Moving - Considering Raton, NM (Santa Fe, Las Vegas: real estate, to rent, houses)
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I currently live in Flagstaff Az. considering Raton Nm. Seems like same climate to me. at 7000 ft. I expect little difference in climate ore anything else. The cost of living and real estate may higher in Flag.I am looking for a lower cost of living since my income has been cut by almost 2/3.i am hoping that Raton offers the same outdoor activities that I enjoy in and around AZ. Backpacking,hiking,mountain biking etc.Since I have been clear of cancer for 3 years I am trying to get back in shape and enjoy. By the way I have no problem with altitude at 62 years.
I expect little difference in climate ore anything else.
I personally find Flagstaff a much more desirable town in which to live, aesthetically speaking. I'm sure there is a significant difference in cost of real estate with Raton being lower. Flagstaff has a greater variety of eateries and other amenities, plus more of the necessities like health care that retirees depend upon. Otherwise, you're observation about climate and altitude are valid. Raton's closeness to Trinidad, CO might also be a plus for someone wanting more options.
I do understand your point of view.eight now I am dealing with economics. if my income was the same as it used to be I eould like to stay. having difficulty with that now.Well another alternitive I am considering is northern Wi. or the upper peninsula of Michigan. I dohave some family there.
As I have been researching NM for a decade or so I suggest you look at Las Vegas NM and some of the town in between. According to the data available on the city-data main website Raton has a real winter.
I've been to Raton twice, first in 1988 and then just about 3 years ago.
After the first visit I wouldn't have lived there on a bet, I was just a kid but had never seen such a singularly depressing town before. Last time it looked like a pretty reasonable town, maybe about like Socorro, though smaller. I didn't stay long however, so it was just a quick impression. The difference may be in 25 years of outlook, or it may have been the town - I tend to think it was the town improved a lot.
Climate should be about like Flag, but more windy. No matter how you cut it, there are fewer amenities in Raton. That may suit you - it sure would suit me - or it may not. Last time I stayed overnight in Flagstaff I enjoyed it a lot, but I would never choose to live there. Raton would almost certainly be a cheaper place to live.
Given a choice between Raton and Trinidad, CO, I'd probably pick Trinidad.
We had friends in Trinidad. But Raton and Trinidad both have winters which we have no desire to endure... My wife had business in Denver which had maybe two trips per year for about 5 years (1999 to about 2004). There were a few trips she flew alone as we could not risk the drive.
daddymo, the Original Poster has determined Raton is where he wants to move to because of lower cost of living over his current location Flagstaff, AZ.
I guess he needs to come out and visit Raton...
Last edited by Poncho_NM; 11-10-2014 at 06:02 PM..
I've never lived in Flagstaff but am all too familiar with their Spring snowstorms. And yes, they are getting crowded, especially in the summer months. Raton's winters aren't as lengthy as Flagtown, but yes, it gets cold in the winter! I-25 from Las Vegas to Raton can be pretty treacherous in the winter. But the summers are pretty pleasant, a little warmer than Flagstaff but not by much.
I'm a Colorado resident but have logged a few hundred thousand miles in New Mexico. I lived in Raton in '83 for 6 months while working on a three state CO2 pipeline project from north of Walsenburg, Co. to Odessa, Tx. Loved it! So did 3 of the welders I worked with, they bought houses after the job wrapped up and retired there. The last time I spent any time there was two years ago when the last of my friends passed away.
Just a while ago I went to Realtor.com and did a search on Raton. Saw a fair amount of homes priced in the 50 to 100 thousand dollar range. Like Poncho_NM has suggested though, best to pay it a visit for a few days and see if it is right for you.
Last edited by DOUBLE H; 11-07-2014 at 05:44 PM..
Reason: addition, spelling
As I have been researching NM for a decade or so I suggest you look at Las Vegas NM and some of the town in between. According to the data available on the city-data main website Raton has a real winter.
I wonder about "real winter" in Raton. The stats don't look any worse than other places in northern NM or AZ. Las Vegas and Santa Fe are about the same. I'm sure they can get a storm now and then, but the 20 inches of annual snow isn't going to stick around with avg highs of 45+ and sun: RATON WB AIRPORT, NEW MEXICO - Climate Summary
If you think that is bad you should hang out in one of the northern US states for the winter and readjust...
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