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I have been reading a lot about these three cities recently and how they are so similar. I have heard that Santa Fe is the best, Las Cruces second, and Albuquerque third. But Albuquerque is the many business center for New Mexico, so is that a deal breaker for Santa Fe and Las Cruces?
I have been reading a lot about these three cities recently and how they are so similar. I have heard that Santa Fe is the best, Las Cruces second, and Albuquerque third. But Albuquerque is the many business center for New Mexico, so is that a deal breaker for Santa Fe and Las Cruces?
With all due respect to the OP, the question is bogus. Anyone familiar with the 3 cities knows that all are very different from the other. Does this have to be a horserace? The "best place", if there is such a thing, depends a lot on what you want.
I think the 3 are very different -- how much population do you want? Variety of stores and restaurants? Political outlook? Job opps? Climate? None is "best" or "worst" for everyone -- it depends on the individual.
I have been reading a lot about these three cities recently and how they are so similar. I have heard that Santa Fe is the best, Las Cruces second, and Albuquerque third. But Albuquerque is the many business center for New Mexico, so is that a deal breaker for Santa Fe and Las Cruces?
I wouldn't call the similar at all except for the influence of the natives that have been there for generations: Sante Fe is the capitol of the state, has a higher alt than Albuquerque, is artsy and very liberal..The climate is cooler, more mild summers and more winter snow, plus it is very touristy.
Las Cruces is the southern most tip of NM, almost on the Texas border, has more mild winters, hot summers, is a college town and is growning like crazy.
Abq is the center of much of what we think of when we think NM. Like you mentioned, it is home to many large companies, is very diverse, the crime rate is high, the school drop out rate is as well. The city has lots of problems not seen so much in the other two, but it is a great location for traveling either direction, has a nice airport (one of our favorites) and really nice people. Though it isn't really a huge city, like Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, etc is give the impression of being one, compared to SAnte Fe and Las Cruces.
At least that is how I see the 3 cities, others will have different ideas I am sure.
Nita
I have heard that Santa Fe is the best, Las Cruces second, and Albuquerque third.
I don't know where you got the information on "best, second, third" but that is a correct ranking for SIZE of the three cities. Development in Las Cruces in the recent past has made it "larger" in both area and population than Santa Fe.
As for any other factors, as has already been stated, it's a matter of personal preference.
You've got posts out there on c-d asking which is better; Boston or Miami?
Which is better Seattle or Boston?
Which is better Southern CA or FL?
It sounds to me like you need to just get in a car and go visit some places.
With so little knowlege of what the US is like, even if someone were to try
to answer your questions, what good would it do you?
I wouldn't call the similar at all except for the influence of the natives that have been there for generations: Sante Fe is the capitol of the state, has a higher alt than Albuquerque, is artsy and very liberal..The climate is cooler, more mild summers and more winter snow, plus it is very touristy.
Las Cruces is the southern most tip of NM, almost on the Texas border, has more mild winters, hot summers, is a college town and is growing like crazy.
Abq is the center of much of what we think of when we think NM. Like you mentioned, it is home to many large companies, is very diverse, the crime rate is high, the school drop out rate is as well. The city has lots of problems not seen so much in the other two, but it is a great location for traveling either direction, has a nice airport (one of our favorites) and really nice people. Though it isn't really a huge city, like Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, etc is give the impression of being one, compared to SAnte Fe and Las Cruces.
At least that is how I see the 3 cities, others will have different ideas I am sure.
Nita
I think this sums it up really well. Each city has a very different 'feel' and as others have said, it really depends on what you, personally, are looking for.
Are you planning vacation? Planning retirement? Planning to open a business?
Each city has something wonderful to offer but which one would be 'best' for you really depends on your preferences with regard to weather, population, etc.
From your username I assume you are a New Yorker so I will analogize your question with New York cities.
Which is better? New York City, Syracuse, or Watertown?
See how nonsensical the question is? All of those cities have their qualities but they are not on the same playing field.
ABQConvict
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Anyone familiar with the 3 cities knows that all are very different from the other.
Does this have to be a horserace? 
The "best place", if there is such a thing, depends a lot on what you want.
