Submitted by Admin
It’s always exciting to move to a new state, with the different scenery, culture, and things to do. New residents of the state of New Mexico are coming to a place with a unique culture and among the oldest continually occupied towns in the country. There are many interesting things transplants will want to know and places they will want to visit in their new state.
Before moving into the state, you will want to research the best places to live in New Mexico. You will want to know which areas are the safest, what kinds of climate each area has, and the culture and atmosphere of the different neighborhoods and towns you are considering. You will also want to know more about the state itself, with its history, traditions, natural areas, cultural centers, and more. Here are ten things you should know before moving to New Mexico:
Learn about the Traditions and Culture
New Mexico has a diverse culture and history, with strong influences from Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. You will see this history represented in the state’s people, architecture, religion, and traditions. While New Mexico is being influenced by an influx of new residents from other states, the traditions and cultures of the past are still strong. From the large number of Native American historical sites to the presence of adobe churches, homes, and other buildings, the heritage of New Mexico’s culture is thriving. When you move into this state, you should respect and learn to understand the traditions and culture of the people who live here.
The state has a high proportion of Hispanic residents, and Spanish is widely spoken in many areas. You won’t need to speak Spanish in order to live here, but there will be a lot of other people around you who do speak the language. The strong Hispanic heritage can show up in the culture, traditions, holidays, religion, cuisine, and architecture around the state.
Sample the Cuisine
The state has a unique cuisine, with dishes like green chile stew and sopapillas being popular choices. The food in New Mexico is influenced greatly by the Native American and Mexican cultures that are prominent in the state’s history. Expect to find a lot of southwestern dishes such as Rellenos, tamales, and enchiladas. You will also see the influence of the American West on the food culture of the area.
You can sample the cuisine of the state, especially the famous green chile, at many restaurants. You will see green chile served both as a stew and as a topping for other dishes, such as breakfast burritos, bean burritos, and even hamburgers.
Understand the Geography
New Mexico has a high elevation, with parts of the state being over 7,000 feet above sea level. The lower elevations of the state are made up of deserts while the higher mountain areas are covered with the coniferous and aspen forests that the Western United States is known for. Most of the principal cities are located in mountain valleys or in the lower elevations, while the mountainous areas are often popular places for summer homes and ski towns.
Learn about the Climate
The weather in New Mexico can vary greatly depending on the region, but it is generally dry and sunny. As an arid climate, most of the year is dry with little rain. Because of this, the lower elevations are mostly desert with some riparian areas around waterways. The higher elevations get more precipitation and much of that is snow.
The temperature in New Mexico can be warm to hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Lower elevations experience fewer cold temperature extremes compared with mountainous areas, but these desert areas can be hot in the summer. Because of the dry air, there can be a lot of variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Even in the summer expect it to be cool at night.
Be Prepared for an Outdoor Life
The state is home to fifteen national park sites, including El Malpais National Monument and Pecos National Historical Park. Many of these national monuments are historic sites, such as Bandolier National Monument, honoring the traditions and sacred areas of the Native Americans. Others, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park, are areas set aside to protect and preserve unique natural features.
When you move to New Mexico, honor and enjoy this abundance of national park sites by visiting them and learning what you can about each area. Locals and natives are proud of their natural and cultural areas and want them protected and respected.
Visit the Capital
The state capital is Santa Fe, which is known for its art galleries, cultural events, and historic landmarks. The entire state has a strong artistic community and is home to many artists and craftspeople who create traditional and contemporary works. However, in Santa Fe, that artistic spirit is at its height. Here, you will find a thriving art culture and over 250 art galleries, not to mention multiple art museums! It also has many festivals and events throughout the year. Don’t miss the Santa Fe Plaza, where you can spend hours shopping, exploring museums, touring art galleries, and enjoying traditional New Mexican food.
Plan for College
The state is home to several universities, including the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University. One of the best things about attending school in New Mexico is its scholarship program, which is so generous that it will cover most students in the state! There are income limits and you do have to be a new college student who has graduated within a certain period of time, but this advantage is huge for some families.
Conclusion
Moving to New Mexico can be a wonderful choice for many families who are seeking to live in a thriving state with interesting things to do and place to go, thriving cultural and art scenes, and a lot of outdoor activities available. While moving to a new state can be both stressful and exciting, learning all you can about the area before you move can make all the difference.