Looking for a new place to live in NM.... (Albuquerque: credit, houses)

[oh-couple]

My wife and I moved from Ohio to reduce the amount of snow we would have to shovel as well as the amount of grass we would have to cut. Alamogordo, Deming, Las Cruces--take your pick would be perfect for you. We settled on Alamogordo, because we were comfortable with this size town; however, you may prefer the larger Las Cruces or the smaller Deming--or one of the other small cities or villages in southern New Mexico. As for the heat of the summer: Yes, it does get hot, but it is not nearly as humid (and thus generally more comfortable) than out east.

The low humidity is also good for your asthma (until you develop an allergy to what's out here). But quite frankly, we haven't found much to complain about so far.

Do take the time to visit before making up your mind. New Mexico (and the western states) is a huge contrast to the eastern states. We believe it's just gorgeous, but you have to see it for yourself.

[vantexan]

I think you should give Albuquerque a chance. The winter storms this year aren't typical and overall it's a much milder winter than in St.Louis. But if I had to point to one place that's closest to your criteria I'd go to Sierra Vista, AZ. Great climate, attractive area, interesting daytrips, close enough to Tucson but cooler.

[elkotronics]

Having lived 90 miles east of Sierra Vista, AZ, in Willcox, AZ, for about 4 years I'd have to agree, Sierra Vista would be a good place to live. Not too far from Tucson and about 45,000 people, army base is the big employer there. Lots of stores and not far from other cool, historic wild west AZ towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. I'd love to return to southern Arizona. It's very hot and very wide open and laid back in atmosphere. Tucson is even laid back to me for a city of over a million people. And, if you want a really large city, Phoenix is about 160 miles NW of Sierra Vista.

[Little rook]

It occurs to me to wonder if you will be happy in New Mexico, given your strong political views. It's true that much of NM is republican, but it's also a very different place with generally broad perspectives both physical and literal. It might be a good idea to pay an extended visit before committing permanently.

Best of luck!

Dale

[wscottling]

Originally Posted by Stuck in Dixie

Summers in STL & ALA are always 90 + so I'm used to it. You do have A/C in NM, right? LOL.

Keep in mind that the summer heat in Atlanta will be very different from the summer heat in the South East. When I moved from the deserts of California to the swamps of Florida a lifetime ago, I just about died at 80 degrees, even though I was used to 110 degrees in the summer.

We never had A/C growing up - just opened the windows and pulled the shades. We also had swamp coolers. That was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, so they probably do have A/C's now. ^_^

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by wscottling

We also had swamp coolers. That was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, so they probably do have A/C's now. ^_^

Swamp coolers are still much in use, still manufactured, still maintained. They work well in the hot dryer areas.


Rich

[wscottling]

Originally Posted by Poncho_NM

Swamp coolers are still much in use, still manufactured, still maintained. They work well in the hot dryer areas.


Rich

Good to know.

[Debzherenow]

I'll take A/C over swamp coolers anytime and yes, they are becoming more common here than in the past.

While I know they were the norm for many years, I'd be worried about bacteria build up, and as I can't climb onto a roof wouldn't be able to do maintenance on one.

I'd rather have refrigerated air during monsoon season too.

[joqua]

Originally Posted by Debzherenow

While I know they were the norm for many years, I'd be worried about bacteria build up...

I've never heard of problems with bacteria - could happen, I suppose. Especially if left idle for days on end between uses and if the water source isn't potable to begin with. More problematic for most people is the heavy hard water (scale) buildup which makes annual maintenance and replacement of the pads virtually a must. Weigh the inconvenience against the much lower cost of operation vs refrigerated.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by Debzherenow

I'll take A/C over swamp coolers anytime and yes, they are becoming more common here than in the past.

While I know they were the norm for many years, I'd be worried about bacteria build up, and as I can't climb onto a roof wouldn't be able to do maintenance on one.

Originally Posted by joqua

I've never heard of problems with bacteria - could happen, I suppose.

From Legionnaires' Disease eTool: Facts and FAQs

"Legionellosis is a common name for one of the several illnesses caused by Legionnaires' disease bacteria (LDB). Legionnaires' disease is an infection of the lungs that is a form of pneumonia. A person can develop Legionnaires' disease by inhaling water mist contaminated with LDB."

"Scientists have learned much about the disease and about LDB since it was first discovered in 1976."

"It is estimated that in the United States there are between 10,000 and 50,000 cases each year. Most of them sporadic cases not associate with outbreaks."

"Q. What common types of water are of greatest concern?

A.Water mist from cooling towers or evaporative condensers, evaporative coolers (swamp coolers), humidifiers, misters, showers, faucets, and whirlpool baths can be contaminated with LDB and if inhaled or aspirated into the lungs can cause the disease."

I know two people who had various lung/breathing issues which was associated with "Swamp Coolers". Going to refrigerated air and electrostatic air filters seemed to have fixed their problems...


Rich