Wildfires can occur, and the City of Santa Fe is currently under Stage II fire restrictions, prohibiting open burning, smoking in public parks, and off-roading in open space. The largest of two blazes, the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, has grown significantly due to persistent windy conditions. The Santa Fe National Forest has reduced the fire closure area, opening additional access to the Pecos Wilderness.
High winds in northern New Mexico on Sunday posed a challenge to crews battling a large wildfire that grew significantly. Santa Fe is fine, other than intermittent poor air quality, and is not in danger from any current fires. The Santa Fe Fire Department reports that there is no immediate threat of fire to the City of Santa Fe, but people in Santa Fe are especially likely to experience increased risks from heat, fire, and flood. Heat risk in Santa Fe is very high, while drought risk is low.
The city is generally safe, especially in the daytime. Tourists should be more conscious about where active fires are, where smoke is headed, which way winds are blowing, and how fast. During times of high fire danger, fire restrictions may be in effect on BLM New Mexico lands. Please check before going to enjoy your public lands safely.
📹 SHOCKING Truths Why NOBODY is Moving to New Mexico
Nobody Lives in New Mexico, Why Nobody is Moving to New Mexico, New Mexico Places to Live, Reasons why nobody lives in …
Is Albuquerque safer than Santa Fe?
Living in Santa Fe and Albuquerque offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages. Santa Fe is known for its winter mountain sports, such as skiing and hiking, and is known for its beautiful city atmosphere. It also has popular attractions like the Aspen Vista Picnic Ground, Hyde Memorial State Park, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe Botanical Garden, and Santa Fe Farmers Market.
Albuquerque, on the other hand, is known for its affordable homes for sale and its reputation for being a great place to live. The city is known for its great outdoors, with attractions like the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque, Rattlesnake Museum and Gift Shop, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Cliff’s Amusement Park, and the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
In terms of living expenses, Santa Fe has a higher cost of living index than Albuquerque, with a 9. 2 higher cost of living index than the national average. Additionally, the cost of living for a family of 4 is $5, 748 lower in Albuquerque than in Santa Fe, NM. This is an advantage for Albuquerque.
When comparing the total crime rate between the two cities, Santa Fe is a safer place to live than Albuquerque. The total crime rate in Santa Fe is 8 lower than the national average, while Albuquerque’s total crime rate is 170. 9 higher than the national average. The violent crime rate in Santa Fe is also higher than the national average, with 2, 160 per 100k people, which is 8 lower than the national average.
In terms of weather and climate, Santa Fe has a warmer climate than Albuquerque, with temperatures reaching 68. 9 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the city has a higher crime rate than Albuquerque, with temperatures reaching 88. 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
In terms of public transportation, Santa Fe has a better public transportation system than Albuquerque. The city has a more efficient public transportation system, with the city having a bus system that runs from the airport to the city center.
In terms of sports teams, Albuquerque has several sports teams that are known for their competitiveness and dedication to their respective sports. The city also has a strong sports community, with numerous sports teams playing in various sports events throughout the year.
In conclusion, Santa Fe and Albuquerque offer different living experiences and living expenses. While Santa Fe is known for its winter mountain sports, Albuquerque is known for its affordable housing and diverse cuisine. Both cities have their pros and cons, but they both offer unique opportunities for those looking to make the most of their lives.
What is the safest city in New Mexico to visit?
New Mexico has been identified as one of the 5 Safest Cities for 2024, with high levels of concern and experience with crime. A State of Safety survey revealed that 56 out of 56 respondents worry about their safety daily, making it the seventh-highest level of concern in the US. However, only one in four New Mexicans feel safe calling New Mexico home, placing The Land of Enchantment in third place for overall safety.
Is it safe to walk in downtown Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is a secure and appealing locale for exploration, contingent upon the adherence to certain precautions, including the formation of groups and the avoidance of disruptive behavior. It is of the utmost importance to maintain a healthy level of concern in order to ensure a safe experience.
Where is it safe to use a fire pit?
Fires should be placed in clear, non-overhanging areas with minimal grass and scrub, and away from structures and flammable items. Every year, we respond to fires that threaten people, property, and the environment. Some fires are caused by permitted activities, while others are caused by irresponsible behavior. Careful use of fire can significantly reduce loss and damage. Understanding your obligations and responsibilities when using fire outdoors is crucial.
Can I have a campfire in New Mexico?
Campfires are banned in all open areas, including New Mexico State Parks, unless certain exceptions are met. These exceptions include cooking or heating devices using kerosene, white gas, or propane in improved camping areas cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet or with a water source. These restrictions may be put in place by federal lands managers, but individual areas may add, remove, or change exemptions based on conditions.
For more detailed restrictions and closures, contact the land manager in the area or visit the South Western Coordination Center website. Additionally, charcoal grills and wood and coal stoves within yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business are also prohibited.
Is Santa Fe Mexico city Safe?
The city of Santa Fe, situated in a secure area surrounded by corporate buildings, has implemented a modernized security infrastructure and a robust camera surveillance system.
Is it safe to drive in Santa Fe today?
Is Santa Fe at risk?
The city of Santa Fe is at moderate risk of wildfire over the next 30 years, according to a risk assessment that considers the level of risk faced by properties rather than the proportion of risk.
Is Albuquerque in danger of fires?
A total of 121, 525 properties, representing 61% of Albuquerque’s total housing stock, are at risk of wildfire over the next three decades.
Can you have a fire pit in Santa Fe?
Open burning in Santa Fe is generally prohibited, except for religious/ceremonial fires that require a burn permit. A $10. 00 permit fee applies, except for registered non-profit organizations. To obtain a permit, print and submit a Burn Permit Application to the Fire Marshal or fill out an online form three days before the burn. The City of Santa Fe Fire Department can be contacted for more information.
Is Santa Fe, New Mexico safe from fires?
The city of Santa Fe is at moderate risk of wildfire over the next 30 years. Such events have the potential to cause property damage, disrupt utilities, emergency services, and affect evacuation routes. This could have a significant impact on the area’s economic well-being.
📹 10 Shocking Truths Why People Won’t Move to New Mexico
The Shocking Truths Why People Won’t Move to New Mexico New Mexico is a beautiful state with a lot to offer, but there are also …
I’m getting ready to move my whole family from Alaska to New Mexico this summer. I’ve been there several times before, and the land calls to me… it’s a deep, unexplainable calling, almost ancient, but also within. I love the beauty, the history, culture, LACK OF OVERPOPULATION, etc., and being from Alaska, below zero winters don’t phase me. Actually, winter is my favorite season, even in Alaska… no mosquitoes! Every place has negatives, but every place also has positives. The garden of Eden has never been found, but the Land of Enchantment is right at the end of I-25… and I’m on my way! ~RavenCro
I saw New Mexico for the first time when I was thirteen. I knew then someday I would return. It took eight years, but I did return. I’ve lived here for all of my adult life thus far, and I have no plans to leave, short of dying. There are many negative jabs in this article, but it lacks one thing. Ask the people. Ask the people who live here. I think what you will find are residents, who for the most part, have experienced and continue to experience a love affair with this glorious state. Not many people are moving here. So what? To my mind and the minds of many, that is a plus. This state still remains the most well-kept secret of all of the fifty. So, in conclusion, keep up the negative blurb. In that way the secret is safe.
I lived most of my life in NM. In the 50s to 70s things were great mostly due to the railroads. When passenger trains ended, the communities began to decline. There was still active freight lines that kept things going. When Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 40, the small towns rapidly declined. Overall, I would say that the number one reason for people leaving and a deterrent to people moving to NM is the extremely poor political decisions.
I was living in Atlanta Georgia during the ‘96 Olympics, and a story about New Mexico made international news, it was quite embarrassing when an audio was released of the calls to buy tickets to the games. When the customer said “I’m calling from New Mexico, and I’d like to buy tickets to the games”, the Georgia woman taking the call replied in a noticeable southern accent ” Sir, sir, you would have to buy those in your country” to which the man replied “Ma’am, I’m calling from the State of New Mexico”, the woman promptly said, “New Mexico, old Mexico, whichever it is, you would have to buy the ticket in your country 😅The man, who happened to be a white dude with total fluency of the English language called back, and the woman repeated the same thing, but this time he recorded the whole thing and turned in to the news websites. 😂
We moved to Santa Fe area 20 years ago. We lovingly call New Mexico a third world state. Jobs are hard to come by, pay is poor, roads are bad, health care is, at best, substandard, and criminality is joked about and frequently just accepted. However, the majority of people are friendly, the scenery is breath taking, the food scrumptious, and the arts incredible. We are not going to live in this body forever, so we choose to live in a culturally rich and visually stunning place that speaks to our hearts.
I also just moved here 10 months ago – again for all the reasons mentioned in the end of the article. I had spent 3 months searching for a place to live in Colorado and then had a trip to Santa Fe and Taos. I love the people, the art, the culture. I’m also very OK with folks not flocking to the Land of Enchantment – suits me just fine 😊
I moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico for college in the mid 90s. I loved living there… it was beautiful aesthetically and culturally. I never had a bad hair day due to the low humidity, either. 😂. I left a couple of years later, but always said I would move back someday to retire… I’m 50 years old now, so I guess we’ll see what happens. It’s an absolutely gorgeous state, the people are unique, and I learned much about Navajo culture. Being black American from Massachusetts, this was a huge cultural change, but very much worth it.
I have never been to New Mexico but I have met several people from there. In my occupation I meet people from every state in the nation. I will say NM has some of the most down to earth, kind and funny people. Maybe I just lucked out but they have always been friendly. They have the most amazing beef jerky too!
To me New Mexico is a wonderful state overall. I visited four times from 2004, 2005 and just few years ago. All the things outlined here must be true, good and bad. It is all up to the individual person to cope with good and bad and make it best. Take the employment, for example. most of them are concentrated in major cities such as Albuquerque or Las Cruces area and mostly are service oriented type jobs. Not much of engineering. But one thing this presentation did not mention was for the retired people. New Mexico is an excellent state to live if a person has retirement income and not to work anymore to enjoy all the outdoor life and with nature, can’t go wrong. I am a retiree and I will look forward to move to New Mexico in the near future to enjoy my life.
My family came to New Mexico as settlers. Came in through Florida, traveled through Louisiana then came to Santa Fe to receive a Spanish land grant in the Pecos Valley. in the 40’s my grand parents and their 7 children relocated to Denver. I used to spend my summers on the family cattle ranch until I was 18..It was an honor to work with my great uncles and be part of that. My grandfather was proud of me and loved for me to tell stories about my time there. A professor at the University of Oklahoma wrote a book on the Pecos Valley. It was about land grants and the people. It’s not a story book but there are a number of pictures of my grandmother and great grandfather, their name is Quintana in the book El Cerrito, New Mexico: Eight Generations in a Spanish Village
My family has lived here for 35 years, I moved away and came back. Absolutely love this state, but I say that as a guy who is self employed and can work remotely regardless of where I live. I spent enough of my time in Minnesota to really appreciate the winters here as I get older. My grown son lives in Pittsburgh, and I learned recently that the Pittsburgh metro area has a higher population than this entire state. I love it for that reason.
I have lived in New Mexico nearly all my life and the weather gets a A Plus Plus. All four beautiful seasons . Maybe to dry for some people but I personally do not like humidity . Hiking, skiing, golfing are exceptional out here in the southwest . If your in engineering, medical professionals like nursing there are jobs available. Sandia labs, Los Alamos labs and if you are in public service there are jobs available. People are generally friendly. I think we see the issues here as the same as other states . Crime is my biggest complaint. Most drug related. Education is low but my two daughters graduated went on to university and are in professional fields so it can be done.
I vacationed in Santa Fe and Taos for the first time several years ago and fell in love with New Mexico. (Especially the Santa Fe area.I felt at home there.) I loved the scenery, the people, the colorful architecture and the art scene. I would LOVE to retire there. (I live in Pennsylvania.) Despite its faults, to me, New Mexico is a WONDERFUL place and truly is the land of enchantment!
We lived there for 45 years, mostly in Albuquerque. Some of the issues you sighted are regional. ……temps are different from region to region, crime, public schools, pay rates are problems. The average rainfall for a year in Alb. is only about 6″ and the wind is nuts in the Spring. Floods are not a big issue. Overall you are about 1/2 right on your presentation. …….oh yea, politics is an issue……
I temporarily lived in Gallup, NM, as a Medical Educator at Fort Defiance Hospital, which lies on the Navajo Reservation, bordering between NM and AZ. In your article, you did not mention the extremely large amount of New Mexican land belonging to the Navajo Government. The Navajo are self governing, with elections held for their Governmental officials such as President and all others. What this also means is, for instance, the city of Gallup is totally surrounded by Navajo Reservation lands, not for sale, so the city is known as land locked. Any home for sale in Gallup is usually extremely expensive, and very few new homes are built. Which, in my mind, explains why there is so many areas with empty lands. Navajo dwellings are usually circular due to religious beliefs. I believe New Mexico is the most beautiful states in the USA. Whether it is a sunrise, a sunset, or the middle of the day, the land colors and shapes are constantly changing. Magically Enchanting…
I love New Mexico. From 1993 to 2007 I stayed in Taos five times and 3 months each time. Over the years Taos grew tremendously. A local I talked to wasn’t happy about the onslaught to Taos, but Taos must be the exception. The land is magical and so many great hikes and camping. I was only there once in winter and it was very mild, although locals mentioned below zero times in winter, like minus 10 Fahrenheit! Still, it is an amazing place!
I lived in Albuquerque from 1994 until the end of 1997. I have a lot of great memories of my time there. I visited fairly recently and it did seem different, not as cool as before but that’s the same for my home town of Sacramento as well. Things have declined a lot in this country. The middle class is not nearly as healthy as it was 20 years ago and it has been on the decline for many years now, really since the end of WWII.
We lived in NM for three years between 1985-1988. We went there as an adventure and enjoyed it very much. We lived in Gallup and Anglos were only 10% of the population; 30% were Hispanic and 60% were Native Americans. My daughter moved back as an adult and my son eventually married a fine young woman from there. Perhaps it is not for everyone, but it does offer many fine things that enhance your life.
So i lived in Santa Fe and and around the mountain for 25 years to me the weather is the best thing about NM . Maybe a couple of bad snow storm and 1 flash flood never saw the dust storm, spring has wind, summer has thunder storm, wait an hour and it’s sunny again, the days are hot but the night fresh no need for AC,fall is perfect and winter is cold and snowy at time but always sunny . High altitude ! To me it’s the best weather
I’ve lived here most of my life. The things I like are: Beautiful wide open spaces, the reasonably mild weather, low humidity in the summer, red Chile (yes, that’s Chile with an e), Green Chile, Blakes Lotaburger, Mary & Tito’s New Mexican food, green Chile cheeseburgers, magnificent views and sunrises, a rich combination of cultures, great hunting, fishing, skiing, so much more.
I moved to New Mexico for retirement. It was a huge mistake. I had fond memories of New Mexico when we vacationed there years ago. Therefore I thought it would be suitable. It is certainly not. The health care in this state is abysmal. The service levels and quality of care is at rock bottom. Dental services also are a mess. We have had unnerving experiences just getting minor care. You had better hope you don’t fall ill here. Also, the education levels are rock bottom. The roads are like roads in a third-world country. There are nice people here but many who are not and lots and lots of alcoholics, druggies, and thieves. I know that is an epidemic all over the country but it is really bad here. We are pulling out. We are older and don’t trust the medical services here. That is the primary reason.
My parents retired in New Mexico my father is a painter and motorcycle rider.He gets his inspiration from the landscape and culture .I’ve been traveling there for over 20 years (winter spring and fall ) we love the climate and people.The bonito river runs through their property and I even get to catch fish! I hope to keep coming back with fond memories of my dad and mom.I can’t believe i almost forgot about the snow skiing I was in my 30s when I learned but having that need for speed took to it .Texas heat at least on the coast is to oppressive I’m considering retiring anywhere but Tx change is good,and I love NM !!!💙✨
as a lifelong New Mexican of 38 years and a citizen of Albuquerque New Mexico, I would like to say you were spot on with all 10 of your top 10. But I think we need a number 11 with APD “Albuquerque police department” killing the most citizens in the country and the world . Since 2010, Albuquerque has experienced a rash of officer involved shootings, 25 of which were fatal. The rate at which officers shoot citizens is significantly higher than other cities. From 2010 to 2012, Albuquerque police shot people at five times the per-capita rate of New York City. My brother being one of their victims. 😢
I lived in NM for 16months, my husband was stationed at Cannon. My oldest child was born there. For a southern girl that had never been anywhere I loved it. Unfortunately I’ve not been back to Clovis but as a cross country truck driver I drove across the state countless times. It is still a beautiful state and calls to my soul to return. I’m 74y now, I hope my daughter and can visit Clovis together one day.
The problems you cited mostly are national or sun belt regional problems, not really New Mexico problems. The strengths of the state are its food, culture and beauty. The real reason it hasn’t grown like Arizona or Colorado is the tight water supply. The federally built Central Arizona water project made Phoenix and Tucson explode with development — too much development in the last 30 years. New Mexico is better off because it isn’t being overdeveloped like some of its neighbors.
I loved NM around December a few years back. I loved the Santa Fe rail ride, Taos region and Albuquerque!! To me it looks very different from some of the other states around this state. There is so much to do and I don’t feel anything is missing there. They experience 4 seasons and Winter is wonderland and magical. Food is fresh and air is clean unlike our FL now. Way too expensive to live in FL. I may think to at least spend a few months and Monsoon that you mentioned around Summer is fine as I love the rain but I don’t like the Thunderstorm or hurricanes anymore here in South FL. Thank you for enlightening me about the benefits of living or not living there in that God given state!! God Bless America
Spent two weeks driving all around New Mexico. Really wanted to go in early October to see the balloon festival in Albuquerque. But ended up going in November. Went to 10 different cities/towns. Through several mountain ranges, national forest, and various cave/Pueblo dwellings. Despite it mostly being an open desert and prairie, I still got good cell phone coverage. But above all I really wanted to get as closest to the source of the pecos river. Up in the Sangre De Christo Mountains. Just outside of Santa Fe. Since the prior year before I got to see where the pecos ends, which is near Del Rio Texas right before it empties into the Rio Grande River.
I live in New Mexico. This is mostly true. Don’t move here. It’s a difficult place to live unless you have loads of money. It’s a poor state and it can be frustrating to make a living. Public education is a joke. Housing is off the charts expensive relative to wages. We go for weeks if not months without rain. It takes forever just to get out of here via plane or car. Health care isn’t great. Come here to visit, but don’t stay because if you do The Land of Enchantment will become The Land of Entrapment.
Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the most delicious places in the world. I lived there for thirteen years and every day was a blast. First, the scenery is stunning – the skies are magnificent, as shown above. Second, the food is fabulous. Best Mexican food anywhere – luscious and generous, your choice of “green” (mild) or red (hot). Oversized quesadillas and juicy burritos, each restaurant trying to outdo the others. Three, the shopping – elegant stuff you won’t find anywhere else, particularly in the stellar consignment shops with wildly affordable designer clothes, art, and beautiful home furniture and decor. Celebrities who have vacation homes in Santa Fe drop their wardrobes as they come and go. I bought a forest green suede Ralph Lauren smoking jacket (vented) fully lined, never goes out of style. I bought my husband ten like-new Banana Republic long sleeve shirts in gorgeous colors, and a brand new Armani leather jacket…for insanely low prices. Every day is perfect there. Excuse me, whoever made this article, but that drive linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe, is exquisite, breathtaking. It’s like the whole world spreads out before you, with distant mountains and pretty hills on both sides. Temperature: way better than hot, hot Arizona. Mostly, the weather is relatively temperate. But winters (with skiing just a couple of hours away) are magical. Snow falls, dusts everything, then quickly melts away. For me, Santa Fe is a sort of soul mate home, warm, welcoming, pretty and culturally, artistically exciting (lots of art galleries, I might add, with wine and hors d’oeuvres flowing for the public).
I was born and raised in NM and moved the minute I graduated High School I moved to AZ. The quality of life is sooooo much better in AZ. My dad just left NM this year due to poor medicine and crime. It is a beautiful state and the climate is pretty nice. I would consider going back to retire there if they had better access to good medical and that age old issue of CRIME. I want to come back from vacation without my house being robbed. Ugh! Clean it up NM.
When I was in the Army over 50 years ago I was stationed for a time at White Sands Missile Range and lived in Las Cruces. It’s about 45 miles from El Paso. I was a meteorologist in the Army and spent a lot of time in the desert. I absolutely loved the desert and Las Cruces. I came down on levee after about a year and never went back. My wife didn’t love the desert like I did so we ended up back in Illinois near Chicago. I sometimes wonder how our lives would have been if we would have stayed in New Mexico.
I moved to NM 2 years ago. ABQ. I don’t feel safe here, but it’s affordable (or at least it was when I got here), the food is good, and the climate is relatively mild. I’m bracing to see what happens to this place as cost of living soars. That issue is exactly what made me flee two other states before landing here, then once I got here it started happening here, too. There are so many people here hanging by a thread financially. I don’t know what they’re going to do. People like me work remotely, but people in service jobs that require that they be on site? This place seems less prepared to deal with the housing crisis than previous places I lived in, and those places were destroyed by it. Just praying and hoping something turns around.
I moved to Santa Fe, NM in 1992. Before that, beginning in 1956, I vacationed in NM (my parents drug me along) several times. It was a stopping point on the way to other western sites like the Grand Canyon and the many others in Colorado because we had relatives in Albuquerque that gave us free lodging. But sometimes we just camped in the Sangre de Christo mountains in north central NM, fishing, hiking and trail riding. The geography of the state is diverse, and overtime you get to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, the mesas, and the high desert areas of the state. And then there is the cultural diversity, mostly divided by thirds of native americans, hispanics, and anglos who have managed to live with and appreciate what each bring to New Mexico. There’s a number of critical issues that need to be worked on, such as education and jobs that pay substantial wages. These issues are being worked on intensely and we are beginning to see success. Recently, NM is expanding alternative energy creation through solar and wind, both of which are abundant in NM, and creating below ground transmission lines to distribute electricity from California to Texas. The state is attracting businesses to build the components of “green” energy here. NM is providing free pre-school to all of its kids. We are attracting businesses to the state, from those in the semiconductor business to the film industry. And don’t forget we have the only commercial Space Port for civilian travel. If you want to rag on about crime, understand that most of it occurs in Albuquerque, like every city in the USA.
Honestly New Mexico is a great state to live if your an introverted person or wanna get away from it all. I’d know as I used to live in Colorado; but My family and I are originally from Chicago. And lemme tell ya we thought Colorado was pretty sparsely populated especially outside of The front range, but New Mexico is on another level. Of course there’s still urban areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Alamogordo, Hobbs, Clovis or Las Cruces, but outside of those areas it’s a pretty quiet and spread out state. Geography wise it’s a beautiful state, if you’re a nature lover you’d love it, only thing I’d advise is if your in Albuquerque or Las Cruces just keep a low profile as they do have some sketchy parts.
I moved to Los Alamos New Mexico (where scientists made the atomic bomb back during WWII) in 1975 from the Chicago area and was glad I did. I love northern NM, the beauty of the area, the people, and the interesting different cultures. If people don’t want to move here I say that’s great! It’s not over crowded and hope it stays that way. It’s such a friendly, laid back place with beautiful sun rises and sun sets, gorgeous mountains. Is it perfect – no, but it’s 1,000 times better that Chicago area. So please don’t move here!
We wanted to move to Tularosa. We met an insurance agent at an art fair in AZ. He told us my husband would lose many of his insurance benefits if we moved to NM. told us the zip code we were already in offered the best benefits. Shortly after, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and we couldnt take the chance of losing what little benefits we had. Land of the free so long as insurance allows it.
We thought about moving to Albuquerque to escape the Phoenix heat. A road sign in the neighborhood where we were considering buying a home said, “Yield to Police Vehicles”. While we were in a 7-11, I guy ran in, grabbed a bunch of food and ran out. The clerk didn’t bother to call the cops. We are still in Phoenix.
NM is the most underrated state in the union. I’ve lived in number of various states in the USA (CO, RI, GA, MI, NM, much of New England, AZ), and had extended visits in plenty more (MD, TN, KY, PA, NE, FL, KS, CA). NM, by FAR, is my favorite. If you’re retired or semi retired, NM is a perfect place for active people who love to explore the landscapes as well as the skies above; at night, NM provides a wonderful window that stretches out into our vast universe. If you’re into big skies, diverse landscapes, gardening (yes, NM is very fertile in many areas), magical moon rises above the mountains and colorful sunsets, untouched, raw wilderness, listening to coyotes and owls at night, and if you’re willing to leave behind certain “conveniences” for less stress and less people, NM might be right for you. If you’re raising a family, pay for a private school, or homeschool. BTW: NM roads are really not that bad at all. Most of their bridges are now in great shape, and better than in much of the country. Hands down, better roads than Colorado. Winters, unless you’re in the northern mountains, are pretty mild. Where I’m at, I rarely see snow; mid 50’s much of the winter days, and mid 20s or higher throughout the night. Instead of a .10 acre yard, I have 40 acres (and my yard is on the smaller side). March is already in the 60s during the day. LOTS of sun all year, but beautiful thunderstorms during monsoon season. The ONLY bitch I have is the windy season. Some years are worse than others, but it mostly during April and May.
grew up in East Coast moved to New Mexico 30 years ago we travel a lot I mean a lot we are retired. I was a Teachers aide in Special Ed. I agree on the education part. It’s all about location location location. Hobbs and Deming are a small horrible town for drugs invasions. We live near Ruidoso New Mexico and go to the VA in El Paso, Tx. one of the good V A locations. I love the weather house taxes $500 a year for 3 acres house garage that is fantastic our town has the best tasting and clean water I don’t know what other towns are like but we watch our neighbors. You either love it here or hate it. We love it
I lived in NM for over 20 years, and I loved it. Yes, the wages were poor, but the free activities (or almost free) made up for the lower wages. If you are independently wealthy, or retired, it is an ideal location. The people, art, mountains, culture, food, hot springs and architecture is wonderful. It also makes a difference were you live. I left because I had to, not because I wanted to.
All of this is true, but it’s so beautiful there. Born & raised in Santa Fe I can say that. Santa Fe is my favorite and I don’t really care for much more of the state. I love Santa Fe because. The food, air and water are clean. The mountains that surround Santa Fe are breathtaking with the amazing skies we get there. I love going home. I look forward to it twice a year.
I visited New Mexico a few years ago. Stayed in Santa Fe and drove up to Taos for the day. My thoughts on Taos was an overrun tourist trap and a great place for homelessness and outlaw biker gangs. Santa Fe was a jewel. History, architecture, culture and food were all superb. The people I found nice, and a lot of transplants, too. We drove up to Los Alamos, too. Wow, what a different place. Looked like an alpine village with many large bank buildings. And no adobe buildings. Only used the airport in Albuquerque but man, the cleanest and nicest bathrooms in any airport I’ve ever been. So I can’t really comment about ABQ. The clear and beautiful open vistas were stunning everywhere I went. I didn’t experience any crime so I can’t comment about that except to say the published crime stats are not good. Overall I found New Mexico a compelling place. But what gives me pause is the poverty I saw in the Indian areas and smaller towns. Wow, they can give Mississippi a run for their money.
Indigenous people have live there more than 10,000 years. I lived there fourteen years and loved it. I lived in Florida 34 years and left because the increasing population a nd taxes was making it unliveable. While where we lived in Southern New Mexico is a desert the state has a diverse topography.. It’s not for everybody, but it’s a great place for many, especially retirees.
Loved northern New Mexico. While i was there i found nothing wrong with the climate. As hot as the sun gets its not bad in the shade and i enjoyed the cool, sometimes downright cold nights. The scenery is beautiful and the air is clear. The art and architecture are different, interesting, and great. Live there permanently, i dunno. Make a good long visit and get familiar with the state, you betcha.
My daughter and her husb moved to Albuquerque because he used to live there back when it was still OK. 2 weeks in, her bike was stolen; they chopped down a small tree it was chained to in order to steal it. If I sent her mail she needed to know when it would come so she could grab it fast. And so on! And they lived in a better neighborhood.
I lived in New Mexico for almost 5 years. I transferred to Farmington for work. I’m back home in Texas now. I had to turn my police scanner off at night because it never shut up when I was in Farmington. At home it runs 24/7 and I’m 2 miles from IH10. I like visiting the state of New Mexico. I have explored a lot of the state but not all of it. There is a rich history in NM. I was on a back road south of Albuquerque about 100 miles and I stopped when a guy waved me down. We talked for over an hour. He was out walking and wanted to warn me that the road was closed ahead. His family had come to NM with the Conquistadors. One of his ancestors and helped to build a nearby Mission. Politically… the state is a cesspool. Note that I did not specify a party. The people there are good people. They deserve better representation. The drug problem is real. That’s a very sad fact. Alcohol abuse is also a problem. I thought the climate was great.
The article was balanced and well delivered. We do have a fair amount of problems here. You did allude to this, but what I can tell you is there is something very particular to New Mexico; almost a spiritual energy that pulses through it. And like any organisms that live in generally inhospitable areas, people here are adaptive and kind and communal in a way that hardly any other place i’ve ever been to is. This is also something I hear consistently from people who moved here, the people here are special.
I just moved to New Mexico from california. It’s much more affordable and I LOVE the constantly changing weather. Sunny and hot, 5 minutes later torrential rain then back to sunny. I love it! You never know what you’re going to get. We had one season in San Diego. It was 80 degrees and hailing the other day😂I don’t understand it but I sure love it😂and the people are SUPER FRIENDLY
We moved here in 2019 from Denver, CO because of the population explosion after passing the marijuana law. Everything increased especially crime. It’s taken time to get used to living in the high desert area while the poverty and alcohol and drugs are really bad and having a tolitarian for a governor the state itself is beautiful.
Just spent a week in TAOS NM May 2023 and it was magical 😁 the people were 99% friendly, welcoming and engaging. A day trip south to Sante Fey to museum 🖼️🎨 district and plaza was nice, except the street vendors were somewhat aggressive. We did find an almost concealed alley at the end of which was authentic artisan jewelry, very affordable,too!!! 😊 My perception was criminal activity is probably at a higher risk in Sante Fey. I prefer the slower paced atmosphere in TAOS and definitely will return for another extended stay. This multi-cultural crossroads is uniquely diverse and art galleries abound, with creative tastes to meet anyone’s needs and/or choices.😊 Pueblo TAOS a must visit along with Ojo Caleinte Hot Springs ♨️. Peace 🕊️ 12:07
I have visited different parts of New Mexico enough to know that I would love to live there. The landscaping is magnificent. The people are so laid back. The food is outstanding. The mountains are phenomenal! My allergies disappear as soon as I arrive a few miles into it. I cannot say enough good things about it.
Growing up in Colorado we always had a soft spot for New Mexico. Maybe like the affection an older sibling nurtures for a younger, we love our southern neighbor! New Mexico is more sincere than Montana, less arrogant than Wyoming, more Catholic and progressive than Utah or Nebraska, more authentic than Nevada, and a hell of a lot more humane toward immigrants than Kansas or Idaho. We love you, Companeros!
I used to recruit college students from New Mexico, some from the reservations. Drugs and alcohol take a toll on the native American population. Santa Fe and Taos are beautiful and a must see. Southern New Mexico is pretty barren and not much to see there. All things considered, a good place to visit, not to live.
There is something about News Mexico. You’ve done your research and you’ve made an excellent presentation, but again there’s something about new Mexico that one either senses or doesn’t sense at all. I’ve never resided there, but I have owned mountain property there. I have spent my entire life living on two neighboring sides of the state, and though the “something” is impossible for me to describe or even comprehend, it runs deep. That’s the best way I can describe it, and I’ve not really described it at all. Maybe “enchanted” is as close as I can get to it. Maybe not. New Mexico, I love you.
Nine months ago, we moved to New Mexico, following our family from one university to another. We are senior citizens with health issues: it took almost 8 months to find a primary care physician (and we live in Albuquerque, the medical/healthcare center.) The primary care physician is the gateway to the specialists we need to see on a regular basis. Most New Mexican residents we have met are friendly…unless they are driving.
Good article. Knowing several long time residents, i am aware that they really take care of their own; that is, if there’s a good job to be had it is almost always referred to closest of kin, i.e. cousins, aunts, or friends that are local. Not a place for newcomers to break into the job market definitely ! Also one of the most beautiful places i have ever seen.
Very true as a Native New Mexican. Since 2000, NM has reached 2 million people, since then NM is still at 2 million people. For the past 23 years our population has gained about 50,000 people. But the biggest difference compared to all America, NM will be the last of what America once was, meaning English is the spoken language of choice. More people speak Spanish in the city of Chicago than all of Arizona and New Mexico combined; while more people speak a Slavic language in NM and AZ than the entire State of Illinois! But then again, come see for yourself, NM roads are being repaved at a faster rate than California.
As new housing developments spring up seemingly overnight with the consequent new wells drilled, existing wells’ water levels falling as a result, aquifers that took thousands of years to accumulate here in the desert being depleted “like there is no tomorrow”, it is difficult – no utterly impossible – to wish more people were moving to New Mexico!
I was born in New Mexico and have lived in several parts of my state. This article makes some…some decent points…but oh how it gets so many things wrong. Also, we are not upset that people don’t want to come here. You’re right is horrible…stay away… We are a landlocked, High desert, this limits our economic prospects, but we have a robust film industry, the national labs, open spaces that let you take a breath of the cleanest air, and the absolute best food you’ll ever eat. I am living through the golden age of food trucks right now! Fusion Tacos is world class. I love my home.
I lived in NM for 12 years. I moved because of family concerns. I was a victim of violent crime once in 12 years. That said, I felt far safer there than where I live now, in AL. Or many other places I have lived. Just avoid certain areas. Income is low. However, I took a drastic income decrease by moving to AL. Now the only way I maintain a decent income is travel nursing. So I spend a lot of time out of AL. Most of the time, there’s not much to do. During autumn, that changes with lost of cultural events. There is a lot to see, which can take years to see but requires a LOT of driving through bland desert. That said, you run across some amazing beauty unexpectedly in the desert.16 forests. Cliff dwellings. The arts scene in Santa Fe (very pricey). The Balloon Festival. Don’t miss the River of Lights and Twinkle Lights Parade during winter holidays, they are fantastic! Lots of ski resorts. Carlsbad Caverns! Education is poor and poverty is widespread, which reflects heavily on social interactions. That was the worst part for me. Though it was still MUCH better than AL. Politics are strange. For some reason, New Mexicans elect fairly right wing administrations, yet the culture and many policies are extremely Progressive. Socially, I would say NM is one of the most Progressive states in some respects. That may be more due to local municipal policies. When Bernie Sanders (since discredited) came to NM in 2016, the convention center ran out of space. The Clinton campaign saw maybe 200 people at most and was at a community center in a wealthier side of Albuquerque.
I lived there for a few years. Beautiful place with some of the most amazing food in the country. However, there are definite downsides. The public education system is awful, the infrastructure is worse (a broken windshield every year), the political climate and taxes that are way too high for the infrastructure benefits. Definitely wouldn’t retire there but it’s a nice place to visit.
I moved to Rio Rancho right next to Albuquerque June 1st 2019 following the exodus of the rest of my family. Oldest brother came here first. We all came from California, 4th generation, born in LA. I absolutely love it here. There are problems like any state, but the vast majority of these issues are nothing compared to my former life in Los Angeles. Hope your article discourages some folks. I love it here. 4 years and never saw a sandstorm.
I’ve lived in NM since the end of 2017. Never once seen a Haboob or even heard a report of one happening somewhere in the state. I know they occur with some regularity in AZ, though. I think you got this part of your article wrong. The springtime winds are notorious, though. If it’s not anchored, it won’t be there as the day progresses. It’s not perfect here but I love it. If people would stop electing liberal governors and leaders, I’m sure the schools and jobs would be greatly improved in no time at all. They just don’t care about the people here. It’s business as usual. It’s a shame and someone with vision should get in that Governor’s Mansion. I don’t live in one of the cities and I feel perfectly safe. Petty theft is high in my region but you just have to keep things locked up and avoid tempting folks by leaving stuff in your car in plain sight. Otherwise, I’m very satisfied living here and I’m in no hurry to leave. Did you say that I-25 (the entire interstate in the whole state of NM) is ranked the worst road in America? That’s amazing. I’ve traveled lots of interstates and I never once thought this was the worst I’ve ever driven. Strange.
Seeing NM through a tourist eyes is amazing, the food, the art, the culture, the landscape.(in tourist areas only.) however, live there; your car will be broken into, or stolen, your house will be invaded, and robbed, live in a neighborhood; your neighbors never take care of their yards. (Weeds everywhere, or an accumulation of old cars) homeless camps, and graffiti everywhere but the tourist area. We moved away 23 years ago, and when we visit family, we go the tourist route.
The low population density is marvelous! I disagree with the statement about I 25. I 25 in Colorado is far worse than New Mexico. We’re truck drivers, and we can tell you that the portion of I 25 that goes from albuquerque to the northern border is in great condition. However, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Denver need a lot of work.
Just took a Senior bus tour there in August this year from Washington D.C. We loved visiting Alburqueque and Santa Fe. Very educational and scenic with nice people. However, we were surprised by the extensive poverty and seeming absence of a middle class. Maybe that was because we were all from the Washington,DC area. I admit that it is a great place to visit, but wild horses couldn’t drag me to live there.
I would agree with those sentiments expressed here about the natural beauty, culture, food and art of New Mexico (at least of the places that I have visited: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos). I live just a couple of states over (Oklahoma) and would consider NM a state to retire to only for the lack of good health care and the crime rate that prevents me from seriously considering that move. I do love the drive (on I-40) through NM just for the uniqueness of the terrain and landscape along the route that does not compare to anywhere else in the country.
Been in NM since 1984 and still love it. We could use more humans out here, but as it is, the cost of living is probably as low as it gets in the USA. Usually no HOA’s, no zoning laws, (except Santa Fe and Albuquerque) and the fewest gun laws in the country. Tons of wildlife too. You will meet elk, deer, antelope, bears and cougars while on the remote roads. If you’re changing a tire on a remote road, you will share the space with these critters too. It really is close as it gets to the wild west once you leave the interstate highways.
As a Mexican, I have traveled a lot to the border states of California, Arizona, and Texas. I had been missing out on New Mexico because there is not much tourist advertising for that state on this side, but this article sparked an interest in exploring New Mexico. I’m sure there is a lot to see in that beautiful place.
I lived in Albuquerque from 1966 to 1969 and it was a very enjoyable time for me back in my high school days. I love the city and back then the state was red or Republican. Today it is a solid blue state and like all democrat run states it has become a cesspool. New Mexicans have nobody to blame but themselves.
New Mexico is one of those places people have always wanted to come to for escapism from much of the rest of the country and the lucky ones who can afford to will stay. Because of this there is so much dissension between the rich and poor, between the locals who want to see jobs and growth and those who don’t want any changes and it spreads into political decisions and that’s a big part of NM being where it’s at. Very few move there for economic reasons or for career advancement/ work but it did happen to my father who moved or family from Kansas in 1971 because he just happened to be one of the few rocket scientists and got a job at the Lab and that is very rare – even back then.
Spent some time briefly in Taos, staying with a long-time resident. She said she hated to leave her house, and when I asked why, she would point to strange cars passing by in her neighborhood, saying they were casing houses for robbery. And leaving the local supermarket parking lot she would point out people waiting by the store exits, checking out the customers leaving. Had my own personal experiences with some hostile state troopers that ended ok but left a memory. Won’t say overall I felt unsafe, but it did certainly feel like the “wild west,” where it seems you’re on your own and things you take for granted elsewhere aren’t the same here.
As an undergraduate student at UNM in the early 80s I do not remember Sandia Peak ski area not being open. I would go to class in the morning and then go skiing in the afternoon. Weekends I would go skiing in the morning and then golfing at one of the UNM courses in the afternoon. Santa Fe ski area was usually open also and about an hour away. Climate change has changed NM having consistently good snow and winter sports year in and year out.
I live in Taos and read all these silly comments. I suppose if you vacationing its a pretty nice place. If your here to be a tourist it is completely different from living here. There is one exception and that is if you have lots of money and I do mean lots so you can build/buy a nice home away from the Riff Raff. The crime is at an all time high and the tourist are literally choking themselves out of space. If you are hoping to find a decent job here good luck as they are few and far between. Lots of homeless these days and growing by the minute. Lots of drugs hence lots of property crime. If you have something stolen you will never recover it the police will take a report and make a mild effort to help you but its just kinda too bad for you. Check the homeowners insurance rates cause your gonna pay if you build a home assuming anyone is willing to insure you at all and im not kidding. If you have children the schools are average, Medical care is also average compared to other places ive lived. So once that new place smell wears off reality sets in quickly.
great article, thanks a lot. It will keep the rif raf out, unfortunately up here in the north there are a lot of poeple moving in, maybe more then we can handle. Unlike what you say in your article. I live here bcause of the good water, the clean air and the great climate and the wide open spaces. in 45 yars I never seen one of those duststorms, they do happen in Arizona and in the small strech on I 10 near the Arizona stateline.
As a Coloradan, I enjoy visiting NM and have considered living there. What holds me back are many of the issues mentioned. In particular, Colorado is a much wealthier state with programs and services I’ve come to appreciate and take advantage of. Access to high quality medical care is a major issue. We have that in Colorado, particularly in the Denver metro area. Not so much in NM, even in ABQ. A friend of mine, with excellent health insurance, has had to come to Denver for medical care. Her medical issues aren’t that unusual, but even the U of NM hospital couldn’t provide her with the care she needed. So I’ll visit there, but not move there.
I’ve lived here a lot, on and off, and I live here now. I’ve lived in many parts of the country, but the high desert suits me (and I like the $100 or less a month electricity bill in the summer with evaporative cooling). There are just too many people in CA and MD (and AZ cities), too many tornadoes in OK, and too much humidity in most of TX and the southeast states. I live in the four corners area of NM, so I don’t deal with quite as much bad crime as ABQ (although I once lived there and couldn’t wait to get away after multiple vehicle break-ins) or Santa Fe. I may not retire here because of the income tax, etc. but if I don’t, I’ll probably wind up back in west Texas or east Arizona (maybe Wyoming where I’ve lived too). New Mexico is a beautiful state if you appreciate the desert and its association with the mountains, but it isn’t for everyone. In the summer where I live, it can be in the 50s in the morning and in the 90s in the afternoon (but that is part of the charm). We hit the 100s sometimes, but I grew up with that in west Texas, so it doesn’t bother me much. Now at the same time the winter temperatures can be brutal, so be ready. For anyone looking to move here, you should probably spend at least a week here in both summer and winter here before you pull the trigger.
The wonderful thing about NM is that everybody has a story, and some go back centuries. Most of its woes revolve around being the poorest state outside of the deep south. I’m surprised the article never touched on NM’s financial situation–it regularly runs a healthy budget surplus, making many of the mentioned new educational initiatives possible. Of course, most of that revenue is from oil and gas, and the ecological damage has been significant, so that’s a dilemma. If nobody’s moving there you wouldn’t know it in Santa Fe; there’s new housing construction everywhere you look, and it’s mighty pricey.
I grew up in Albuquerque. new Mexico is a beautiful place to starve to death. water is rationed on West side Albuquerque. it’s a dessert! I left at 18 years old, have visited since… Still better off in Michigan! a Typical city lot in Albuquerque is about the size of my Lansing, Mi Front Yard, and co$ts 3x more!
This is a general facts, but still New Mexico I believe it’s a beautiful state I live in the State of Coahuila Mexico With deserts, hoards climate specially in summer the nexus temperature is 95 to 105 F a few areas or beautiful mountains . If I compare both states, New Mexico I think offers more options in terms of climate areas,and lots of museums and cultural art. Not everything is perfect in this world, maybe, the only thing can say it’s New Mexico seem far away from other places in The US .
Moved here in 2019 to work in healthcare seeing as there was/is a need. Nope still here and cant wait to leave. All of what you said is true and then some. Plus there is a culture of “keep outsiders out” like New Mexicans can afford to say that. So this outsider will be out soon to one of the many better states. Peace out NM. Only good thing about you is the green chili, some of the people (whom I have grown to love and admire) and some of the scenery.
Depending on which source you look at, New Mexico hovers at an average 49th out of the 50 states for quality of life, and as bad as 51st when it comes to public schools (New Mexico public schools are worse than even Washington DC’s). Substance abuse and poverty are linked, but the former causes the latter, not the other way around. New Mexico’s substance abuse problems have become far worse with the legalization of cannabis. Crime has not been decreasing, New Mexico, like other states has been obfuscating crime rates by redefining what is a “crime,” and using creative accounting in crime reporting. The same thing applies to things like the school dropout and unemployment rates. New Mexico’s largest employer is federal, state, county, and local government, not counting the overwhelming majority of those on the reservations who live on welfare. Decades of one-party rule has resulted in decades of social decline, but as a large percentage of the state’s voters have a vested interested in being paid with other people’s money, one-party rule and social decline are certain to continue.
Weird I have traveled to and through New Mexico and have not found the state or the people significantly worse than others..food is good.. access to the outdoors..all 3 seasons has always been great..Taos and Angel Fire have fun skiing and camping, hunting and fishing has always been great..Univ of NM always looks to be growing like a weed but I am just a casual observer..if New Mexico is way down the list hate to see where Arizona and Nevada rate for the opposite reasons of population growth and urban sprawl talk about ease of travel..
I was a frequent summer visitor to NM. Beautiful place to visit. There is not enough industry there to create the needed jobs resulting in high unemployment. The high crime rate and substance abuse are a direct result of low opportunities for legitimate income. No hope. I had to keep everything locked up.
This article threw me for a loop bc it’s not the New Mexico that I’ve known and loved since I was a child. Haven’t been there in over 10 years now though, and it sounds like it’s been hurt by climate change, drug addiction, and Biker rallies. I still have relatives there so we need to go visit and ask about that zero degree winter weather you mentioned – winters were mild when I lived there as a kid in the 60’s. We took our best friends there to show them “our NM” with a road trip starting with the Santa Fe Fiesta & burning of ZoZobra (September) all the way down to the Carlsbad Caverns (awesome) White Sands, Roswell. Acoma Pueblo, on a Mesa, is so special – nice day trip from Albuquerque. Santa Fe at Xmas is magical with the Farolitos (called Luminarias in Albq) and Canyon Walk on Xmas Eve. New Mexico cuisine is one of my favorite foods. Also love Taos, very artsy and has the oldest continously occupied Pueblo in the country. Love New Mexico ❤️l want to add that renting a Casita with friends or family is the best! The Adobe, kiva fireplaces, Saltillo tile floors….
New Mexico is unlike any place in North America. High desert filled with sky islands allows for a diversity of topography and weather. Not as hot as Arizona, not as cold as Colorado. And for a large sized state it’s easy to get through with good highways. Very business friendly, and with legal pot it’s up to date with personal freedoms and rights. You gotta live in ABQ, Las Cruces, or Santa Fe for professional jobs but lots of small tourist mountain towns. I love it, but will probably move back to a big city in a higher populated state. The history and beautiful nature are my favorite parts while the snowboarding is seriously underrated.
Many of the “negatives” sighted in this article are simply untrue or greatly exaggerated but, that’s actually okay with many of us, we like it the way it is and we don’t really want to be inundated with an overabundance of New Yorkers, Californians, and others so, keep up the good work and help us to keep our secret. Grateful thanks.
I lived in Albuquerque for 14 years and I love New Mexico, however, the crime, the low pay (unless you work for the government), the drugs and homeless, and it is getting too big for its britches, made me want to leave. I finally left a little over a year ago and I feel safe in my home now, which does not have bars on the windows and doors and a deadbolt that you can only open or lock with a key, to keep people out. I always felt like I was describing living in a prison when I told people about the house I lived in. The Native culture is beautiful and the food is amazing, as is the landscape, but not worth staying there. Albuquerque does have the Rail Runner that goes from Belen all the way to Santa Fe and is not that expensive, so you don’t really have to drive to Santa Fe.