Albuquerque, New Mexico

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 daily.

The city gets dinged on crime but it's like most larger cities on that account, some neighborhoods get more crime than others, just be smart and you'll be fine. 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 other cities (Denver, Phoenix, Texas, etc.) is quite a haul. Speaking of driving, the city's sprawl makes a car a necessity.

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.

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.