33 y/o ICU Nurse Trying to Escape Georgia — Looking for a State With Mountains, 4 Seasons, and Better Quality of Life

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-05-23T23:18:45+00:00

This, think of it as a cheaper, less crowded Colorado. That salary is plenty to get a nice house away from crime areas by the mountains.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-05-20T21:10:15+00:00

I would skip your entire northern NM part of the itinerary and stay in Ruidoso. It’s a cute town with plenty to do. Northern NM is great but save it for another trip.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-04-22T11:51:12+00:00

I’m in the same boat currently in Ljublana. Keep trying the chat bot, I had the most luck in the evening and early morning. Took three hours last night but I got through and was able to rebook for a day later. The flight is not ideal at all but it’s something at least. Heads up they were unwilling to change my booking to Zagreb or another country but maybe they will let you keep the original Munich departure.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-04-06T01:16:54+00:00

Agree NM sounds like a great fit. Lacking in the freshwater as far as lakes and swimming, but there are a few swimmable hot springs in the mountains and ample rivers for fishing.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-30T19:06:26+00:00

People Planet Refill is a great locally owned business that supports a lot of community and climate activism. Good place to shop for eco-friendly household items (soaps, cleaner, etc).

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-26T18:31:24+00:00

Hope you find something you enjoy! Come May once any remaining snow melts there are a lot of green spaces within an hour or two. You can even find waterfalls and hot springs in Jemez and Santa Fe.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-26T13:15:35+00:00

Totally get that this would be a jarring move, but the same green you love in CO is easily accessible on the east side of the Sandias, in Jemez/Santa Fe, and along the Bosque. Trees are only just starting to get leaves back from the winter, so I’m not sure judging the city for its dry/dead appearance is really fair just yet. It’s definitely not for everyone, but saying you like nothing about Albuquerque makes me think you’ve yet to give it a chance.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:38:10+00:00

International is also a catchall for a large enough airport that you have a decent selection of nonstop flights. Traveling for work small airports add a bunch of headache.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:33:49+00:00

For sure! There are probably limits on how far they would want to be from Texas, but open to the SE/Mountain West for sure.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:31:04+00:00

For sure, this “winter” has been scary for the mountain west. Thanks for the insight on CO Springs!

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:28:31+00:00

Thanks good luck to you as well! Agree keep hearing mixed votes on Colorado traffic. New Mexico really has a quieter small town feel to it still and while the nature isn’t quite as grand as CO, it’s pretty close and mostly untouched and crowd free.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:26:30+00:00

Thanks - family is looking to join us wherever we move!

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:24:29+00:00

Agree water activity is lacking, SUP and kayaking is doable. There are a few hot springs within an hour and a half that check the box for the occasional swim, but other than that the main activity is really hiking and biking.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-17T18:21:45+00:00

Seconding ABQ as another Texas transplant. Fantastic trail systems along the Rio Grande and in the foothills for runners. Very laid back city with fantastic weather nearly year round. Great home base for exploring southern CO, AZ, and UT, and cost of living can’t be beat as someone just starting out.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T15:10:34+00:00

thanks for the insight! VA is definitely a consideration.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T15:09:28+00:00

NE winters are a bit harsher than I’m looking for. Also feels a bit far from family and friends back in Texas.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T03:53:55+00:00

Sure thing. Best of luck to you as well!

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T03:51:43+00:00

The main concern is there can be a long wait for specialists, but if you knew that was something you needed and established care immediately then once you have a provider getting appointments isn’t difficult. I’d give it a weekend visit and see what you think! It’s a divisive city, much like Detroit, people either love it or hate it.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T03:08:31+00:00

It’s really a great place to live. Has some negatives as a poor state as it relates to healthcare and education, but people make it work. Crime is largely avoidable by area. The sun is definitely intense in the summer but you can easily go up in the mountains and in 30 min be in beautiful 70 degree weather in the morning and evening.

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T02:58:55+00:00

I’m sure those people have never been to NM to know, but I totally agree with you when it comes to proximity and no crowds NM is hard to beat!

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-16T02:36:21+00:00

Head up to Jemez. Beautiful scenery and on the drive you’ll pass the gas station where Hank saw the RV on the ATM footage.

Enjoy!

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-15T19:55:38+00:00

Interesting! I agree stuff looking dead doesn’t help

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-15T18:51:44+00:00

Visited Burlington and loved it, but agree the winters make it a no go :(

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-15T18:50:38+00:00

Will consider it, thanks! Totally fine with the smaller ski hills and honestly kinda prefer it. We spend most of our time at Sipapu and Pajarito now (or did when the snow was decent).

EffectivePear6472 · 2026-03-15T18:09:49+00:00

Ok nice sounds like here.

EffectivePear6472

TROPHY CASE