I wish I could love it more - 1/27/2022

I moved here from South Florida and it's been about 6 years that I've lived in Albuquerque. I work all over the state and travel very regularly, so I believe I have a very good understanding of what NM has to offer. I will say first and foremost, this state will be so much more enjoyable if you already have money and a good paying job before you get here. If you can not afford to live in one of the few upscale areas, crime will be your neighbor and you will absolutely deal with a high amount of very unlikable people from the slums to the suburbs, very few are separated from the crime. It's prevalent throughout the state and not just in Albuquerque which is the largest city here. There are also repetitive issues of serious corruption in the local and state government- even in the public school system which you should be able to find plenty of reports about- that keep this state way down in the dumps. It's a shame, because I love NM. New Mexico has some of the best weather, a little snow in the winter but the majority of days are clear sunny skies and summers are not humid but very warm. The natural beauty and range of landscapes (desert, to mountains, to forest, to flat farming plains) has to be some of the best in the country and there is so much public land to enjoy. The Native and Hispanic culture, especially including local cuisine is fantastic. The historic and cultural districts in both Taos and Santa Fe are a work of art in themselves. The cost of living is low, if you're comparing to big states with big cities, and the potential for growth-if you can fund it yourself- is immense. If NM could get it's act together, I would easily be able to see it becoming a very desirable place to live. For now, I have to give it a mixed review because the crime, I can not say enough, and corruption, are no joke. Being from Miami, FL I am used to a metropolis, but these small towns and the mini city of ABQ are somehow worse. We are becoming the next "tent-city" state and unfortunately, due to the education level New Mexicans are largely ilequipped to regain control of the ship on their own. So, again. I definitely recommend New Mexico if you're already an established person with means. This is not the place to be if you're entry level or just starting out.

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back in time. - 10/21/2017

I m a native of northern california. I came to New Mexico with my companion of many years, due to illness he was forced into an early retirement. He was born and raised in N.M. he went to california to follow his career. He had not seen his home state in over 15 yrs, I how still being employed put in for a job transfer. Thus is how we decided that on a small town in the southwest of N.M. Travel through the state is most interesting so much to see and do. Desert yes if you so desire but there are trees magnificent mountain ranges and so many interesting small towns and villages, yes villages. the pace of life is slower here and the locals can be a little reserved at first, since towns are small and everyone know everyone else for generations, new face bring question and curiosity all of which is soon replaced by smile and warm greeting soon everyone you meet you will meet again and all experiences are remembered so bring your best behavior with you and it will be given in return. The country can be rough mother nature is no joke out here fair weather can change to a down pour that can cause flash floods and hail the size if golf balls, but dont blink because it can be over that fast and sunshine the rest of the day. wild lightning shows with thunder to rattle you house. skiing mountain climbing caving desert exploration hiking hunting camping. The Land of Enchantment is right for if you ever plant your feet here you may never want to leave. folks here are of a more sincere kind. There are bad people everywhere you really receive what you give for the most part. I dont miss the traffic ,sirens, rude behavior,status mongering and anonymity of the big city. I came and I love it my only regret is not coming sooner. If you ever have a desire to see life at a more relaxed pace and live some where that when you arrive the neighbors come over to meet you and yes bring you cookies and chat, because that's what neighbors do. Maybe Ill see you here.

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back in time. - 10/21/2017

I m a native of northern california. I came to New Mexico with my companion of many years, due to illness he was forced into an early retirement. He was born and raised in N.M. he went to california to follow his career. He had not seen his home state in over 15 yrs, I how still being employed put in for a job transfer. Thus is how we decided that on a small town in the southwest of N.M. Travel through the state is most interesting so much to see and do. Desert yes if you so desire but there are trees magnificent mountain ranges and so many interesting small towns and villages, yes villages. the pace of life is slower here and the locals can be a little reserved at first, since towns are small and everyone know everyone else for generations, new face bring question and curiosity all of which is soon replaced by smile and warm greeting soon everyone you meet you will meet again and all experiences are remembered so bring your best behavior with you and it will be given in return. The country can be rough mother nature is no joke out here fair weather can change to a down pour that can cause flash floods and hail the size if golf balls, but dont blink because it can be over that fast and sunshine the rest of the day. wild lightning shows with thunder to rattle you house. skiing mountain climbing caving desert exploration hiking hunting camping. The Land of Enchantment is right for if you ever plant your feet here you may never want to leave. folks here are of a more sincere kind. There are bad people everywhere you really receive what you give for the most part. I dont miss the traffic ,sirens, rude behavior,status mongering and anonymity of the big city. I came and I love it my only regret is not coming sooner. If you ever have a desire to see life at a more relaxed pace and live some where that when you arrive the neighbors come over to meet you and yes bring you cookies and chat, because that's what neighbors do. Maybe Ill see you here.

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Living in NM - 8/1/2016

I have lived in New Mexico for 6 months and I cant wait to leave, I have 4 months to move. This is the biggest armpit in all 50 states. The entire state is broken in every way from transportation, money, laws, everything. This being a Liberal and sanctuary state you can get 5 DUI's and kill someone in a car acciedent and get off with a few months in jail. The people are rude and the cost of living is expensive, all major companies either do not come here or they leave like Intel did, the city doesn't want to grow or progress they are content to be a lower class non productive state......that's why they call it the land of entrapment..

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No Comment - 2/28/2016

Just signed up to look for new place to retire and live on a budget. Love tennis.

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New Mexico is the worse place in the universe to l - 12/9/2015

After reading some of the listings about how good it is here, I say where? Unless you live in one of the exclusive gated communities. Which there are very few. The reality of the stench of New Mexico will over power and destroy you.

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Love it here - 10/21/2015

Weather here is great. Cost of living is low. People are friendly. Food is amazing. Lots of outdoor activities.

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Retire in Santa fe - 10/4/2015

Opinion of Santa fe

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67 yr old single woman retired - 4/16/2015

Looking for a friendly, reasonably priced town to live and grow in. looking to buy.

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New Mexico SUCKS - 3/12/2015

I have been in New Mexico all my life for 54 years, if you are a smart person, you will never come here. Our state is a 3rd world country. Our state leaders do not give dam about you, just your money. This state sucks.

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New Mexico robbed me of 5 years of my life - 10/22/2014

Somehow ended up in New Mexico. This was the worst decision I've ever made. After the allure of Santa Fe wore off (the facade doesn't last long--your realize it's full of rich white people, passive aggressive natives, and the poorest of the poor--and the art? That's terrible, too.), I moved to Albuquerque to try to start a new career as a nurse. I've never been more depressed, more anxious, more frightened that I would succumb to the pit of hell that is New Mexico. New Mexico is full of thieves, swindlers, and people perfectly content to sit in their mediocrity. If you need to get anything done, from renewing your car registration to paying tuition to getting your toilet fixed by a landlord or plumber---the infrastructure does not exist...at least not in the way it should. You will be cheated. You will be taken advantage of. You will not get want you need. Nothing makes sense there, as nobody follows the law, or even just common sense and decency; it's the wild west, and it's full of outlaws and corrupt people (including the state's leaders). You'll be threatened. And when you question why things are so awful, everyone will be aghast at your suggestion. Because everyone in NM thinks it is the most wonderful place on earth! There is nowhere else. And of course the balloons and green chile make up for the depravity. Even though the schools are bankrupt, the drug use is rampant, the teen pregnancy rate sky high...no, i's the best place ever. In New Mexico, I worked in schools, taught at community college, worked EMS, and in the hospitals as a nurse. I wouldn't return to NM if it were the last place on earth. There is something deeply unnerving about a place so far isolated, but one that is so in love with itself, so content to stay the same, with no movement towards improving itself or the status of its residents. The lack of greenery, the poverty, the bitterness--it's awful. People in New Mexico will not show you kindness, they will show you prejudice and disgust. And there is nothing heroic in sticking around to offer help, assistance, or insight to those who reside there. They don't want your help. They're happy just where they're at. Stay away from New Mexico. It will take pieces of you that will take a long time to get back. I am still working on that. It took a concerted, multi-year plan to finally get out of that place. Finally leaving was like fleeing from an abusive captor. I will never, ever return.

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Dry and sunny - 1/27/2013

For the most part, NM has wonderful weather. Lots of sunny days with bright blue skies and no humidity! However, if you have something like dry eye syndrome, this may not be a good place for you to live.

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New Mexico - 10/18/2012

SperlingView, I'm so happy to read your response because it totally echos mine -- minus the daughter on the way to college. I knew I would live in NM at the age of 12 when my parents allowed me and 2 cousins to take a train ride to CA to visit my aunt. The train stopped in ALBQ and we were allowed to get off for a while. I almost missed the back on part, as I was in awe of what I saw. I have never lost that vision and someday I knew I would live in NM. I currently in Chicago and also on the early retirement track. I've been a lot of places and seen a lot of faces and not much phases me either. I'm totally about clean living, museums, theatre, good conversation and decent people. Perhaps we can compare notes, as I am planning a visit mid-year 2013.

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Arizona is very hot and i have and chronic obstruc - 9/3/2012

I can't travel far so i am looking into the states that are close by and california cost to much.

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Best Places to Live - Santa Fe, NM - 8/15/2012

New review for Ida. I've lived in New Mexico off and on since 2003 and have been coming through this area for even longer. I have my vacation home here due to a seasonal gallery but would never live here permanently. It has changed so much from the New Mexico that I once knew. It is now a tourist trap and the locals that once made this place what it was are no longer here. They've moved. I just bought a lake cabin in Tennessee and am now looking for a place in Italy for retirement. That's not for everybody but what I am saying is that New Mexico is all but "enchanting." I hate it here and have tried to find reasons to stay. The only reason? The tourists. My gallery does well with a captured audience but you will only find me here May through September. Otherwise I am gone. I know you're from Texas and most Texans either come to New Mexico or Colorado but both states are not what they used to be. I lived in Colorado for 20 years and left because there are just too many people there with the same idea in mind. Not for me.

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searching for a new place to live - 5/28/2012

we have been in Santa Fe with our RV. Enjoy the climate and the beauty of the Santa Fe area. Trying to find out where to put down our roots. Northern New Mexico is very beautiful but does have its' challenges.

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I traded my birthplace SF CA for an improvement in - 12/4/2009

I came to NM 13 yrs. ago. I was able to purchase acreage at 500.00 per acre and build an adobe home for under 30k. I escaped the greedy loan sharks and liberated myself from landlords after spending in my 25 yrs. over 150k in rent. I live more, work less and my house is paid for.I have solar hence no utility companies and 100.00 a month in propane and wood costs and a flat rate 35.00 month in a phone bill. The people are nice and more real as are the politicians compared to Caliwood. Never thought I would find a place preferable to Cali. and when I miss the more temperate climate and go back to visit, I am reminded of the horrendous traffic,over crowdedness,lack of breatheable clean air and prevailant gang activity. NM is rated as poor, econmically but it is rich in community, family values and more people are down to earth. I and many here are living proof that you can get out from underneathe the economic slavery.My friends in Calli thought I was a wingnut but now as they are facing the reality of the times they think I am lucky. Oh another thing is that the sun always shines here even with snow on the ground it comes nearly 360 days a year.

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Land of EnTRAPment - 9/17/2009

New Mexico is a beautiful state but the beauty is not worth living here. Crime is up, there are lots of immigrants who drive without a license and cause lots of accidents, DWI is a serious issue. In Albuquerque, (the largest city) there is nothing to do but drink if you are young. Downtown has a few bars but gets very boring after a few times. If you do go downtown some drunk idiot will most likely try picking a fight whit you or someone else. The only activities to do are some concerts, the state fair, watch a movie, go to a Lobo game or get outta town! Jobs are hard to come by and Santa Fe is the only place to work if you want to make a decent living but you will end up paying an arm and a leg just to be able to live in the "bad part" of town. If you enjoy hiking there are many trails you can go on plus some hot springs but honestly not worth it.

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Climate - 7/8/2009

Will always keep you guessing . .

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In General - 9/21/2008

Has 300+ Days of Sunshine and is very dry. Almost no Tornadoes and No Hurricanes and almost no snow unless in the Mountains

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