Moving to Albuquerque

[trainer2070]

Anyone have any information on what Albuquerque's like? I'm going to be moving there in the next few months to finish school and I'm trying to get a feel for what its like.

[Elizabeth Hanes, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry no one answered you; I'm sure you're here by now, but in case others are interested....

Disclaimer: I do not like NM. The climate does not agree with me, among other things.

That said, I have lived in Albuquerque for over 12 years, so I have a good idea of what it is like. Here goes.

The climate is considered "lovely" by many people. There are not 4 distinct seasons here. Winter is very mild. Spring involves A LOT of wind (be prepared for an April filled with days of 40+mph winds each and every day). Summer is hot. To me, the best season is fall. Not so much wind, temps in the 80s. That is ideal.

Because of the climate, outdoor activities can be had almost year-round. (And definitely year-round if you're intrepid.) Biking, hiking, camping -- it's all available through most seasons. The mountains are a mere half-hour from Albuquerque, though they're not as nice as the mountains of Colorado, IMHO.

Cultural activities abound in this city of half-a-million. There is live theatre, arts. The only thing lacking is a major league sports team. That said, an individual who commits to the area would not be lacking in social activities.

New Mexico, in general, is a very (very) poor state. However, the economic aspect of Albuquerque is all right. Housing is fairly expensive, with decent homes running approx. $250,000. I know that's not expensive compared to other areas of the country, but it's expensive compared to what Albuquerque has to offer. Also, this is a military town. If you have issues with the military, Albuquerque may not be for you. Kirtland AFB provides a major economic impact to Albuq, in general.

Albuquerque is one of those cities that can be negatively described as having a "small town" attitude in a large city. Often, the politics here make no sense. If you can live with that, then you will enjoy Albuq.

As far as nursing goes, there are three major employers: the Presbyterian system, University of New Mexico system, and Lovelace system. Presbyterian and Lovelace are privately-owned health systems. UNMH is the publicly-owned hospital whose health system also serves the university community. Lovelace is in disarray, and I can't recommend it. The UNM system offers a great option for those who enjoy the academic environment (interns and resident constantly circulating, e.g.). Presbyterian is, by far, the premier private system in NM. Both UNMH and Presbyterian have their good sides and bad sides for nurses. And don't discount the VA, which has a large hospital here.

Good luck!

[AnesthesiaSlider]

The above post is fairly accurate, but I have to disagree about the climate. It's cool to cold in the winter (snows 1 to 4 days a year in the city, almost always melts within 48 hours. Skiing/snowboarding are reallly big here). Spring is cool, it gets windy in March for a couple of weeks (the dust can be bothersome). July usually has a few >100 degree days but there is virtually no humidity. Monsoons start in late July, meaning clouds roll in around 3:30, rains until 6:00, beautiful sunset at 7:00. Sometimes the sun is setting on the horizon, fire red, clouds over the west mesa, and there is lightning in the sunset. That lasts until late August. Balloon Fiesta starts in mid October, and this without fail is the first cold week of the fall; temps range from 40's to 60's until March.

State is not the poorest but close (when New Mexico is ranked in some national ranking, we usually say "thank God for Mississippi!). New Mexico breakfasts are the best meal to be had on the planet. Don't for get to spell it C-H-I-L-E, and you'll love your time here.

Oh yeah: UNM and the surrounding area are so liberal they make San Fransisco seem conservative.

[PreOpNurse]

I totally agree with the above posts, except to say that there is humidity. I am from Oklahoma which is more humid on average. But the last couple of summers have been terrible. Most houses (including mine) have swamp coolers which do not work in humidity, so I spend a lot of time in the summer not being comfortable. I had to buy a window unit for my room so I could sleep. The comment on the politics is spot-on. If you agree with the liberal side, this could be a wonderful sanctuary. The politics certainly bleed into the health care environment. I work at UNM and it is out of control. But, that being said, I love my job and I have great friends here, but I really wish there was more rain. The housing is VERY expensive for the wages and environment here. Even small apartments in the ghetto are $700 and up. Anyway, everyone's different so maybe you'll love it.

[mingez]

I have to disagree with the "Mountains are not as nice as the ones in CO" comment. (I know, to each his own)

I live in CO, and grew up in NM. I went to High School in Albuquerque, and got my first degree at UNM. All of my family is there.

The Sandias are unrivaled in beauty. And from the base to the top (Not elevation) taller than all of the mountains out here in CO. Also, the mountains in the rest of the state (up north) like the Jemez, Sangre, Pecos Wilderness, have thicker forests than that of CO. I took some of my CO friends down, and they were floored at the Pecos!

The fishing is just as good in NM as anywhere. All outdoor activities (as stated in former posts) are very common.

You'll find that the nightlife isn't quite as great as in the big cities, but Albuquerque (ABQ) is coming around. There aren't many REAL dance clubs, but there are some fantastic pubs and bars. It's certainly gentrifying, with old buildings converting into Lofts and Art Galleries sprouting up everywhere. In this area, ABQ is definitely an up-and-coming city, but has a long way to go.

Food-wise, ABQ is fantastic. You can get anything from Indian (east) to Indian (west). I can name several great Sushi restaurants, Thai, Vietnamese if you'd like. But the real mother load is the NEW Mexican food. (NEW emphasized cause it's def. different...and better) It's incredible. I miss real green chile, real sopapillas, and good rellenos everyday now that I'm up in CO.

The people are salt of the earth, but there is a gang-problem in NM. Which my buddies and family who currently live there tell me is getting better.

Another negative (as said in a former post) is that there are NO pro sports teams there. But the locals are insane with their fondness for the UNM Lobos despite their recent lack of success. I still contend that the PIT is the best place to see an NCAA basketball game. No place is louder!

As for the Humidity, that's definitely the exception, and not the rule. It's usually dry as all get out, which is great. If you go to wunderground (weather underground) and go to history, you'll see that in the last 20 years the humidity has always been blissfully low. Just drink lots of water and use lotion. LOL

I'm moving back after I graduate!

Good Luck!

[mingez]

State is not the poorest but close (when New Mexico is ranked in some national ranking, we usually say "thank God for Mississippi!)..

True, but Forbes also voted ABQ the best place for Business and Careers...

http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/03/06bestplaces_top10_slide.html?thisSpeed=20000

[Zozo]

:redbeatheI fiercely love New Mexico:redbeathe

The most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Sky sky sky sky sky! Stars stars stars stars stars!

The beautiful high desert terrain.

The dry, fragrant, clean air.

The unique mix of cultures.

I will be so proud to serve this state as a nurse when I'm finished with school!

[sigita]

I am international nurse from Europe, Lithuania. Passed NCLEX-RN Board of NM. Applied for RN positions however everyone neede experienced nurses in the USA. Could you tell me who was born with experience, please? Haw to start from begining. I live in Chicago, but I am ready move to NM Albuquerque.Thankyou. Sigita

[jobo.84]

ABQ is a terrible city. The city is unfriendly and options are entertainment is limited. In comparison to many of the places I lived, Albuquerque and the UNM nursing school were likely the worst. I was very happy to leave. Very!