Question for New Mexico Residents (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: buy, construction, college)

[highdesertmutz]

Originally Posted by sjbasin

Ok, here's the deal. You don't get to pick New Mexico. New Mexico picks you. Come on out and visit. Leave your "checklist" of desired amenities back in Boston because I'll tell you right now this place isn't going to meet them. But then, that's the magic.

And, once you arrive here, you'll be hooked like a junkie.
The mountains, valleys, high desert, forests, canyons, lakes, rivers, something will get to you. The weather ain't all that bad either.

We came here 3 1/2 years ago, bought a jeep, and now we go everywhere.

You just might find yourself liking it.

Just look at these pictures, how can one resist?
http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-m...ml#post8736207

[JDTH]

Listen to these people. NM really is like no place else. I am originally from Chicago are (23 years) and moved to Tempe, AZ (30 years). I've been to Albuquerque a dozen times or so and found it to be okay, but 3 years ago we drove through southern NM and just could not believe our eyes. Just absolutely gorgeous. So many different vistas. We now have a home in Ruidoso but still live in Tempe most of the time for now. Some day hopefully we can winter in Tempe and summer in Ruidoso. We will see.

I have not been to Santa Fe or Taos in years, but what I do remember was very beautiful.

[Rosanero10]

Thank you again everyone. How would you say that New Mexico compares to Nevada and Arizona? When I ask, I am really questioning demographics, lifestyle, industry, and community. I can tell already from what I have been told from friends and ex-business associates, as well as the generosity of people in these threads, that the majority of people in New Mexico seem to deeply grasp a sense of community within the four walls of the states boundaries.

Thank You.

(Nevada and Arizona I have visited with fair frequency and thus have a comparative basis)

[DOUBLE H]

Rosanero10. I live in western Colorado but go through New Mexico frequently; have as many friends in N.M. as my home state. Like a lot of people on this thread, it would be good to spend two weeks, maybe more, if you can to get a feel for the area. Stay in several cities for a couple days in each city to really get a feel for the area.

New Mexico is a state totally different than any other state you have been in.
People look at things differently. Trust me, you'll love it. Noticed the other thread you started, will post on it later.

[Rosanero10]

I agree wholeheartedly with each person generous enough to share that perspective. In fact, part of my desire to contribute on these threads is to configure specific destinations for my trip, and to be able to put something together in order to get out there to see for myself. Thank You again. Everyones help in genuinely appreciated.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by sjbasin

Ok, here's the deal. You don't get to pick New Mexico. New Mexico picks you. Come on out and visit. Leave your "checklist" of desired amenities back in Boston because I'll tell you right now this place isn't going to meet them. But then, that's the magic.

This is 100% true. I am not a New Mexico resident, but I've spent plenty of time there (mostly in northern New Mexico) over the last 40 years. New Mexico is indeed a place unto itself.

I will say right up front that I am not a big fan of Albuquerque. I have numerous friends there and I considered relocating there at one time. What it shares with most Western cities is a predisposition to suburban sprawl, tacky development, and "strip-mall/big box" retailing that one can find just about anywhere. Unfortunately, Albuquerque also has a much higher than average crime rate. Some on this board gloss over this, but my Albuquerque friends do not. In fact, they seem pretty much resigned to it being a "feature" of living there.

Santa Fe may be charming to tourists and recent transplants, but it is increasingly just a tourist town and retreat for the wealthy--"Aspen built out of adobe," as one of my friends, a long-time Santa Fe resident who relocated elsewhere as soon as he retired from his job with the State of New Mexico, likes to call it. Taos is pretty much cast from the same mold.

Small town northern New Mexico can be charming, but it is a very difficult place in which to make a living, and it absolutely is a place that must be accepted on its own terms.

New Mexico's culture, geography, and history is captivating, but it is by no means for everyone. It's one of those places people either love or hate--not much middle ground. It also is one of those places that can not be fathomed or understood by just reading about it.

[desert sun]

New Mexico aint like anywhere else,you will know when you travel through here, its better than AZ or NV anyday, I was born and raised in New Mexico and I would never wanna live in AZ or NV at all. I wouldnt even consider it, you got everything you need in NM, from a mid-size city with most anything you need(ABQ) to mountains,mesas,volcanoes,plains,deserts, and forests. A conservative side of the state and a liberal side.

NM has lots of history, the people are deeply rooted here, although I am curious and wanna try another state just to see what life is like in another area Im pretty sure I would end up coming back to NM. I am proud to be a New Mexican cause we are not of the norm.

and Im not lying either but there are parts of NM that feel spiritual,wether good or bad its there.

[GregW]

OP - You need to purchase:
a Benchmark New Mexico Atlas - google for website
A Recreation Map of New Mexico - google for website
copy of Off the Beaten path in NM - Borders in Boston
copy of Senic Drives in NM

or just a national road atlas

Then get in your car and drive to NM for a while (maybe the rest of your life)
or
Take Southwest Airlines from Manchester NH to Albuquerque, taxi to the La Posada in town, Rent a car and drive around. Then stay awile.

Above all stop trying to plan everything out. That is why I really suggest you take your car, a wad of money and just drive out there. First time I went through NM I was on a motorcycle and spent half the nights of the trip sleeping on picnic tables.

[Rosanero10]

Greg W - My intentions are to fly out and rent a car just as you recommended. Generally I would fly out of Logan, but I suppose that doesn't matter either way. I will pick up the items you recommended to prepare me for my navigation around the state.

Desert Sun - Thank you for your assesment. Hearing from a born and raised resident of the state of New Mexico is greatly beneficial. I have lived in many places and done a great amount of traveling, but have yet to find my "home". Perhaps New Mexico will become just that. I was curious if you would be willing to eleborate a bit more on the "conservative" and "liberal" sides of the state. That comment interested me greatly. Thank You.

Of course, once again, thank you everyone who is replying and offering opinions and information.

[highdesertmutz]

we all get along gr8.