Hey!
By East Mountain, I imagine you mean the east side of Albuquerque?
Number one advice is to get used to the chile. It's on everything here, and once you get used to it, that's a great thing.
this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2023
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Yup, the area past the Air Force base heading east beyond Sandia Mountain.
And the chiles are an added bonus. :)
Okay, awesome!
Nob Hill has some great eateries, such as Soo Bak and Geckos. There's also Basil Leaf and Taj Mahal on the East side (West of where you'll be).
Jemez is close by, and has excellent hiking and sight-seeing. The Sandias also have some great hiking trails.
Let me know if you need any recommendations when you get down here. Welcome to New Mexico!
I will eat at all these places! Thanks for the recommendations.
Aside from eateries, what behaviors make people stand out as out-of-towners. I'll never be a true local, but I hope to soak up the culture and assimilate.
@biznachio I envy you, and hope it goes well. Enjoy the desert.
Thanks for the well wishes. Any particular reason for the envy? I'd love to hear your thoughts and perspectives.
@biznachio I don't know how much I have that's useful. I went to college and lived in Las Cruces for about 6 years, and just developed a love for the desert, the history and culture and the food. I live in Colorado Springs now, which is so bland it could be on an ulcer diet. Starbucks and Walmart on every corner, and Yogurt has more culture.
Just take it all in, and see what you like. If I can ask, why are you moving there?
Work and lower cost of living are the two more attractive factors. I'm wrapping up a 20 year career in the military and looking for a quiet area that has access to decent jobs
It's funny you mention the prevalence of big box stores and franchises. The smaller town feel is appealing. Getting to know people and do things with the fellow community appeals to me. The East Mountains seems to always have some fair, festival, or event going on.
At present I'm living in Vegas, and I prefer the desert climate, similar to yourself. Vegas is cool and all, but it's insanely expensive and way too crowded.
@biznachio Funny, I was stationed at Nellis for 6 months before I cross trained. Congratulations on your impending retirement. Going on 8 years since mine.
Hope you enjoy the area.
Trail Rider pizza is bomb.
East Mtn library is a good place to get audiobooks for your half hour drive in and out of the city. Try to get all your city stuff done all at once because it can get expensive driving back and forth; but more importantly, it’s glorious to be out there for days without needing to drive into the city.
Be careful on I-40 East of Tramway when it’s snowy or icy.
Check out the hiking trails off south 14.
When you have time, take a day trip to some of the smaller towns in the area. For instance, right now is a good time of year to visit the Salinas Pueblo ruins because the weather is cool and nice for walking outdoors. Some folks really vibe with Madrid to the north. You could also visit Billy the Kid’s gravesite in Ft. Sumner, a couple hours southeast. You can also access Santa Fe “the back way” on a lovely scenic drive up north 14. There used to be a cool little bar and an antique thrift shop in Cerillos.
Thanks! I especially appreciate the city shopping advice. Making an effort to avoid daily trips is golden.
I've driven the back route between ABQ and Santa Fe. Thoae vistas rewrote what I thought I knew about New Mexico.