What can you tell me about Vallecitos? (how much, university)

[desertdenizen]

I've been looking at moving to northern New Mexico for quite some time. I've talked to many realtors, read a lot of threads on this board, as well as many articles on the net. There are three places I'm curious about that I can't find much information on: Vallecitos, El Rito (not El Rito/Latir), and La Madera, which are all basically north of Ojo Caliente. I'm particularly interested in Vallecitos. Does anyone have any experience with these little mountain towns? We're not 'rich folk', and are just looking for a place where we can have a vegetable garden and maybe some livestock. Any light you can shed would be much appreciated.

[Greenmon]

Originally Posted by desertdenizen

I've been looking at moving to northern New Mexico for quite some time. I've talked to many realtors, read a lot of threads on this board, as well as many articles on the net. There are three places I'm curious about that I can't find much information on: Vallecitos, El Rito (not El Rito/Latir), and La Madera, which are all basically north of Ojo Caliente. I'm particularly interested in Vallecitos. Does anyone have any experience with these little mountain towns? We're not 'rich folk', and are just looking for a place where we can have a vegetable garden and maybe some livestock. Any light you can shed would be much appreciated.

I am surprised no one answered you, what have you found out in your search? My better half and i a looking in the same direction . Best wiSHES, aj AND dENISE

[Vinegaroon]

Those small northern towns will be for the most part populated by people who were brought up there, and have strong ties to that area. The economies of these towns are usually poor. You might enjoy living in such a place as long as you are willing to play by their rules and respect their opinions. If you try to move into these communities and impose your will upon the community, you are in for a miserable time.

[Devin Bent]

I don't know any of these places very well. El Rito has a branch of what I believe is now called Northern New Mexico University and is strong in traditional arts and crafts. That should have brought a greater variety of people in there. It is very pretty up there and a little greener than some places in New Mexico.

For all of those places, I'd look into how much driving would be required for the basic shopping and services and what this would cost you in the light of higher gasoline prices.

[desertdenizen]

Thanks all, for the replies.

I understand about the 'old, small town' syndrome, where everyone knows everyone and families have lived their for generations.

We're pretty low-key folks, and have no interest in imposing on their already established lifestyle. I'm just wondering, given that, if people there have a live-and-let-live attitude, or aren't real happy with outsiders moving in...

Any other information you might have is appreciated.