OP, what line of work/skills do you have?
The region you described is larger than most 3 or 4 European countries combined. There are widely varying cultures and expectations throughout.
Several European friends have settled in the SW and love it - foreign culture and all. Most come and go. Really, its foreign even for most Americans.
Of the regions you've mentioned, Texas (including the Panhandle region) is probably your best starting spot. Cheap land, Bible belt, plentiful Latinas and large Catholic populations. Property taxes make up for their lack of income tax - so buy accordingly. Good luck breaking into NA culture anywhere in NM or AZ. They are friendly folks but very insular. That's ok by me, but might be frustrating if you are trying to date in. Many of the tribes are reverting to practicing their traditional religions as a method to insulate their culture.
Economy is strong in west Texas (Amarillo, down to Midland/Odessa, west to El Paso). If a man is game and willing to work, there is money to be made. Frankly, Anglos can have a hard time in El Paso. Very friendly people, but the primary language is Spanish. If you are southern European/Latin, and speak good Spanish, you'll fit in better and more likely to find a Mexico-born US trad-Latina. NM economy is .gov focused. It is the biggest welfare state in the US (basis of fed bucks received versus fed taxes contributed). Outside of Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos, NM has all the things you noted but is generally just poor. AZ economy appears to be pretty strong and growing, but Phoenix/Tucson are hot. Flagstaff is much cooler, but is pretty expensive.
Getting some old-poster vibes from this thread. Glad to hear from them. There's truth in this thread.
The region you described is larger than most 3 or 4 European countries combined. There are widely varying cultures and expectations throughout.
Several European friends have settled in the SW and love it - foreign culture and all. Most come and go. Really, its foreign even for most Americans.
Of the regions you've mentioned, Texas (including the Panhandle region) is probably your best starting spot. Cheap land, Bible belt, plentiful Latinas and large Catholic populations. Property taxes make up for their lack of income tax - so buy accordingly. Good luck breaking into NA culture anywhere in NM or AZ. They are friendly folks but very insular. That's ok by me, but might be frustrating if you are trying to date in. Many of the tribes are reverting to practicing their traditional religions as a method to insulate their culture.
Economy is strong in west Texas (Amarillo, down to Midland/Odessa, west to El Paso). If a man is game and willing to work, there is money to be made. Frankly, Anglos can have a hard time in El Paso. Very friendly people, but the primary language is Spanish. If you are southern European/Latin, and speak good Spanish, you'll fit in better and more likely to find a Mexico-born US trad-Latina. NM economy is .gov focused. It is the biggest welfare state in the US (basis of fed bucks received versus fed taxes contributed). Outside of Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos, NM has all the things you noted but is generally just poor. AZ economy appears to be pretty strong and growing, but Phoenix/Tucson are hot. Flagstaff is much cooler, but is pretty expensive.
Getting some old-poster vibes from this thread. Glad to hear from them. There's truth in this thread.
