other options are staying in Red River (about 20 minutes east on Hwy 38) or in Taos.

[GregW]

Maybe, after we move to NM full time, we'll snowbird to Questa or Chama. There is no way we are going to move from cold snowy New Hampshire to cold snowy New Mexico.