'Why Would You Want To Be Anywhere Else?': Meet The People Of Albuquerque

Jenna Amatulli and Damon Dahlen

Albuquerque was the 22nd stop on HuffPost’s Listen to America road trip. We spoke to locals about why this New Mexico city is home. Here’s what they had to say:

“I’m returning from a stint in LA, New York, around the country really. I’ve come back to my hometown to be able to add to the conversation and share what wealth of knowledge I’ve received living in other cities.”

― Jaque Fragua, 31, artist

“I live here in Albuquerque by choice. Just closer to my home, I’m originally from here in the Southwest.”

― Ty Harris, 23, artist

“This is where my people come from, here and in Mexico. ... I came here to be closer to my people, my roots.”

― Lisa Lucero, 53, drummer and union carpenter

“I fell in love and I never left. It’s either love it or hate it. If you’ve never been here at all, the scenery is so breathtakingly different. ... Why would you want to be anywhere else?”

― Paul Mansfield, 69, retired

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“I love New Mexico. ... When I come back to New Mexico, I literally have joy in my heart.”

― Michael Padilla, 45, business owner

“I love it here. I’m too afraid to leave Albuquerque.”

― Rose Jojole, 47, stay-at-home mom

“I was supposed to move to California, but I changed my mind. I wanted to stay close to my family. I’m very close to my family. ... I love Albuquerque. It’s very peaceful and beautiful.”

― Stephanie Rodgriguez (translated by Lin Marksbury), 28, educational assistant

“I moved to Albuquerque because of sign language. ... I work here in the community now. I love it here.”

― Maila Brock, 39, sign language interpreter

“We’re pretty partial. This is home for us. All of our family is here. ... Warts and all, we love our city and our friends.”

― Evelyn Dow, 56, management

“It just seems like Albuquerque is a good city.”

― Christopher Simpson, 13, student

Also on HuffPost

HuffPost visited Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 23, 2017, as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip." HuffPost traveled to more than 20 cities on its tour across the country.
HuffPost visited Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 23, 2017, as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip." HuffPost traveled to more than 20 cities on its tour across the country.
Paul Mansfield signs up to be interviewed.
Paul Mansfield signs up to be interviewed.
HuffPost interviews Mark Lucero at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
HuffPost interviews Mark Lucero at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Kristin Reese and her student Pearl play around with temporary tattoos.
Kristin Reese and her student Pearl play around with temporary tattoos.
HuffPost's Will Tooke interviews Nathan Campbell.
HuffPost's Will Tooke interviews Nathan Campbell.
Rafe Martinez of the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy prepares to be interviewed.
Rafe Martinez of the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy prepares to be interviewed.
A dog sits on a miniature director chair while its owner is interviewed.
A dog sits on a miniature director chair while its owner is interviewed.
HuffPost interviews Jennifer Martinez.
HuffPost interviews Jennifer Martinez.
Violetta Bennett, a Albuquerque Sign Language Academy employee, and Ethan Curado, who is about to be interviewed.
Violetta Bennett, a Albuquerque Sign Language Academy employee, and Ethan Curado, who is about to be interviewed.
HuffPost interviews Leticia Archuleta, who works for Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
HuffPost interviews Leticia Archuleta, who works for Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Emma Gray chats with Kaylee and Malia outside the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Emma Gray chats with Kaylee and Malia outside the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Hillary Frey chats with an Lin Marksbury during HuffPost's visit to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Hillary Frey chats with an Lin Marksbury during HuffPost's visit to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Jane and Fred Weis pose for a photo after being interviewed.
Jane and Fred Weis pose for a photo after being interviewed.
Students are interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Albuquerque.
Students are interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Albuquerque.
Hillary Frey speaks about HuffPost's bus tour.
Hillary Frey speaks about HuffPost's bus tour.
Pupils of the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy put on a an event during HuffPost's visit.
Pupils of the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy put on a an event during HuffPost's visit.
Elementary school students in class during HuffPost's visit to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Elementary school students in class during HuffPost's visit to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
Audience members applaud as Albuquerque Sign Language Academy students put on a an event.
Audience members applaud as Albuquerque Sign Language Academy students put on a an event.
Rose Jojola cries while talking about her daughter Stephanie Rodriguez's pregnancy.
Rose Jojola cries while talking about her daughter Stephanie Rodriguez's pregnancy.
Students at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy sign to audience members during an event.
Students at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy sign to audience members during an event.
Kristin Reese helps Pearl and Cody apply temporary tattoos.
Kristin Reese helps Pearl and Cody apply temporary tattoos.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.