Las Vegas NM--not sure what to think . . . (Santa Fe, Socorro: transplants, real estate)

[jazzlover]

It seems, from reading the posts on this forum, that there is a real split of opinion about Las Vegas, New Mexico. To read some posts, it is a crime-ridden depressing town, to others it is very pleasant.

It has been a few years since I have been there. What I recall was a somewhat typical northern New Mexico town. There was definitely some run-down areas, but also some beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture--with some nicely restored homes and commericial buildings. Obviously, the town has a large percentage of Hispanic population, but I didn't feel unsafe or unwelcome there (I'm Anglo, but have lived in communities with farily large Hispanic populations before, so that isn't a big deal). I remember eating some excellent northern New Mexican cousine there in a restaurant downtown (the name now forgotten) that was obviously a very popular place with the locals.

I love the country around Las Vegas and the climate there is very appealing (I am an amateur climatologist and thunderstorm climatology is a hobby). So, the rhetorical question: Would it be an OK place for a middle-aged Anglo (who dislikes the glitzy resort places full of pretentious transplants and hideously overpriced real estate) looking for a small community in northern New Mexico that would be relatively safe and friendly? Thoughts appreciated.

[GregW]

Try Socorro - the national lightning lab is on MT. Brady sw of town.

[catman]

jazzlover: I think Las Vegas is very appealing climatologically and topographically (mountains one way, plains the other). I've been there several times and never felt any bad vibes. Its downtown is really jammed together. BTW, I'm a jazz lover too; in fact, I make my living playing it!

[jazzlover]

I thought I would recycle this thread up to the top, since there hasn't been much comment on it. I read the following quote concerning Las Vegas off of a very interesting website ( Colorado and New Mexico Information and Vacation Planner ) out of southern Colorado:

"Things are looking up for this slightly tarnished jewel of the Old West. Prosperity is coming back and the population is rising. If I ever have to leave my paradise in the mountains, Las Vegas is one of the first places I'll be looking at. There's lots and lots of opportunity here and things are just getting started."

What is the opinion of anyone from Las Vegas or some knowledgeable New Mexicans about this observation concerning the Las Vegas area? The history, geography and climate of that area still intrigues me.

[jsc23]

I have resided in LVNM for about 7 years. I am Anglo in my mid-40s. I have had no unusual problems due to ethnicity or whatever. I suspect many anglo visitors or short term residents in LV simply suffer from shock at not belonging to the local ethnic majority. Like any place and in any community, respect breeds respect.

I have started and built three (going on four) businesses in town and have not encountered any unusual resistance... I play 9 ball in the local pool league, never any hassle.

I own a house on the "bad side" of town, my neighbors have done awful things like lend me a truck when mine had a blow-out and I was late for a meeting (I didn't ask, he came out and offered), help me stack my firewood for the winter, (again, without my asking)and invite my wife and me to join in a daughter's quinceanera celebration as a way to meet the folks in the area. Awful just awful.

As for storm watching: this area is where warm moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico loops back east against the Sangre de Cristos and meets the cooler air moving down from the north. The thunderstorms that wreak havoc on the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles form here, you can watch their full growth cycle from the edge of town.

[catman]

Originally Posted by jsc23

IAs for storm watching: this area is where warm moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico loops back east against the Sangre de Cristos and meets the cooler air moving down from the north. The thunderstorms that wreak havoc on the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles form here, you can watch their full growth cycle from the edge of town.

That sounds fascinating, as long as you get to watch them rather than be under them. I presently live in Fort Worth, TX, and I get to be in a lot of them. I suppose LV is on the far edge of that. I don't mind a t-storm occasionally, but I can do without big hail and tornado warnings. I've seen softball sized hail in my yard (and heard it on top of the ceiling after it passed through the roof).

[jsc23]

Originally Posted by catman

That sounds fascinating, as long as you get to watch them rather than be under them. I presently live in Fort Worth, TX, and I get to be in a lot of them. I suppose LV is on the far edge of that. I don't mind a t-storm occasionally, but I can do without big hail and tornado warnings. I've seen softball sized hail in my yard (and heard it on top of the ceiling after it passed through the roof).

I grew up in Amarillo, first memory of a tornado is of one that took off our roof when I was four. Las Vegas gets some good electric shows and the odd pea-size hail shower, but no tornadoes. We just watch the storms build and pummel places to the east. A tornado touched down in open range south of Santa Fe this past Spring. The twister was barely more than a dust devil, but shocked commuters on I 25 overwhelmed 911 with panicked calls... first tornado around here in more than 20 years. The real hazard here is flash floods in the arroyos.

[catman]

I was within 3 mile of the tornado that hit downtown Ft Worth in 2000. Way too close for comfort! Did the tornado south of Santa Fe cause any damage, or did it just freak everyone out? I can see how flash floods in the arroyos would be dangerous, but I imagine the water is more than welcome. I think I've spent enough time in Tornado Alley. LV sounds like heaven for a weather watcher.

[mortimer]

catman wondered:

> Did the tornado south of Santa Fe cause any damage,
> or did it just freak everyone out?

It *did* freak everyone out, but it was really just a big dust devil - size wise. It might have tipped a small SUV, U-Haul or made a corolla dance.

There is a good video of the tornado here:

YouTube - tornado 6.9.07 near santa fe (santo domingo overpass)

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by jsc23

I have resided in LVNM for about 7 years. I am Anglo in my mid-40s. I have had no unusual problems due to ethnicity or whatever. I suspect many anglo visitors or short term residents in LV simply suffer from shock at not belonging to the local ethnic majority. Like any place and in any community, respect breeds respect.

I have started and built three (going on four) businesses in town and have not encountered any unusual resistance... I play 9 ball in the local pool league, never any hassle.

I own a house on the "bad side" of town, my neighbors have done awful things like lend me a truck when mine had a blow-out and I was late for a meeting (I didn't ask, he came out and offered), help me stack my firewood for the winter, (again, without my asking)and invite my wife and me to join in a daughter's quinceanera celebration as a way to meet the folks in the area. Awful just awful.

As for storm watching: this area is where warm moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico loops back east against the Sangre de Cristos and meets the cooler air moving down from the north. The thunderstorms that wreak havoc on the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles form here, you can watch their full growth cycle from the edge of town.

What would LV be like for a middle-aged bachelor. Any middle-aged single ladies in town?