What is the best town to relocate to in NM? (Las Cruces: home, university)

[Dean Trails]

Here are some of my thoughts,,,,,,,

I would like some nice weather that is not too hot or cold.
Four seasons are ok if they are mild.
It would be nice to be near some water such as a lake, river or pond so i can fish.
Job is not an issue as i work from home in my jammies.
I would like some good medical services.
Some culture is necessary although, I am not a ballet fan!
Proximity to an airport would be dandy.

A Walmart or Costco will satisfy my shopping urges.

Gotta have good eating establishments but not necessarily 4 star.
A national forest or preserve nearby would be great!

So where are your great towns located?

[rruff]

Are these desires in priority order?

NM has fairly mild weather by national standards, with the southern part being the most mild. But you have your choice of tending to be on the warm side and deserty, or the cool side and foresty.

The major airports are ABQ and El Paso, so that is probably the biggest restriction if being close to one of those is important.

[jaxart]

I believe you're describing Las Cruces. It meets all of the criteria in the OP's post. And near enough to El Paso (45 minutes by IH-10) for anything that L.C. may not offer - such as a full-fledged airport. Las Cruces in now rated as not only the second largest city in NM, but the fastest growing city as well in the past few years, and for good reason (IMO).

[rruff]

Only problem with LC is that it isn't very close to a forest in any direction... and it is certainly on the warm side. It also has *way* more than a Walmart for shopping... which led me to think that Dean Trails was eyeing smaller towns.

My favorite spot for being near a city but not in one, would probably be east of ABQ just on the other side of the mountains.

Another consideration for the OP... price?

[songinthewind7]

It also depends on what you consider hot and cold.
NM has a good climate for me - Timberon has the perfect climate. Very mild but it's isolated.
Timberon has some of what you're looking for but the grocer is a little over an hour away, medical is 45 minutes away and I'm picky on restaurants so I haven't found any in the area I like.
We do have the forests, lakes and golf course though.

[jaxart]

Originally Posted by rruff

Only problem with LC is that it isn't very close to a forest in any direction...

I think of it "as close" since I've traveled between El Paso and Ruidoso all of my life and never minded the drive that much. Of course it's not the kind of drive one wants to make if needing to just go for a walk in the woods for an hour, but for weekend jaunts it's not that bad, IMO. In fact, now that I live in Ruidoso, I often make day trips to El Paso and/or Las Cruces - in fact just went to E.P. last week, and was back home mid-afternoon even after stopping for lunch at Si Senor in Alamogordo.

[Dean Trails]

Originally Posted by rruff

Are these desires in priority order?

NM has fairly mild weather by national standards, with the southern part being the most mild. But you have your choice of tending to be on the warm side and deserty, or the cool side and foresty.

The major airports are ABQ and El Paso, so that is probably the biggest restriction if being close to one of those is important.

Nope, these are not in any order. Just a wish list. I understand no area will be perfect.

As to airports a 100 mile radius drive is ok.
And, any home price is fine.

[40FORDJIM]

Check out Silver City. We are at 6000ft which moderates the summer heat but is a little cooler in the winter with a touch of snow on occasion. There is also your required Walmart, lakes for fishing, the Gila National Forest for hiking and hunting, and with a population of around 11,000 right now. The closest major airport is 2 1/2 hours away but the county airport has a commuter airline that flies to a major airport. No matter where, you must check it out for yourself.....Good Luck !

[rruff]

I also think Silver City is worth a look. It's a bit outside your airport radius, but has a great climate, huge and beautiful forest and mountains next door, is somewhat progressive and interesting, has a small university, etc.

[TigerLily24]

Originally Posted by rruff

Only problem with LC is that it isn't very close to a forest in any direction... and it is certainly on the warm side. It also has *way* more than a Walmart for shopping... which led me to think that Dean Trails was eyeing smaller towns.

My favorite spot for being near a city but not in one, would probably be east of ABQ just on the other side of the mountains.

Another consideration for the OP... price?

Depends on what you consider 'close.' Lincoln National Forest is about an hour from LC. Not walking distance, of course, but a lovely distance for a weekend excursion.
And, there is White Sands in between, which offers its own special opportunities for outdoor activities.