As a border state with New Mexico, Texas is New Mexico’s top feeder state for new residents. While the two states are close to each other, they do have differences for which you should be prepared when planning a move from Texas to New Mexico. Here are 10 of the biggest differences for which you should prepare before you relocate from your Texas home to a NM residence.
Enjoy a lower cost of living
While Texas has a reputation as an affordable place to live, New Mexico will actually cost you about 5 percent less on average. Expect to pay less for essentials such as groceries, healthcare and transportation. Housing costs are about the same in both locations – although you will pay about $30,000 more on average in Texas than in New Mexico.
The exact difference between your Texas expenses and your New Mexico expenses, however, will depend on where you relocate. If you are in a big Texas city, such as Dallas, and move to a small NM city, you may notice more savings than if you move from a small Texas city to a larger urban area, such as Albuquerque.
Plan for a less vibrant job market
Texas boasts a vibrant job market with many opportunities in fields such as healthcare, oil and banking. With strong projected job growth, employment opportunities in the Lone Star State are likely to continue to improve over time.
New Mexico is far from a stagnant economy, but it is not as vibrant as that of Texas. Expect a smaller growth rate over the next few years, and plan ahead to make sure you have the job you want before you move. Here are some of the state’s most popular industries: Energy, aerospace, defense, mining, ranching and tourism.
One area of business where New Mexico truly shines? Small businesses. Abundant, diverse and easy to support, these companies contribute to a tight-knit community feel and flourish in an environment that values their contributions.
Embrace less crowded spaces
Texas is known for its big ranches and cowboy way of life. However, when it comes to total population and major urban centers, New Mexico is a much quieter locale. Ranked 6th least populated in the nation, the state’s large cities are almost always smaller than Texas urban centers. If you desire a quieter way of life, fewer crowds, and more space to spread out, you will enjoy the transition to New Mexico.
Plan for less traffic
Neither Texas nor New Mexico are known for severe traffic problems. However, due to larger urban centers, and a larger population, Texas does have more traffic problems than New Mexico. When you move from Texas to New Mexico, plan to encounter fewer traffic problems, even in the cities. That can make getting around your new state a little bit easier.
Move to an area with abundant diversity
While technically not as diverse as Texas, New Mexico does have a rich heritage of cultural diversity. About 49 percent of the state is Hispanic, and more than 28 other ethnic groups add to the state’s rich heritage. Expect to enjoy a welcoming environment, an appreciation for cultural differences and food, activities and languages that reflect the many ethnicities that make up this unique American state. Want to reside in one of the state’s most diverse cities? Consider Farmington, Bloomfield, or Alburquerque.
Understand the weather in your new locale
New Mexico is only slightly north of Texas, so you may not notice much difference in climate. However, the change in weather will depend in large part upon where you currently live in Texas and where your new home is. For example, Santa Fe, TX, tends to be cooler than Albuquerque, while Dallas tends to be slightly warmer than Albuquerque. Before you relocate, research the weather variations between your current home and your new home and plan accordingly.
Expect endless natural beauty
Texas has its fair share of gorgeous outdoor locales, but you will not be giving up anything when you move to New Mexico. The varied Texas geography will give way to a diverse collection of deserts and streams, mountains and caverns, volcanoes and rock formations. Here are just a few of the indescribably beautiful attractions to explore in your New Mexico home:
- Carlsbad Caverns
- Capulin Volcano
- White Mountain Wilderness
- Rio Grande Gorge
- White Sands
Discover a laid back way of life
Far from the hustle and bustle of New York City, and even set apart from the vibrant feel of Dallas or San Atonio, New Mexico offers a relaxed way of life that could be a refreshing change from your current circumstances.
You won’t be giving up that friendly southern charm, either. New Mexico is a cheerful and upbeat place to live and its residents are almost always willing to welcome newcomers with open arms.
A relaxed, less stressful way of life around people who want you to come out and have fun with them? This is a place where you should plan to enjoy deep conversations, fun adventures and meaningful friendships.
Explore a rich arts culture
New Mexico loves the arts, and artists. In addition to boasting the presence of thousands of skilled artists, the state offers multiple arts and culture districts where you can explore everything from traditional art to contemporary art. You will even have the opportunity to support local artists and communities by visiting and partaking in their art.
Savor impeccable southwestern cuisine
Texas and New Mexico are close to each other, but when moving from Texas to New Mexico, you will discover a new world of flavorful cuisine. A staple in this cuisine is the green chile, along with unique New Mexican spices that add a distinctive and delicious twist to many of their dishes. Here are some of the most famous foods for which new Mexico is known:
- Enchiladas
- Burritos
- Frito pie
- Green chile cheeseburger
- Calabacitas
- And more
Are you looking forward to a move from Texas to New Mexico? Make the trip even more rewarding with support from an experienced moving company. Ward North American offers more than 40 years of expertise, highly-trained teams and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Contact us today to get a quote on your relocation.
