A Single Mom Finds Financial Relief Outside California

Ebonye Zeno spent numerous hours on the congested roads of Los Angeles to ensure her daughter attended private school.

Then the pandemic changed everything, moving lives online. Similar to countless others, Zeno, at 51, realized they had the freedom to relocate anywhere.

Three decades in Los Angeles shaped her view that instead of traditional seasons, the calendar was marked with unpredictable weather events—massive floods, mudslides, and earthquakes. High living costs, heavy traffic, and air pollution weighed heavily on her, particularly affecting her daughter's allergies due to persistent smog.

During the pandemic in 2020, Zeno joined the exodus from California, a rare year the state's populace fell. By 2024, the numbers rose again, but Zeno harbors no regrets.

Data from the American Lung Association confirms LA's fame for poor air quality, exacerbated by vehicle and port emissions trapped by surrounding mountains. Science investigates the impacts of toxic wildfire smoke, linking air pollution to increased risks of health problems and mortality.

As a single mother, Zeno aspired to purchase a house and find less costly private education for her child. Despite a decent tech salary, owning a home in LA remained unattainable.

She crafted a list of priorities and explored cities like those in Arizona, New Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest. Albuquerque stood out due to its mild climate, environmental plans, and more affordable housing and education.

Achieving Homeownership in Albuquerque

Though Zeno earned approximately $300,000 annually in tech, that wasn’t sufficient for homeownership in LA along with her daughter’s school fees.

In 2020, she rented in South Pasadena where the median home price was over $1.2 million. Additionally, her daughter's private schooling cost was about $40,000 yearly, providing personalized learning that LA public schools lacked.

Upon relocating to Albuquerque, Zeno procured a 3-bedroom, 3-bath abode for $360,000 and discovered a private school costing almost $28,000 annually.

"Now, I can finally save money, and my daughter is excelling," Zeno remarked.

Embracing Green Initiatives

Another appealing aspect of Albuquerque was the city's and New Mexico's leaders' focus on sustainability and conserving nature.

In 2021, Albuquerque launched initiatives to enhance solar energy, public transport, and electric vehicles. Given her ownership of an EV, Zeno valued the city's investment in charging infrastructure, supported by New Mexico's solar firms.

“Politics influenced my choice significantly,” Zeno explained. “What kind of community could we expect in this new place?”

While Albuquerque faces threats like heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, it benefits from being cooler than Phoenix, due to higher altitudes, and is less prone to wildfires than LA, which experiences alternating floods and droughts perfect for fires.

"Our local authorities are proactive in promoting renewable energy. Many Native tribes here appreciate the importance of land preservation," mentioned Zeno. "I honestly didn't anticipate how affordable life could be until I moved."

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