14 Things Longtime New Mexicans Wish They Could Tell Newcomers
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Juliet White
Author
New Mexico’s stunning natural beauty snares residents of other states, compelling them to relocate to the Land of Enchantment. Although our population is small, it grew 1.06% between 2010 and 2016, and that doesn’t reflect longtime residents who leave and are replaced by transplants. If you’re thinking of moving here, take a few minutes to read through these 14 things that will help to ease your transition.
This attitude usually has nothing to do with you personally. But we appreciate solitude, tend to dislike crowds, and have no desire to be the new Arizona. And transplants potentially jeopardize that.
If you're moving north of Albuquerque or to a mountainous region, this may well be your yard come winter.
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Really windy. We've invented this fun, new game. It's called Tumbleweed Dodgeball.
If you're a neat freak, New Mexico may not be the state for you. A thin film of colored dust tends to coat everything from window screens to previously white sneakers.
Yes, dirt roads contribute to the dust, but we have endless unpaved miles of them and most of us are fine with that.
It takes time to get from one place to another in New Mexico and we find that empty space around you a selling point. Look! No signs of civilization. Yay!
That being said, always keep some water, a blanket, and food that won't melt in your vehicle. Toss in a hard copy of a map, because you will lose reception.
That being said, always keep some water, a blanket, and food that won't melt in your vehicle. Toss in a hard copy of a map, because you will lose reception.
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Yes, we have awesome margaritas but DWI laws are strictly enforced here. Befriend someone who doesn't mind being the designated driver.
We have plenty of days of sunshine (isn't that part of why you relocated?). However, that means you really need to protect your skin.
The altitude in New Mexico ranges from 2842 feet to 13,161 feet above sea level. If you're settling somewhere on the higher end of that spectrum, this is especially important. Watch how quickly snow melts under the intense New Mexican sun, then think about what it's doing to your skin.
The altitude in New Mexico ranges from 2842 feet to 13,161 feet above sea level. If you're settling somewhere on the higher end of that spectrum, this is especially important. Watch how quickly snow melts under the intense New Mexican sun, then think about what it's doing to your skin.
Water is liquid gold. Don't hose down surfaces you're too lazy to sweep and definitely don't install a large, grassy lawn. Gravel is your new BFF. It comes in more colors than you might imagine!
Thoroughly extinguish your campfire (or better yet don't build one) and never toss a cigarette butt out of your car window. Forest fires are devastating and terrifying.
You may encounter pottery shards, arrowheads or fossils on your adventures - hikers in the Ojito Wilderness once stumbled upon the remains of a dinosaur! It's best not to disturb any finds and it may even be illegal to do so. Just note the location, take some photos, and report your discovery to an official institution like a museum or university.
It's cheaper to just order a T-shirt that reads: "newbie."
Sure, you can stay in the Land of Bland but a) you're missing out and b) your dining options at social events will be limited to plain tortilla chips.
Manana comes soon enough.
Are you a newcomer or a long-term New Mexican? What would you add to this list?
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