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There are a lot of other differences: green, lush vs desert; cheap housing of the midwest vs higher priced housing of SF, etc.
Having moved to Bernalillo (between SF and ABQ) from Louiisville, KY two years ago, one thing we've been struck by is that it isn't just green, lush vs desert. More accurately in my opinion is it's green + lush versus desert + incredible vistas just about everywhere you look. We had lots of green in KY but that means you're usually sourrounded by it with few wide-stretching views - unless you live on top of a mountain and clear the green for scenic view paths or on a big horse ranch with open fields (neither of which we did). Here there's limited green to get in the way of the great views. Maybe a subtle difference for some but my wife and I both find the vistas wonderful, more than making up for the green we left behind.
I also think savoring the vistas everyday stretches your perspective in a good way. Your world expands more then if you're hemmed in in your little subdivision, yard, etc.
Having moved to Bernalillo (between SF and ABQ) from Louiisville, KY two years ago, one thing we've been struck by is that it isn't just green, lush vs desert. More accurately in my opinion is it's green + lush versus desert + incredible vistas just about everywhere you look. We had lots of green in KY but that means you're usually sourrounded by it with few wide-stretching views - unless you live on top of a mountain and clear the green for scenic view paths or on a big horse ranch with open fields (neither of which we did). Here there's limited green to get in the way of the great views. Maybe a subtle difference for some but my wife and I both find the vistas wonderful, more than making up for the green we left behind.
I also think savoring the vistas everyday stretches your perspective in a good way. Your world expands more then if you're hemmed in in your little subdivision, yard, etc.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Originally Posted by rwjoyak
Having moved to Bernalillo (between SF and ABQ) from Louiisville, KY two years ago, one thing we've been struck by is that it isn't just green, lush vs desert. More accurately in my opinion is it's green + lush versus desert + incredible vistas just about everywhere you look. We had lots of green in KY but that means you're usually sourrounded by it with few wide-stretching views - unless you live on top of a mountain and clear the green for scenic view paths or on a big horse ranch with open fields (neither of which we did). Here there's limited green to get in the way of the great views. Maybe a subtle difference for some but my wife and I both find the vistas wonderful, more than making up for the green we left behind.
I also think savoring the vistas everyday stretches your perspective in a good way. Your world expands more then if you're hemmed in in your little subdivision, yard, etc.
I absolutely agree 100%. Same thick vegetation with a lot of undergrowth and canopy upon rolling hills here in Massachusetts. What I like about the Southwest is it looks so different and has a different array of colors. So much of the landscapes in the US look the same from one state to the next, especially East of the Rockies. I love the wide open vistas in New Mexico and viewing all the superlative landscapes. Throw in the unique cultural mix in a way that only the Land of Enchantment can deliver and you have yourself a very special place. I'm smitten for it.
Well, folks, we did it....closed on the house in SF last week and will leave CA - for good! - sometime in March. All things considered, we think the quality of our lives will be better
in NM: yes, those wonderful vistas - and lots of culture and -believe it or not - a reasonable housing cost (ok - vs southern CA almost anywhere will seem cheaper....).
We hear a dash of envy in the voices of our friends: we seem a bit 'adventurous' moving to an area where we know almost no one! But everyone we've met has been friendly and welcoming.
Will we miss being near the ocean? Maybe, but it will still be here if we want to visit.
Will we miss the freeways? Definitely not! We've cut back on the number of trips we make to LA or to the LA/theWest Side/Pasadena for events or meals because because there is NO good time of day to drive there 'stress-free.'
So, we'll enjoy NM - the open spaces, the wonderful views, new culture and food, and explore the surrounding areas. Sounds like a pretty good plan for retirement.
I love the word "adventure". Going adventuring sounds so much better than just saying you're moving. And it captures exactly the attitude you need to have when exploring new places, whether just on short visits or putting down new roots.
Treating something as an adventure means knowing that you'll be faced with a bunch of unknowns, some things won't turn out the way you think they will when starting out, and most likely not everything will be peaches and cream. But if you view whatever happens as a positive learning experience, find the humor in what your new life brings, enjoy all the good times and ignore (as much as possible) the bad, and ride the wave however it takes you, you're bound to have a great life.
Congratulations on your impending launch and bon voyage.
Congratulations to you folks. I made the move from the Bay Area nine years ago and am constantly aware of the better quality of life. Keep us posted as your adventure unfolds.
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