Buffalodaddy where are you? Alamogordo is HORRIBLE! (apartment, rent)

[Cali-girl]

Originally Posted by new mommy 09

You are absolutely correct that the housing is similar to the slums....They are not friendly, welcoming, or appreciative of the military that is stationed here. There a no military discounts, no waivers for deposits excepted, and the military is targeted by many citizens in hate crimes. I feel sorry for the airman that must live here.

Hi new mommy!

You may want to consider living in Cloudcroft - its 20 mins out of Alamo and you will find it cooler there in the summertime, especially. Cloudcroft also has a nicer public library and is the headquarters for the Lincoln Nat'l Forest - the Forest Service has an office there. Cloudcroft has a new elementary/middle school and a high school all their own. The demographics are definitely different than Alamo which I think may give you some relief. The gangs don't go there because they'd stick out like a sore thumb, so to speak - I think you would definitely be safer.

There are also restaurants in Cloudcroft - there is the BEST Texas BBQ located on the main drag (Hwy 82) through town next to a real estate office. Very reasonable prices and great food. You will see all sorts of out-of-State license plates on the wall behind the fireplace. (The Ladies Room is off on your left of the order counter.)

Another great restaurant is the buffet at the Apache Casino located outside of Ruidoso and there's a really good pizza place in Ruidoso too as well as a Starbucks. You will love Ruidoso, a cute mtn town with lots of character and beautiful scenery and home to the famous Ruisoso Downs where there is championship thoroughbred racing

Sorry to go on and on about these towns, but I think you will find that there are more options for you than you think. In other words, there are ways you can insulate yourself and your family from destructive people, just have some looking and poking around to do.

Lastly, other than to order online (which is what I've done) not sure what to rec regarding stores, other than to rec that you edit your visits as much as possible. All I can say is that eBay is wonderful (no sales tax) and amazon.com can deliver anything you want really fast. www.amazon.com Amazon carries a lot more than books as you'll see. Drugstore.com is another alternative for ordering those items you'd go to some wacky store for. In all, you can be "in your town but not of it" by doing the online thing. Ordering online also has the benefit of forcing you to plan your purchases thereby budgeting more effectively in order to save more money for you and the kids.

The local health food store isn't a bad place to shop - may want to consider that alternative too. Every time I'm in Alamo I stop in - they have Bearitos Corn Chips which I really like

Take care,

~Cali-girl

[highdesertmutz]

When you don't like a place, you move on.

I am a transplant to New Mexico.

I left Kenosha, Wisconsin three years ago. Why? Watch the weather channel and find out.
10 Day Weather Forecast for Kenosha, WI (53143) - weather.com

Kenosha, Wisconsin is going to be snow battered again.

So, here I sit, in bright sunny Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, basking in the warmth, and, we got our jeep back this week, and, we're going 4 wheelin' tuesday and wednesday in the Caballo Mountains, when the temps are supposed to be in the 70's with more sunshine and blue sky. It's almost sinful.

T or C probably has less to offer than Alamogordo, but, who gives a rats fart. We like it, give me more!

[domino]

Originally Posted by Desertscorpion1

Wow! These are some interesting perspectives and strong opinions about Alamogordo. I will have to say that some of them are true and fairly accurate and some of them are absolutely wrong and incorrect. While stationed in Germany I volunteered to relocate to Alamogordo because I went to high school in Roswell during the early seventies. Alamogordo during that time was a pretty quiet place. Here it is 2009 and Alamogordo hasn't really changed a whole lot. It is still dependent upon Holloman AFB for the bulk of it's economic support. All one has to do is stand on the top of the "overpass at 5:30 am to see where the jobs are; they most certainly are not in Alamogordo. Oh, yes, there are penty of minimum wage positions but the consumer costs here prevent one from affording to live here unless you have a a retirement income from the military and your medical benefits are provided to you. I personally have had to hold three jobs to have a decent living income and focus on nothing but work but it can be done. I have been a Realtor in Alamogordo and the homes here; based on their square footage and age are indeed overpriced for the economic base offered to the "non-military person on a whole. It is disgusting how the city's infrastructure is so poorly maintained. The only thing this community seems focused on is garnishing conservation awards on how well they have saved water; yet the average water bill cost without washing your vehicle or watering a yard will cost you a small fortune There are no real resturants of quality just fast food.
If you drive any of the roads you will find their condition has been neglected for decades. The city over the past 5 years has finally made a serious effort to resurface residental areas as they should but the main roads such as White Sands Blvd, Indian Wells, 10th and 1st along with connecting roads between those streets and the "Relief Route" have not been replaced in the over 16 years I have lived here. Oh, plenty of patching and ripping up for the ridiculous water line beaks. The major streets look like a patch work quilt in need or replacement.
Military discounts are not that plentiful but some do exist if you ask. However the main Blvd consists of Hotels, Gas Stations and fast food resurants. City Planning is sorely lacking in Alamogordo.
Yes, the drivers are rude, careless and disrespectful. I don't think anyone knows how to operate their turn signals or make a proper left or right hand turn. People have no pride concerning their town nor their property. They park in their yards and leave furniture from two decades ago as law ornamentation. In the sixteen years I have lived here, not once has the high school football team won a state championship. The school system wants to be top notch but somehow end up missing the mark. I have been an ambassador for the chamber and found this town to have some bright and inventive people who are stifled from creative endavors because it does not fit in with the Committee of Fifties private adgenda. I have seen four city managers try to take the regins of this town. What we need to do is rid ourselves of the outmoded thinking; replace the 7 City Council Members with an elected Mayor, Police Chief and Seperate Fire Chief. This community needs to stop crying we don't have enough water to support industry; while over building because they enjoy raping the average citizen in overpriced poorly maintained housing that was built in 1950 or 60.
We need citizens to stand up and be counted. After living and working here for 16 years I have finally had to take a position 50 miles away to earn enough money to live in this greedy little town that isn't so little. We need a new Library; one that is shared by the public, NMSU and nearby communities such as La Luz and Boles Acres.
We need Industry here. The cost of products being driven up because we absorb the freight in and freight out because we have no industry to ship anything out is out dated and out moded thinking. We have many social problems that must be addressed and this doesn't come from sitting on ones backside griping about it. It's time to get involved and take action if you want things to change. Yes, Alamogordo can be a place that leads by example but unfortunately it's just an oversized dirty little border town filled with close minded people who can't see past the nose on their face.
I have lived in ten different states and four different countries. Alamogordo is not the best choice for retirement as the medical support is really poor and overpriced. The only reason I stay is because I am stuck due to the suppressed wage base here. This community is a family affair where only personal friends and relatives are hired to the key positions. Alamogordo must take care of it's own and heaven help the outsider wanting to fit in. Unless you marry into the clan your stuck at a level determined by the few who control the town and doomed to live at a level they chose you will be at; no matter what you can do or have the education to accomplish.
Alamogordo is one of the major funnel areas for drug traffic accross the border. Why do you think there are two border patrol stations within 20 miles of Alamogordo.
Alamogordo is also a relocation point for criminal reintegration of sex offenders and "reformed" gang members.
80 percent of the funding by the Alamogordo Police Department is provided by the federal government to fight drugs... How are we doing with that??? We have cameras to monitor traffic instead of police officers to enforce the laws
Oh, it's easy to sit here and run the town down but it takes courage to do something about it. If you want to move here because of a pending retirement; rethink the move. Take a look at the death rate before you get stuck.
This town has some not to nice titles.... Alamaghetto... Alamagonowhere.... Alamagotcha.... Alamabooboo....just to name a few of the popular ones.
Why are there so many dollar stores in this town? Why is K-Mart and Wal-Mart the biggest thing to hit this town since the arrival of the steam locomotive... Where are the Sheratons, Marriotts, and real Civic Center to hold concerts and live entertainment. We have a fair grounds that only hosts an old fashioned midway and county fair that a traveling stage could accommodate big ticket names in music; however the seating would not contain those who could and would come
There is one place for adults to dance and yes.... Oh My goodness!!!! Have an alcoholic drink but it's owned by one of the French Bros. while the other one sits on the school board and one on the city council... Nepatisim... Nah... it's just flat out control over many by a few...
If you want legal advise you had better be prepared to look out of town to get fair treatment. While there are some good lawyers here.... they were all high school buddies in the past...
Forget fresh education ideas... 85% of the teaching staff in the high school graduated from the self same high school.
It's time to CHANGE... It's time for Renewal Alamogordo... listen to what these people say. They have both good and bad in their comments but they speak from their heart and they need to taken seriously on their viewpoint of this town. They will be our future ambassadors. What they have to say about us depends on the active and not passive response from the people of this community.

I think I know why you couldn't make a living as a realtor.

[chilegal]

Why is it that everyone that has something to bad to say post once, and then never comes back to tell us why its so bad for them. And others tell them to move up to the Mts. If the job is at the base, why add extra time traveling?
I came to NM 10 years ago, and have done things to get involved with the community. Try it and you may like it. Its a good way to meet people and they are not the stand off like its stated.
Maybe its my age that says, life is what you make it. I have learned at a young age not to expect everything handed to me.
This is my opinion, if you don't like it, thats OK too.

[Cathy4017]

And why......if they hate a place so bad, do they stay for 16 years? Life is too short to live in a place you hate. I may hate the hot summers here, but I certainly don't hate the town itself, and everybody I have met here (both transplants and natives) has been nice, more often than not!

I also have no regrets about moving then and I have no regrets about moving later for colder winters and snow.

I'm headed to Texas for a family trip to Fort Davis/Alpine/Big Bend. It's an easy 300-mile drive, and if I lived in the northwest or in CO, I couldn't just hop in the car and be there in a few hours the same day. This is one of the last ones, too, since nobody's getting any younger.

I will definitely enjoy my time while I'm here. It's such a beautiful place, but like any other place, it does have its downsides.

[songinthewind7]

Chilegal and Cathy,
I think some people are probably having a bad day and want to blow off steam or it's a troll thing and they like to get a rise out of people.
I like Alamogordo other than the fact the restaurants are scarce but we don't go out to eat that often so that's not a huge thing for us. The scenery is incredible and the people seem to be nice.
Other than that, I don't see a problem with the town or the people. It's pretty much that way in any small town.
There is always something to do somewhere when living in any town New Mommy and maybe you're frustrated for staying at home with a baby all the time but there's things you can do with a baby too. Take him/her for a walk in a stroller.
I live in the mountains. All the roads are gravel and I see a neighbor almost everyday with a stroller, a baby and a toddler.
She's making the best of the situation.
Things are not always perfect and we all have days when we fill like blowing off steam and I hope that's all you were doing. If not, it's time to go somewhere else.

[Cali-girl]

Hi new mommy09!

I wanted to come back on and post more information for you and any other new mom who is a recent arrival to Alamogordo and who may be experiencing some (or all) of the struggles you've mentioned in your post. I'm from a military family too and we've all had to cope with living in areas that are not familiar to what we know and love.

The most important thing is that you create positive memories for your children especially since at around age four or so, their memories can be permanent. Try to encourage yourself and them by teaching them to make the most of any difficult situation.

Here are some practical ideas:

1. Do not complain to your husband about his posting at HAFB. Chances are there is little he can do about it anyway. For the sake of your marriage, look for the positives in your situation and more importantly, come to accept his assignment, knowing that he probably won't be here forever.

2. Try to get Base housing. The Base commander at Holloman ordered lots of new housing including the townhomes over by West Gate. If you can't wing that, you can always do your shopping on base and use the playgrounds there for the kids. This will definitely be safer.

3. I am aware that WSMR is Army and HAFB is AF, but if you cannot get on-Base housing at Holloman, try to apply for housing at WSMR. They are building housing for 100k+ and will have schools, a 3-story hospital with a medical office pavilion and dental clinic that is way bigger than the one they currently have. The whole thing will be a self-contained city and base personnel will no longer be at the mercy of landlords and realtors in either Las Cruces or Alamo. (WSMR also has Navy there, so its not like its just all Army)

4. Consider shopping at Lowes Supermarket instead of WalMart. To be honest, I don't shop at WalMart, haven't been in one for at least 4 years and even then the most I've been in one is twice and that's it. You can live without WalMart by going shopping with a list, coupons, and looking for sales. You'd be surprised how many markets, such as Albertsons etc match WalMart pricing in order to remain competitive. I know this as I'm an investor who looks for investment opportunities in retail and in commodities.

Here are some romantic places for you and DH:

1. White Sands National Monument at twilight. Especially when its a full moon, the moonlight casts amazing shadows on the dunes. Monument personnel also lead car tours in the evenings.

2. Picnicking in the Lincoln National Forest outside of Cloudcroft. The National Forest Office located in Cloudcroft (look for the sign on your right) has maps and can point you in the direction of the campsites. Call ahead of time to learn of fire season and closures.

3. If you have some money and nana and grandpa can come and watch the kidlets, you and DH can stay in log cabin-style hotels/motels/cabin in Ruidoso. Window shopping along the main drag.

4. Old Mesilla in Las Cruces: take the 70 West to the 25 South to the 10 West, exit Motel, go South under the Freeway and watch for the small sign on your right for Historic District which will be a one-way street to the Historic Old Town of Mesilla. Lunch or dinner at La Posta (a historic site in itself) which features traditional Mexican food or at the Double Eagle for
steaks.

5. Big trip requiring an overnight stay: the Gila Cliff Dwellings out of Silver City. Spectacular ancient cliff dwellings where you can actually comfortably hike to and walk around in. National Forest guides are there to answer any questions. You will cross a wooden bridge over a river (Gila or Mimbres, can't remember which one) and hike up to the dwellings. When the kids are older (6+) take them there for a memorable visit and educational experience in antiquities. There is a Visitor's Center nearby staffed by volunteers and rangers.

Things to do for yourself:

1. Put the children down for naptime every afternoon from 1- 3 PM. They need time to rest and grow (high levels of growth hormones and teething!) This time is for you to nap, read, give yourself a mani-pedi, etc.
2. Beauty establishments I rec:
a. Duncan-Noble Salon and Spa in Las Cruces. I was given a personal tour by one of the owners (she wanted me to be a client). Don't know his name, but there is a male hair stylist (hispanic) who does OK. I'm sorry, I cannot rec any where else for hair in LC.
b. Gecko Tan on Telshor located across from the Mesilla Mall. 3 Mystic spray tans for $49.00 or do Jergens Natural Glow, being sure to wash your hands afterwards so they're not orange. Huggies baby wipes will remove excess self-tanner or spray tan (Mystic) too.
c. The Lancome cosmetic counter at Dillard's in LC. Try to get the caucasian girl with the blonde hair to give you a free makeover. She does bridal parties that come in for makeup. I'm sorry, I cannot rec any sales associate at the MV Mall to do makeup on you other than someone who meets her description (sorry I cannot recall her name). If you have time, there is a MAC counter at Dillard's in the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso. I can only rec the blonde MAC sales associate for makeup there. Sorry but the others wear excessive amounts of poorly applied makeup. (I am a semi-pro makeup artist trained in Los Angeles.)
3. Get rid of destructive, negative people out of your life. They suck your energy. Stay optimistic and young at heart.
4. For dermatology and peels I strongly rec Dr. Cheryl Kosarek in El Paso off Mesa. She is outstanding and equivalent to a cosmetic MD in L.A.
5. There are no good dentists in Alamo or LC, in fact, long-time locals have warned me to go out of the area (which I have, I go to Cali or Tucson); go to base dentists only.
6. I cannot rec any orthodontists in LC or Alamo or anywhere in NM. Dr. Daniel E. Pearcy in Tucson is the only one who I rec.

If you (or any newcomer reading this for info) have money, then by all means go to Canyon Ranch in Tucson (exit Kolb off the 10 West), they have a salon and ask for Celina. Costs about $250 for cut and highlights. Stay at the Hilton El Conquistador in the Oro Valley of Tucson. Shop at Whole Foods off Oracle and you will be in 7th Heaven. Ulta is there and so is Trader Joe's. I cannot rec any salon in Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Sorry. If you want to have cuts/color in Albuquerque, stay in Sandia Heights where Cali-expats are and chances are you'll find a salon where you'll have quality work done.

Anyway, in closing, as my mom used to do, make the very best of any situation you're in. My dad was assigned in several states including Hawaii, so there's upsides to everything. In fact, there's a graveyard off the highway (750 to Wheeler) on Oahu that is the cemetery for Japanese-American soldiers who died fighting for this country during WW2 in the Pacific Theater. What an amazing lesson that was. There is one unit there that are buried next to one another, so that even in death, they are close. My mom made sure we kids went to Pearl Harbor but that was balanced out with the Japanese-American US Military cemetery as an example that you can't compartmentalize and categorize everyone by race or ethnicity.

Take care, you'll be OK. Don't let the hardboiled types get you down; they have nothing to offer.

Best to you and the other military moms,

~Cali-girl

[caydriver]

Cali-girl their are wonderful dentists in NM. My husband knew 75% of them because he was in practice in Albuq for 35 years. Don't know where you got your mis-information.

[ajzjmsmom]

So I have read this thread several times and I am sorry to hear the OP dislikes Alamogordo so bad. I can tell her for a fact that Alamogordo is not the worst place on earth and compared to other places I have lived it is downright heaven.

While it is not a hopping metropolis with alot to do it is a nice laid-back place. I don't agree that the people here aren't friendly and I don't agree that it is an unsafe place to be. And for the poster who remarked about the drivers here try living in the NOVA/DC area then talk to me about the drivers.

I believe life is what you make of it and why chose to be miserable when with a little attitude change you could make your life and the life of those around you alot better. If you constantly complain about someplace then yes in your perception it will suck. It is sad to think that someone is that unhappy here.

[highdesertmutz]

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

So I have read this thread several times and I am sorry to hear the OP dislikes Alamogordo so bad.

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

I can tell her for a fact that Alamogordo is not the worst place on earth and compared to other places I have lived it is downright heaven.

You got that right!

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

While it is not a hopping metropolis with alot to do it is a nice laid-back place. I don't agree that the people here aren't friendly and I don't agree that it is an unsafe place to be. And for the poster who remarked about the drivers here try living in the NOVA/DC area then talk to me about the drivers.

I believe life is what you make of it and why chose to be miserable when with a little attitude change you could make your life and the life of those around you alot better. If you constantly complain about someplace then yes in your perception it will suck. It is sad to think that someone is that unhappy here.