How much does a person really need to make to live (and rent) in Santa Fe? (Taos: for sale, real estate)

[SanfordR]

I use Rodeo and Zia to avoid Cerrillos-it IS a nightmare- and recommend Gap in the mall as a decent place to find clothes- lots of markdowns. The outlet stores are a little further out but good for shopping. And of course TJ Maxx .

[Botanista]

So, it's decided! He took the job. We've decided that I'm going to stay here in order to finish school, though, so he'll be looking for a smaller place, without the dog stipulations. Now I'm just waiting for that dream casita to show up on craigslist.

[Fischer_girl]

Originally Posted by Botanista

So, it's decided! He took the job. We've decided that I'm going to stay here in order to finish school, though, so he'll be looking for a smaller place, without the dog stipulations. Now I'm just waiting for that dream casita to show up on craigslist.

Broaden your search beyond CL. It didn't do crap for me when we were moving... fraud places is about it.
Best of luck!

[Botanista]

@Fischer_girl: I've noticed this. I have been getting an awful lot of responses requesting that I complete random internet-based credit checks.

We'll be heading up next week so that he can go to some work-related stuff, and I'll be scoping out apartments then.

Regarding the Cerrillos road "nightmare"...how bad is traffic? He'll be working in the southwest part of town, but I've been eyeing some of the cuter rentals in the north/northeast area.

[lia martin]

Bonista, compared to Las Cruces, traffic is a dream. Of course, weekends and holidays on the Plaza are crowded but not for long. And, that is just about finding parking. If you want to shop, the reason why you live here, is so you can shop at consignment stores for jeans, boots, cowgirl shirts (Double Take) for instance. It is like anyplace else, you make it work.

Another thing they say about SF is that relationships change. Many end, and many start. It is a culturally diverse, challenging and interesting place that will take you down to your core and make you look inside.

And, I am not talking "crystal head philosophy." In fact, new age people sometimes leave within a year of moving to northern NM. It is different, you will see.

If I were you, I would come north with your man...

[SanfordR]

Another thing they say about SF is that relationships change. Many end, and many start. It is a culturally diverse, challenging and interesting place that will take you down to your core and make you look inside

You are right on the money with this reply, Iia. SF slowly grows on you and it does change you. And I would recommend coming along too Botanista!

[Towanda]

I dislike Cerrillos Road as much as the next person, but it is a little bit better since all of that road construction that took forever seems to be pretty much done.

We usually take Siringo Road or Rodeo Rd. to avoid as much of Cerrillos as we can, and we often use Agua Fria Rd. which is a great substitute for Cerrillos.

Of course, you can't completely avoid Cerrillos since so many stores, restaurants, etc. are on Cerrillos and you have to get to them at times.

[kattoo13]

Originally Posted by Vinegaroon

If you have pets, it will be more difficult to find a rental.

Really? Why? That's a bummer...

[GreatSantaFe]

Originally Posted by kattoo13

Really? Why? That's a bummer...

I know of one highly-regarded rental management company that adds anywhere from $10 - 25/month as a "pet lease" to cover any damage that may be done by the pet. So, if you want to go through a company to get a rental, send me a private message and I'll give you their contact information. If you want to just find a rental through the classifieds or Craig's List, then negotiate the pet issue directly with the owner.

[SanfordR]

We pay $200 non-refundable/year for 2 cats. We've rented in other areas, that's typical. But it never hurts to try to drive a bargain before you sign a lease- like on the pet clause, early termination without penalty, an extra month free, etc.