Living in the Country but close to Tech (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: houses, horse)

[Fasder]

I know it sounds like polar opposites, but we love nature but can't live without two major items

1). High Speed Access - This is my Tech Ying to Nature Yang - we will not live without high speed access to internet

2). Medical systems/Community. We have to be close for Doctors and strong medical system within 60 miles but would rather be within 45 minute drive. To frame this further, we need to be within most of the common specialist within 45 minutes driving.

In looking through N.M. regions, I believe this restricts us to the Santa Fe or Albuquerque area's. Which are not bad, but somewhat limits our access to country living. Yes, we live in Dallas proper now, but we really live in a far flung bedroom community. One side of us now has a section horse farm, behind us is a section State water reserve, and other is acreage community with most houses sitting on 2-3 Acre lots. A major lake is within 1/4 mile as well. So we have the best of country while being 15 minutes of Major Tollway that covers whole northern circle of Dallas.

But I am finding it hard to locate same type of community in a more mountain climate. Colorado is possible option, but I didn't spend time during my childhood in CO, like I did in NM with my grandparents. I would rather find something like Angel Fire but the trade off for the beauty makes it too remote ... I believe.

[Idunn]

Possibly Los Alamos, NM. Either in town proper or just outside, and if that, depending on direction, you might either be in the mountains or high desert.

If by high speed internet you mean faster than common DSL, Los Alamos might have it. They should, but to what degree available to the public I'm not sure. Health care in town should be fairly good as well, as the scientist would expect it, and know the difference. But as an option Santa Fe, NM not that far distant.

If opting for Santa Fe, you might try just east of town, which does place you in the mountains. Just how far in is your choice.

[rruff]

Just east of ABQ... other side of the mountains. Not heavily populated (yet!), and land is semi affordable. Should be able to find something within 45min of the city.

[Zoidberg]

High speed internet's a relative term. You can get a T1 in most places where Qwest supplies phone lines, but it's hella expensive.

You can also get DirecWay, which is faster than dialup but not what I'd consider high-speed. It works off a satellite dish.

I second Los Alamos, though affordability, availability, and accessibility might make you take pause. There's always Taos.

[lisdol]

High speed is spotty throughout the E Mtns. We just last month got it in parts of the area via silver level (no higher) dsl from Qwest. Some parts of the area get Comcast, I am told, and I assume you could get cable internet if you can get Comcast. Other E. Mtn areas have had DSL for a long time, not sure of the level. The whole area is supposed to have DSL access in the next 2 years or so.

If cell service is important to you, I also suggest looking for a signal while checking out areas that interest you. There are lots of places around here where there is no signal (at least on Verizon and ATT).

If you do look at the E.Mtns, keep those points in mind. Other than that, it is close to ABQ, once you get on I40.