Truth or Consequences (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe: for rent, condos, homes)

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by Wisteria

I
Oh, and one of us was talking about maybe charging a small fee to people for taking a (maybe monthly) run to Trader Joe's -- use coolers for frozen things, and just gather up items we have become used to buying at Trader Joe's -- do you think that would be viable?

I think thats a great idea about everyone pitching in to go to Las Cruces and stock up on supplies and if i lived there i would participate in that. If some one has a pickup especially with a camper shell that would be great.
Good idea Wisteria.

Also i believe Kingston and Hillsboro have artist moving into them like Madrid or Mogollon Ghost Towns in New Mexico. They are only about 20 miles west in the mountains from T or C. so if you decided to live there those are possibilities for your Artistic talents.

I myself am thinking of relocating to several different places inside and outside of NM so where you finally wind up is up to you but i say go with your Heart on this as we are on this earth a short time so live where you'll be happy and not what others say or think.

6/3

[Wisteria]

Okay, back again with another question. One of the people I know who is moving to TorC in the spring has been trying to get a house there -- apparently, they are being snapped up quickly. Is anyone aware of the these numerous real estate sales going on? She was surprised that two houses that she inquired about were gone already.

Who is coming into TorC? Is it Californians, or people from other states, or just other places in New Mexico?? Somehow it doesn't seem like a place that would be first on most people's lists, but I guess it is on someone's (other than mine and my friend's).

Just curious if there are any hummings going on about real estate there? One house was on 6th Street and I forgot the name of the other street. Something's going on, but I don't know what it is.....any clues?? Thanks!

Oh, and 6 Foot 3, I'm not planning on pursuing art as a living -- I just enjoy the teaching part the most. I am not intentionally portraying myself as a working artist (I have sold pieces before, but it's not my intention). If what I produce is worthwhile enough for someone to enjoy, and even purchase, then that's okay, but it's not my goal. I just want to enjoy it, not feel I have to live on it. But thanks for the advice, because you're right -- we need to go where our heart is....

[6 FOOT 3]

Wisteria....that has to be do to the Spaceport is being constructed just south of T or C and will open next year in 2009 as they expect the space tourism and employment sector tied into that is going to explode down there so people are buying up properties in anticipation.

[Wisteria]

Thanks. I was wondering about that. But, boy, they're going fast! My friend can't seem to put an offer down fast enough! I wonder how this will (or may) transform TorC??

Thanks!

[GregW]

I hope the RE price run up does not extend to Socorro. I was hoping to find a bargain house when I retire

[designer]

Wisteria houses seem to really be going up here. I notice quite a few on
the market but I think they have the prices set pretty high because of
the spaceport hype. There do seem to be a lot of other things in the wind
that will make homes keep going up in price. I wouldn't however move here
with the idea that you might sell a lot of art. I could happen and if more
folks with money move here it will have a better chance of that happening
but from my observations it's just not there yet. Of course with the economy
going down hill art might be a tough sell anywhere. I spend a lot of time in
Las Cruces but art sales are down there as well. I know two people who own
gallieries and they sound pretty depressed about it. I also know some of the
better artists in LC have recently moved to Tucson to sell their art. I think
I would come and rent a small place for a while to see how you like it or how
if fits. The Walmart will open in three or four months and it might change
a lot of things here since it is so small.

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by GregW1

I hope the RE price run up does not extend to Socorro. I was hoping to find a bargain house when I retire

I don't think so Greg. I think if Socorro has a runup in the future it would come from Albuquerque or Los Luna/Belen than from T or C even though it's 75 miles from both areas north and south......

[Wisteria]

Designer: Wisteria houses seem to really be going up here. I notice quite a few on he market but I think they have the prices set pretty high because of the spaceport hype.

I think the Spaceport is part of it. The woman I know from here who is retiring there this spring has a sister who lives part-time in TorC (her primary job is in Albuquerque). What she told my friend was that there are "two prices." One price is for "Californians," and the other for locals. Apparently, houses are being priced at least $20,000 over because of out-of-state people who can pay cash. I think that's pretty sleezy, really, because if you just happen to be from another state, doesn't mean you have loads of cash. Plus, although the place is funky and kind of cool, it's also kind of run down. I can see charging more for a shiny new place, but it sounds like realtors are just pushing prices up purposely. Have you heard anything about that tactic??

(I'm also not planning on making art for a living, so I'm okay about that. I'm not gung-ho about selling art -- I won't be competition for anyone! )

It's kind of crazy the way things are going there right now. I'm getting confused as to what is happening. Now, if that spaceport doesn't materialize, or it fails (exploding space ships, etc.), then the town could go into a decline. It's confusing sorting it all out. Thanks for your insights, though, because they are very helpful.

Oh, and do you know the people at the White Raven galley in Las Cruces? I visited when I was there last summer.

Thanks!

[anomoly]

Is there room for another "opinion"?
I was reading the threads, and figured I'd offer my 2 cents, for what it's worth.
I was in TrC 2 years ago for about 3 months, and now again this year. I definitely have some of the same mixed opinions here. I said I would never come back, but here I am this year, so go figure.
When I came the first time, I noticed what a great little funky town it was. It has a lake, hot springs, good weather, a cute downtown area, and CHEAP property. I see so much potential, but..... but? not sure.
The historic charm reminded me of a hollywood movie set, but I remember thinking "What happened here? Did everyone die, or overdose? Why is there no business or life here?" Cute storefronts were mostly remnants of businesses that don't exist anymore.
The Arts community was, and is, active, holding "Gallery Hops" once a month on Saturday nights. My sense is that they are the main force determined to breathe life back into this town, and I appreciate their dedication.
Politics: this town can't seem to get even the smallest things done. The Planning commission's last meeting was attended by developers and business people from around the state, and out of state, but only 1 of the 5 commissioners showed up for the meeting! What's that about?!
There are many local seniors here, and I find them delightful. There are also alot of snowbird RV seniors, mostly in Elephant Butte, and are seasonal.
Wisteria, I was intrigued by your comments on '2 prices', which is probably true. But, I agree with what they are doing, because (being a Californian) most will come prepared to pay more and accept what sounds like a good deal to them. It's like when you go to Mexico to shop, where everyone knows you don't pay the asking price. If you're not smart enough to bargain, or if the asking price is so cheap that you don't care, then so be it. But these people will also expect their property values to increase, and will aggressively make that happen.
People who don't have that kind of money will try a little harder and probably find that they can get a price they can afford.
The Spaceport is coming, I do believe, and is providing hope, and yes, raising the property values. But, hey, it's still cheap!
About Nascar: don't bet on it in your lifetime. Read about the hospital debate, and you'll see what I mean.
Everyone agrees that shopping is limited. One BIG problem: when you only have one of each type of business in town, it means they don't have to be very good because they have no competition. I'm constantly amazed at what you have to settle for, unless you go to Las Cruces.
WalMart is coming, but they know they will have trouble finding competent employees, and this will certainly affect local businesses, but maybe in a good way, if it raises the standards for the town.
I'm not sure why you didn't like Las Cruces. I think it's charming, and alive, and the University is a draw. I will either move to Las Cruces or Silver City because of the quality of life. Why am I in TrC, you might wonder? Hey, for the winter, I'm saving an incredible amount of money!!
Considering all the places you've lived (Santa Cruz, Phoenix, Seattle, Colorado), I have to forewarn you about the mentality. If you forget everything you ever thought was 'common knowlege' or 'normal', you might be less frustrated.
Knowing what to expect has helped me. And I do have hope for this town.
Crime? Yeah, they have some, but I don't think it's much to worry about. Alot of the crime is drug-related, and they are usually stealing from each other. In fact, I have never locked my RV (my home), and I leave my keys in the car, ..but don't tell anyone.
Why not come for a season, before a lifetime?

[Wisteria]

anomoly:

Wisteria, I was intrigued by your comments on '2 prices', which is probably true. But, I agree with what they are doing, because (being a Californian) most will come prepared to pay more and accept what sounds like a good deal to them. It's like when you go to Mexico to shop, where everyone knows you don't pay the asking price. If you're not smart enough to bargain, or if the asking price is so cheap that you don't care, then so be it. But these people will also expect their property values to increase, and will aggressively make that happen.

Considering all the places you've lived (Santa Cruz, Phoenix, Seattle, Colorado), I have to forewarn you about the mentality. If you forget everything you ever thought was 'common knowlege' or 'normal', you might be less frustrated.

Thanks for dropping by - your comments are appreciated.

I, actually, was incorrect about the house pricing -- I heard that it's 20 PERCENT above the "local" price, not $20,000 -- so it could be more or less than that. And, yes, I know that it happens around the nation, but it's still disappointing to hear.

As for the quality of goods in TorC, I have been thinking about that. It would be a great place for someone to bring in a grocery and get some competition going!

I've thought about the mentality part, too, and the college being in Las Cruces. So, honestly, I am reconsidering and will re-check out both areas more objectively next time. Designer has given a lot of good advice, too, and also 6 Foot 3, so I am seriously taking this information to heart. Mortimer has also added some good humor and info!

My first impression about Las Cruces was the "newness." Everything was spanking new and shiny. It just seemed like an awful lot of new construction and gated communities. I didn't get to Mesilla, and I hear that is nice. So, I will spend more time there next time (an acquaintance just moved there, so I'd have someone to spend time with there).

And, yes, I am considering services and the availability of such. You're right -- I've been spoiled by some of the really nice places I've lived. Unfortunately, I have to leave this area in order to take retirement from my job. I can't afford to stay -- a sad truth for many of us here. I've actually lived in some very nice places, but I have also lived very frugally. I appreciate living in an area that has nice scenery, hiking, cultural things to do. Now, I'm looking to enjoy a sunnier, warmer environment, with some outdoor activities, some art, and some musical events. I am not a big consumer, and I appreciate many naturally free recreational and scenic offerings wherever I am.

So, I am looking towards Las Cruces as a compromise place. Silver City sounds charming, too, however, again, it's the lack of services and the necessity of driving to.... Las Cruces ..... to get what one needs. It's looking like one will have to spend time in Las Cruces, anyway, so maybe I ought to just be looking there.

I think TorC has great potential, however, as you and others have stated, I am amazed at the lack of ambition and drive of many residents. I wonder if the Spaceport will actually bring in as much revenue as people think. Of course, some resorts or hotels will be there, but other than that, what would a patron of the Spaceport need? A place to stay, a nice restaurant to eat in, and accessibility to an airport. Realistically, they're not going to live in TorC, and most things will likely be tourism-related. Unless the residents are invested, I don't see money being plowed into the local economy. And, as you pointed out, only one commissioner showed up for the meeting -- that says a lot!

So, right now, although I am more attracted to TorC, it may be more realistic and functional to go to Las Cruces and visit TorC for the hot springs.
Decisions, decisions.

Thanks for your post!