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| MCS Living in Albuquerque | |
Many persons with MCS live in and around the Albuquerque area. Albuquerque is located in the Rio Grande Valley in the center of the state, with a population of @ 600,000 at a elevation of about 5,000'.
The climate is mild with four seasons and low humidity. Winter is short with occasional snow that usually melts within a day. Temperatures can be 40-60 degrees in the day and 15-35 at night.
Summers can be hot, with temps ranging from 80-105 days, and 40-60 at night. Spring and Fall have the best weather, with lots of bright sunny days and temps of 60-85, and nights with temps of 30-50. There is more humidity during spring snowmelts and the rainy season (July-August), but generally the humidity is between 10-40%.
Pollution is a significant problem in the city, especially during conversions in the winter. This is because the city is in a valley, between a mountain range and a mesa. Thougll some people live in town, most people with MCS live outside ofthe city east ofthe mountains, out on the far reaching areas ofthe west mesa, as well as Placitas to the north oftown. Prevailing wind patterns are NW to E in town or from SE or NW in the east mountain area. We have strong winds at times (25-50mph) and breezes the rest ofthe time. In the winter, the city issues red and yellow alerts when the pollution is getting too high, and people cannot burn wood on those days and are asked to limi~ their driving. Wood smoke exists at varying levels in the city and surrounding areas during winter months as many people have wood heat.
Vegetation is mostly high desert plants with some people importing non-indigenous plants, trees, and grasses in town, as well as a forest/mountain type vegetation in the east mountain area. Juniper trees are everywhere except the west mesa, and a major allergen for many people. The east mountain community includes Cibola National Forest, which has elevations of 6-10,000' and is heavily wooded with terpines.
Organic food is readily available through local health food stores like La Montanita Coop or Wild Oats. In summers, growers markets usually have organic produce and we have a good gardening climate. We have an active buying club through our local support group. We have a HEAL affiliated support group which meets monthly and provides time to share as well as educational topics.
The
cost of living in Albuquerque is similar to many major cities of this size,
yet wages are lower than
usual. Rents on a IBR house/apt ranges from $400-650.00, 2BR, $500-850/mo.,
3BR $800- $1200/mo.
To buy an average type 3BR home would run fromS85,000. on up. It is less expensive
in the Rio Rancho
and South Valley areas, and more expensive in the east mountains, NE ALB, and
Placitas. The fastest
growing areas are the east mountains and west mesa, however this may mean problems
with new neighbors who get
closer, water shortages and pollution. The area around Intel in Rio Rancho
is experiencing increased pollution, so look at areas further out on the mesa.
Generally, Albuquerque is
a pleasant place to live with all the services and conveniences of a city its
size.
*For more information about existing safer housing in this area or other areas in NM, orto ask other
questions, call the Healthy Housing Coalition's Information and Referral Line at:
(505)-281-6405.
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The
Healthy Housing Coalition
P.O. Box 1213 Cedar Crest, NM. 87008 (505)-281-6405 hhcmail@webtv.net |
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