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I'm planning to move in September with the bare essentials, my car, and the money I've been saving (About 6,000 by the end of the summer). I've been living on the east coast my entire life, and I finally realized it's just not the kind of environment I like being in. I'm moving because I'm artistically inspired by the southwest and the cultures it encompasses. It's going to be difficult being away from everyone and everything I've ever known, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
What are some things I should know? What are some good towns for me to start off in (I'm a young woman, very driven and hardworking)? What kind of jobs are available? I've visited NM and AZ twice, spending most of my time on the Navajo reservation and in Holbrook, AZ. Santa Fe was nice, as was Albuquerque, but I don't really know if they'd be a good fit.
Thanks for reading!
Not much to suggest except get the New Mexico Road and Recreation Atlas by Benchmark Maps to start. I can understand wanting to get away from NY (State or City).
What would you like to do once you have moved? Work, School, outdoor recreation? These factors will make a difference to where you want to be. Without this info I would make a blind suggestion to move to Albuquerque and rent a apartment or room to start. ABQ has more employment available than anywhere else and would let you explore more of the rest of the state before you settle down.
PS: My wife and I are probably going to be snow birding to the Socorro area after I retire.
I would make a blind suggestion to move to Albuquerque and rent a apartment or room to start.
I'll second that. With nothing more to go on, it's difficult to suggest anywhere other than the largest city in the state for someone unsure of themselves. The next two largest cities (Las Cruces, Santa Fe) are going to have less to offer in any number of ways.
My first priority is to get a full time job or a few part time jobs since I still have loans to pay off I'm really willing to do any sort of work, but something involving art or working in a museum would be a plus. I also love hiking and anthropology, so having great museums and ruins nearby is a plus.
Perhaps there are exceptions, but when my son moved out of the house and into an apartment 3 months ago, the places he looked at required proof of income before renting him an apartment. I believe the place he rented required his monthly income to be at least 3 times the rent.
My first priority is to get a full time job or a few part time jobs since I still have loans to pay off I'm really willing to do any sort of work, but something involving art or working in a museum would be a plus. I also love hiking and anthropology, so having great museums and ruins nearby is a plus.
If you're looking for art and museums then you should look at Santa Fe. The second largest art market in the country and some of the best museums around.
If you're looking for art and museums then you should look at Santa Fe. The second largest art market in the country and some of the best museums around.
With a name like LlamaRama, I'm guessing that would be her best choice also. Taos is a possibility, but Santa Fe has a lot more options.
Did you know there is a Lama Foundation "ranch" north of Taos? Started by Ram Dass...
Perhaps there are exceptions, but when my son moved out of the house and into an apartment 3 months ago, the places he looked at required proof of income before renting him an apartment. I believe the place he rented required his monthly income to be at least 3 times the rent.
I'm planning to move in September with the bare essentials, my car, and the money I've been saving (About 6,000 by the end of the summer). I've been living on the east coast my entire life, and I finally realized it's just not the kind of environment I like being in. I'm moving because I'm artistically inspired by the southwest and the cultures it encompasses. It's going to be difficult being away from everyone and everything I've ever known, but I'm willing to give it a chance.
What are some things I should know? What are some good towns for me to start off in (I'm a young woman, very driven and hardworking)? What kind of jobs are available? I've visited NM and AZ twice, spending most of my time on the Navajo reservation and in Holbrook, AZ. Santa Fe was nice, as was Albuquerque, but I don't really know if they'd be a good fit.
Thanks for reading!
$6,000 these days is nothing. Even with basic needs - rent, gas, food, phone etc. you will probably blow through that in less than six months if you do not get a job immediately. Getting a job in NM is not easy for some reason.
Anyways, if you are trying to escape the big city on the east coast, going to live in another big city (like Albuquerque), is in my opinion, not what you want. You should find a smaller artistic enclave and try to make it there. Or find a small town where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the area and the REAL local culture, not what the Californicators have made NM to be.
Again, lack of money will be your biggest issue.
Santa Fe? Don't get me started.
My $0.02
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I'm really willing to do any sort of work, but something involving art or working in a museum would be a plus. I also love hiking and anthropology, so having great museums and ruins nearby is a plus.
