Area Information
 MCS Living in New Mexico

New Mexico, called the land of enchantment, is a land of many diverse climates and people. The population in the last census was over 3 million, with the predominant ethnic groups being Hispanics, Native Americans, and Anglos.

Geographically, the state is also diverse, with high plains to the east, high desert over most of the state, and a definite mountain climate over the northern half of the state. We are part of the southern Rockies, with mountain ranges extending down the center of the state, on the western side, and northern areas as well. Elevations or 6-10,000 plus are common in these mountainous areas, making the climate colder than one would expect in the southwest. Because of the high dry desert climate, temps fluctuate greatly from day to night, often 40-65 degrees. Snow in the mountains above 6,000í is common in the winter, though it may melt within a day or two at 6 8,000í. Winters at higher elevations can be as cold as 20 degrees, where summers in the lower elevations (3-5,000) could be as hot as 105 degrees.

By quadrants, the NW corner of the state is mostly above 6,000 with mountains and mesas. There is oil and gas producing industry in the area @ Farmington. The rest of the area is more isolated, beautiful, ranchland, national forest, and Native American reservation land. The NE is characterized by high plains rolling into mountains, much of it open ranchland with very clean air. There is world class ski areas in the mountains behind Taos. The SE corner includes more high plains ranchland, some recreation areas and national forests in the mountains @Riudoso, and some more gas and oil industry in the very SE part of the state near Carlsbad and Hobbs. The famous White Sands Missile Range is in this area, where the first atomic bomb was ìimplodedî(inside a capsule). In the SW quadrant, there is low desert (3,000í) to the extreme south, and more mountainous area just north of the desert. There are stockyards and pecan industry around Las Cruces and copper mines around Silver City. Most of the mountain area is isolated and very clean.

Cities in New Mexico are few; with Albuquerque being the only large metropolitan area in the state (population 600,000). Santa Fe, our state capitol, is an hour north of Albuquerque and growing quickly. Its population is @125,000 and it is a hotspot for alternative culture and art.

Most persons with MCS gravitate towards Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque areas where knowledgeable medical care, community support, and organic foods are readily available. Taos Hospital has a few bed unit to accommodate persons with MCS needing hospitalization. Other persons with MCS also live around Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, and Ruidoso.

Generally, New Mexico is a poor state with many working class people, except for certain cities (Taos, Santa Fe, & Albuquerque) and some ranchers. Wages are lower than average here, yet cost of living is on par with many other metropolitan areas.

Housing is hard to find and for the most part, expensive. People moving here should have at least six months income in savings and some kind of back up plan for where they could live if they canít find housing (like a tent or trailer). Many people look for years and never find anything suitable. Even though it is dry here, many older buildings are moldy, due to design problems. Flat roofs are prone to leaking and needing regular repairs.

Vegetation varies from desert with cactus, sagebrush and tumbleweed, to mountain forests of pines. Most of the state is covered with juniper, pinon pine, and gambleís oak. At higher elevations, ponderosa, white, and jack pine as well as spruce are common. There is also cottonwoods along the rivers, and aspen in the mountains.

Vegetation that has proved problematic for most persons with MCS is juniper, other terpines, sagebrush, and for some chamisa and skunkweed in the fall.

Weather is usually outstanding and the scenery beautiful, the reason many want to live here. Striking colors, cloud formations, and bright sunny days are usual. So if you can find safe and affordable housing, most people do well in this state and enjoy living here.

For more information about existing safer housing available in New Mexico, or to ask housing related questions, call the Healthy Housing Coalition's Information and Referral Line at (505)-281-6405.

*We are an all volunteer, 501c3 non profit agency and welcome all donations of money, time, and goods from anyone wanting to help us in our mission!

The Healthy Housing Coalition
P.O. Box 1213
Cedar Crest, NM. 87008
(505)-281-6405
hhcoalition@earthtones.com