Em Chicago, I would say this is the most accurate description of the city! I don't know that it's fair to compare any two cities, especially, if they are outside the same region. If you're concerned about the hay prices, hey, don't move here. It's not the city for that. Why you'd expect to farm in a desert is beyond me. It's definitely not impossible. Folks raised in the southwest seem to possess the knowledge to adapt, and they raise cattle just fine. As for the foliage, if you move here from any green place of course you won't be impressed. You couldn't tell me there were trees in NM before I moved here! So, I was pleasantly surprised that Albuquerque is a lot "greener" than expected. Northern NM was even more surprising. Albuquerque, and NM in general, has a unique beauty about it. You can't beat the weather, views, and sunsets! I don't know how many other states still have wild horses and buffalo roaming around. As for education, Albuquerque is on the lower end of the spectrum. I moved here when I was 11, went to public middle and high schools (not even the best public schools in the city) and got in to the USAFA just fine. You can make it if you want to. Albuquerque has it's bad areas and bad people, but the city itself is not trashy. There is NOT trash everywhere. It's actually rather nice. The public transportation really isn't a bad system for the size of the city. There aren't any subway systems, but the city really isn't big enough for that. I'd agree a car is your best bet. The bus SYSTEM isn't bad, it's the people you find on the bus that aren't so great. Albuquerque is a very liberal community, I will say. But, I like the open-mindedness of the people. Very accepting. If they aren't, and they don't like your slang or the way you speak, they probably aren't from here. Crime is a problem in some areas, but I'd definitely be interested to see the statistics on the number of sex offenders who are NOT from NM. There are some disturbing crimes here, but you'd be surprised at how many of those crazy people come from outside of NM. Because of NM's isolation, we do seem to get the rest of the country's trash. But, no sir! 90% of these psychos are not bred here! Plus, I hear just as disturbing stories from everywhere else. The Mexican cartel is real, and the drug problem because of it is real, but I guarantee you can live your life without EVER being effected by it in any way shape or form. I've been to other states and Albuquerque is pretty diverse, but Latinos, Natives, and Europeans are the norm. It absolutely still is the Wild West. Cowboys & Indians, Mexicans and Spaniards, I guess not much has changed. But, that's why I love it so much!
Frances | Albuquerque, NM | Report Abuse

I was born and raised in Chicago too. I'm sick of the weather and expense. Being from the southside and moving to the northside when I got older I know about the cultural divide and that's no problem, unfortunately, you see that everywhere. I've been to New Mexico several times and I love the weather. Been to Albuquerque once for 4 days to take a look around and from what I saw I really like the area. But what is the water situation? Is it as bad as I am hearing? If it is we may decide to rent as opposed to buy.
Pamela | Apple River, IL | Report Abuse