Relocation Questions

[jworld]

Hello all,

My name is John and I'm moving to Roswell next week. I already have a job and an apartment waiting for me, but I would like some local opinions about a few other things.

First off, though, I think a little introduction is in order. I'm from San Jose, California. I just graduated college and found a good entry-level job in town. Although I'm a recent grad I am 30-years-old and have seen a thing or two in my life.

I've traveled around the U.S., mainly west of the Rockies, but I've never been to Roswell. I'm looking forward to starting this new part of my life and becoming part of the community.

I've browsed some of the forums on this site and I can see that many of you are conservative minded. I consider myself middle-of-the-road and I'm not affiliated with any political party. I enjoy hearing different points of view and I truly believe that everyone's ideas are worth consideration.

I have conservative and liberal views, both socially and fiscally. For example, I'm a big believer in states rights to govern themselves but I do think some federal laws should apply to all. I shiver at the idea of socialism but I think that as the greatest country in the world, we should have universal health care and education, at least on some level. And I look forward to some in-depth discussions about the subjects, among others.

Anyway, I could use some advice on a few things not too important, and some that couldn't be more so. Here it goes...

What are the best options for cell phone service, internet, and cable/satellite? Are there any good package deals that cover everything?

What are some interesting things to do in town? I drink but rarely get drink to get drunk. I'm not a big dancer but I enjoy most types of music and I love seeing live bands jam. I'm big on outdoor activities and I have a well behaved 65lb. dog.

And finally, I've done some community service activities here in San Jose and would like to bring that to my new home in Roswell and Chavez County. I like to work with the poor and give a helping hand when I can so any advice on where to look would be greatly appreciated.


I look forward to hearing back from anyone and everyone, and I'll see you in town next week.

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

John from California

[Chuck Russell]

Welcome John. Your post told me that there might be some more intelligent conversation here in
Roswell

[Jim]

Welcome to Roswell John. I came from the Bay Area also. Be prepared for a culture shock.

Your input here will be a benefit for all.

[pdc]

Welcome - you will increase the diversity of Roswell & these boards just by being here...

... Around here, adopt a "water off a duck's back" attitude, and you'll undoubtedly be a valuable addition....

[Daisy]

Welcome John, to Roswell and Talk Roswell Forum!

I don't know what the best options are for services, but I have Plateau Wireless for cell phone service, Qwest for internet service and DIRECTV for television service and am pretty happy with all three.

I have to agree with Jim that you may be in for a bit of culture shock. I've lived here most all my life (I'm 55) and love the city of Roswell, but there's not much of anything here as far as entertaining nightlife. We usually make our own fun...:smk3: Maybe some younger folks can help you in that area.

[mfish]

Welcome. I don't live in Roswell anymore, but did for several years, and we still get back on occasion, so let me see if I can help you with a few ideas:

The Pecos Winery on Main Street brings in some good music on occasion. Ruidoso is only an hour and a half up the mountain, and there are good concerts and events there (art shows, horse racing, skiing in the winter, etc.).

Las Cruces, NM, El Paso and Lubbock, TX and Albuquerque, NM all have pretty good concerts throughout the year, and they're all within a four hour drive. I used to drive to the shows, come back and get up the next moring for work - but I was younger then ...

Pepper's Grill has "party on the patio" from Spring through Fall, and they have live music on their patio - plus it's a good place to meet a younger (25 - 50) demographic.
Roswell has one of the best Museum and Art Centers in the state of New Mexico, and the Anderson Museum is also very good.

CASA is usually always looking for new advocates and volunteers ... and the Boy's & Girl's Club is as well.

Day trips to consider once you get settled:
Cloudcroft, NM
The Petroglyphs North of Tularosa at Two Rivers
The Hondo Valley
Santa Fe (more of a weekend trip)

Roswell is a good place to release the valve and reduce the pressure - once you meet some people, you'll find that home and yard gatherings are as much "fun" as fighting crowds and traffic!

[Jim]

There are two hospitals here where you can volunteer. Community Kitchen, Harvest Ministries, etc. Lots of places need volunteers. I did that once and ended up in boot camp.

[NeightGT]

Hey John,
As a recent economic refugee myself (moved from the Flint, Michigan area and last summer also 30 years old) I may be able to help on a few things.

Most of the people that I've encountered in town are conservative minded, but the state as a whole is pretty liberal. I too fall in line with views both sides of the isle, but I believe in common sense.

There are A LOT of options as far as religion goes in town, I personally don't attend services, but I don't begrudge people who do find truth in the gospel.

I've found that Verizon has the best service, but you won’t be able to get a Roswell (575) area code unless you go to Ruidoso, and even then it won’t be a local exchange so you'll still have to dial the area code. Mine is through Albuquerque (505) and I still have to dial the area code. Go by the coverage maps, instead of the price or you may regret it when you find yourself between here and some other town with no service.

As far as a night life in this town, bring a big TV. Hastings has a good selection of movies, and there is a movie theater in town. There are only a handful of bars in town that cater to different lifestyles. Bootscooters is a cowboy bar just outside the south side of the city. "Up your alley" is a bar attached to a bowling alley that draws good crowds on the weekends. Friday is country night, and Saturday is hip hop night. Farley's is a good place to go and grab a pint (or a bite to eat), and they have a patio, which many enjoy as it gets quite hot here. There is also Chile's, Applebee's, etc
I haven't tried Pepper's bar and grill, but I heard it's okay.

There are a ton of restaurants to try; many of them serve Mexican cuisine. I like La Hacienda and Popo's. You'll either love or hate the green chilies that are found everywhere.

There will be a lot of opportunities to volunteer around Thanksgiving and Christmas at soup kitchens and such, as there are quite a few people that could and would appreciate the help around the holidays.

There are three golf courses within the city, one is private, and the city course is inexpensive and very nice.

Best advice I can say is to find some good friends and enjoy the beautiful weather, and welcome to Roswell.

[Scott]

Hello John,
Welcome to Roswell. Personally, I would nto be caught dead in any one of the drinking establishments mentioned above. That isn't to say there isn't anything to do in Roswell. Golf much? I do not, but I am told it is pretty good here. There is a really nice drag racing facility here if you are into that sort of thing. Shopping is mediocre at best. I work days and stay home after dark for the most part, unless the dragstrip is open. I often feel for the younger crowd (I am 40 but act like I am 60 LOL). If I had moved to Roswell when I was in my early 20s I may not have stayed.

[jsatterfield]

Hey john get out while you can, this from a 45 year resident, that now lives in South Carolina and loves it. Over all not a bad place really, you could live in AZ, or CA

[kralspaces]

Welcome! San Jose? Did you grow up there? Did you go to State? I can’t give you any advise because I’m 60+ and from another generation, except to point out that there is no real traffic here or lines. Give it a little time and find out what life is really like here. My kids are your age and they still live in CA. I’m an ‘ex’ from CA and there are a lot of us here.

[pdc]

The patio @ Peppers is a great environment on warm (not too hot) evenings, regardless of one's age - live music enhances it....

the Winery has been bringing in regional musicians - irregular, but noteworthy - become a fan on Facebook, and keep up with their schedule....

The Spencer Theater in Alto (near Ruidoso) is a treasure - always worth tracking the schedule, and worth the cost/effort whenevr a show attracts you....

[Alfdom]

Alltel phone service in this area will be sold to AT&T in less than a year. I use Alltel and do not know if I will switch to when they sell.

If you live in an apartment, they may not let you get satellite TV, which means you get about 3 channels or get Cable One , the only cable in Roswell. I would rent the DVR from them if I did not have TIVO.

I would be glad to help you move in your stuff. I am capitalist so I would ask for some compensation. I would like an bottle of "still" water (unopened) on a required wooden table with a bendable staw or a cup of coffee (hot). My youngest son would probably be available, he has his own pay scale.

You can call me 505-420-0780 or dm me about any questions, or email alfdom@yahoo.com.

[Neil]

If you live in an apartment, they may not let you get satellite TV, which means you get about 3 channels or get Cable One , the only cable in Roswell. I would rent the DVR from them if I did not have TIVO.



Get your facts right. Landlords cannot prevent you from installing a satellite dish.
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html

[kralspaces]

If you live in an apartment, they may not let you get satellite TV, which means you get about 3 channels or get Cable One , the only cable in Roswell. I would rent the DVR from them if I did not have TIVO.



CableOne's DVR is a big mistake. I went down that path and was so frustrated with the DVR's upside down menu structure and all its hidden features combinations (universal remote). After 3 months fighting the user unfriendliness of their system, I returned it. As an owner of 2 TIVO boxes, I would get the latest TiVo series box and a cable card from CableOne. TiVo is so much more user friendly to use and offers many more access features, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, etc. There is a rumor that CableOne might be trying to put a deal together with TiVo to use their boxes instead of their current DVR mess. To get HD from CableOne, you have to use their DVR or cable card in a TiVo box.

[mfish]

I don't think apartment complexes can legally prohibit you from determining which TV signal you wish to use (unless Roswell hasn't moved into the 21st century - landlords can't prevent you from making a choice when it comes to certain services that offer choices - they can however, restrict how you attach the dish to the property, and require you remove it when you leave as well as repair any damage. But they cannot restrict your choice on satellite v. cable service). If you don't live in an apartment with a Southern exposure, you won't get good reception so a satellite is not viable - so you'll be limited to CableOne ... hope you don't like The Comedy Channel because that's one of the channels CableOne decided Roswell no longer needed ....
I've been very happy with DirectTV ever since I lived in New Mexico and CableOne couldn't give me an honest reason why they arbitrarily eliminated several channels, so I canceled and went with satellite (the real reason I found, was that Cable One was not in a position to upgrade their receivers to start transmitting HD signals into the homes of its subscribers on certain channels. I was told by the office in Phoenix that they 'had no plans to do those upgrades in the foreseeable future' - so I told them I would be cancelling my service and I would be telling everyone I know that satellite was the way to go ...). I'll never go back to cable, either. And when I move, DirectTV is waiting for me at the new place to install an HD dish and hookups throughout the house (no charge) - DirectTV and I have a very good relationship.
I've been happy with the DirectTV DVR as well.

[kralspaces]

DirectTV and Dish Network are both good alternatives to CableOne here in Roswell. I have researched switching, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. Service here in Roswell from both of the satellite companies is still a concern for me. The neighbors have had their problems. CableOne service has been very good.

[oladcock]

"DirectTV and Dish Network are both good alternatives to CableOne here in Roswell."

I agree, We've had Dish Network for 2-3 years after having cable 6 or 7 before that. A couple of times when we had a big thunderstorm to the south, it'll cut in and out and of course snow on the dish will block it. Just a swipe with a broom does the trick. Over all I'd bet interuption of service hasn't amounted to 15 min in 2-3 years. We had worse service than that from Cable One and poorer picture quality on some channels as well......O.L.

[Neil]

When we switched to a HD T.V we were with cable one. Only then did we find out that they had almost no HD programs, so we switched to Direct T.V. Great picture and good service. It's just a shame that every channel is a constant stream of commercials briefly punctuated by the occasional snippet of programming:pinch:

[honeybeezzs]

hi,,welcome to roswell,im also 55ish,raised my kids here which is your age,heres what we all do as a family,son has 5 kids ,daughter 2, 4 teenagers in this bunch, summer time we swim as 2 of our familys have pools,,go to zoo feed the ducks,go to our lake home and boat fish and ski,,raise gardens,bar be q at someones house on week ends,no we dont do the bar scene as we have great steros and beer fridges and wonderful wines,,ok winter months when foot ball is on im sorry we shut down its only DALLAS COWBOYS in this family,we do donate to the homeless and try to help there when needed,,there is a small lake 20 miles from roswell in dexter to fish in,also bottemless lakes like 15 miles from town to swim and fish and rent small crafts,,bike trails hereif you get bored just hit me up ill hook you up with my son,now remeber hes got the 5 kids 4-18 and i bet he can cook ya a steak and shrimp and a dip in da pool and a cold brew!!

[Alfdom]

"Get your facts right. Landlords cannot prevent you from installing a satellite dish."

I have a friend that lives at Saddlecreek apartments who told me he could not have satellite. I will pass the information of to him. Just because there are laws does not mean people obey them.

I still use Cable one and a TIVO. Then again I still pay QWest for a land line I seldom use. I use alltel for wireless Internet. If I spent more time at home I would use cable or something else. The G3 network is slow in Roswell,and sporadic. I seldom get about 1000Kbps and feel lucky if I can get half that.

The library and Hastings have fast wi-fi for free.

On May first there will be the balloon rally by the Wool Bowl. Unless it raining or too windy, 50 hot air balloons will lift off starting about 6:30 Saturday and Sunday. There is also be Party on the river and Cinco de Mayo parties.

[jworld]

Wow, thank you all for the comments and information. I didn't think I would get that much feedback in just a few days.

I realize there will be a bit of a culture shock moving to such a different place but there are many things I'm looking forward to. Traffic and impatience are abound here in a big city, and I think I will enjoy a slower paced life. I also can't wait to meet some good folks and hear all about Roswell in person. Backyard BBQs and beer are more my style anyway.

For those of you that are offering friendships and help with moving without even meeting me, I am humbled and shocked. That is almost unheard of around here and it is much appreciated. Sadly, it should take less than twenty minutes to unpack my car as I'm traveling extremely light. It's funny how it's cheaper to buy new furniture then to truck my existing stuff across the country (well, for my second hand-furniture at least).

The only decision I have really made is my cell phone service. I picked up a Verizon 575 number yesterday and if all else fails I can cancel within 30 days.

I was thinking about the TV info but I forgot about the apartment situation. I'll have to find out whether satellite is feasible or not. I'm kind of a Blu-Ray junkie as of late but my entry-level salary might not suit that type of lifestyle for awhile. But HD would be nice so I'll probably figure out that when i get there.

I think I've been a bit spoiled in the Bay Area as far as internet. I have DSL that gives me 300mb download and I still get a little pissy that it's not faster, lol. I'll have to see about that too.

There are too many comments that were more than helpful to name individually so I'll have to do a collective shout out: Thank You All! I'll be traveling tomorrow or the next day so my next post might not be for a few days when I'm actually in my new town.

Until then,

John

[postmaster]

When we switched to a HD T.V we were with cable one. Only then did we find out that they had almost no HD programs, so we switched to Direct T.V. Great picture and good service. It's just a shame that every channel is a constant stream of commercials briefly punctuated by the occasional snippet of programming:pinch:

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN! I have Dish and the commercials are so aggravating.........constant.

[Scott]

As far as I can tell Cable One internet is the best you're gonna get for speed. I am getting 14 meg right off the router, I don't believe you can get faster than that in Roswell at any price.