Best part of New Mexico to relocate????? (Albuquerque, Las Cruces: rent, how much)

[Raineycat]

I love New Mexico! The more I look into it, the harder it is to pick a part to move. It is all great and beautiful!!! Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Taos??????? We have been looking into Albuquerque, then I started finding out about other towns. Help!

[GregW]

That depends on what you want and/or expect. There are a lot of Relocate to NM threads on this forum. Try the search function.

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by GregW1

That depends on what you want and/or expect. There are a lot of Relocate to NM threads on this forum. Try the search function.

Yes, let's not do this again until you give us some idea of your priorities.

What are you looking for? What are your priorities?

Ideal size of community?
Population growth rate? Stable? Slow growth? Rapid growth?
In the mountains, near, or in the distance?
Cost? Is low cost important? Low cost housing important?
Type of housing? Want something new? Flat-roof adobe look?
Jobs? What type?
Love Snow? Love skiing? Never want to see snow again in your life?
How warm? Very warm? Can tolerate some cold?
Arts? Like having lots of artists around?
Culture? Opera, symphony, theater important? Not your cup of tea?
Ethnicity? You want a mix? Or more homogeneous?
Health care? Looking for a hospital with full range of care? Or not important?
Public transportation?


There are some things I think you will find most places:
Scenery
Sunshine

Maybe others can think of other characteristics that can be important to people?

[Raineycat]

Ok...important characteristics. How about.....not LA. Well, except for the mild weather.

[Devin Bent]

Some things I forgot:

Education -- is it important to have top-rated schools?
Recreation -- most places have it, but what form? Outdoor? What type? Indoor? A gym? Water sports? Fishing? Hunting?
Recreation for children?
Property taxes? Is level important?
Water quality? A preference for well and septic versus communal services?

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by Raineycat

Ok...important characteristics. How about.....not LA. Well, except for the mild weather.

OK, you don't want Northern New Mexico -- it does get cold here and I'll drop out.

[WanderingCajun]

I was in N.M too long, because I read one of the criteria in Devin Bent's post as:

"Ants. Like having lots of ants around?"

LOL. I miss the ants!

To the OP: How much money do you have? That will determine a lot.

[mortimer]

Raineycat wonders:

> Best part of New Mexico to relocate?????
> I love New Mexico! The more I look into it, the harder it is to pick a part to move.

Take at least a week - more is better - rent a car. Drive around.

Visit many towns - including those you have no intention of moving to. Stay in motels centrally located. Walk around. Don't eat in national chains. Ask questions of locals. Take notes. Take pictures. Read the local paper(s).

While you are not in state, subscribe to the paper copy of the Albuquerque Journal.

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by WanderingCajun

I was in N.M too long, because I read one of the criteria in Devin Bent's post as:

"Ants. Like having lots of ants around?"

LOL. I miss the ants!

There are plans to reintroduce the boreal toad into New Mexico and they definitely prefer ants. So if a boreal toad read these posts, then the criteria is quite relevant. The boreal toads also like mountains, above 10,000 feet.

So maybe the areas around Chama or Taos?

[kensgirl]

I agree with Mortimer. You need to spend some time looking around, and go where the locals go. There's a great book called "Off the Beaten Path". I don't remember the author, but it describes all kinds of cool places in New Mexico that aren't as well known, and it is broken down by section. I found it a great help when I was looking around, and I still love it when I'm looking for a fun day trip. I also found the book in a bookstore in ABQ down by Old Town. Good luck with your search!