I wish I could love it more
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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.
Amanda | Albuquerque, NM