I work at the Lab, and I come from SoCal. Do they have traffic here? Yes. But seriously...this traffic out here isn't shit. I mean, if you are comparing it to the 405 in California, then you will be laughing because there is no comparison. In short...the traffic leaving the lab isn't really that bad because it is ALWAYS moving. You are not sitting around for 15 minutes to and half of hour like you would be in California. And that's my rant.
Thanks for sharing your experience, and we totally get where you’re coming from! Compared to SoCal’s infamous 405 traffic, Santa Fe’s traffic is definitely on the lighter side. It might get a little busy around the Lab, but you’re right-it’s always moving, which is a relief. We’ll take that over sitting in gridlock any day! Appreciate the perspective!
One thing you didn't touch on is the architecture style. We love the Santa Fe style of adobe-inspired homes. LA seems to be mostly generic styles that could be anywhere. It seems like a mellow town and the surrounding area is beautiful but it's hard to justify the negatives if you don't work at LANL.
HUGE difference in architectural styles and overall lifestyle in general. I agree with you, if you’re not an employee at LANL, would you really want to live there? Some would still say yes.
It has been rated multiple times as the safest and best place to live in the US. There is almost no crime up here. There are multiple reason for that but it is the jewel of Northern NM. If you like the outdoors, you will love it up here. Now the bads: There are not that many places to eat up here. The town basically shuts down at 7 o clock. Finding a how you can afford AND will accept your offer is NOT easy. Los Alamos(and White Rock) are built on mesas, which mean there are limited places to build and pretty much all of it is maxed out. Combine that with LANL and you have a constant demand for housing. Expect to put in an offer ABOVE the asking price and don't be surprised if someone offers cash and gets the house.
Good schools. That's it. Santa Fe has much more to do. SF has nice theaters, events, 1000 times more restaurants, many more stores, closer to ABQ and I-25 (easier to get to CO and TX), slightly nicer weather, more options for buying a home or condo, more non-LANL employment opportunities, still plenty of hiking around, etc. Los Alamos may be "safer" but Santa Fe isn't dangerous anyway. I also found a lot of people in Los Alamos are very odd and are basically antisocial shut-ins. People are friendlier in Santa Fe.
@@Livinginsantafe maybe 4 restaurants in Los Alamos ( noting impressive) , expensive and old houses for sale, maybe for families but not for a young people. The positive: it’s a quiet and safe place.
Los Alamos IS better than Santa Fe if you want a safe town. If you want a night life, then go to Santa Fe. If you want alot of great restaurants...Santa Fe, but Los Al is 100000% better than pretty much the rest of NM as far as safety goes, which already is one of the least safe states in the country.
Santa Fe isn't dangerous though, it's not like we're comparing ABQ or Espanola to Los Alamos. Also Santa Fe doesn't really have nightlife. The main draw is just that there are places to shop and things to do, plus more options for a place to live. Plus, Los Alamos restaurants are ABYSMAL. Pyramid is good, that's about it (and it's in Santa Fe anyway). Even Blue Window is very "meh".
Thank you for your thoughts! Los Alamos definitely stands out as one of the safest towns in New Mexico, which is a big plus for many people. Santa Fe, on the other hand, shines with its art scene, culture, and incredible restaurants. Each place has its own strengths depending on what you’re looking for, and we’re lucky to have both so close by. Appreciate you sharing your perspective!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You’re right-Santa Fe isn’t typically seen as dangerous, especially when compared to other areas like Albuquerque. While it’s true that Santa Fe’s nightlife may not be a major draw, the shopping, cultural attractions, and wider housing options definitely make it appealing. As for restaurants, Los Alamos has some spots, but we agree that Santa Fe’s dining scene is on a different level. Pyramid is a great choice-no arguments there!
Los Alamos has a lot more tax dollars because Triad has brought in a lot of tax dollars for infrastructure. Santa Fe tax dollars seem to disappear. The police and road repairs are nonexistent
Yeah, Santa Fe roads are in disrepair. We need some help on our infrastructure. That boils down to our city governance and the job they do. We all need to vote for leadership that’s going to care and take action on the things that we care about and believe need to be addressed.
It's very simple. If you're raising kids, LA is good. If you're not, Santa Fe is way better. If you aren't great at cooking do NOT live in Los Alamos. Food options are abysmal.
Dude knew I was considering a LANL job
Did you ever take that job?
I work at the Lab, and I come from SoCal. Do they have traffic here? Yes. But seriously...this traffic out here isn't shit. I mean, if you are comparing it to the 405 in California, then you will be laughing because there is no comparison. In short...the traffic leaving the lab isn't really that bad because it is ALWAYS moving. You are not sitting around for 15 minutes to and half of hour like you would be in California. And that's my rant.
Thanks for sharing your experience, and we totally get where you’re coming from! Compared to SoCal’s infamous 405 traffic, Santa Fe’s traffic is definitely on the lighter side. It might get a little busy around the Lab, but you’re right-it’s always moving, which is a relief. We’ll take that over sitting in gridlock any day! Appreciate the perspective!
One thing you didn't touch on is the architecture style. We love the Santa Fe style of adobe-inspired homes. LA seems to be mostly generic styles that could be anywhere. It seems like a mellow town and the surrounding area is beautiful but it's hard to justify the negatives if you don't work at LANL.
HUGE difference in architectural styles and overall lifestyle in general.
I agree with you, if you’re not an employee at LANL, would you really want to live there? Some would still say yes.
Yeah Los Al proper is a mixed are 50s and 60s homes and super modern homes. It feels like anywhere but New Mexico up here.
Is there a draw to Los Alamos for those not associated with LANL? Restaurants, recreation, social scene/night life, etc? Thx
Los Alamos has a good number of restaurants, breweries lots of out door activities, but not much nightlife. It’s a small town!
No
It has been rated multiple times as the safest and best place to live in the US. There is almost no crime up here. There are multiple reason for that but it is the jewel of Northern NM. If you like the outdoors, you will love it up here.
Now the bads: There are not that many places to eat up here. The town basically shuts down at 7 o clock. Finding a how you can afford AND will accept your offer is NOT easy. Los Alamos(and White Rock) are built on mesas, which mean there are limited places to build and pretty much all of it is maxed out. Combine that with LANL and you have a constant demand for housing. Expect to put in an offer ABOVE the asking price and don't be surprised if someone offers cash and gets the house.
Good schools. That's it. Santa Fe has much more to do. SF has nice theaters, events, 1000 times more restaurants, many more stores, closer to ABQ and I-25 (easier to get to CO and TX), slightly nicer weather, more options for buying a home or condo, more non-LANL employment opportunities, still plenty of hiking around, etc. Los Alamos may be "safer" but Santa Fe isn't dangerous anyway. I also found a lot of people in Los Alamos are very odd and are basically antisocial shut-ins. People are friendlier in Santa Fe.
@@Livinginsantafe maybe 4 restaurants in Los Alamos ( noting impressive) , expensive and old houses for sale, maybe for families but not for a young people. The positive: it’s a quiet and safe place.
Los Alamos IS better than Santa Fe if you want a safe town. If you want a night life, then go to Santa Fe. If you want alot of great restaurants...Santa Fe, but Los Al is 100000% better than pretty much the rest of NM as far as safety goes, which already is one of the least safe states in the country.
Santa Fe isn't dangerous though, it's not like we're comparing ABQ or Espanola to Los Alamos. Also Santa Fe doesn't really have nightlife. The main draw is just that there are places to shop and things to do, plus more options for a place to live. Plus, Los Alamos restaurants are ABYSMAL. Pyramid is good, that's about it (and it's in Santa Fe anyway). Even Blue Window is very "meh".
@@Wft-bu5zc restaurants in Los Alamos? Nothing impressive 🤷🏻♀️
Did you forget the nuke
Thank you for your thoughts! Los Alamos definitely stands out as one of the safest towns in New Mexico, which is a big plus for many people. Santa Fe, on the other hand, shines with its art scene, culture, and incredible restaurants. Each place has its own strengths depending on what you’re looking for, and we’re lucky to have both so close by. Appreciate you sharing your perspective!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You’re right-Santa Fe isn’t typically seen as dangerous, especially when compared to other areas like Albuquerque. While it’s true that Santa Fe’s nightlife may not be a major draw, the shopping, cultural attractions, and wider housing options definitely make it appealing. As for restaurants, Los Alamos has some spots, but we agree that Santa Fe’s dining scene is on a different level. Pyramid is a great choice-no arguments there!
Ablan español
Poquito! No mas!
Los Alamos has a lot more tax dollars because Triad has brought in a lot of tax dollars for infrastructure. Santa Fe tax dollars seem to disappear. The police and road repairs are nonexistent
Yeah, Santa Fe roads are in disrepair. We need some help on our infrastructure. That boils down to our city governance and the job they do. We all need to vote for leadership that’s going to care and take action on the things that we care about and believe need to be addressed.
Haha. All this is hilarious.Just live in Chimayo, Espanola or Truchas and commute like everyone else.
It’s true! Lots of people choose to buy on the outskirts and commute.
But not everyone wants to deal with all that.
Los Alamos is a company and family town. Santa Fe is not family friendly and is full of rich entitled people.
Los Alamos also has zero homeless people and no vagrants.
@@sirgravesghastly9183we got like 2 i think theres also like one in white rock
What about the nuke
The stench of poverty and greed in Santa Fe was overwhelming. Everyone I know who lived there has already moved out.
Thanks for sharing!
It's very simple. If you're raising kids, LA is good. If you're not, Santa Fe is way better. If you aren't great at cooking do NOT live in Los Alamos. Food options are abysmal.
Yeah, that’s pretty much spot on.