Thinking of moving to NM

[SheilaT]

10. Albuquerque has all of the advantages of a large city,

says this woman who lives in Santa Fe, as well as the disadvantages.

And there are many excellent and good things about large cities.

Five years ago, when divorce was in my immediate future, and I had decided I would move to New Mexico (from Kansas), any number of people said to me, "Oh, move to Albuquerque. It's cheaper and there are more jobs there." So in my exploratory trip to NM the year before I actually moved, I went to Albuquerque. I drove around the city, talked to some placement agencies, looked at a couple of apartment complexes. As I was driving across the city to check out another location, I suddenly realized that ABQ was just like any other large city in the southwest. I've already lived in Phoenix and Tucson, and you couldn't pay me to move back to either one. So I got on I25 and drove north to Santa Fe, and I've never looked back.

Now definitely, Albuquerque has all the advantages and good points of a large city. And the various drawbacks thereof. But living in NM is just wonderful. I love the climate. Keep in mind I'm in Santa Fe, a thousand feet higher than ABQ, so cooler in the summer to the point that I can live without air conditioning, and if you knew me, you'd know how much I hate hot weather and so this would be quite meaningful. It sort of gets more snow, but it almost always melts off by 10 am. I understand that the one snow plow this city owns wasn't purchased until about 10 years ago.

If you want to take a look at Santa Fe, please do so. It has a reputation for being terribly expensive, but that's only because the locals have never lived in a truly expensive city, like NYC or San Francisco, just to name two. Personally, I like how small it is. Nothing is more than fifteen minutes away. But if you have children who will be in school, the local school system leaves a lot to be desired. Actually, the entire state-wide school system leaves a lot to be desired, but that's a separate topic. I happen to live on the unpopular south side of Santa Fe (and PM me if you want to for more details) and I like it here.

There is a level of corruption, both locally in Santa Fe and in the state as a whole that I find astonishing. It tends to show up on the Democratic side a lot, mainly because the Dems are mostly in power. But we do have a Republican governor, who in my opinion herself leaves a lot to be desired.

The climate is wonderful. The sunsets are incredible. If you are outside the one big city (Albuquerque) the night sky is amazing. As I have found true everywhere, people are friendly and welcoming. There is a vibrant culture at all levels. Lots of novels take place in this wonderful state. The presence of people who originated in Spain, as well as the original inhabitants give this state a unique and fascinating quality.

It won't hurt for you to brush up on your Spanish, but you don't have to.

Please move here. It's a great place to be.

The entire state has great places to visit, a lot of cultural stuff. No matter where you wind up here, spend plenty of time visiting the entire state. It's fantastic!