Alaska to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to New Mexico

ConsAlaska

• Long, harsh winters
• Remote location
• Limited road access
• High cost of living

ProsNew Mexico

• Mild, sunny climate
• Proximity to major cities
• Extensive road network
• Affordable housing

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New Mexico

• Less biodiversity
• Arid landscapes
• Limited night sky events
• Less fresh seafood

Alaska

• Unique wildlife
• Beautiful wilderness
• Northern lights
• Fresh seafood

Pros of moving from Alaska to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a mild, sunny climate
• Look forward to moving away from a remote location and moving to New Mexico with proximity to major cities
• Swap the limited road access of Alaska for an extensive road network in New Mexico
• Get ready for affordable housing in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Alaska to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from unique wildlife in Alaska to live with less biodiversity in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful wilderness and have to settle for the con of arid landscapes
• Time to bid farewell to the northern lights and get used to limited night sky events in New Mexico
• Swap fresh seafood for less fresh seafood

Alaska vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Akutaq, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blue Corn Tacos of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's Saloon and Grill, The Saltry, and The Crab Pot. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo Mexican Foods, and Frontier Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, New Mexico shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in New Mexico compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in New Mexico.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and New Mexico

• The Cabin and Log homes architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like cultural heritage.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• New Mexico housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 78% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in New Mexico is 21.80% more affordable than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and New Mexico

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 87% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in New Mexico.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 35 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and New Mexico

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 32% less than those in Alaska
• The COLI in New Mexico will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to NM, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.7% to 4.9%
• The affluence in New Mexico is below average compared to above average in Alaska
• The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Alaska and serious in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. New Mexico

• Alaska tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as lean liberal
• New Mexico's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with significant Catholic influence and Native American spiritual practices
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity and diverse spiritual practices respected

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to New Mexico