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.  



New Mexico Lifestyle for Less

LookyLOO Review 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**](https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/abq365/events/).

Lifestyle

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. 


Worklife 

[**Albuquerque Public Schools**](aps.edu) is a typical mid-to-larger school district with a wide range of high and lower-performing schools. It comes in at a [**"B+" ranking on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/albuquerque-public-schools-nm/) with higher grades for the quality of College Prep, Clubs & Activities, and Diversity. 

There are A-rated schools scattered throughout the city but the greatest concentration sits on the Northeast side of the city, closer to the neighborhoods bordering the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area. If living close to the highest-rated schools matters to you then keep an eye on the neighborhood when scouting homes. 

Some of the highest-performing schools in the entire state are in Albuquerque and include:
-[**Nex+Gen Academy**](https://nexgen.aps.edu/) a project-based school that is particularly celebrated for the quality of the Teachers and receives an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/nex-plus-gen-academy-albuquerque-nm/).
-[**East Mountain High School**](eastmountainhigh.net) is the [**#1 ranked charter school**](https://www.niche.com/k12/east-mountain-high-school-sandia-park-nm/) in the entire state and is part of the neighborhoods that border the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area. 



Schools

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.


High Desert Experience

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**douglau5**
Living in Albuquerque
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

I love this city.

It’s big enough that you still have big city amenities like late night eats, an airport, etc.

It’s small enough that traffic congestion isn’t really an issue. Even rush hour isn’t that bad.

Is it perfect? Of course not, but nowhere is.

You can be anywhere in the city and be less than a 20 minute drive to wilderness.

300 days of sunshine and relatively mild weather, yet there is skiing/snowboarding within a short drive (Sandia peak, Santa Fe, Sipapu, Angel fire, Taos, Red River, etc).

We’re rooted in a “live and let live” style of living so everyone is generally cool with each other.

The food is great. Red and green chile on everything!

We’ve got an active local brewing scene if you’re into craft brews.

We’re a 6 hour drive/ 1 hour flight from Denver and Phoenix so big cities aren’t terribly far.

Natural beauty might be the best part.

If you get a chance to go up Sandia peak before you leave, do it. You can drive up the back way or take the tram. Over 10,000 ft at the top. Looking east is grassland; west is ABQ and desert; north and south is mountains.

For more reviews of what living in Albuquerque is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/albuquerque/reviews)

Just the Right Size

Reviews of Albuquerque from Locals

**The Best Thing About Albuquerque?** The New Mexico way of life at a low cost.

Sometimes known as The ABQ, Albuquerque is deeply southwestern. Green Chilis are the staff of life here. It is not uncommon to eat them at all three meals in one day. The New Mexico culture is also deeply woven into the city experience. Nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains (Spanish for watermelon due to the color) there are many pueblos in the state and some right on the Albuquerque border, a great deal of diversity and light traffic surrounded by desert skies. Albuquerque is authentic New Mexico and the cost of living is low. 

**The Worst Thing About Albuquerque?**  Breaking Bad wasn’t kidding. 

Public Schools are low ranked and crime is high across neighborhoods. low education levels, a high unemployment rate, and higher levels of substance abuse in the population. In 2016, Albuquerque is home to a large portion of property crimes reported in New Mexico and violent crime is high as well. It’s also fairly remote. The ‘International’ in The Albuquerque International Sunport is a lie. There are no international flights out of the airport 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. 

**How You Living?**  Mostly Suburban

Central Avenue (part of the original Rt 66) is the big east/west thoroughfare and runs through downtown and the city is a car worshipping one.  Housing varies from single family ranch style homes built in the 40s, 50s and 60s (including the ever popular mid century modern) to more tony Spanish Colonial homes (Albuquerque Country Club neighborhood) and even homes dating back to the late 1800s (Huning Castle) as well as farm communities (North Valley) But, more urban styles close to downtown (Nob Hill) with easy access to University of New Mexico are a thing. Family Alert: The schools are better and the homes are still fairly affordable in Uptown.

Nearby areas in the metro include Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Placitas, Corrales, Los Lunas, Belen and Bosque Farms. 

Even though there are 280 days of sun, the city’s elevation is high so there will be snow and cold. In other words, there are seasons.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

There’s a startup and tech community forming, the cost of living is low, the natural  landscape is stunning and it’s covered in parks. 


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. 

College Kids

Spruce Park / Nob Hill 

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.


Young Professionals/Students

Downtown

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



Families

Academy Hills Park 

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

Retirees

Ventana Ranch

Albuquerque

**douglau5**
Living in Albuquerque
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

I love this city.

It’s big enough that you still have big city amenities like late night eats, an airport, etc.

It’s small enough that traffic congestion isn’t really an issue. Even rush hour isn’t that bad.

Is it perfect? Of course not, but nowhere is.

You can be anywhere in the city and be less than a 20 minute drive to wilderness.

300 days of sunshine and relatively mild weather, yet there is skiing/snowboarding within a short drive (Sandia peak, Santa Fe, Sipapu, Angel fire, Taos, Red River, etc).

We’re rooted in a “live and let live” style of living so everyone is generally cool with each other.

The food is great. Red and green chile on everything!

We’ve got an active local brewing scene if you’re into craft brews.

We’re a 6 hour drive/ 1 hour flight from Denver and Phoenix so big cities aren’t terribly far.

Natural beauty might be the best part.

If you get a chance to go up Sandia peak before you leave, do it. You can drive up the back way or take the tram. Over 10,000 ft at the top. Looking east is grassland; west is ABQ and desert; north and south is mountains.

**peculiarpuffins**
Living in Albuquerque
2y ago
✭✭✭


I moved here from the Seattle area. I've really enjoyed it, but I know many people with similar stories who haven't. I think you have to like what Albuquerque has to offer. I found the hiking/adventure spots much more accessible here. In a weird way, I've found a lot of basic city amenities more accessible here too since I'm on a budget. To buy a house in the Seattle area under 400k you really have to be HOURS outside of Seattle, and with the traffic actually getting to Seattle sucks. Here I was able to buy a house for 200k and be in the center of town in 20 minutes.

I love the desert, the sun and the warmth. I love the food and the culture. Albuquerque also feels more "little pond" to me and I have access to opportunities here that I may not have been able to qualify for in a bigger city.

As I said before, most of the other people I know who moved here from other places don't like it. The most common complaints I have heard are about the lack of trees and water. The wind in the spring sucks if you have allergies. Albuquerque is not great for shopping and everything closes early. I haven't been personally bothered by the crime, but it looks like we have a literal serial killer on the loose, so YMMV.

**radiofreenewport**
Living in Albuquerque
2y ago
✭✭✭


Quick answers:

Pros: Natural beauty, access to great hiking and cycling, cool/chill people, excellent breweries, friendly music scene, the NM culture which is different from what I'm used to (white Midwest), and lots of things that we have just enough of to make me happy.

Cons: Crime, though it hasn't affected us yet. The closest most touring bands come is Denver or Phoenix.

Yes -- we gave up a comfortable situation in a big friend network in Ohio to come here a year ago. Love it.

It's not coastal, but I've lived in Chicago. Prefer ABQ.

**Spiritual_Ad5449**
Living in Albuquerque
5mo ago
✭✭✭✭

The sunsets and beautiful views of the mountain still thrill me after almost 28 years here. There’s much to love about living in Albuquerque: generally chill people, art and murals everywhere, diversity, unique culture, good to great weather (keep that part quiet), easy access to outdoor activities right in or just outside the city. I live downtown and one of my favorite things is biking on the paseo del bosque trail along the river. I see fields full of geese and cranes in the winter, and later bask in the golden leaves of the cottonwoods in the fall. It’s an incredible urban amenity all year round.

**5 Pros And Cons of Living In Albuquerque New Mexico - Why you should move to Albuquerque, New Mexico**

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Santa Fe Adjacent

Looklyloo Score: 83