HOUSE: New Mexico #2 + Life + Health + Places + Travels

Surprise! I moved. Again!

I moved to Albuquerque! - doorsixteen.com

I know, I know…it’s getting more than a little ridiculous. This blog has been a document of six homes I’ve lived in over the past ten years, and now I’m adding a seventh? Granted, four of those homes were part-time apartments and the house that birthed Door Sixteen was a constant until last year, but still…settle down, Dorfman.

I swear I’m not doing it for blog content. Hah!

So, Fritz and I moved to Albuquerque! This isn’t something I was planning on when I moved to New Mexico, but life can be weird like that. I figured I’d live in a little town in the middle of nowhere for a few years, get my bearings, save some money and get my business rolling. Well, things wound up taking a some unexpected turns, business got rolling a whole lot faster than I’d anticipated and it was time to make a leap! I’d spent a lot of time in Albuquerque before moving here, and I really, really like it a lot. This is a place where I want to be. (Plus, I get to live closer to Geninne! And maybe run into Bob Odenkirk! Yay!)

It’s funny, Albuquerque feels HUGE to me compared to New York City. An absurd feeling given that the population is only about 500,000 (that’s about 8,000,000 fewer people than there are in NYC), but when you consider the fact that the land mass of Manhattan is a mere 33 square miles, maybe it’s not so crazy. Even Brooklyn (which I think of as being MASSIVE) is under 100 square miles—half the size of Albuquerque! Add in the lack of public transportation, and you can see why I might find it all kind of overwhelmingly gigantic. I’ll get there, though.

And no, I still haven’t learned how to drive. But I’m working it! I’m probably going to get my learner’s permit today, in fact. (I said PROBABLY.)

I moved to Albuquerque! - doorsixteen.com

Blah, blah, blah…so what about the new house?? You guys, it’s SO CUTE. I’m renting a single-story Spanish revival house built in 1939 in an historic neighborhood, and I’m in love with it. It only had one set of owners (the couple who built the house) for almost 65 years, and its second—and current—owner grew up around the corner. In other words, this house has been loved for all of its life. Almost everything original to the house is both intact and in great shape considering its age, and aside from an addition on the back that can’t be more than five years younger than the rest of the house, there’s been very little renovation done to it.

Of course, this doesn’t mean I won’t be fixing stuff up! It’s been a long time since the walls got a fresh coat of paint, for starters, and then there are all of the little things here and there that I’ll want to attend to. My landlord is awesome, the house is awesome, the neighborhood is awesome, Albuquerque is awesome. I’m excited!

The past couple of weeks have been pretty insane while I try to rapidly settle in while not taking a break from work, but I’ll be jumping right in with new house posts starting tomorrow with the kitchen. It’s crazy cute, and I can’t wait to show you!

Oh, by the way, I know I still haven’t shared the makeovers of the dining room and kitchen in the house I just moved out of, but I promise I will. I’m very proud of the transformation that little house in Portales went through during my time there, and I’m happy I left it looking better than I found it.

Onward!

Previous Post Next Post

Other Stuff You Might Be Into

54 Comments

  • Reply 'vieves July 18, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    you are amazing. i can’t wait to see the rest of this beautiful place and what you do with it!
    i lolled at “probably”! haha

  • Reply Rachel July 18, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    As someone who lives in a 1936 Spanish Rivival bungalow in Albuquerque, I’m so excited to see what you do with yours!

  • Reply Beth July 18, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    Hi, I grew up in Las Cruces and lived in Albuquerque for awhile (I live in New England now). I can totally see you in Albq. and can’t wait to see the transformation. I have been following you for several years and love your creative energy!!

  • Reply Laura C July 18, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    ABQ is a great city. I was born there, but I’m not biased. 😉

  • Reply Staci July 18, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Can’t wait to see more! I have dreams of moving out to Albuquerque (for no rational reason) and soaking up all of the sun. It seems like a nice, “little big city” with enough to do but space to stretch out.

  • Reply Kelly July 18, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    I need an ABQ guide – wink, wink. 🙂 Been there a few times en route to Santa Fe, but never quite now where to go and what to do. Congrats on the move!

  • Reply Jenny Holiday July 18, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    Ahhh! This is so so exciting! Super happy for you! And I too do not drive. Pretty sure I’m a passenger for life. Looking forward to your driving updates! And lots of house pics! Best Wishes! xo

  • Reply Kate July 18, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    How exciting!! I’ve only driven through there, but it seems really awesome. Itching for a new city (again, ahem) so I am jeeaaalllous of your big change!

  • Reply Noor July 18, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    I’m so happy for you Anna, and your house already looks super cute! I hope things are well for you, they sound like they are. I’ve been feeling a life shift for ages now, but still here, so it’s nice to see you go for it. Enjoy!

  • Reply Milou July 18, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Congrats!! You’re super awesome even though you make me feel like a huge slacker as I sit here in my apt (that we bought in 2012. ahem.) eyeing the truly horrible ceiling fan :-/

  • Reply Simone July 18, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    O my Anna! How exciting. I fell in love with the first picture even before I read that you had moved in. Congratulations on doing so well with your business.
    Do you have a garden in this house? Does this mean that you no longer share your house with that big-ass TV? I’d recommend a beamer tucked away somewhere (if not). Wow. I just looked through all Daniel’s pictures on Instagram and I was alteady psyched about that but this kind of tops it…
    I wish you many days of happiness in this adorable abode. Cheers!

  • Reply Taste of France July 18, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    So, a seventh lucky landlord. There is going to be a sweepstakes soon to woo you to a new rental that you can turn from ick to ooh.
    This one looks way more charming than the last one. Being in a city is nice if you don’t like to drive. You can bike. Half a million is a good size–you should be able to get cultural stuff, without having to deal with the hassles of big city crowds, lines and prices.
    Enjoy!

  • Reply Sharon July 18, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    Wow that looks like a beautiful – I love the windows. Puts my 1990’s new build to shame.

  • Reply Tina Slocum July 18, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    That’s a gem of a house right there! So glad you moved to ABQ where it’s more of a real NM feel and …the food and scenery! Often thought of moving there if I tire of Phoenix. Excited for you and Fritz, and looking forward to your reveals. Oh and how about Genine’s place? Unreal. Looks like heaven on earth up there.

  • Reply Becky @accooohtrements July 18, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    You’re hilarious 🙂

    Good luck in this one, lucky number 7!

  • Reply LAURA VILLANUEVA July 18, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    I went to film school in Santa Fe and fell in love with it and Albuquerque. I miss being over there. Congrats on the new house and enjoy the city! i’m looking forward to all the great things you will do to it! 🙂

  • Reply Amy G. July 18, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    One of my best friends lived in ABQ for a while working at the University and Chaco National Park, and I got to visit her in the heat of July a few years ago. Personally, I loved it, too. She couldn’t wait to get out, go figure. But I love the American west and hope to live out there one day, too. Congrats, the house sounds great! I can’t wait to see photos!

  • Reply Adam July 18, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    Congratulations Anna! I’m so happy for you! Can’t wait to see more of your new place!!

  • Reply Geninne July 18, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Can’t wait to meet your Spanish revival in person! 🙂 It’s SOOOOO good to have you here!

  • Reply GregM July 18, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Whoa! Wait a minute. You were living out in Portales and you don’t drive?!

  • Reply Isabel July 18, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    Wow, Anna! I have been enjoying your blog for ages, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

  • Reply Jen b July 18, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    Anna,

    Your new home is so cute! Can’t wait to see you make it your own. So lucky to have an awesome blank palette to start with. I’ve followed your moves over the years and can’t wait to see this transformation!

  • Reply kory July 18, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    siempre adelante, dear anna! 🙂 the more homes you have the more beautiful places there will be 🙂

  • Reply Eliza July 18, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Ahh!!! I LOVE Albuquerque. Such a great, sprawling, unfussy city, with quirks galore! I’m excited, as it seems much more probable that I might accidentally run into you there (I have family there). Plus that house is SO CUTE. Okay, sorry sorry for all the caps.

  • Reply hello July 18, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Bravo!

  • Reply Katrina July 18, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Dude, moving is the worst! Your new digs look so cute! I can’t wait to see what the rest looks like.
    You don’t see happy to have moved. Nope, not one little bit!

  • Reply Cristina July 18, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Such great news – amazing things are happening in ABQ these days! Really cool people too!

    I actually worked on a bunch of shows and films for a few years, and I’m thinking about coming back – I miss it, and also need to get my bearings again after a rough few years. If you want to meet some cool peeps or need connections, let me know 🙂 I have old friends there (went to high school in Las Cruces while my Pops was at White Sands).

    And hurray for a well-loved house! Hope you’re in EDO or by the Country Club.

  • Reply lisa anne July 18, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    we’ve been in 7 places in 16 years & loved every one ’em 🙂 and love, love, love, following you & your homes! loves those floors! THAT window! love exclamation points! excited to see your new kitchen & bathroom!!!

  • Reply Tracy July 18, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Girl, you’re CRAY! Love it. Enjoy.

  • Reply Barb Fisher July 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    I CANNOT wait to see what you do to this gorgeous little house! Good luck on your fabulous new adventure. x

  • Reply Jemma July 18, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    You are an inspiration! Cannot WAIT to see more of your new home and what you do with it. It looks so much more ‘you’ even though we have only seen a couple of pics, although that could just be your excitement showing!! Good for you.

  • Reply Jess R. July 18, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    Welcome to ABQ! This is a vibrant little city that really gets under your skin. I’m an east coast transplant who’s been here for 11 years now. I look forward to jealously watching what you do with your charming house while I suffer in my boring new construction for a few more years.

  • Reply meli July 19, 2016 at 2:07 am

    that’s so awesome. i already look forward to your posts! still like the water heater/wash room post i know sounds dull but helping mi mom re do her wash room then reading yours im like OH YES that, this that. lolll
    GL + best vibras =]

  • Reply Junedotbe July 19, 2016 at 5:02 am

    Wow ! A new home ! So exciting. Your new place looks very cool (gosh, THAT window…). And of course I’m very much looking forward to more house/home content 😉
    Also regarding the driver’s licence – or rather lack there of – I can so relate, being nearly forty and not having one either… I had promised myself to finally learn to drive before my 40th birthday… but that is certainly not going to happen… been procrastinating getting that damn permit for 20 years… so what’s a few more months? Right?! Anyway if you ever decide to do a blog post, I would be very interested in reading your thoughts on that topic.

  • Reply Rebecca July 19, 2016 at 7:45 am

    How did you get from portales to Albuquerque without driving? Are there buses or trains there?

  • Reply Margret July 19, 2016 at 9:54 am

    Exciting times!

  • Reply Karen July 19, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Welcome to town! We moved here a year ago & love it. Good luck with the driving.

  • Reply Caitlin July 19, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    How do you get around if you don’t drive?? You must spend A TON on Uber rides and taxis!

    • Anna @ D16 July 19, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      I have friends. And legs. There aren’t any cabs or Uber in Portales, so I’m grateful for your friends. And the legs. 😉

  • Reply Kim B. July 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    Anna – What news! Congratulations on your self-enterprise getting up and running strongly far ahead of your expectations! I honestly felt myself almost breathing a sigh of relief as I read your post – this space just seems so RIGHT for you. I hope you and Fritz will love it.

    On a side note: funny to read about your leaving Portales on my mom’s birthday (since that’s where she went to college). It’s my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary this year and they just went on a trip down memory lane to Midland TX (where they met when she had a summer job there), Roswell (her hometown), and Portales. They were just there a few weeks ago!!

    Anyway – so happy for you that your leap into self-employment is working. Can’t wait to hear about more great things from Albuquerque.

  • Reply Amy G July 19, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    Anna – So happy for your new little house in ABQ. Have you been to Flying Star or Kelly’s Brew Pub yet, so good! Missing green chili so much. We lived in ABQ for two years while my husband was getting his masters at UNM. Ironically, I fell in love with your blog while living there. I was pining to return to the Bay Area, and I spent a lot of time dreaming of my future home. Thus, my exploration of design and love of your blog (and Daniel’s blog). Anyhow, curious about your roommate and dog door situation? Did you find that you didn’t like having a roommate and wanted to be on your own? Just curious. Good luck in the new space!

    • Anna @ D16 July 20, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      I don’t like beer and I don’t eat meat or dairy, so the many breweries of ABQ aren’t of interest to me, but I love Flying Star. 🙂

  • Reply Lorrie Whittington July 20, 2016 at 7:10 am

    Hi there Anna

    Congrats on the move and the booming of business. Hope it all goes well. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the new place.

    Best wishes
    Lorrie x

  • Reply Dinah July 20, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Yay, can I just say how happy I am that you’re posting more these days? Can’t wait to see how you put your signature on this place! Congrats xo -Dinah

  • Reply Kelly July 20, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    I lived in ABQ for a couple of years when I went to grad school at UNM. I lived in the University Heights area ( I could drive, but did not have a car) in a boring 70s apt complex, but always wanted to rent one of the awesome Spanish-style houses like yours. I dont know where you are at, but the Nob Hil area is fantastic (Amy G mentioned Flying Star and Kelly’s). Also make sure you try The Frontier across from UNM. It’s an Albuquerque institution. Fall is green chili roasting season. Makes everything smell wonderful. 🙂

    • Anna @ D16 July 20, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      You should check out my Instagram—I’ve been snapping plenty of pics from Flying Star and Frontier. 😉

  • Reply Ali July 26, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    How wonderful that you’re in ABQ! Live in N Tx but come out at least once a year – love Flying Star and the salads at Seasons are to die for. We come specifically to stay at the fabulous Los Poblanos Inn – amazing property and lots of inspiration there for you. Congrats!

  • Reply Lindsay July 27, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    Way late to the convo, but adorable house! Any chance it could be a lease to own?

    • Anna @ D16 July 27, 2016 at 10:14 pm

      No. I’m not in a position to do that, anyway.

  • Reply Heather August 15, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    You moved! (just catching up here) Love your new house! I would tag it: Yeah, I Could Live There. Looking forward to watching you improve it!

  • Reply hollyhock712 August 24, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I’m checking the blog about 6 weeks too late! to learn that you’ve moved to a much more vibrant place. Congratulations, Anna! I completely get it, in part, in that I also left NYC but for a small rural town in upstate Delaware County. Granted it’s got a bit more going for it than Portales might have, but after a year and a half of living here, trying to make it work and succeeding in large part, I’ve just admitted to myself, finally, that while I love certain things about a rural lifestyle, I left alot of the details of my life back in NYC. No – I can’t go back, way to expensive, and the churn is too much for me now. But after reading of your move with enormous delight, I feel that I can figure out a way to do something similar. I’m not certain if it means staying in the state, just closer to the city or finding another city altogether. It’s great to read of someone who took this plunge after well-laid plans to regroup and then creatively finding another solution more quickly than planned. Brava!

  • Reply Michelle Hines September 2, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    Wow that window in the first picture makes me want to move there too! Congratulations! I hope you keep moving and fixing stuff up and get a show sometime soon because your style and taste and positive vibe is awesome and inspiring!

  • Reply Tamiko September 19, 2016 at 2:01 am

    So happy for you! It looks so much more like you than the last one (e.g. hardwood floors!). I hope you’re happy there. All the best! 🙂

  • Reply Meli June 16, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Hi! My husband and I are moving to Albuquerque next year and we are still trying to find a neighborhood to live in. Do you have any suggestions on areas to look into? 🙂

  • Leave a Reply to Jess R. Cancel Reply

    Door Sixteen is a hate-free, drama-free, spam-free zone. Open dialogue is welcome, but comments designed to harm or deceive will be removed.

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Get D16 in your mailbox

    Sign up to receive weekly digests and (occasional) other updates from Door Sixteen! I promise to not bombard your inbox.