Reno or Albuquerque

The observation of #7 Regards ALB. is not unprecedented in some high turnover neighborhoods...Such history in other Northern New Mexico communities has nudged "second home" owners into gated developments...carracar

I have been to Reno several times though it has been a while (originally from L.A. and lived in Sacramento for a while years ago). Actually once thought of living in Bishop, south on 395, but think it may be a bit too quiet. Maybe Carson City over Reno. Just driven through Albuquerque once about 25 years ago.

Another option in the intermountain west would be Boise, ID.

I have been to Albuquerque, Reno and Boise. Here are my thoughts for what they are worth.

Albuquerque is not fancy or pretentious. Santa Fe is beautiful. It is high desert and can get cold, the vistas are for as far as the eye can see. I found the city in some parts to be dirty, but it has a good energy.

Reno reno is just trashy. Lake Talho is nice if you are a millionaire.

Boise is wonderful, if you do not mind the winter that would be my recommendation too. Not sure about the casino, but I am sure you could find something.

Good luck,

ABQ by a nose. But I could be pursuaded to try Reno, its not a hole at all. Rather its a western town with some casinos in it. Treat it like that-and look for the "westerness"-and its enjoyable. I've lived in ABQ and have spent quite a bit of time in both places.

A lot depnds on you. I would definitely visit both places, stayng in a home or aprtment if at all possible and evaluate it for yourself. In addition to BOI, btw, I'd add Flagstaff and maybe Salt Lake, too.

Ed

I was making the same choice recently - ABQ or RNO?

For what it's worth, I am a traveling salesperson, so I have ample opportunity for comparison. The observations above are mostly spot on, and I'd add this:

While northern Nevada is not Las Vegas, it does tend to be less intellectual than ABQ. Albuquerque simply has a more varied and lengthy history, and more cultural opportunities when you consider Santa Fe's proximity (I include Tahoe in my consideration of Reno).

Reno has real winters. If that's an issue - be forewarned.

I would politely suggest that while both cities are extremely charming, ABQ has a more diverse economy. YMMV.

NV has no state income tax. On the other hand, it has a very high sales tax (7.75%), and utilities are expensive.

As noted, cost of housing is significantly higher in RNO. As this is my recent personal obsession, I would also offer this observation based on exhaustive research: the housing stock in ABQ is, on balance, simply much, much nicer than most places I've visited (Boise, btw, also has lovely housing stock).

If you are not going to be working full-time, I'd strongly consider what you value in terms of near travel. ABQ has Mexico and the Southwest, and is somewhat closer to the Caribbean than RNO. RNO is nearer the California coast and wine country, etc.

Ultimately, I think that when two cities are somewhat similar, the make or break is the pulse of the city -- and you need to spend some time to take it. Can you arrange a month in each?