ABQ to Santa Fe (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho: real estate market, quality of life, living)

[Studiobill]

Any small towns to live in between ABQ and Santa Fe?
Am an appraiser who would like to work both markets. Any thoughts on any place other than Placitas? Sounds like a great place, but a bit procey.
Thanks

[nmguy]

How about the town of cochiti? It looks like a pleasant community.

[Studiobill]

Thanks for reply. Wasn't certain if areas are Indian Pueblos and off limits

[Chaparral]

I'll suggest the obvious town of Bernalillo. Algodones could fit the bill as well, but price could be an issue (like Placitas) too.

Chap

[Julia2sf]

I just got back from spending the weekend in Albuquerque with a friend who is an ex-Santa Fean and now a died-in-the-wool Duke City girl. (I think she'd only admit to her former Santa Fean status under extreme duress.) I was not expecting to be impressed. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I think you could easily base your appraisal business in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho without having to bother to look at pick-up work in Santa Fe. While I don't know how difficult the ABQ Metro area is to crack, there is so much going on there these days that--without having any ear-to-the-ground information--it would seem that with a bit of sticktoitness and a willingness to pound the pavement, you'd find your niche.

Santa Fe has a bit of a strange real estate culture. Let's leave it at that.

[Studiobill]

Originally Posted by Julia2sf

I just got back from spending the weekend in Albuquerque with a friend who is an ex-Santa Fean and now a died-in-the-wool Duke City girl. (I think she'd only admit to her former Santa Fean status under extreme duress.) I was not expecting to be impressed. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I think you could easily base your appraisal business in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho without having to bother to look at pick-up work in Santa Fe. While I don't know how difficult the ABQ Metro area is to crack, there is so much going on there these days that--without having any ear-to-the-ground information--it would seem that with a bit of sticktoitness and a willingness to pound the pavement, you'd find your niche.

Santa Fe has a bit of a strange real estate culture. Let's leave it at that.

Thanks for reply.
Typically I have found most people commenting on Santa Fe as the preferable location, but too expensive and too small a market. What are you and your friends issues with Santa Fe and it's real estate market? I know ABQ is being affected by the Real Estate crunch, but to what extent?
The Intel layoff issue could be a big concern to the economy.
Any comments/suggestions are appreciated.

[Zoidberg]

Could also look at Madrid, NM. It's basically halfway between Abq & SF, though not on the primary freeway. Much more culture and probably a better lifestyle than in say, Algodones.

Most halfwayers live in Rio Rancho. The commute to SF from there is less than from Albuquerque.

Why anyone would want to live halfway between the two is beyond me. Most people have a clear preference for one and little desire to visit the other on a regular basis. Living outside SF versus in it might make sense for affordability reasons, but I sure wouldn't pick a heavy artery of commuter traffic as my front yard; I'd go in a different direction from the town.

Also remember we're just a couple disasters away from $5/gallon gas. Factor in wherever you pick against that number.

[_yb]

Bernalillo would meet your needs.

[BrianH]

Bernallio is in between. Ive vowed to never set foot in there because of a bad experience in 5 business's and not one english speaker. But overall the town looks pretty nice, and if I didnt have that experience it might be a place I would live if I was pushed.

[Studiobill]

Bernalillo seems like a not quite discovered area whereas Placitas and Corrales are already established. A mix of old and newer development. Rio Rancho is just not my cup of tea. Would prefer to embrace the style/culture of New Mexico and not suburban sprawl (no offense to those that want that, just not for me).
Someone mentioned why would I live in between the two cities. As an appraiser, you go where the work is, so travel is a given. As to the traffic. Although I still consider myself a Pittsburgher (Go Steelers!) I have lived in Los Angeles for the past 3 years and you really cannot comprehend what traffic is until you the travel the 405 at the 101 at 5pm. So I'm not overly concerned about it. I will have to travel to different residences everyday, so what is most important is a somewhat central location and good quality of life.
Thanks for all the replies.