Retiring to New Mexico (Albuquerque, Las Cruces: crime rate, how much, house)

[Shaines103]

My husband and I are seriously considering retiring to New Mexico within the next 3 years. We looked at Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and also at Los Lunas. How's the weather in Jan. - Mar.? What's the true story on the crime rate? Until recently I lived on the East Coast for 35 years.

We saw some new construction in Los Lunas and it appears to be a growing area. We prefer the Albuquerque area to Sante Fe. Any suggestions?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Shaines103

My husband and I are seriously considering retiring to New Mexico within the next 3 years. We looked at Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and also at Los Lunas. How's the weather in Jan. - Mar.? What's the true story on the crime rate? Until recently I lived on the East Coast for 35 years.

We saw some new construction in Los Lunas and it appears to be a growing area. We prefer the Albuquerque area to Sante Fe. Any suggestions?

If you have lived on the east coast for 35 years you will not find the crime rate any higher in NM> Los Lunas is growing, but still very affordable. We just left Belen (actually Rio Communities) about 3 months ago to re-locate to North West Arkansas. We too preferred ABQ area to Sante Fe. It is more affordable, a little more versatile with more to do. Sante Fe is a little to artsy for us...nice place to visit.

As for the climate, the only problem we had with NM climate was the ungodly winds in the spring, sometimes even in the summer. Jan to Mar you will get a few nights that may dip into the teens (rarely) the days will be in the 40s and 50s, even 60s with lots of sunshine. VAlencia County which is where Las Lunas is has become a popular retirement community.

Oh, back to the crime issue, there are pockets in Valencia county like everywhere with high crime, but normally this is centered in the poorer neighborhoods, again, like everywhere.

Nita

[Vinegaroon]

This kind of thread has been answered a million times. Just check the past threads and you will find much commentary.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Vinegaroon

This kind of thread has been answered a million times. Just check the past threads and you will find much commentary.

you have to realize, not everyone is aware of this.. A question was asked and it deserves an answer...

Nita

[Hunter Wold]

If you don't mind being a hour from a "city" then Fence Lake is very very affordable for land.
Not any house to buy, but land is about $500.00 to $2000.00 per acre depending on how much land you want. Zero, well, yeah zero crime...then village only has about 90 folks out here NOW...but in about 5 years this will be another big area as people see that land is cheap and well it's about trade off's. What are you willing to give up to live in a cheaper area. Taxes are like well very low. But, muddy roads, and you have to about 40 miles to the closest store/gas.

But it's quiet, friendly and just come and down and visit.

I think it's best to visit and live for a while in a few areas to decide what suits your fancy.

If you need Starbucks, and fast food then the larger cities are for you.
Las Cruces is a city to look at also.

Happy trails,

HW...

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by Shaines103

We saw some new construction in Los Lunas and it appears to be a growing area. We prefer the Albuquerque area to Sante Fe. Any suggestions?

Shaines......Los lunas is BOOMING especially along the I-25 Corridor with new Housing and new Retail establishments. They just reciently opened up a second High School (Valencia High) out there so the population is growing but it's still only around 20,000 so not too big.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 6/3

Shaines......Los lunas is BOOMING especially along the I-25 Corridor with new Housing and new Retail establishments. They just reciently opened up a second High School (Valencia High) out there so the population is growing but it's still only around 20,000 so not too big.

and don't forget it is only about 20 minutes from Albquerque..

Nita

[mrgoodwx]

Shaines103...here is a link to a recent post that includes a little discussion about winter weather in the Albuquerque area:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/albuq...-retirees.html

There are quite a few other posts that mention weather. Once you search through those, please let us know what your other questions are and I'm sure a number of locals will jump in with comments. Good luck!

[GregW]

The places I am considering for retirement in New Mexico have a cost of living index of 85 while the place I am living has an index of 115. This is about the fourth reason I want to retire in NM.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by GregW

The places I am considering for retirement in New Mexico have a cost of living index of 85 while the place I am living has an index of 115. This is about the fourth reason I want to retire in NM.

NM has a lot to offer, expecially for seniors, I just think everyone should be pretty sure they see the forrest for the trees.

Nita