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So I'm not looking to make any major changes until summer 2010, which is good because I have no idea where I'm going yet!
First thing is I am a single middle-aged woman who's family is all in PA and OH (which is where I currently am). I am ready to pick up and begin a new life and have no fears of doing so alone. But there are some things I am in need of, or at least am hoping for:
I absolutely need to get out of the humid climate! As the years go on the humidity bothers me more and more. The dry heat is tolerable as long as it isn't scorching. Also I am a bit of a tree hugger so a more liberal area would suit me better. I like being fairly close to an area that offers cultural events and happenings but certainly don't wish to live among the hustle-bustle of a large city. I also don't require a lot of space between my four walls but prefer to not live in an apartment setting. Renting would be ideal the first year, so affordable rental property would be helpful.
Unfortunately I have to work (haha) so a decent job market with cost of living is comparable to the housing costs.
I have been leaning towards New Mexico with Santa Fe being ideal but not really affordable. Or ABQ which would have more to offer I think. Although I have visited a time or two I don't know much else of the state.
Do I sound like a dreamer? I guess in some ways I am. But I have spent most of my life taking care of others and now it's my turn. Why can't I have it all?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Of course New Mexico wants you! New Mexico is very diverse though. I wouldn't rule out Santa Fe. Maybe Towanda will chime in. She loves it there. She would know much more about the area than I. I personally like Ruidoso.
So I'm not looking to make any major changes until summer 2010, which is good because I have no idea where I'm going yet!
First thing is I am a single middle-aged woman who's family is all in PA and OH (which is where I currently am). I am ready to pick up and begin a new life and have no fears of doing so alone. But there are some things I am in need of, or at least am hoping for:
I absolutely need to get out of the humid climate! As the years go on the humidity bothers me more and more. The dry heat is tolerable as long as it isn't scorching. Also I am a bit of a tree hugger so a more liberal area would suit me better. I like being fairly close to an area that offers cultural events and happenings but certainly don't wish to live among the hustle-bustle of a large city. I also don't require a lot of space between my four walls but prefer to not live in an apartment setting. Renting would be ideal the first year, so affordable rental property would be helpful.
Unfortunately I have to work (haha) so a decent job market with cost of living is comparable to the housing costs.
I have been leaning towards New Mexico with Santa Fe being ideal but not really affordable. Or ABQ which would have more to offer I think. Although I have visited a time or two I don't know much else of the state.
Do I sound like a dreamer? I guess in some ways I am. But I have spent most of my life taking care of others and now it's my turn. Why can't I have it all?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
you are not a dreamer and both Sante Fe and ABQ might work or somewhere inbetween, especially if you are looking liberal which you are. Of course, the job market, depending on your career would probably be better in ABQ. Sante Fe is mostly Artist and government employees.
If you do not want the heat, do not go south of Abq or not much south.
I would start your research and job search very soon. It will take you some time to find that perfect job.
Of course New Mexico wants you! New Mexico is very diverse though. I wouldn't rule out Santa Fe. Maybe Towanda will chime in. She loves it there. She would know much more about the area than I. I personally like Ruidoso.
How far is Ruidoso from ABQ? I was out playing tourist many years ago and don't recall much between ABQ and Santa Fe. Thanks for the link though...I'll be sure to check it out.
My degree (BA) is in Psychology and I have a heavy background in Children's Services. Due to burnout however I left the field several years ago and am now an office manager for an engineering firm. Quite frankly I no longer have career goals and would be happy in a job that keeps me on my toes and pays well enough afford the simple things. I'd make jewelry full time if I could make a living at it!
Also I much prefer a diverse area. It's what I'm use to.
I'm pretty much in the same frame of mind as you..only I am in Kansas..I've been dreaming for years, but the urge is really getting strong lately. I'd like to find a job in a music studio, or something related to music...no experience, just something I've always loved and want to spend the last half of my life doing something I love, instead of something to just pay the bills.
Ruidoso is about 180 miles south and east of Albuquerque. It is about a 3 hour drive. It is approximately 7000 ft elevation and pretty much forest. It is located next the the Lincoln National Forest and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, east of White Sands Missle Range and west of Roswell.
Depending upon what you mean by cultural activities, Santa Fe might be ideal except for the housing cost.
Ruidoso, again depending upon what you mean by cultural activities, may not have enough, but it is more affordable.
ABQ might be your best bet. It is the biggest city in New Mexico but still fairly small and no so much hustle-bustle. It probably has the best combination of housing cost - job opportunity. It is big enough to have cultural activities and you can take the train to Santa Fe when you want to.
Humidity is not a problem in any of them as far as I know, although I don't have much personal experience with Ruidoso. I suspect is the most humid of the three, but still dry by any reasonable standard.
I so think ABQ will be your best bet. As for lay offs, sure there are some, but NM hasn't been hit nearly as hard as many states. Just read these threads, how many people are moving in because they just got jobs.
Nita
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