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My family is considering a move to the Santa Fe area (job in Santa Fe, but moving out near Rio Rancho because of the cost of living). We are fairly conservative politically. Would we feel alone in NM, or is there a good balance between conservatives and liberals? Thanks!
Santa Fe is definitely the "haven" of liberalism in NM, but you won't be alone. And even in Santa Fe, as long as you aren't trying to push your views on the liberals, most of the liberals don't push their views on you. You'll run into a jerk every now and then, but that is true of everywhere.
Once you get out of the metro areas, NM is VERY conservative. But there are still lots of conservative Democrats. Mostly older people. My grandmother is the most conservative person I know, but she has never voted anything but Democratic. The old FDR Democrats die hard.
I moved to Albuquerque 3 years ago and am very conservative politically; I have also spent much time in Rio Rancho for my job and for church.
I think you'll be more than comfortable with being a conservative here.
Afterall, New Mexico went for the GOP in the 2004 Presidential Election (and in 2000, went for Gore, but by the slimmest of margins...something like 366 votes - total!).
As mentioned, Santa Fe is extremely liberal. That is the one city (and Taos) where I wouldn't feel comfortable living as a conservative in the state.
Statistically, I think that the Albuquerque Metro Area (which includes Rio Rancho), is still 10 or 15 percentage points higher for liberals than conservatives, however, I think just out and about, you'll "feel" about a 50-50 split. You'll see as many "Viva Bush" stickers as you will John Kerry stickers (using the 04 election as an example).
There is plenty of conservative talk radio on in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho.
So as long as you aren't planning to reside in Santa Fe, I think you'll find many, many conservatives just like you! (And yes, even more in Rio Rancho and NE Albuquerque than other areas in the Metro).
Roslein, you would be better off in Rio Rancho if you are a conservative. Santa Fe is liberal for the most part and Rio Rancho is mostly conservative. Rio has more of the middle class and upper middle class suburbanite type people.
I am just about as conservative as they come, and I have lived in the very conservative state of Kansas for many years, but I am moving to New Mexico next year.....and to the Santa Fe area of all places!
I do not fear it. I look forward to discussing politics with the people I meet, and I hope they can respect me for my political views. I look forward to finding other conservatives in Santa Fe. And if I am the ony one .... well ...cool. Doesn't bother me much.
Good luck with your move, Roslein. Be very proud of who you are.
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