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My husband and I have been contemplating a move to the ABQ area.
We currently live in the wet Pacific Northwest, so of course the topic of water, and lack of, has come up often in our decision to move to NM. But my husband brought up a good point, and since then, we're truly torn. It seems that unless it's necessary, it's not right to choose move to a place with limited resources and further burden the area with one more house, one more family just because it appeals to us. It feels kind of selfish and disrespectful to nature and all who must survive with so little water as it is.
This feeling is now prominent in our thoughts, weighing our decision to some degree. I'm throwing this out there to see if I get any responses. I'm curious about how others feel, the nature lovers, the people who hiked up one of the Placitas hills and gathered large, really large rocks and made a pretty good-sized labyrinth at the top. And then burned incense, maybe sage, in its middle. We could smell something fragrant, so right...
There may be more of a balance then you have thought of. I'm assuming people are also moving FROM ABQ to wetter areas. That can probably be checked out on some website.
In any event, thank you for being thoughtful about the environment!
My family moved out of New Mexico two years ago for many reasons. You can take our spot! But seriously, there are people leaving and coming all of the time.
First, don’t build a house because we have a bunch. Opt for native plants and low water tolerance because they will be here whether you are or not. Albuquerque uses much less water than it once did and there is an awareness already in place for conservation so get on board with that. Consider water conservation if and when you upgrade appliances or your home. I think you will be OK with your move and might be replacing someone with less of an awareness of conservation.
Location: In a perfect world winter does not exist
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I live in the Pacific Northwet also. There is more than enough people there already and you will be part of a solution by moving to an area that needs people. I plan on doing the same thing, sure does feel like the whole world desires to move to PNW often.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments and suggestions, and encouragement.
The consistent thread seems to be that people come and go, flow in and out, so it's a wash. I hadn't thought of it that way, although it's pretty obvious. That's some helpful insight. When we left San Diego 15 years ago and moved to the PNW, people warned us that we wouldn't be welcome. Well, we sold our house to a couple from Seattle, so there you have it. Right before my eyes!
Nah, no desire AT ALL to build a house. We saw many beautiful houses while there, and we plant native plants here, so we know the advantages (they usually live long productive lives with and require little coddling). Coming from SoCal, we're still very water aware, but I must be getting rusty (har har) because the last time I visited my daughter in SD, she chided me for letting the water run too long. OMG!
You tell me the greater sin against the environment: Building (or occupying) a house in an area with fertile farmland and plenty of moisture, or building/occupying a house where nothing worthwhile will ever grow on that land. Coastal range is the former, almost all of Albuquerque metro is the latter.
Just like California, we're totally fine for water here, at least in terms of residential use. If you start trying to support agriculture, resource extraction, or a lawn, then, yes, maybe you're not in the right place.
Our winters require more energy than Portland, and our summers more electricity, but we produce that energy locally. We don't have to get our oil and gasoline from multiple states away, so in that way, we're more sustainable here than there. And if you want to harness local solar and wind resources, you can actually justify doing so here.
To affect change, those concerned about the environment need to stop making themselves as small as possible, and instead actively contribute to solutions that everyone wants to use.
My husband and I have been contemplating a move to the ABQ area.
It seems that unless it's necessary, it's not right to choose move to a place with limited resources and further burden the area with one more house, one more family just because it appeals to us.
This is a free country. You can move anyplace you desire, whenever you desire... Makes me wonder what country has the largest immigration.
ABQ Population Growth Near Zero
May 25, 2017
Dennis Domrzalski
City's Population Grows By 0.33 Percent
Lowest Of Any City In Region
Even Pueblo, Colo., Had A Higher Growth Rate
The city of Albuquerque’s population stagnation continued in the year that ended July 1, 2016. The population increased by 1,829 people, or 0.33 percent, according to population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Albuquerque had the lowest population growth of 10 major cities in the region, and it continued a six-year population stasis. Since 2010, the city’s population has grown by 13,142 people, or 2.3 percent. As of July 1, 2016, Albuquerque’s population was 559,277.
To affect change, those concerned about the environment need to stop making themselves as small as possible, and instead actively contribute to solutions that everyone wants to use.
I think you are right. People here do want to use those environmental solutions. In some ways, Albuquerque (and New Mexico in general) is at a sweet spot with regard to resources and the environment. We have a small population and are open to innovative solutions. The city cut its per capita water consumption by 49% over the last two decades down to 127 gallons per day. We use about 20 gallons less per day than in Tucson, a similarly sized city. We don't have the ponderous legacy systems and residential solar has taken off like a jet, at least in my neighborhood. The aquifer is healthier now than it was some years ago. Wind power capacity has doubled since 2014 and could potentially supply all or most of the current power demand.
My husband and I have been contemplating a move to the ABQ area.
We currently live in the wet Pacific Northwest, so of course the topic of water, and lack of, has come up often in our decision to move to NM. But my husband brought up a good point, and since then, we're truly torn. It seems that unless it's necessary, it's not right to choose move to a place with limited resources and further burden the area with one more house, one more family just because it appeals to us. It feels kind of selfish and disrespectful to nature and all who must survive with so little water as it is.
I wish more people would think about this before moving to Florida. Our wildlife is taking quite the beating from all the development and it seems no new luxury condos, housing developments, etc. are ever turned down. Then people complain when they have bears in their back yards or alligators in their pools.
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