My husband and I are considering moving from CA to New Mexico for retirement. We currently work in the high desert on Edwards AFB and live in Tehachapi, CA. I have been researching on City-Data website, but getting many mixed reviews. Can anyone give me the pros/cons to retirement life in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Many thanks. Vicki

Anyone from New Mexico, maybe? Vicki

There is a former member here that is a FB friend of mine who retired from NASA in SF and moved to Albequerque a year or two ago. I'll ask her if she'll perhaps PM you here.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

I'm going to PM you.....

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

We lived in Albuquerque twenty years ago - and loved everything except the school system. Lots of people with doctorates (working at Sandia Labs) and an equal number who never finished high school - not much inbetween.
Snow disappears by 10 AM, but driving before is a bit hazardous due to the dramatic difference in altitude from the east side to the west side of town. You have to have a heated pool or wait until Noon to swim in the summer.
Great emphasis on sports/exercise/activities, especially biking.
You have to water daily or your yard dies.
Most homes use swamp coolers instead of AC. Cheap to run and keep you cool.
We weren't used to the architectural style of homes, but really came to love them. The architect for the Albuquerque Airport designed out house - and I still miss it.
The Balloon Festival is great fun. Usually over 600 balloonists from all over the World.
The Albuquerque Box - balloonists can fly around in circles (the box), by changing altitude. You can have conversations with them as they fly overhead.
You can't/shouldn't take your dogs into the mountains due to the plague (seriously).
Wildlife does come into town, looking for food and water. That includes bears.
You can jalapenos everywhere - including McDonalds.

We enjoyed our time there and would consider moving back, except for our kids.

@PennyandMaggiesMom....thank you. I received your email.
@BajaOklahoma.....thank you for the information. We are planning on attending the ABQ International Balloon Festival which begins on October 5 (our anniversary). If you might have preferences as to best locations to live and pros/cons of the area, I would love to hear them, either on the board or by PM. We work in the high desert @ NASA Edwards AFB, so are acclimated to both the weather and need to drive. Looking at retiring in about 6 years. Thank you.
Vicki