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Santa Fe is anything but homogeneous. But I agree that Asheville also is interesting.
There is a strong Spanish influence on art, jewelry, food, architecture, customs, etc., in Sante Fe. There’s nothing wrong with this. Same is true of the French influence in south Louisiana. Likewise, there’s more homogeneity (e.g., food, religion, customs, language, etc.,) there than in some other parts of the country. We lived there for many years and loved it.
I'm in love with New Mexico... really miss it. There is something magical about the place, and that's why they call it the Land of Enchantment.
Perhaps, we would have liked living there, as well. The art scene would have been especially appealing to me. We had friends who had lived in the south all their lives who moved there and had problems acclimating, and eventually sold and moved back.
That's exactly what is happening with me, only in reverse! There are things I like about the South, but I'm really missing the desert, mountains, high plains (northern NM) and arid climate. I really think there is something with some people... they want to go back to what they grew up with.
I can also see that it's the flavor of the area. The South is very different and I'm enjoying it but I can imagine that your friends really missed the South and I can't say I blame them - quite the contrary. Most of the people I've met here are from here, have never left, and would not consider leaving.
That's exactly what is happening with me, only in reverse! There are things I like about the South, but I'm really missing the desert, mountains, high plains (northern NM) and arid climate. I really think there is something with some people... they want to go back to what they grew up with.
I can also see that it's the flavor of the area. The South is very different and I'm enjoying it but I can imagine that your friends really missed the South and I can't say I blame them - quite the contrary. Most of the people I've met here are from here, have never left, and would not consider leaving.
They were from Louisiana. It was probably hard for them to leave one distinct culture for another. We moved to western NC from Louisiana when we retired and love it here, BUT I miss the food. I guess no place is perfect.
I take exception to some of your comments about Asheville. Asheville knows exactly who it is: a progressive, diverse, quirky, artsy, mountain town. We travelled for over 10 years throughout the U.S. for a place to retire. We seriously considered Sante Fe, but ruled it out due to the elevation, low humidity, barren-looking landscape, homogeneity, etc….. By describing Sante Fe as being ‘sure of itself’ I’m assuming you’re referring to the strong, dominant Spanish culture. This is viewed by some as a strength and others as a drawback.
Let's just say we disagree on Asheville. We lived there for ten years, and saw the qualities that attracted us watered down as more people moved in. And we also apparently have a different definition of diversity.
I can understand your point of view. I used to live in places that were considered "culturally creative" and "liberal" - small areas where certain types congregated and probably still do congregate. I now call those places "woo-woo." I'm still open to creativity, but healthy creativity. Those woo-woo places are full of charlatans, people on trust funds, people dealing illegal drugs, and people participating in orgies and raves and high level prostitution. That is a scene I find very off-putting. People with stones in their eyes unless you have something to offer them, or you are really good at a certain performance art or hawking yet another "workshop" where people go from workshop to workshop and never apply what they've "learned." Those people think they are so high and mighty with their fake "spirituality" when they are actually some of the most self-absorbed, self-centered people on the planet. Nah to the no on that scene. Had enough. I prefer to live amongst "normal" people who are just living life and not out for the hedonistic scene, or to impress others. I would be concerned that Asheville would be like that - or at least somewhat like that. However, I could be way off base and I'm open to being corrected - with regard to Asheville. The other places? Nope.
I can understand your point of view. I used to live in places that were considered "culturally creative" and "liberal" - small areas where certain types congregated and probably still do congregate. I now call those places "woo-woo." I'm still open to creativity, but healthy creativity. Those woo-woo places are full of charlatans, people on trust funds, people dealing illegal drugs, and people participating in orgies and raves and high level prostitution. That is a scene I find very off-putting. People with stones in their eyes unless you have something to offer them, or you are really good at a certain performance art or hawking yet another "workshop" where people go from workshop to workshop and never apply what they've "learned." Those people think they are so high and mighty with their fake "spirituality" when they are actually some of the most self-absorbed, self-centered people on the planet. Nah to the no on that scene. Had enough. I prefer to live amongst "normal" people who are just living life and not out for the hedonistic scene, or to impress others. I would be concerned that Asheville would be like that - or at least somewhat like that. However, I could be way off base and I'm open to being corrected - with regard to Asheville. The other places? Nope.
This sounds like Sedona, AZ. There are also elements of this in Santa Fe, but they're easy to be oblivious to. They're not as concentrated as in Sedona. No high-level prostitution, AFAIK, either. Instead, there's the high-level art scene, which even before Covid was starting to struggle. Not as many high spenders rolling through town, as before. The 2000's haven't been good for art sales nation-wide.
I was referring to Marin County, but Sedona works too. I do think there is high-level prostitution wherever there is big money. It's very hidden. Even Taos, which is more rural. It was a huge drug dealing area decades ago, and still could be.
I think you're correct about Santa Fe, though. It's a much more low-key area than the others.
Taos takes quirky into the realm of dysfunctional. Santa Fe keeps its cool but still has a bit of quirk. Zozobra might be considered a bit quirky but it is tongue in cheek. The place has a lot of history after 400 years, good and bad, and a serious side…roses and thorns. It is small enough to be walkable in most of the older parts.
In the end it is all just a subjective judgment comparison based on what you like or dislike. Anyone thinking about moving to Santa Fe or New Mexico should make a few visits at different times.
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