opinions on modern stucco?

[Warpy]

2. Most stick built houses here in NM are stucco exterior

because the arid climate is pure hell on wood and sun damages vinyl and other siding pretty quickly. Also, our winters tend to be bitter although mercifully short and we do get snow.

That being said, the stucco job I had done on my present place is 18 years old and has one minor crack in it. I did go with the gold plated company in town and I've been glad I did. They finished quickly and professionally and with no last minute surprises.

As long as you don't go with the most rock bottom bid and you choose a reputable company, you can get a lot of years out of stucco in a pretty extreme climate like this one.