Anyone ever live in New Mexico?

[Narz]

Did you like it?

I don't know much about the western US except for living in coastal California which I suspect is about as Western as Miami is Southern.

 

[Joecoolyo]

I know Birdjaguar lives in New Mexico, not sure about anyone else.

 

[jtb1127]

Why? Are you planning a trip?

 

[NovaKart]

I went to Santa Fe once about 10 years ago. It was the most interesting part of America I've been to. The architecture and culture is heavily influenced by American Indian and Spanish culture. Lots of adobe. The central square is like a Spanish plaza you would see in Latin America. There are a lot of Navajo and Mexican people.

The landscape is very different from the East too. The soil is sort of reddish in color. When I went it was winter and we went skiing and the muddy snow looked reddish-brown. That really surprised me. The Rocky mountains are nearby. I'm from the East and I've only been to the West twice, once to San Diego and then to Santa Fe. Santa Fe was really like a different country, a very unique place.

 

[jtb1127]

Reiterating on what Nova was talking about. You will definitely notice a lot more Hispanics there. They make up a little less than 50% of the population. I'd bet more than half of those are Spanish-speaking so it's a good place to go if you want to practice.

 

[Narz]

I know Birdjaguar lives in New Mexico, not sure about anyone else.

Oh right, remember that now.

Why? Are you planning a trip?

I'll be in Taos in March & part of April.

 

[Birdjaguar]

New Mexico is a great place in many ways. It is a big state with few people, most of whom live around Albuquerque. Most of NM has four seasons: winters below freezing, summers in the 90s; wind in the spring; hot air balloons in the fall. 300 plus sunny days a year and often we go months without any rain.

Albuquerque is a mile above sea level, Santa Fe 2000 feet higher.

Close to 50% Hispanic; 30% Anglo and 20% Indian. NM is a poor state with a large population of well to do scientists and techies. There are good jobs for those with strong skills in the sciences; other jobs are tough to find. The big Indian casinos employ lots of people. Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs are in NM along with White Sands Missile range. We have Rozwell too.

What else would you like to know?

 

[downtown]

I also briefly lived in Albuquerque, and my family tried to relocate there for good twice when I was growing up. My parents wanted us to grow up around more latin children, and my dad wanted to be closer to the arts communities in Sante Fe and Albuquerque. The weather and natural scenery there are absolutely dope.

New Mexico is a REALLY poor state though (like, close to Mississippi and Alabama), and has all the problems that come with that. In the 8 weeks or so we lived there, our house was broken into, and school administrators told us that as half-latin people, we wouldn't really be accepted by other students or families.

I wouldn't mind spending more time there, but I don't think I'd want to raise a small child in NM, based on my previous experiences.

 

[jtb1127]

My parents wanted us to grow up around more latin children

What's a Latin child? Is that like a kid who grew up in Ancient Rome or the Byzantine empire?

I'm just being a smart ass. But it really is one of my biggest pet peeves-when Hispanics are called Latin or Spanish. Drives me crazy.

 

[Narz]

What else would you like to know?

Nothing specific, just curious what people's impressions are who've lived there & other places.

 

[Birdjaguar]

I've been here 20 years now. Prior to that I lived in the east. We raised two kids here and both turned out great. I'm not sure I would ever want to move back to the East coast. With a good job, it is a very nice state; without one it would be tougher going.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Taos in March and April will still be chilly. The arts are quite strong there and in Santa Fe which may still be the second largest art market in the country after NY. Keep in mind that NM is a big state and to get from city/town to town a car is a necessity. Public transportation exists only in Albuquerque.

 

[CELTICEMPIRE]

My grandma and my uncle live in Albuquerque, but Ive never been there, doesn't sound to interesting.

 

[Disgustipated]

It has a lot of outdoor beauty and open spaces. I loved it there, and wouldn't mind spending more time there. It has a very peaceful atmosphere. I don't know about living there, but visiting there is a great thing to do if you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and like the outdoors.

 

[Colonel]

I live in Arizona and I've driven through New Mexico many times and I can say IT SUCKS! This area of the country is like hell on earth. No seasons, nothing! It sucks and it never rains or snows I hate this place.

 

[classical_hero]

Is it true that you should always take a left turn at Albuquerque?

 

[Colonel]

Is it true that you should always take a left turn at Albuquerque?

No, I actually make a right turn out of there every time I go, though thats because I'm always either headed East when I'm leaving AZ or west when leaving Texas.

 

[Disgustipated]

I live in Arizona and I've driven through New Mexico many times and I can say IT SUCKS! This area of the country is like hell on earth. No seasons, nothing! It sucks and it never rains or snows I hate this place.

Exactly how are those bad things?

Arizona and New Mexico are awesome.

 

[jtb1127]

No seasons, nothing! It sucks and it never rains or snows I hate this place.

That's why I hated Hawaii.

 

[zjl56]

That's why I hated Hawaii.

Seasons are overrated. There are some beautiful times like the dry periods of late fall or late spring, but it is easily tradable for not having to deal with five months of snow.