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Hi all, my fiancee and I have become very interested in moving to New Mexico from New Jersey within the next 6months-1year. We love the beautiful scenery, mountains, and culture. Maybe you can all help give some suggestions for me based on some criteria I provide, it would be much appreciated. Three initial ideas are somewhere near Las Cruces, Albuquerque, or Santa Fe; but does not neccessarily need to be in any of those specific cities.
1) We of course would like as safe an area as possible with a budget on a home being up to 210k.
2) We both love hiking/outdoors activities with our dog, and my jeep to explore as well.
3) We both prefer warmer weather, but not SCORCHING heat. Less snow is preferable, but I don't mind seeing some either.
4) We'd like a somewhat small town feel, but not completely isolated. We would also like to be within a reasonable vicinity to major conveniences as well. (a little bit of nightlife as well)
5) School will not be important to me, but my fiancee is continuing her education so this is a major factor.
6) I work from home, but job opportunities for my fiancee will be important. I know unemployment is generally tough everywhere, but where offers the best chances for employment?
If you all can think of any more key questions that may help you make a suggestion for us, please let me know. Thanks for the help all!
Three initial ideas are somewhere near Las Cruces, Albuquerque, or Santa Fe; but does not neccessarily need to be in any of those specific cities.
4) We'd like a somewhat small town feel, but not completely isolated. We would also like to be within a reasonable vicinity to major conveniences as well. (a little bit of nightlife as well)
5) School will not be important to me, but my fiancee is continuing her education so this is a major factor.
6) I work from home, but job opportunities for my fiancee will be important. I know unemployment is generally tough everywhere, but where offers the best chances for employment?
Based on 4, 5 and 6 I would seriously consider Albuquerque. Albuquerque also covers the other numbers...
Based on 4, 5 and 6 I would seriously consider Albuquerque. Albuquerque also covers the other numbers...
Rich
Much thanks Rich. Albuquerque does seem like it does meet majority of our criteria. I guess my only reservations are that it may prove to have too much a "big city" feel, and from some research it seems crime can be somewhat rampant dependant on area? Is there a particular area/region of abq. that you can reccommend to me to do a bit more research on? I hear Rio Rancho is a nice community, and I see you live there. Thanks again!
Look at Las Cruces. It meets all of your criteria, including the 'small town' feel. Mild temps year around and plenty of outdoors within view of town, plus nearby drives. Good university town too! And close to (45 min) the much larger metro area of El Paso for those times when more is needed. Economy in Las Cruces is very stable and housing starts have accelerated lately, after a year or so lull.
Look at Las Cruces. It meets all of your criteria, including the 'small town' feel. Mild temps year around and plenty of outdoors within view of town, plus nearby drives. Good university town too! And close to (45 min) the much larger metro area of El Paso for those times when more is needed. Economy in Las Cruces is very stable and housing starts have accelerated lately, after a year or so lull.
Thanks so much for the help! As of now I think the two main spots we are considering are ABQ. and Las Cruces. Santa Fe seems a bit pricey in the sense you don't get as much for your money house wise although it is very beautiful. I think our next step will be to take a trip out to New Mexico in mid to late August for a week or so, and really explore the areas ourselves. I always welcome more input, and suggestions about other cities/parts of the state too. Thanks again all!
Much thanks Rich. Albuquerque does seem like it does meet majority of our criteria. I guess my only reservations are that it may prove to have too much a "big city" feel, and from some research it seems crime can be somewhat rampant dependant on area? Is there a particular area/region of abq. that you can reccommend to me to do a bit more research on? I hear Rio Rancho is a nice community, and I see you live there. Thanks again!
"Big City" feel? I grew up in Miami, lived in Atlanta and Baltimore briefly, lived in rural PA 3 miles from the highway... It is different in New Mexico... I like were I am at, plus my wife has a good paying job...
Las Cruces, I have had a lot of friends there over the years, since 1968... To many have died or moved away (moved due to wanting to get closer to their grand kids...). If I were to move, Las Cruces is on my list...
Sorry for the ramble, started this yesterday and kept getting interrupted.
I'll offer my standing advice to everyone visiting or exploring New Mexico.
Buy a copy of the Benchmark Map Road and Recreation Atlas of New Mexico. This is available on Amazon etc. Also get a copy of the various pamphlets available on the State website.
Note: If you are flying out and renting a car I suggest taking a taxi to the downtown Albuquerque car rental places and save a very considerable airport access fee.
my fiancee is continuing her education so this is a major factor... I work from home, but job opportunities for my fiancee will be important.
Sounds like you will live near where she goes to school, and then move to wherever she gets the best job. Have you looked into schools yet? Seems like that would be a high priority.
BTW... Las Cruses qualifies for "scorching hot" IMO.
"Big City" feel? I grew up in Miami, lived in Atlanta and Baltimore briefly, lived in rural PA 3 miles from the highway... It is different in New Mexico... I like were I am at, plus my wife has a good paying job...
Las Cruces, I have had a lot of friends there over the years, since 1968... To many have died or moved away (moved due to wanting to get closer to their grand kids...). If I were to move, Las Cruces is on my list...
Sorry for the ramble, started this yesterday and kept getting interrupted.
Rich
Rich,
Thanks again for all the great info. From what I gather from some reading is it seems northern ABQ. is generally a safer area, would that be somewhat true? Maybe you can suggest some of the safer areas in your opinion of course. I'm sure everyone will feel somewhat different as to what constitutes a great neighborhood.
The Rio Rancho area seems to be what we are leaning towards at this point, but we of course will have to visit first. I'm certainly intrigued by Las Cruces as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GregW
I'll offer my standing advice to everyone visiting or exploring New Mexico.
Buy a copy of the Benchmark Map Road and Recreation Atlas of New Mexico. This is available on Amazon etc. Also get a copy of the various pamphlets available on the State website.
Note: If you are flying out and renting a car I suggest taking a taxi to the downtown Albuquerque car rental places and save a very considerable airport access fee.
Greg,
Thank you, I'll get myself a copy. I'm sure it will definitely be a useful tool/guide for us.
More thank likely we'll actually drive out to NM because we'll have some free time from August-September. That'll be a perfect opportunity for us to come and check it out.
Thanks again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by rruff
Sounds like you will live near where she goes to school, and then move to wherever she gets the best job. Have you looked into schools yet? Seems like that would be a high priority.
BTW... Las Cruses qualifies for "scorching hot" IMO.
Well she has done more research than I on school, but from the limited research I personally did I gather the colleges in ABQ. and Las Cruces are both well recieved. As for job wise, we'll more than likely stay in the area wherever she goes to school and she'll pursue a job there.
The Las Cruces climate actually looks somewhat ideal to me. When I think of scorching hot, I think of Phoenix, Az. temps lol.
The Las Cruces climate actually looks somewhat ideal to me. When I think of scorching hot, I think of Phoenix, Az. temps lol.
Oh... yes... no place in NM is like that. LC is about 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix.
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lol.
