561,188
Population
Sunny Days: 310
46100 Affordability
80100 Schools
56100 Diversity
39100 Safety
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Santa Fe Adjacent
Albuquerque, Credit: Josh Hild
Downtown Albuquerque, Credit: Visit Albuquerque
Balloon Festival, Credit: Raychel Sanner
Old Town, Albuquerque
The Best Thing About Albuquerque.
New Mexico Lifestyle for Less
Sometimes known as The ABQ, Albuquerque is deeply southwestern. Green Chilis are the staff of life here and it's not uncommon to eat them at all three meals in a day. The beautiful New Mexico culture is also deeply woven into the city experience with pueblos inside and outside the city borders. Nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains (Spanish for watermelon due to the color) the surrounding landscape is stunning and those who love the outdoors get to experience this southern extension of the high plains area on a daily basis.
Here's a list of pros about living in Albuquerque from a local:
- Relatively low COL
- No real traffic
- Not too big of city but definitely not too small with plenty of room for growth.
- Pretty good food options for a city this size
- The abundance of easily accessible hiking trails
- Best weather I've experienced outside of CA and Hawaii, the summers and winters are both tolerable.
- If I get bored, LA is only a 90 minute flight away.
For more reviews of what living in Albuquerque is like from locals check out: The Reviews
The Worst Thing About Albuquerque.
School's Out
Public Schools are ranked low and crime is high across some neighborhoods. It’s also fairly remote. The ‘International’ in The Albuquerque International Sunport is a fib. There are no international flights out of the ABQ and direct flights to big US cities are limited. The drive to Santa Fe is under an hour but driving to any other cities (Denver, Phoenix, Texas cities etc.) is quite a haul. Speaking of driving, the sprawl of the city makes a car a necessity.
Here's a review of Albuquerque from a local with more cons than pros:
Cons - Bad job market, crime, lack of true 'big city' amenities like international flights or IKEAs, public schools are very hit or miss (mostly miss) compared to most other metro areas, places like restaurants/bars/shops close really early and many aren't open on Sundays, drivers here are a dangerous combination of unskilled+fast+road ragey
Pros - weather, breweries, hiking, lack of traffic, LCOL, lots of fun road trippable places within a couple hours drive
For more reviews of what living in Albuquerque is like from locals check out: The Reviews
Lifestyle Of Albuquerque
Albuquerque is well known for its polarizing suburban vibes that people either love or despise. If you’ve had unpleasant experiences with suburbia, check out other cities. This family-friendly suburban culture brings with it more zoos and museums than nightlight spots.
Outdoor recreation is unsurprisingly big in this part of the state due to the beautiful surrounding countryside. Hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing, when the weather permits, are available in the local Sandia Mountains. The Rio Grande River runs through the city center and is popular with kayakers and river hikers.
Finally, as was mentioned, New Mexico culture is deeply woven into the city with green chilis your new best friend.
Check out the calendar of city events.
Worklife Of Albuquerque
While known as a big destination for retirees, people certainly find work in Albuquerque as is demonstrated by its low unemployment numbers. Healthcare and education are big in this part of New Mexico, with Sunbridge Healthcare and The University of New Mexico big employers. An increasing number of startups have also started to relocate to the area recently, taking advantage of the low costs and local vibes. The commercial district running along the old Route 66 has plenty of service jobs. Generally, low costs of living and relatively high wages provide residents a way to make it work.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
High Desert Experience
If a suburban atmosphere with access to a wide range of outdoor activities sounds appealing, Albuquerque should be on your list when considering your next move. Just remember the sunscreen and a car with good mileage.
Living in Albuquerque
Neighborhoods in Albuquerque
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Spruce Park / Nob Hill
College Kids
Most University of New Mexico students live off-campus with plenty of the surrounding neighborhoods offering inexpensive housing. Spruce Park sits right in between the school and downtown so that's pretty perfect for high walks core to classes and downtown nightlife. Nob Hill is another hotspot which also borders the school and downtown. This "triangle" of neighborhoods - Spruce Park, Nob Hill and Downtown, have much of the housing and social life for the students.
Downtown
Young Professionals/Students
Young Professionals generally live Downtown or close by in the Nob Hill neighborhood. This is where the action is with a mix of upscale foodie spots and super-casual noodle bars. This is also where youngsters and students dance, drink - booze and coffee, and enjoy live music and theater. Plenty of apartments, townhomes and condos offer inexpensive housing in new nice buildings. If you want to walk to work (if you're lucky) and walk out at night then put downtown on your short list of places to live.
Academy Hills Park
Families
Albuquerque is silly with good neighborhoods for families. Academy Hills Park is a popular choice in part due to the great park smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood. Playgrounds, soccer fields, and tons of greenery for Fido to run around make it ideal for the whole family. To top it off there's also a beautiful country club and even an Amusement Park.
Altura is another good option with a great local park, playgrounds, tennis courts and tons of kids running around on weekends. Altura has an extra bonus of having plenty of fun restaurants to feed those hungry kiddos.
- Academy Hills Park
- Altura
- Bear Canyon
- Heritage East
- Vista Del Mundo
Ventana Ranch
Retirees
Albuquerque is a relatively quiet suburban city with inexpensive housing and access to great outdoor spaces for retirees. If you're up for a planned community check out Ventana Ranch. It has all the benefits of a suburban neighborhood but with direct access to the amenities you'd want in a city. The community has nature trails, parks, a community center with a pool and beautiful homes for those looking for organized luxury.
- Ventana Ranch
- North Valley
- The Foothills