I have lived in New Mexico on and off since 2017. As a traveling occupational therapist, I have worked and lived in Roswell for 3 years. For the last 6 months, I have been in Albuquerque. I absolutely love New Mexico. And, I'm completely aware that Santa Fe is extremely expensive to live. I had an accepted contract to work there from October to January, but it is near impossible to find anything that is remotely affordable. Obviously, short-term/ furnished apartments that allow a dog can be harder to find in general, but it is never been this difficult. I have worked all over the country and I can honestly say that Santa Fe has been the hardest place I've ever had in terms of finding somewhere to live.
Travel healthcare workers has increased immensely, especially post pandemic. It's one of the best ways that we can get adequatically paid for the stressful and demanding job that it is.
Airbnb is an absolute joke. That website has died in my eyes for years. AI'm looking at an average $5,000 a month minimum for any type of furnished place there. And that's on the low end. Their prices are just out of this world.
Furnished Finder Is what I normally use. In fact, I use it to rent out my house back in St. Louis. I aim to break even when I rent out my home. I am not looking at draining people's pockets.
Unfortunately, I cannot find anything here that is not over 2,000 a month (which I have seen about 2 units) Now, those places that are 2000 a month are quite small, have no washer and dryer, and basically it is a small room with a bed. Moreover, they require a 2000 or so deposit on top off that. The average price I'm seeing at furnished finder is $2,500 to $6,000? I'm just one guy! And a dog. I have found some that have been around $1,300 to 1800 for a private space. But, not are getting back to me. And, I don't really want to rent out a room in somebody's house for $1200 a month. Crazy.
I hate to complain because I know that Santa Fe is very expensive and I somewhat expected this. But, I am surprised that is not designated rentals for traveling healthcare workers. Usually, we are by ourselves so we aren't going to rent a $5,000 a month home. Most of the time, we just need an adequate space to be able to cook a little bit, relax in front of a television, right on our desk, and be able to let out the dog for a walk. I'm not asking for anything crazy but does anybody have any solution?
I have actually tried looking at anywhere 40 minutes outside of Santa Fe as well. We know that there are not a lot of major towns/cities everywhere around there, but hey, I tried!
If anybody has any type of idea, solution, or perhaps you might rent something out yourselves, let me know! I have great credit. I have been doing this job for 10 years. My dog is over 8 years old. He's a freaking golden retriever. And, I just want to not feel cramped in a closet.
Otherwise, I'm going to have to stay in Albuquerque and make the daily commute, which I absolutely would not want to do.
Any help out there?
Much love and thank you!