This year, I moved from New York City to El Paso, Texas. I spent seven years living in Manhattan, New York. While there, I knew I wanted to live in the countryside. This journey began years ago as I planned to settle down at age thirty-five. I planned, I saved, and I explored the area prior to moving to the Southwest. Once I moved here, things were not what I expected. Here are a few things that changed for me after moving to the Southwest, and here’s how you can prepare.

I’m no longer middle class.

• My income dropped significantly and fast. The opportunity to grow declined due to a lack of jobs and opportunities not being available. A lot has to be done over time or you have to work harder for a long time before reaching your goal. Even if that means working multiple jobs or going back to school.

I have a slower lifestyle

• When I moved to the Southwest, I had plans to do a lot in so little time. What I didn’t expect is my needs and wants not matching what is available to me in the Southwest. The plan is still in place, but the timing is slow. It may take me longer to accomplish my goals.

Dating

• I haven’t dated anyone since moving to the Southwest and I don’t plan to. I’ve made up my mind to settle and to not have children or get married. The lack of potential men in the Southwest is disastrous.

Expectations

• I expected more moving to the Southwest. I figured people were living a modern-day country lifestyle. A home in the countryside. An apartment in the big city. A summer home. However, it’s not that at all. Unfortunately, most people live lower than middle class and not by choice. Most have never left or have never traveled. They have a small-town mindset and are far from changing.

This was a major move for me, but it was what I wanted. There are many things to get done in the next few years before turning forty. I’ve spent most of my life on the East Coast in major cities. Now, I am living in the countryside and it was the best decision for me and the types of goals I set for myself.