Reviews & Comments
Rio Rancho, NM
re: Better than Albuquerque, but not by much - 3/1 -
12/1/2009Wrong! Now, I'm not defending Rio Rancho (far from it, this whole state is insane and I hate suburbs - better than Albuquerque? puh-lease!) but, I am defending the truth.
New Mexicans don't know their own state. Its a generalization but after living here for a few months and being of an inquisitive disposition, this is the conclusion I have formed.
Specifically, right now, I'm referring to the drunk driving problem here. Yes, it's part of the culture. Big roads and spread-out population with absolutely no public transit or walkability infrastructure will do that. However, I checked a couple of studies (from MADD and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and NM isn't even a top ten offender in this respect. The 2007 study done by MADD found it to be the 11th BEST state for drunk driving, based on a low fatality rate and strong laws, and commented it hasn't been bad here for more than a decade.
I don't think I would encourage most people to move here unless you're retired or complacent, but get your facts straight people.
Albuquerque, NM
re: Traffic - 7/29/2007 -
8/19/2009I've been here a month and haven't seen traffic yet...
Albuquerque, NM
re: before you move here - 7/6/2008 -
8/19/2009Highest gas prices? Have you ever driven through AZ to that beautiful place called California? Gas prices here are a bargain! Count your blessings.
Albuquerque, NM
re: Quality of life--zero - 2/4/2009 -
8/19/2009I don't mean this entirely to be a personal attack, but you talk like you grew up in wealthy, coastal California, like La Jolla or Beverly Hills. Compared to that, everywhere else in the world might seem poor and scary.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, and the weather here is way nicer (cooler and drier in the summer and better winters), to start. Also, the people here are among the most friendly I've ever found. All you have to do is say hi and you may find yourself in an hour long conversation or with a new friend.
Yes, there are jobs, and the pay, while lower than California, is consistent with the cost of living, which is next to nothing. I have a large apartment in a cool neighborhood and pay 1/3 of what I paid to live in the valley back in LA. There's no comparison.
As for people being miserable here, that's just not backed up by the numbers. People stay here and love it their lives over, whereas native flight from California has never happened at a higher rate. And, man, if I had a dime for every California transplant I've met here that swears never to return to California...well, then I might have enough money to be able to do just that.
And Santa Fe is a boring, small town with an overblown ego brought on because of its snooty art scene which you can only call culture if you have the millions to partake in it. There, I said it.
Los Angeles, CA
Know the risks -
8/2/2008If you like Mexican food, driving, being totally uber-hip, and being able to rock climb and grow organic vegetables year round, this is your place.
If you like seasons, public transit, the concept of going out downtown, and not getting sunburned every time you leave the house, this is NOT your place.
Clearly, I have mixed feelings on the subject of LA. I'm glad I grew up here, but am pretty sure I won't end up here.