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Carolyn, that is absolutely horrid about your 16 year old son being beat up for being gay. I know how Arkansas is, my brother-in-law and sister live there and they tell me things I can't believe still exist but on the Arkansas forum, you see people there trying to mask the racism and anti-gay society it is, saying it isn't there and I know it is still there. My sister insisted I cut my hair to "fit in" while I stayed there for a few weeks, years ago, but I thought, WOW, am I living in the 1800s? I just can't imagine the pain gays go through in hate areas like that. I feel for you and your son. Tell him not everybody is like that. It is sad that so many "Christian" areas, who are supposed to love one another, have so much hate. I just don't understand it. Anyway I wish you well in Durango. A great "accepting" city. Godspeed!
Consider Durango, Colorado. Lots of alternative lifestyles. Lots of activities, mountain biking, hiking, skiing. Kid friendly. I was an ER nurse in Durango and worked at the local hospital for 13 years (until I had my children), they are in great need of doctors. The area is growing and there never seems to be enough doctors, especially family practice. Good luck. I would love to move back to Durango but now we're headed to McAllen, Texas, know anything about that?
Hi Colorado Girl. I don't know about McAllen, TX but I have been to Corpus Christi many times. It is a nice city. The ocean breeze keeps it cooler then inland. They have clean, nice beaches. If you can look into that area, do. It is growing and I know Corpus pays good in the medical field, from what I was told. Good Luck on your move!
MPin SC -
Looks like I'm in good company! My partner & I are in the same process - searching & interviewing in different areas for a Family Practice position. Your husband must graduate this year. What a task! We too appreciate, and are in search of, areas that are more arts/gay friendly as well as outdoor oriented. We just returned from Oregon in search of the same thing and are now looking in Colorado. Durango is certainly great, but we're wondering if we can make it on the good ol' "Family Practce" Salary! Unfortunately, the salaries for FP do not go up in the areas that the cost of living is higher.
Good to meet you and I look forward to hearing about your adventure!
I read that Loveland is 66 on the Gay Index. Anyone have a feel for that area?
LifesGood, Durango is in need of FP doctors! The area is really growing yet there are just a few family practice doctors around. You would make more then you could imagine. It was rated 3rd as the best place to live according to the links below:
bizjournals.com/specials/pages/20.html - (by region)
bizjournals.com/specials/pages/21.html - (for quality of life rankings)
bizjournals.com/specials/pages/18.html - (for a list of all 577 cities)
bizjournals.com/specials/slideshow/12.html?page=3 - (for Durango information)
Durango also has 3rd place in over 577 cities for quality of life and best small cities in the USA. Durango is number 1 in best small cities in Colorado. People make more there then most other small cities or towns. The average salary is over $49,000 a year. Housing costs more in the city proper but less in the suburbs. Durango is a gay accepting city and very accommodating to gays.
Carbondale midway between Aspen and Vail is a great place! Recently there have been many gay and lesbians move to the area. The arts in the Roaring Fork Valley are world class, mix that with world class skiing and outdoor activities and Carbondale is a winner.
Don't believe the Santa Fe thing...I'm from here and talk about narrow minded...whoooo hoooo....Most of the state would prefer Santa Fe not be a part of it....I work for the city of ABQ and get all the benefits of a straight couple
Don't believe the Santa Fe thing...I'm from here and talk about narrow minded...whoooo hoooo....Most of the state would prefer Santa Fe not be a part of it....I work for the city of ABQ and get all the benefits of a straight couple
I really wonder why this thread got re-opened out of curiosity. I don't think the OP has any interest anymore, seeing the post is 4 years old.
New Mexico Questions: Gay Friendly? Job Market? Family Friendly? Cost of Living?
I currently live in Florida and I don't particularly love it. I'm hoping to start somewhere new in a few years. I'll be graduating soon enough. Basically I'll be a certified teacher when I'm done. English specifically.
How gay friendly is New Mexico in general? I know it depends on the city but what's the overall vibe? And if you can, give me some specific cities that would be gay friendly.
I'm obviously looking into the education field so how is that over there? Are there jobs for teachers?
At the end of the day, I want a good, safe place to raise a family. Somewhere I can call home. And I'm wondering if New Mexico can be it.
Also, I'm curious as to the cost of living. Obviously as an educator, I'm not making the big bucks. I am a person of humble means and I don't need anything fancy.
So to sum it up, if ANYONE could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. If anyone can name a city that sort of fits all the points I hit, I would be very grateful!
My main thing is living somewhere SAFE (With all the crap that's happening in Mexico, I rather not live too close to the border or too close to the crap that's been going on). Next I want somewhere friendly!
Hey Eaglenick, I just recently moved from Florida to New Mexico and loving it so far. I live in Rio Rancho and work in Albuquerque. In general New Mexico is gay friendly, I have friends in cities and small towns and they've never been confronted or had issues in regards to their sexual orientation.
That said, I'm sure some places are more gay friendly than others. I'm thinking specifically to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. I've yet to feel uncomfortable in any area or neighborhood, but I feel right at home in Nob Hill, which is a great neighborhood with cafes and shops near the UNM campus.
Compared to where I lived in Florida (14.9% unemployment) the job market here is a breeze. I had a friend go back to school in his late 30's and walked straight into a teaching job last year with the ABQ school district.
Come out for a visit and see everything for yourself. If you are anything like me you will fall in love with NM the second you hit the ground.
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