Hello.

I'm contemplating a move cross country with my boyfriend. This won't be right away, only after I finish my degree, but my major is Computer Information Systems (pretty similar to IT), and NM seems to be a decent market for my job. I only have six more classes to go. (Yay!).

New Mexico intrigues me, it appears so beautiful and the culture sounds so unique and lovely, because it doesn't sound like New Mexico is trying to be any other state, just itself. I currently live outside of Philly, and the cold, wet, dark weather is getting to me. Not to mention the overpopulation.

So my biggest question for any New Mexicans here, is where should I be looking to live? I don't mind snow, as long as I'm not getting it from October to February like I do now, and I hate humidity. It sucks. I enjoy flat areas or mountains. I love the beauty of both.

I don't mind cities with a population around a couple hundred thousand, but I don't want to be crowded. LGBT friendly, or at least tolerance, is a must. I'm trying to get away from the drug scene I'm around now. Weed is okay though. And crime kinda worries me from what I've read. But I don't have experience living there.

I plan to take a trip to New Mexico and travel a bit there and find what I like, but in the opinion of a New Mexican or a current resident, where should I look? I've done a lot of reading on Albuquerque and Las Cruces, and some in Taos. Las Cruces looks the nicest to me.

I don't mind living in a small town as long as I can drive to work (probably in a bigger town/city) in around 20 minutes, and apartments are more my speed than owning property. I'm not sure my budget yet, that's a hot minute away and job opportunities always change.

Thanks so much! I appreciate any help.

(Oh also I'm in my mid 20s, idk if that means anything.)

Ninja edit: health insurance! I currently have state insurance due to my situation. What's healthcare/insurance like in NM?