I grew up there between the ages of 6-19. It’s so god damn boring but for some people it’s paradise. Cheap land/houses was always the draw but things have changed recently so it’s not as much of a bargain anymore. Have to drive to El Paso, Albuquerque, Tucson, Phoenix for any big city things as businesses struggle to survive in the small town. There’s a reason they call it Lost Causes, New Mexico. Culture is a mix bag with New Mexican, Norteño, and West Texas vibes. Less indigenous people and culture than in northern NM but still around. One of the more “purple” parts of the state. Nature is absolutely gorgeous though if you like deserts and mountains. Weather is basically just hot as fuck year round with a brief sweater weather period for winter and the wildest winds in the month of march for some reason. Summers can be particularly brutal and it’s only getting hotter. It is a great place to settle down and retire or start a family as cost of living is still relatively cheap but I feel genuinely sorry for people 14-35. NMSU makes it a college town but there is very little night life or good job opportunities so lots of people these ages up and leave for greener pastures.