I love Silver City, NM. I came to this mining town in 2010 for college, and have met so many interesting and unique individuals in my four years here. I loved my Texas upbringing, but coming to New Mexico has really forced me out of my shell as well as to try all the things I’ve wanted to try but haven’t.
We have nature. And not just any nature–the Gila Wilderness, the first protected wilderness in the United States, is right in my backyard. Anytime the mood strikes, I can pack a backpack, tent, and food, hike for a few days and hang by the river. Let nature restore my soul and remind me of the oneness of the universe. Having a forest to play in was 80% of my reason for moving. The other twenty was split evenly between getting my education, as well as Silver City being an Art and Cultural district.
Western New Mexico University is unlike any other university in it’s affordability to students – The out of state tuition is much cheaper than most other states in state tuition, and the school makes it easy for stellar out-of-state high school students to qualify for instate tuition. I think I averaged about $3,000 a semester, which really eases the financial burden of higher education. It’s also been around since 1893.
Silver City is a community of artists (painters, photographers, thespians, sculptors), and that energy combined with the natural surroundings is what calls many people here. The Gila and Mimbres rivers provide water for the farmers who sell goods at the local farmers market. The monsoon rains return every July to replenish the rivers. Most people here love to get active outdoors with either hiking or biking. The historical aspect of this town runs deep, too. We have native American ruins from over 600 years ago, Billy the Kid, as well as Ft Bayard and the fort in Pinos Altos originating from the late 1800s.
My little town of 10,000 is so blessed in the commonwealths. With a little focus on maintaining them sustainably, this town will thrive for many generations.
