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So I've spent a few months researching the Southwestern States in an effort to make up my mind about which state to move to. It's been challenging, but lots of fun. I live in New York City now but want to be in a place as far away from that lifestyle as possible. REALLY far. Like I even looked into off-gridding! That desperate.
Anyway, so like many of you I'm looking for the slower pace, 0 rat race, cleaner air, quiet neib, cheaper rent, small town, wave hi to my neighbor, casserole at my door step, holiday spirited town, mild weather, and such. As a matter of fact if I can find a little cabin in the middle of the woods, away from humanity that'll be great! (Just kidding about that last one). But I've settled for the beautiful Rio Rancho; but I need more convincing and some reassurance.
I've heard that it wouldn't be wise to move during the summer months because of the heat; but guess what: That's when the kids get off school!.. and I got two of those little things. So what are your suggestions? I was aiming to move for June but it may be sooner? like: February. Is that TOO soon?
How hard would it be to find a place to live in? The ideal thing would be a small house.
How are the jobs out there? I got a bit of a college degree. Does anyone here work for or know anyone who works for the City? How is it?
My 10 year old son, now a 5th grader, would need a special education program. Any reputable options??
So much to say and so little time! Gotta get back to work now.. can't wait to see the comments!
In a sense, moving to Rio Rancho is like moving to a drier version of Long Island. With less traffic, though.
Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing for you. But if you are looking for something other than dense suburbia, Rio Rancho isn't it.
There are a lot of options in the Albuquerque area from semi-urban to suburban to exurban (East mountains) to rural (North and South Valley), all within 30-45 minutes and often much less of any job in the Albuquerque area.
You might look into an area near Albuquerque called the East Mountains which consists of several smaller bedroom communities with a bit more space, more nature, and still close to the jobs and better school districts in Albuquerque.
As far as the heat, It is not too bad, not like Phoenix, and the East Mountains area is often about the same or sometimes even milder than NYC.
I know this is a silly question and may not even have a bearing on your decision but have you even been to NM? Twelve years ago my daughter moved there sight unseen. She's happy and I'm glad she did or I may have gone through life thinking it a flat desert with cactus. Saguaros!
Some people say that it's either going to be in your blood or it isn't and you will know it very soon. It's in mine 24/7/365 but I have been often, seen almost all west of the Sandias and hiked tons. Just thinking that if you have not visited you may want to several times and seasons......
We don't have Saguaros cactus in New Mexico except in a special climate room at the Bio Park. In the U.S., they only grow in Arizona...
The heat is not that bad in the Summer in this area...
Take a couple of days to actually explore some areas, driving east in I-40 and looking left is not exploring, driving down Rio Rancho on Highway 528 during rush hour might be ok, but you wont see much.
We don't have Saguaros cactus in New Mexico except in a special climate room at the Bio Park. In the U.S., they only grow in Arizona...
The heat is not that bad in the Summer in this area...
Take a couple of days to actually explore some areas, driving east in I-40 and looking left is not exploring, driving down Rio Rancho on Highway 528 during rush hour might be ok, but you wont see much.
On saguaros, yes I know. It was meant to show how ignorant I was of the state in general before I first visited.
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I will definitely look into those areas. I haven't visited NM just yet but plan to in January or February. I can't wait!
Lily, I'm a little concerned about the ambiguity of your job situation. Are you planning on moving here without a job lined up in advance? I wouldn't recommend it. I did it and lived to tell the tale, without ever ending up in a homeless shelter, but I have no dependents and an "advanced" degree--it's really not very advanced! but it is an MA. I had enough money set aside that I could survive being unemployed for over a year after moving here; and that money was not far from running out when I finally found a position.
As for city jobs, I wouldn't count on easily picking up a city job as an outsider, unless you have some very specialized, high-demand skills. I don't know anything about city hiring first hand, but this is my impression after having lived here for a few years.
The ideal thing would be to secure employment prior to relocating. And so I am in contact with various agencies including local law enforcement which is what my background is in. There are also different sources of funding that I can rely on, including a settlement, but I "want" to work. I wanted to also know if people who work for the city out there were happy with what they have to offer as far as benefits and such.
Thank you for the helpful information, I will further look into Querconomy.
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(Just kidding about that last one). But I've settled for the beautiful Rio Rancho; but I need more convincing and some reassurance. 
