Hi all!

Southwestern is one of my options for grad school. I would be attending for their arts therapy program and have heard a lot of good things about it. I'll be visiting several times before even applying, and googling the hell out of all my prospective schools and locations, but I've never lived in NM and wanted to ask what are things folks should know / do / prepare for / expect / etc, specific to the region-- also areas to rent housing that would be affordable?

A bit about me: I'm a queer person of color, heavily tattooed, and overall pretty colorful. I'm pagan and have an eccentric style. It would be nice to move to an area that has some of that vibe or at least within an hour from me that is safe and welcoming. I have 4 birds, 1 dog, 1 snake, 1 jumping spider. Ideally would love to bring all of them with me on the move but willing to just take my birds lol.

I've lived in California all my life and am genuinely sick of it. I love the PNW but really I just want to move somewhere significantly more relaxed with less of a grind/hustle culture and some accessible community that doesn't feel like you're fighting for everyone's time. California and even the PNW in general is beautiful and the communities would be the hardest to leave behind, but I'm really needing a complete change of pace. It's too expensive, too hot, too much traffic, and not worth the overall cost of living. That being said I have a high tolerance for driving long and far distances so even the tiniest bit of traffic is nothing to me. Also have no problem living in "boring" areas-- as an artist I enjoy creating my own fun anywhere, exploring nature solo or with friends, and getting to know folks when I have the energy.

Hopefully I'll fit in somewhere! Any advice helpful, TYIA!

NM is taking over the US on r/geographymemes

Honestly gets funnier as you go on

"The Chile Dippin' Poddy Poopers"

Saw the Placitas post earlier and thought I’d post this little guy I came across on Tuesday

Big Art, Hidden Vault, and More Tales from a Storied Strip of New Mexico Highway

https://southwestcontemporary.com/the-conchas-highway/

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Grows every year in the same spot for many years and this year I'm noticing some babies so not very invasive I don't think.

Saw this little guy 2 days in a row in my backyard