
(ABOVE PHOTO, by yours truly – – North 4th Street, near Alameda Blvd. in Albuquerque)
by Norio Hayakawa, July 8, 2022
New Mexico is the 5th largest state in the Union. Yet the entire population of this spacious state has been only about 2 million. It’s been like this for many years already.
Why?
(And this is strictly my wild speculation as a retired, long-time licensed funeral director in Los Angeles where I used to live)
Because even when newcomers (from other states) arrive here, the older generation here keeps passing away.
There are so many retired folks living here.
There are so many nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement homes, communities and apartments here. It’s unbelievable!!
(It’s good for me because as an entertainer, I can enjoy providing much needed live music entertainment to these folks in those places)
So, even when newcomers move here, there is always a good balance in population because many retirees keep passing away. Therefore, I say not to worry about this wonderful state becoming over-populated!!
Also, even though many Californians are moving to places such as Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado (and also to Texas), somehow many of them seem to skip New Mexico for some reason or other.
My wife and I didn’t. It was the best decision to have moved from Torrance, California to Rio Rancho, New Mexico in 2008.
Many folks in the United States do not seem to know or care much about New Mexico.
In a way, this is good for us. I say it’s the best kept secret.
New Mexico is less expensive to live than many other states.
Everybody knows that New Mexico doesn’t have big industries, except for tourism and film making, even though there are some significant defense contractors here, along with research laboratories and important military bases such as Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
But I love New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
There is no place like New Mexico – – its beautiful, mild climate with distinct 4 seasons, its rich and diverse culture and wonderful, generous people.
The people here are great. There is diversity of culture here.
I love the great Native American people here and their traditions – – I love the Hispano culture with its unique Spanish language spoken here, especially in northern New Mexico.
It goes without saying that New Mexico, with its abundance of tasty green chile, has the best food I ever tasted.
My wife and I will never leave this Land of Enchantment.
For those who wish not to live in large cities here (Besides Albuquerque, with a population of 650,000, there are only 3 major cities – – Las Cruces with 100,000, Rio Rancho with 100,000 and Santa Fe with 95,000), there are so many small, beautiful communities here in New Mexico scattered all over.
Yes, I will always be an optimist.
Long live New Mexico, U.S.A.!!

(ABOVE PHOTO, by Norio Hayakawa – – residential street near Paseo and Wyoming Blvd. in Albuquerque)
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