Unboxing New Mexico: What It's Like Living In New Mexico

[@NickJohnson]

Here is my entire Unboxing Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF

[@banginzaza]

Great video! As a black guy I like how you label those maps. Well anyone would like to know where to stay away from and where to go. Lol. Your hard work is paying off. You're almost at a million bro! 👑

[@elmerpacheco9153]

AND DON'T FORGET YOU ARE IN INDIAN LAND THE WHOLE COUNTRY OF AMERICA IS INDAIN LAND NOT EUROPEANS LAND BUT INDIGENOUS NATIVE INDIAN LAND THAT WHITE YELLOW ORANGE EUROPEANS LIKE ROBERT LEE'S MOLESTED CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS FROM EUROPE TRIED TO ROB AND ARE STILL ROBBING FROM THE ONLY ONLY REAL NATIVES IN OUR INDAIN LAND NAMED THE DINES INDIAN LAND NOT AMERICA BUT DINES INDIAN LAND

[@PunkWad]

Everywhere in New Mexico feels different. So many wonderful cultures that stay true to themselves. It's really beautiful.

[@barrygregory913]

No nuclear weapons were ever dropped

[@PunkWad]

@@barrygregory913 👀

[@barrygregory913]

@@PunkWad the entire earth would be uninhabitable then

[@PunkWad]

@@barrygregory913 what are you even talking about? They were made and tested here- if that's what you're getting at???

[@barrygregory913]

@@PunkWad Atomic, Hydrogen and Neutron bombs. A Nuclear bomb would kill everything with its radiation

[@dannahinojosa1934]

When you see the sunlight shine on the pine needles and tree tops in early Autumn, when you hear the propane burners of hot air balloons against a canvas of blue sky, when you see the Sandia Mountains change color in the evening and a full moon rise over the mountains, when Albuquerque's city lights welcome you home, and when you smell roasting chili in early September you will understand why NM is the land of Enchantment.

[@danieldixon4568]

could not have said it better myself. love the feeling of passing the tramway exit on i40 going into ABQ after being gone for a while. the feeling is indescribable. the view stunning...and I know sanchez tacos are just a bit down the way 😂

[@Pajamas77]

This is New Mexico citizen approved and that was beautiful

[@jamesgant88]

Aaaaamen Danna! Cheers from Bernalillo!

[@Gembus41]

You forgot the smell on Pinon wood burning in the fall as well ! Best state of beauty !

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

This is why New Mexicans are considered simple people. 🤭

[@jenpieper]

Having lived in NM my entire life, you have a good amount of accuracy in this video. But you definitely could have found beautiful neighborhoods to display instead of continuing the stereotype of NM by driving through only run-down, high crime areas. You tried to be accurate, so thank you for that. But you inflated the level of fear people should have about NM. It really isn't a bad place to live. Lots of diversity and acceptance, plenty of good weather, amazing food. You certainly hit the highlights!

[@legalnurse63]

It never bothers me when anyone says anything negative about NM...it keeps people out and I like it that way.

[@jonsanchez141]

@@legalnurse63 You're right!

[@Rockingjourneyman]

He did seem to be trying to scare people, but coming from NJ I refuse to be. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings.

[@terrylunsford5085]

I live here too. I agree. But maybe it will make idots stay away from us. Lol

[@Birdbike719]

Agreed. He certainly pushed the stereotype. That love/hate thing with Texas is real though. LOL. 1st thing I'm doing when I move here is getting NM plates! So many people in Texas love NM and consider her a 2nd home. I don't get the hate, but winter Texans can be a pain, I know.

[@riverrelics1]

I have lived in South Georgia my entire life. However, my wife is a Travel Nurse and she took a position on the Zuni Indian Reservation for several months. Once that contract expired, we accepted a job in Los Lunas but lived in ABQ. It was an awesome experience for us. We both love New Mexico. Lived in downtown ABQ and never had any problems. None in Zuni either. I am back on the Georgia Florida line now, but hope to retire in NM some day. It is indeed the land of Enchantment!

[@brucekrause2801]

I retired here at 62 from Florida. It's a wonderful, relaxed, perfect climate. I'll never leave.

[@tm890-t3q]

Where in NM did you retire? So many options ​@@brucekrause2801

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

I'm from the UK. I've visited NM twice. Absolutely love it. On days off work, I drove south as far as Roswell, and north to Los Alamos and on to Taos. Stopped in many the towns in between. Didn't once feel unsafe (compared to being a single female in Chicago or Newark or LA) Lovely people - helpful and friendly. Never heard one gunshot, even in the area near the airport. Stunning views, fabulous big skies, lovely people, unbelievably interesting food, loads to see and do. I've recommended NM to just about every UK/European person I work with (in London/Brussels) I believe NM is an undiscovered gem for world travellers.

[@gloriajohansen9728]

Pigyduff: 💐👍

[@vidong1704]

Just because you didnt hear a gun shot and crime never happened to you while you were there, does not mean it does not happen at all. It just means it did not happen to you. In 2022, there were 184 murders, 1,387 rapes, 2,357 armed robberies, 9,646 burglaries, 15,792 aggravated assaults ( GBH). Would you like to contact the families of the victims or the victims and brag to them how nothing happened to you?

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@vidong1704 oh dear. You sound angry and I'm sorry if you've suffered a loss. BUT. If you read it again, I didn't imply that crime doesn't happen. But I personally didn't experience any. I'm sure many other visitors don't either. Its called 'balance'. I'm allowed to share my experience with others! Doesn't mean that the crime statistics aren't abysmal - but you can say that for most of the USA. Finally, no one can live their life in total fear of what might happen - that's unhealthy. You have to get out and see the world and learn from meeting others. I'll still travel to NM despite the statistics. And I hope you can find some peace.

[@vidong1704]

@@LazyDaisyDay88 I am at peace. But what you are posting is called anecdotal fallacy. To me it sounds like you are bragging about your good luck. Yes, sure, you can share, but you have to be careful there. Because if you keep living with rose-colored glasses on. sooner or later the law of averages starts catching up.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@vidong1704 How is it bragging? Nothing happened to me. I can't make up bad news just to help your bias. You simply sound jealous that someone has a different experience to you. You have my sympathy - someone who actively wants bad things to happen to tourists is just sad.

[@wpleary2]

After living here for 6 months...holy crap, it is gorgeous.

[@rubenromero9498]

Finally one good comment on NM

[@vladmirsarkisyan9060]

No one stole your car yet?don't worry they will lost three in last five years😥

[@wpleary2]

I’ve lived in California, Texas, Oklahoma, and New York. I honestly believe New Mexico has more upside than anywhere I’ve lived. This state is drop-dead gorgeous.

[@ruthnakamura9768]

I've lived here 48 years, born and raised in the south valley right off Los Padillas as a half white, half chicana, and I lived through violence, I've seen the shadiest parts of it AND the good sides, both of which could take your breath away for different reasons, and it's beautiful, I love it here, it's my home.

[@spid3rmike117]

Thank you Ruth. I have lived near Baton Rouge, Louisiana my whole life but I'd love to explore New Mexico. I have travelled most of the east coast but NM is the only place I truly want to visit out west

[@gawaineross7607]

New Mexico was the first place I felt the sacredness of the land. I was hitchhiking through, and we stopped to take a stretch break. The wind told me the land is sacred. That was decades ago. Sigh... As for Albuquerque, "Breaking Bad" was set there for a reason. Meth is a terrible problem.

[@drewski8138]

I paused the video just to read this comment haha❤️

[@Catlily5]

Meth is worse in other states. NM has a lot of other substance abuse problems but not as much with meth.

[@philambrez]

Breaking Bad was filmed here, and yes we HAD a meth prob, but so did Arizona, California, Washington, etc. The show could've been filmed almost anywhere at that time. News Flash it's 2023! The last episode of BB aired in 2013, a decade ago. Join us in the now. We have new problems, just like the rest of the US.

[@JacobWillits]

Every once in a while here youll see one of the good views and you appriciate it more

[@considerthelilies91]

As a newlywed in 1971 we travelled through Texas to his hometown in NM. I immediately sensed the change once we crossed the border-a drier but profoundly more beautiful landscape.

[@AslanKyoya1776]

I’ve been to New Mexico over a dozen times, never felt unsafe there. If you just keep common sense and avoid bad areas you’re usually fine. The poverty is real though.

[@NickJohnson]

That's fair

[@donniethompson4681]

Lol your a lucky one. Cents moving back to new mexico 2 years ago, I've had my cars broken into 3 times in abq befor it just went strait up missing from my drive way in Santa fe. Lol and that's just since iv moved back. Don't even get me started on all the story's from growing up here lol

[@AslanKyoya1776]

@@donniethompson4681 I’m sorry to hear that, I believe you. To be fair most of those visits we’re just driving through so maybe if I stayed there for longer I probably would have noticed the dark side to the state.

[@Em12k]

@@donniethompson4681 abq is Terrible. 15 homicides in January alone...... crime is through the roof

[@lortiz8223]

Democratic run state....🤦‍♀️...

[@higherrealms5309]

My job requires me to travel to NM on a regular basis, specifically Albuquerque. I love it VERY much!! Even tho the black population is relatively low, I’ve never felt more included in my entire life! Ppl here are sooooo nice and down to earth and it’s easy to make friends. It’s inclusive, it’s hip, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Yes, ABQ has a severe drug problem which has its side effects, but I even find criminals to be rather polite 🤷🏽‍♀️😆 I’m from Chicago, so my idea of crime is much different from what I experience here. I can see me retiring here. NM has a very real SOUL that u can feel. A good escape from the matrix and snooty places like Scottsdale and Dallas for example.

[@NickJohnson]

Cool! I'm glad you're happy.

[@bridge7137]

I just moved there.

[@bridge7137]

😍😍😍

[@Derellrassy87]

@@NickJohnson agreed nick live in new Mexico for 3 years and my favorite state, use to even work at route 66 a guy original born in Jamaica grew up in new York honestly this is one of the most magical state even though I live in new York I visited new Mexico so often and I just came from Texas which isn't bad but new Mexico for its rich country will give majority of state a run for their money easily

[@Derellrassy87]

Agreed a very magical state indeed

[@trevortat]

New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment. There are some places in New Mexico that are truly enchanting.

[@thereject505]

Its the land of entrapment

[@timtenn7671]

@@thereject505 living here in NM it is truly the land of entrapment!!!!!

[@thereject505]

@@timtenn7671 thats what im saying bruh🤣 especially when you in the warzone

[@jonsanchez141]

@@thereject505 Nobody is forcing you to stay here, just saying. If you feel trapped, then hop on a bus to a town of your choice, find a job there, and stay there.

[@dough7726]

@@thereject505 I was about to comment that

[@shawnhaynes8804]

"Poverty with a view" Yes, I live here....

[@dianemilton5728]

me too

[@andrewzett6111]

Me too....and I love it

[@luana1600]

I lived in Santa Fe. It was beautiful. The sky was bluer than blue.

[@itookthewooockkk5200]

I used to lived in Albuquerque, now I live in the borderline of nm and Texas, close to Hobbs

[@gorkskoal9315]

@@itookthewooockkk5200 my condolences. though at least its used to be.

[@IndianaCrane]

The sunsets in New Mexico are off the charts amazing!! The food sounds amazing too!!

[@gorkskoal9315]

buuuut that's about it. got more just dumb gray haired boomtards than almost anyother place. It's like hooow. How is it possible to be so willfully bad. It's not like it's a cool bad, cool slow. Cool slow the south. LIfe goes a little slower, for the most part, and you know why. Things'll get done (usually) so they don't sweat it.

[@damianramirez445]

Santa Fe Klan

[@jaysantos536]

@@swagistan69420 Mo-ron

[@jaysantos536]

Food doesnt "sound" anything. But its does "look" and "taste" amazing...the best reigonal food in the country, period.

[@damianramirez445]

@@jaysantos536 Santa Fe New México is for the Mexican Raper Santa Fe Klan 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@GodSaveTheClothes]

You know you’re from NM when someone says they went to Las Vegas and you say, “Las Vegas, New Mexico?”

[@MrMigueldelaO]

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico - you have no idea how hard it is for people to get passed the 'Other" Las Vegas. I bag it and just say - Santa Fe.

[@constantinmilitaru]

Ya ya....Man I noticed that a lot. And u never say 505 with your number. In LA you say 626 or 323 and so on not out here.

[@MrMigueldelaO]

@@constantinmilitaru OK - I remember when we used to DIAL 4 numbers - 6889 - was our phone #.

[@InvaderKush]

Or you say you were driving past San Antonio on I25 and they think Texas. No one here cares about Texas!

[@Debby901]

Hahaha so true🌞

[@ernestogarcia2964]

I’ve lived in New Mexico my whole life, Currently in Española & I wouldn’t ever want to move to another state. Yes we have crime but what state doesn’t? You have to make the best of it & if you stay out of trouble you’ll love it here.

[@NickJohnson]

Ok Ernesto

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

Española is the worst city in all the state. 🤭

[@SuperRaedizzle]

as someone whose born and raised in nm this was amazingly accurate

[@lisamorales9643]

I am a big fan where do u live in nm I live there to

[@salijayehinsen2892]

Hello Rae!

[@genericpinesol]

Is every women built like you in nm? Because you're cute 😏

[@genievibes3675]

except at 15:59 when he says, there's nothing like New Mexico in America ...

[@parentalonion6552]

@@genericpinesol I- No.

[@r.swartz7876]

Multi-generational Nuevomexicano here sending love from the Land of Enchantment ☀️✌️

[@barrygregory913]

Nuclear weapons used hoax

[@sophiem5921]

I LOVE these!! Makes me appreciate the States even more. Love how vast and varied this country is.

[@NickJohnson]

Yay!

[@jayhumphreys2030]

I love New Mexico. It’s beautiful and so laid back. I often say, you can’t out chill New Mexico.

[@brandond4714]

Chile*

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

There's more to life than red/green chili. 😂

[@Wildgraft23]

Right?! I’ve had so many positive interactions with New Mexican people and the words that come to mind are chill, friendly, and laid back. 🧊🤙🏽

[@daisyskippy4673]

Every state has its problem, I don’t see myself living anywhere else but New Mexico; it’s home .. hiking to various hot springs under the big open sky will always be my favorite thing ❤️

[@JacobWillits]

We have hot springs? I thought that was colorado

[@daisyskippy4673]

@@JacobWillits we sure do.. the Jordan hot springs is in the Gila wilderness, also Turkey Creek hot spring, there is the Jemez hot springs, Ojo Caliente, there are also hot springs in Truth or Consequences to name a few.

[@ashconner2293]

I love how a whole state has their own food culture. It's pretty awesome

[@davidr7346]

I’m from New Mexico Chile on everything: Yes Flag (Zia) tattoo: I do not but so many people do. Seen a UFO: Yes, yes I have.

[@NickJohnson]

Where??

[@davidr7346]

@@NickJohnson I have seen what I can only explain as ufo’s 3 times. First time was southeast of Cuba NM, colored lights and triangle shaped craft. The second time was in Belen NM, two white lights that moved around in improbable ways, then took off faster than anything I have ever seen in different directions but they went up and out. The third was in Albuquerque. Very similar to Belen sighting. A single light that took off up and out so fast I couldn’t believe it. I’m only saying I can’t explain what I saw :-).

[@e.n.strowd1949]

Wait triangle shaped craft too?

[@davidr7346]

@@e.n.strowd1949 Honestly the other two sightings were scarier because the movements defied physics. The first one was me and my buddies saying: “what is that?” “I can’t tell.” “It doesn’t look like a plane..” And we were driving so it was difficult to make out. But that being said it was nothing we could identify as a plane. By the time we pulled over it was gone. All three of us agreed it was a “ufo.” But the ones that took off have me convinced.

[@blossomjoseph5541]

A guy in jail had the Zia tatoo on his arse

[@writersloane]

Great video! The people there were so friendly, and the land and sky was just breathtakingly beautiful. It has a whole vibe all its own. I loved it.

[@NickJohnson]

Yay Sloane! What do you write? Email me

[@darrendawson4800]

Not in Albuquerque very rude!

[@martimurphy501]

I’m a transplant from the Midwest. I moved to NM in 1993 and I love it. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast there’s so much to do here and tue crime stats actually make me roll my eyes because having lived in Chicago and St. Louis, I feel like NM crime is not at all that bad comparatively. I left my purse in a shopping cart and it got returned and I left my wallet on top of a Redbox and it also got returned. Yes we have experienced theft at a home we lived in but I’ve experienced so much more of the goodness and beauty of living here. The trails for mountain biking and hiking are amazing and not at all overcrowded. We have wild horses and culture and incredible weather. I love it hear. And I’ve always made a great living here.

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

There is no comparison between “New Mexican” Mexican food and regular Mexican food elsewhere in the southwest. You’ll crave it once you’ve tried it and there’s no going back! 😁 🥰

[@MyButtercup]

It is the green chilies.

[@professorlogos5459]

Yup. Our food in NM is better than any other type of “Mexican food.” 😇

[@DJR5280]

​@professorlogos5459 I'm gonna ruffle some feathers but NM food is very similar to Colorado

[@paulahowe2943]

I grew up in New Mexico -- Albuquerque, to be exact. Thank you for your honesty about this beautiful, but troubled, state.

[@chermeeks80]

Im addicted to the unboxing videos! I can travel to these states without leaving my home! We need more!

[@NickJohnson]

There's 30 already! I'm trying!

[@Cecebear22]

@@NickJohnson They're addicting.

[@Mountainrock70]

And you’ll never know what they really are about!

[@bonniegoldstein8965]

The Native American Pueblo's & Reservations should Not be just simply described as "poor". The New Mexico Indigenous people have an interesting, wonderful, rich culture. The people are friendly, & hard working & have many art talents. On your next videos, it would be more upbeat to focus on the hard working people, their talents, rich culture, & the wonderful highlights of that region.

[@MrMigueldelaO]

There is A lot of high desert. The lack of water has created very stoic cultures - Indian, Spanish, Anglo. It is not like the woodland lands of the US - everything east of the 100th meridian or west of the Sierra Nevadsa where there is lush green and manicured environments. People from those areas appraise and confuse the lack of the lushness with poverty. All mansion towns - Greenwich, Ct., Westchester, NY, mainelin Philadelphia, Buckhead, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Ca are lush so dry places such as the middle east look poor. - The lack of water which creates stoicism also creates anti-ostentation. The very richest people in Santa Fe live in what looks like very rustic (old) houses. The big flashy new houses belong to new money that has arrived fewer than 50 years ago. Real New Mexicans know this.

[@steveanthony8653]

Hello Bonnie how’s the weather over there

[@catherinemurry2324]

The Pueblo natives I know are not poor at all they own the casinos and other businesses around here. That’s a misconception on your part.

[@MeatloafCreep]

@@catherinemurry2324 Just because they own casinos doesn't mean they don't experience poverty. Navajo Nation has a casino and we're still poor because Navajo Nation government is corrupt. Don't speak on what you know or stereotype indigenous people.

[@catherinemurry2324]

@@MeatloafCreep Well hope do you know I’m not indigenous myself? RU sure? -hmm, I Can speak on it bc I seen i must know the ones w businesses they enjoy a lot of success. Why don’t you get on the corrupt Navajo government then?

[@deelite732]

I lived in New Mexico for 3 years and it’s where I have my most fondest memories.

[@karenkennedy6331]

I am from Colorado and have driven through New Mexico, love the Northern mountains, love Taos. It’s like Colorado but with way less people.

[@markrichards6863]

It's a beautiful state, really underrated for scenery. We did a road trip of Arizona and New Mexico when we lived in California. We enjoyed New Mexico more. The national Parks were less crowded and we found great food all over the state. Arizona is nice too, but we hated Phoenix. I just can't imagine why anyone would want to live in that sprawling hell.

[@orlanzo2621]

Arizona>>>>>New Mexico

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Totally with you on Phoenix. I used to travel frequently for work (consulting) and it's in my bottom 3 cities in America.

[@search4truth104]

Money is the reason, I don't care if Arizona is a dry heat, I have been there when it was 117 degrees, people say you get used to it, not me.

[@paulairola7041]

The facts; You're either rich or poor in New Mexico

[@e.n.strowd1949]

Lmao truth right here

[@4flyingfish]

That's the truth!

[@moyvlogs1152]

Just like anywhere in the USA 🇺🇸

[@harlihusselman7392]

YUP

[@bigstepper5100]

True

[@tommunyon2874]

My six siblings and I were born and reared in New Mexico. What I love the most is that the scenery seems to change every couple of miles in the north central mountain area. Here in the Pacific Northwest coast one can drive from northern California to Alaska and stay in essentially the same type of landscape along the entire journey.

[@NickJohnson]

Awesome Tom!

[@wrotedog]

That happens on the i40 alot.

[@vividlights1908]

I remember the last time I was in Albuquerque in 2004, Mcdonalds had green chile on the double cheese burgers.

[@vm722]

You need to get a real Chill cheese burger. Try a Laguna Burger 🍔

[@taraoakes6674]

Every fast food joint has green chiles for your cheeseburgers...they have to compete with all of the real great places for burgers.

[@vm722]

@@taraoakes6674 👍 Yes that is true. But green chili from a can on McDonald's is a insult to chili. You need real Hatch chili.

[@taraoakes6674]

@@vm722 That’s why we only get burgers at the better places. Plus, I don’t eat at most fast food places, and that’s not where I would get a GCCB anyway.

[@vm722]

@@taraoakes6674 Good for you 👍 Great to hear

[@angelatownsend2417]

Lived in New Mexico while my father was stationed there with the Air Force (Clovis). It was the best place we were ever stationed. The people were probably the biggest reason we liked it. We made a lot of friends and there was a laid-backness to the place. It was the only place where I got to go from start to finish with a school...high school. A lot of good memories from our four years there.

[@patsylambert8283]

Nick you missed the Earth Ships (houses made from scraps like bottles, cans, old tires). New Mexico started the whole ideal of Earth Ships go back and do a video on those. Enjoy your videos.

[@NickJohnson]

Hi Patsy sorry I didn't know that haha.

[@prague7706]

Your singing is absolutely amazing.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

Y’all, can I adopt that adorable lady at the beginning of the video as my grandma?? 😩😭😭😭

[@martinemontoya4171]

You would have loved my grandma

[@DJDeezNutz]

In New Mexico it's Abuela

[@justenjoy8459]

Ask her will she adopt u as her grandchild..??

[@jonsanchez141]

The crazy thing is my Granny has been making EXACTLY what the abuelita at the beginning of this video was making. They're like a cross between a sopaipilla and an empanada, stuffed with whatever you want.

[@jag92949]

Nick left out “Breaking Bad”.

[@revinhatol]

Juarez: *exists* Future New Mexico: It's free real estate.

[@crimsonpearl4686]

Whats "breaking bad"??

[@revinhatol]

@@crimsonpearl4686 An AMC tv show.

[@piemaster271]

oh yeah

[@kerrynight3271]

@@crimsonpearl4686 It was a GREAT tv show about a chemistry teacher becoming a meth manufacturer.

[@MissD934]

I was born in Roswell NM, my father was Station there when he was in Air Force. I was raised in Pennsylvania when he left AF. My parents divorced in 80s soy mom moved back. I was in NM for 5 years then moved. My experience is Taos and Ruidoso is beautiful! The food is great! However, no jobs and there is a lot of poverty. Lots of snakes,scorpions and vinegaroons. This is a good and reasonably review!

[@k3marie23]

Finally someone who mentions the creepy crawlies.

[@tonym7919]

I had no idea New Mexico is so eclectic. Now I really want to visit.

[@NickJohnson]

Do it Tony

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

New Mexico: nice to visit, terrible to live.

[@matthewmajestic1013]

New Mexico is definitely the most unique state imo, and it’s rather misunderstood, I’ve never visited the Land of Enchantment, but one day I’ll visit this gorgeous state. Excellent work Mr.Johnson!, this was one of the states I was waiting for!😁

[@NickJohnson]

I know you were 😉

[@cheekostakos7881]

If you’re in Albuquerque and you see a Vietnamese restaurant/emissions test place, turnaround....chances are you’re in the hood

[@NickJohnson]

Lol noted!!

[@sandovalperry2895]

If you go east from the restaurant/emission place you might get caught in a shopping cart traffic jam when the junkies wake up. If you go west you have to watch out for the Gen-Xers zipping through stop signs in their $1000 bikes. Typically New Mexico - the top and the bottom depends on which turn you take.

[@Hey_its_Koda]

Or you see a mexican tire shop and a man selling DVDs from a backpack...its time to turn around!!

[@jimoconnor6382]

Is it worse than Gary???

[@sandovalperry2895]

@@jimoconnor6382 it’s no different than any other city - it’s got it’s good and bad. I have lived in Boston, DC, San Antonio and Denver to name a few. Albuquerque is not a pretentious town like Denver with its supper rich hiding the normal folks. It’s a place with 300 plus years of a mix of cultures no one cares what college you went to or how much money you have. The zombies are just part of the culture like the great food. Come visit New Mexico for the food and stay for the life style.

[@nickperry3137]

I dare Nick Johnson to like this comment, your unboxing vids are my fav

[@NickJohnson]

I DARE YOU :)

[@amyjohnston2929]

Yes! I wanted to move out of New York and I found the unboxing Arizona video and it helped me learn more about it. Now I watch all the unboxing videos from my new house in Arizona!

[@bbooth1229]

@@NickJohnson did you say Roswell/ Artesia/ Hobbs was pretty?? Not even the mayors of those places would say that.

[@LunarCrystal07]

Regarding the Santa Fe Opera: It's a pretty popular activity for the well-to-do of New Mexico to not only go to the opera (it's only during the summer months because the stage is outdoors), but there's also a popular pastime of "fine dining tail-gating" that people do in the parking lot before the shows. They'll set up tables with table clothes, and have wine and charcuterie an hour or so before seating. Everyone's usually all dressed up for it. It's quite a spectacle. I apprenticed with the opera for one season, in the costume department. It was an epic experience.

[@damianramirez445]

Santa Fe is for the mexican raper Santa Fe Klan

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

@@damianramirez445 Raper???

[@Georgian1717]

New Mexico is top 5 states in beauty. I have visited 38 and was fortunate to live in NM. It’s incredibly special.

[@gloriajohansen9728]

Edith: True! 🤗

[@moderndaypirate8931]

Even with the bad crime I'm drawn to wanting to live there. The housing cost seems pretty reasonable. I'm so sick of living in northern Michigan. Winter sucks as an AK amputee so you can't really blame me. Plus I love new Mexican style food

[@rarecandy3445]

housing sucks here. very difficult to live unless you’re buying.

[@janetmitchell4452]

I moved to Taos 5 years ago. Housing is hard but not as bad as this video makes it. I think the video comes across as a bit snarkey.

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

@@janetmitchell4452 New Mexico is a dump. This video is too nice. 🤭

[@jimn7390]

What I like about New Mexico life, especially in the Española Valley, is that racial prejudice seems to be limited. Unlike most of Arizona or certain parts of Southern California, cultures are united here among Indians, Spanish and other ethnicities. The chile makes life special here in the Land of Enchantment.

[@philmaestas2325]

I took my wife/then girlfriend to my cousin's wedding in Espanola some 25 years ago. She is blonde haired with blue eyes while I am hispanic. Everywhere we went, she was given dirty looks and even threatened by the "chicanas". Some people would even come up to me and ask, "What are you doing with that gavacha?" I used to love visiting my family down there but have only been back once to hunt elk with my cousin. So we must have reached the limit on racial prejudice there because in Espanola, if you ain't chicano, you ain't caca.

[@tihralahn]

​@@philmaestas2325 I'm blonde and grew up in Espanola. I was picked on a few times growing up, but I have never felt like there was any overarching racial prejudice.

[@applejacs]

My main take away from the Española area is the distinct accent you all have!

[@search4truth104]

Yea Española is...... how should I put this? Special.

[@soniasalazar9215]

I Live in Albuquerque and go to NMSU I don’t plan on leaving. The food is amazing here you always have to decide whether you want green or red Chile.

[@NickJohnson]

Sonia 🌶

[@geedubb2005]

I’m a lifer here. I remember when the maximum speed limit was 55 and I-25 was still partly two lane. Of course we didn’t have a lot of vehicles you could cruise at 85 or 90. It was an all day trip in a ‘60’s Chevy with a six banger. Hwy 70 between las cruces and Alamogordo was mostly two lane. So many memories and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[@GreatistheWorld]

You can always go Christmas!!

[@justinanaya3281]

Being born and raised in Albuquerque New Mexico I can say this video is pretty accurate. Viva Burque por vida!!☀️💪🏽

[@rddbudd9546]

Went on a week's vacation to New Mexico back in September of 2022. It was great! Good food, great people, and saw a lot of interesting sights! Would do it again!

[@cherylcampbell7495]

Got married in Alamogordo. Grew up in Ruidoso/ El Paso. Love New Mexico. Go from El Paso to LasCruces the back road. Pecan farms, chili’s and green onions growing.

[@grahamgould2732]

Taos, NM lowkey has some of the best skiing in the united states

[@user-ux7nd8tg1o]

From my friend about ABQ: "I'm not sure there was a night when I lived in the south valley I didn't hear gunshots..."

[@joshuajordan2284]

I live in the south valley, its camp cupcake compared to the war zone, I grew up there and I'd hear gunshots multiple times a day, sirens eventually just melded in the background noise.

[@demianr8328]

You should've seen in NY's Eve. 20-30 minutes of non-stop gunfire

[@piemaster271]

this is true

[@Hey_its_Koda]

New Years eve and 4th of July is like the battle of Fallujah outside your door. Starts at 9pm till 3am 😂😂😂

[@thereject505]

@@joshuajordan2284 which side of Central did you live on?

[@carlosalvidrez9268]

I grew up in New Mexico. I love the state, I would travel the state with my dad in the summer. It sucks that there isn't a lot jobs. I love the Land of Enchantment but I had to leave. One day I'll go back.

[@enriquetachias920]

I’m from New Mexico, it’s definitely a love hate relationship for me, I go back to New Mexico two to three times a year, but when I go I always pack my Glock because Albuquerque is the city of wolves 🐺

[@raleemay]

Where do you live now?

[@515aleon]

Subway has the Albuquerque Turkey (turkey and green chile)

[@BrendanWelch16]

@@515aleon I don’t like New Mexico

[@Mountainrock70]

Every major city anywhere in the country got a ton of problems now.

[@enriquetachias920]

@@raleemay lone star republic

[@taraoakes6674]

The whole red or green thing is overblown. Whether you chose red or green depends on what meat, or dish your making/eating. Red goes in many beef, enchiladas, posole, carne adovada, etc. Green chile goes better with chicken, stews, burgers, etc. Pork will take either depending on the dish. I’ve only lived here 4yrs, but my husband is from here, and I started learning about New Mexican food long before we moved here. As far as crime goes, my hometown in IL (not Chicago or the burbs) has more crime, but it’s all related to poverty/gangs. I love it here! 🌶🌶🌶

[@Catlily5]

Some foods you choose red or green. Some come with one kind of chile only.

[@jatencio8362]

Definitely right about red and green chile choice follow this advice and you'll be fine.

[@jeffreybaier5312]

I subscribed because I really like this guys sense of humor and videos.

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Jeff!

[@rhiannonduke4195]

Me too!

[@honeybfly2010]

You slipped in another Pee Wee’s Big Adventure clip! Good man! That movie is a classic. 😊 My friend is a California native and lived in New Mexico for a few years. She has a college degree but she also says work is hard to find there, so she moved back to California. She said that it’s affordable where she lived in New Mexico but the pay was definitely lacking.

[@honeybfly2010]

@@jupraman it was great wasn’t it?? 😊

[@roberthenry9319]

When I initially had seen just two of Nick's "Unboxing" videos , I thought that they were interesting but perhaps a bit superficial (the Montana and the New Mexico videos). However, I definitely was wrong about them being superficial. Both the New Mexico and the Montana videos are fabulous. (I live in Albuquerque, and the New Mexico video is absolutely spot on accurate, both for New Mexico's good and bad.) When it became evident that Nick has "Unboxing" videos on multiple states, it became obvious that Nick's work is extremely significant. Just imagine how much time, effort and ingenuity has to be spent creating each state "Unboxing" video- studying, travelling, interviewing, photographing and editing . It is an enormous task. Nick's work is truly amazing. And, it is very significant. Deeply significant. There truly is nothing else nearly like his work anywhere on social media. An important literary work by the author William Least Heat Moon called "Blue Highways" was published years ago. "Blue Highways" was used as the title because Moon travelled the out of the mainstream highways on American road maps that are often marked in blue because they are the roads which are "out in the boondocks". Least Heat Moon''s book is a folksy and very important study of the uniquely American cultures, people and adventures where the blue highways led him. The "Unboxing" episodes are a similar study as that done by Least heat Moon, using an entirely different medium than literary. The "Unboxing" episodes are extremely important studies of American history, geography and culture. The videos are as significantly important as Least Heat Moon's work. And we get to view, listen and learn it all for free. Nick Johnson's work is nothing short of a brilliant American treasure. Thank you, Nick. Absolutely marvelous work. R. Henry, M.D.

[@sabastianwetherill-orifice2648]

New Mexico is beautiful I love living here. From my own experience at least near las vegas your more likely to find a homeless person in your shed or a cow harassing your chickens for the heat lamps than gang violence. People are very friendly but be cautious if your female because there are so many creepy as old guys trying to prowl the local walmart. Be smart treat people kind and be community driven and you will be fine here

[@steveanthony8653]

Hello Sabastian was the weather over there

[@adriennemartin763]

New Mexico has my heart forever. I was so excited to watch this video!

[@NickJohnson]

Hi Adrienne!

[@jyotpurohit9435]

@@NickJohnson stop simping bruh

[@_Kay15_]

@@jyotpurohit9435 how is saying hi simping💀

[@donniethompson4681]

Lol as I was born and raised in New Mexico and stayed there most my life I can say this video is 100% accurate

[@jeremytaylor2784]

Too bad Elephant Butte wasn't closer to El Paso. I love camping in Cloudcroft and Ruidoso. Beautiful alpine forest surrounded by desert

[@johnp139]

I saw a bunch of elephant butts in Albuquerque.

[@adamsaldana5462]

Ruidoso is the greatest town ever. We went there every winter for like ten years

[@SirManfly]

I want to see the hot as it balloons, the caves and Roswell !! 👍😃 And of course the New Mexico food 👌😃

[@secretsquirrel6718]

Damn It aint that far.

[@danielguzman5257]

Elephant Butte is 20 miles closer to El Paso than Ruidoso is to El Paso.

[@huf67]

From the Midwest currently but I have making plans on a New Mexico future !! Even with all the bad that got mentioned, I still have some major drive to move there !!!

[@jonsanchez141]

Definitely make a few visits and form your own opinion! Where in the Midwest are you from? I have only been to Chicago, which I feel is the least Midwestern city in the Midwest! 😅

[@huf67]

@@jonsanchez141 ... About 3 hours south of Chi Town. Small town life with only a few hours drive to a larger city. I like it here but the diversity out west is amazing. You can go from the desert to the mountains in just a few hours.

[@jonsanchez141]

@@huf67 Thinking of moving to a small town myself, to avoid traffic! Yes, you're right. If you're into landscapes, the western US is hard to beat!

[@VerdantExploration]

@@huf67 the flat lands and cornfields of Illinois is enough to make anyone wish for some kind change of scenery. I moved from Troy, Illinois to Tennessee. It’s beautiful here as well and way cheaper than NM. We have to move to Los Alamos NM for my husbands job but Im sure will be reminiscing of the Appalachia’s for years to come.

[@migthulhu]

My family has been here over 400 years and my favorite thing is discouraging folks from other places coming here.

[@dannahinojosa1934]

Yep. I remember when Montgomery was the edge of Albuquerque.

[@ctenterprises9440]

Indeed. My whole town feels that way.

[@migthulhu]

@@dannahinojosa1934 was sad when they cut down the cottonwood tree at Rio Grande and Montaño.

[@raymondjee4569]

Born and raised ABQ native, can confirm Chile on everything Christmas (red and green Chile) always. I have the tattoo. Seen the UFOs and heard the Taos hum. Live war zone adjacent, and often play the "gunshots or fireworks game" everynight. Love the state but just about ready to leave, crime, education,and economy are all on death spiral. Will always come back to visit though.

[@phongphong4640]

Where do you plan to go? New York City?

[@daniilrubio1109]

New Mexico is actually a decent place to live, my parents are retiring in Santa Fe, as long as you stay out of the ghettos and not get lost in the wilderness its really nice.

[@DJF177]

Yes, it is.

[@jrussell3311]

Santa Fe sucks

[@jonathanielpringlemaniii]

@@jrussell3311 ok jack, whatever you say..

[@InvaderKush]

You actually did a good job on my state hombre. Normally they only focus on the north, and never really touch on the south, or anywhere else like the eastern part. overall dope vid mang.

[@tokincannibus420]

Wow your video is spot in. As a native American from Kewa reservation and living here most of my life I agree 👍 it was really funny and you're very knowledgeable about alot. I learned alot even! BTW I was happy you let everyone know about the jewelry mark up! Love it! I shared ❤

[@NickJohnson]

Thanks! They should give them more than they do for their art :)

[@t-squared6406]

my friends dad loves it,he is in a trailer,everything free for him,baseballs fly out,great Lobo fan base!!!

[@marasultan6771]

I love it! My guy lived in NM for 17 years and loved it. The food is making us hungry!

[@robinburke8783]

My husband and I lived in Albuquerque for 9 years. The best things about the place were the food, and the hiking trails in the foot hills.

[@zaneburden]

"Who watches operas anymore" probably the full houses of patrons every season at one of the top 10 opera houses in the country 😂

[@NickJohnson]

Do they still sing in them?

[@ji3194]

I'm from Albuquerque and used to go to Santa Fe every summer to catch an opera, it was a fun excuse to get dressed up and take a short road trip.

[@christihendricks2584]

@@ji3194 I went to Santa Fe on my honeymoon in July 1999. We saw Carmen at the Opera. It was magical.

[@batmansugar2543]

Didn't Bugs Bunny once sang in an opera ?

[@richardcampbell5762]

I love NM!! Yes there is crime here, but that's Everywhere. It's a beautiful state with many things to do. Most people are friendly and very family oriented!! If you make a friend here in NM, it's more than likely they will be your friend for life. For those who are into golf, this is definitely the place to come. Love my State!! 👍🇺🇲🇺🇲👍

[@robertcolpitts4534]

Most of what you observe is true. We left New Mexico because there wasn't any work or decent paying jobs. That is unfortunate because our hearts are still there. The amount of freedom and being able to get away from civilization into some remote areas is what I loved the most. The people and the food are very special. A friend once said he loved New Mexico but that it was a State of magnificent natural beauty surrounding pockets of poverty.

[@JacobWillits]

I think the solution to this isnt to flee for a job its to stay and create the job. So Im staying.

[@Grand_History]

I’ve been to white sands 3 years in a row. One of my favorite places in the world. Camping out there on my own was an experience worth the drive from Indiana

[@thurmondthomas5243]

I heard it's awesome with a full moon.

[@Grand_History]

@@thurmondthomas5243 it’s awesome period. But very hot. It got 106F last time, and the nights are colder than other deserts I’ve been to

[@raleemay]

White Sands is pretty cool. And the drive down there is nice. Did you see the giant pistachio?

[@Grand_History]

@@raleemay I have not lol that sounds ridiculous

[@raleemay]

@@Grand_History Lol!! It’s outside a gift shop that specializes in pistachios.

[@ZIALANDER63]

I moved to 'Burque 15 years ago from LA. I agree, NM is simply not for everyone. Either you get 'the vibe' and flow with it or you don't and end up leaving. This is home now for me. I think you had a good assessment of the state and I can live within those parameters fine. The state is gorgeous if you like the outdoors and is easily accessible. 17 people per square mile is amazing after living in LA for 20 years. History, culture, food and almost NO HUMIDITY or mosquitoes. Even on it's worst day ABQ traffic is better than LA, Houston or Denver. If I ever miss the west coast it's less than two hours away by air. I actually don't find myself going back much anymore. I'm happy here. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[@NickJohnson]

Cool!

[@ellafields9424]

Z63 Left central coast Cal 1998 Only miss that I could grow any kind of plants in that climate. So I improvise. SW NM has awesome climate. Clear Blue Sky!!!

[@JacobWillits]

Most americans will hate living in nm. Esspecially because we are so underdeveloped.

[@ZIALANDER63]

@JacobWillits Do we really want Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Belen to connect into one giant megalopolis?? I'm glad that won't happen till I'm long gone.

[@lillyofboca]

New Mexico - born and raised. Lived through out the state from oilfields to reservation life. Only after marriage to a Yankee, I moved East. Going to retire back home in New Mexico!!

[@NickJohnson]

Good Janet!

[@jrussell3311]

Yay ta hey

[@TK-cu9bq]

NEW Mexico has the most beautiful skies on the planet.

[@Indyrm03]

My wife abd i currently live in Missouri but are moving yo Albuquerque in July. We are excited to get to experience this part of the country. We are both avid outdoors people so there are A LOT of places for us to enjoy.

[@lgDukeCity5018]

@Amber Thorton Bell Albuquerque is no worse than any other place in the US. It is usually just 10% of the people causing all the problems. Most are friendly, kind, and willing to help. Use your common sense and trust your instincts if you find yourself in a jam.

[@KristinaKreamer]

"The Land of Entrapment"!Ha ha!(What my friend Dave,used to call his home State)As always,very well put together,Nick!Thanks again!

[@NickJohnson]

Hey Kris ❤️

[@alyssadavis5852]

Everyone calls it that......

[@marcileatherboots1]

I am a recent transplant from another state to New Mexico and everything you said jives with what I have seen and experienced. I was always into chiles, heat, and spice with my food, and had a pre-existing love of green chile's even before I moved here. Don't get me wrong I won't kick red chiles out the door, but preference is definitely for green. About the only thing I can add is one thing I have noticed, people from Las Cruces never refer to it as such. It is always just called Cruces and thus is a habit I have subconsciously picked up on and now do. Overall, I love my new house, I love Cruces, and hope to see my new state rise. In order to do that though, we have to address the crippling poverty which affects far too much of our state. Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

Las Cruces is one of the better places to be in New Mexico.

[@marianaperez9527]

There so much beauty hidden in New Mexico especially here in Ruidoso and Cloudcroft. #LoveMyHometown #Ruidoso #NewMexicanByHeart

[@coreysaenz9701]

Definitely agree we get overlooked down here in the Sacramento Mountains. Love the history in these mountains. From the Aztecs, Spanish to the hero of the lil guys Biilly the Kid. Watching Young Guns as we speak. "I'll make you famous" man so many great lines in this movie. I always laugh that people think we are not apart of the U.S

[@canejuicemaui4355]

It’s proximity to other great places like southern Colorado, all of the hot springs, sunsets etc. The list goes on for this land of enchantment

[@ourhousetx]

My husband works in the hotel industry and we have lived in many states, in including New Mexico. It is the only place that has us wanting to return. We even bought a little house in Las Cruces for our future retirement. We know there are issues there but the people and the culture make up for all the negatives.

[@2ndchanceguy]

You forgot Santa Rosa's blue hole

[@maria_rolly]

Did you get to visit the Cloudcroft area? Sacramento Mountains are beautiful 😍. It’s between Alamogordo and Artesia. Near Ruidoso as well. We live in the south eastern part of the state so having the high altitude mountain areas only 90 miles away is really nice! ❤

[@mikeh2520]

You really sold me on the food in New Mexico! I really like the sky in that part of the country. The beautiful sunsets, the long rows of cumulus clouds and lenticular clouds that set up near the mountains.

[@waltchan]

New Mexico needs big help on gentrification and job creation, by importing more ex-Californians to move there.

[@chrismill5303]

i've read in one article, not sure if it applies to the whole state or just around albuquerque, that new mexico has a true community spirit.

[@mattm7798]

For the record....yes, chile goes on everything in New Mexico...but it's a really good green chile.

[@peggystoutemorin4529]

I moved here in 2001. No one's ever pressured me to get a Zia tattoo. Didn't even know it was a thing. If you want sunny days most every day, very low humidity (heaven!) and short winters, it's the right place. P.S.: The natives are very friendly. I've lived in New York, so yeah, New Mexicans get the friendly badge. Just don't ride the Route 66 bus down Central Avenue unless you're looking for adventure. 😆 Okay Chamber of Commerce, where's my tip?

[@ChrisPBacon198]

I Know Rite I've Lived Here Since 1988 And I Don't Have a Zia Tattoo 😂🤣😂

[@mnuanes503]

Im from Hatch NM! I graduated from Hatch Valley High in 2001. I live in California now but i always go and visit any chance i get.

[@bigstepper5100]

I’m from the Santa and drove through to get to white sands and the smell of passing the green Chile fields was the best thing imaginable

[@chsfive]

As someone who grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and also lived in Albuquerque, Cruces, went to NMT, and worked in the Sacramento mountains.. this is pretty accurate and has been for quite some time. It sometimes feels like NM is decades behind the rest of the world, but not in a bad way.

[@rebeccabannon2338]

Oh yeah Nick come back and do a whole show on the architecture here which is absolutely fabulous. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the country.

[@MichaelGomez-yk5zx]

this helped a lot me and my family plan on moving there in the next few years

[@JacobBarker29]

I've lived in New Mexico all my life and this is very accurate. I just graduated college, and I think the only reason most people stay is because of family. I live in a wealthy area near the war zone and near gunshots regularly. I don't really know of anyone that has a Zia tattoo though...

[@NickJohnson]

Look harder they have them - ankles are a good place to look

[@theprinceofdarkness4679]

@@NickJohnson depends on where in New Mexico you live. No one I know has a Zia. I met a girl in Berlin who had one. Turns out she was born in CA from a German father and had a friend from New Mexico that convinced her to get it. Yeah in Santa Fe and Albuquerque probably lots of people have a Zia. But not every single wide space in the road.

[@desertcat]

I have a Zia tattoo

[@jonsanchez141]

@Ramen Lover Where in California?

[@duststorm2699]

I remember when Highland High School and Nob Hil were upscale, not a war zone

[@davidarmitage289]

Another state I have always been intrigued about. I also like that you’re interviewing people that live in those states. Very entertaining and love the balloons at the end!

[@NickJohnson]

I try to get local perspective David!

[@baileyanderson244]

I absolutely love New Mexico. Yes, we love our chili in everything. Food is fantastic, weather is great, nice people, beautiful scenery. What's not to like?? Love the video. Greeting from Las Cruces =)

[@NickJohnson]

Hi Bailey!

[@SelfRighteousNewAgeLightWorker]

Southern New Mexico is better than the rest of the state.

[@thomasjohnson7990]

2.3 million people in the 5th largest state. Chicago has 2.8 million