The Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Are you considering moving to Albuquerque? Although New Mexico isn’t on the same level as its neighbors Arizona and Texas in terms of growth, it’s still a region on the rise, and Albuquerque is at the center of it all. Boasting a unique blend of affordability, history, culture, and scenery, ‘Burque has seen above average growth in recent years.
But before you schedule your move to Albuquerque, you'll need to do some research and decide where to live. Whether you're a family looking for a safe environment, a young professional seeking a vibrant social scene and job opportunities, or someone searching for affordable living options, Albuquerque (ABQ) has a neighborhood that fits your needs.
Ready to start your journey? This guide will help you identify the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque, New Mexico for various lifestyles.
Living in Albuquerque: Quick Facts
- Culture – Being in the southwest, Albuquerque’s culture is heavily influenced by its Native American and Hispanic heritage. From the Pueblo architecture, love for red and green chiles, and Southwest art, the culture is rich and diverse.
- Cost of Living – Overall, the cost of living in Albuquerque is about 7% lower than the national average. Housing is much more affordable than other major southwestern metros, like Phoenix, Austin, Denver, and Dallas.
- Things to Do – Boasting plenty of year-round sunshine, outdoor adventures are a favorite activity for residents and visitors in the area. ABQ offers excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and sightseeing, as well as a vibrant food scene and numerous museums and galleries to explore.
- Population – Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, featuring a population of just under one million.
- Housing – As mentioned previously, housing is relatively affordable in Albuquerque, which is great news if you’re planning to move to ABQ soon. According to realtor.com, the median home sale price is around $371.9k - slightly below the median listing price of $381.5K.
- Weather – If you’re looking for a desirable climate, Albuquerque might be perfect for you. The climate is mostly sunny and semi-arid, but not aggressively warm due to the elevation (4,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level). Albuquerque features four distinct seasons, little rain or snowfall, and a wide range of temperatures.
- Job Opportunities – The job market in Albuquerque is about average. State and federal jobs are common. General Mills, Kirtland Air Force Base, and Sandia National Laboratories are some of the largest employers in the region. Budding script writers take note – TV and film production are a rising industry in the region.
9 Best Neighborhoods in ABQ
Nob Hill
If you’re looking for nightlife, boutique shopping, trendy dining, and an overall “urban” vibe, check out Nob Hill. This neighborhood features walkable streets, top-rated schools, and parks, as well as proximity to historic Route 66.
The homes are mostly older builds, but they feature plenty of history and charm. Families and young professionals alike will surely enjoy Nob Hill. Keep in mind that as a highly rated area, Nob Hill is more expensive than other parts of the city.
Historic Old Town
Another area with plenty of history, charm, and culture is the aptly named Historic Old Town, Albuquerque’s first neighborhood. Located just a few miles outside of downtown, Old Town features narrow, walkable streets, pueblo-style homes, and plenty of shops, museums, and restaurants. Old Town is best for young professionals, ranking high for nightlife, diversity, weather, and commute.
Downtown
Like many other major cities, downtown Albuquerque features some of the best dining, nightlife, and shopping in the region. The area has a new multi-million-dollar trail system, called the Albuquerque Rail Trail, which features seven miles of multi-use trails to create a better pedestrian experience, right in the heart of the city.
You’ll find a lot of things to do around downtown, including shows and various performances at the historic KiMo Theater, Kiva Auditorium, and Civic Plaza. Downtown would be a great choice for young professionals or anyone seeking a vibrant, diverse neighborhood to call home.
Uptown
For shopping fans, consider Uptown. This ABQ neighborhood has two shopping malls (ABQ Uptown and Coronado Mall), many local restaurants and shops, and several national department stores. You’ll also be near the New Mexico State Fair when it rolls through in September each year. The schools are above average, housing is on the affordable side, and rent is lower than many other areas on the list.
Balloon Fiesta
A neighborhood called “Balloon Fiesta” has to be on the list. Located in northern Albuquerque along Interstate 25, Balloon Fiesta is famous for hosting the Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – hence the name – as well as the New Mexico Wine Festival. This neighborhood has a dense suburban feel, making it popular among families as well as young professionals. With proximity to the highway, you'll never be too far from other parts of town when you call Balloon Fiesta home.
South Valley
Also known as Barelas, South Valley is a historic neighborhood along the Rio Grande River, just south of downtown/university. This region is home to historic adobe-style homes – some over 400 years old – making it the premier neighborhood for Hispanic heritage in the area.
Despite the proximity to ABQ’s urban center, South Valley has more of a rural feel than other neighborhoods on the list. You’ll find the National Hispanic Cultural Center, ABQ BioPark Zoo, and some of the best Mexican food in ‘Burque in South Valley!
Midtown
Students and faculty will want to look at Midtown for their potential new home. Sitting near downtown in the center of ABQ, Midtown is home to the University of New Mexico. As a college area, Midtown is home to plenty of trendy bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. The area is mostly walkable, and it features some of the city’s top cultural attractions, like the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and the university itself, which hosts a symphony orchestra as well as plenty of events year-round.
Westside
The Westside of Albuquerque is a rapidly growing area known for its suburban feel and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a mix of newer residential developments, shopping centers, and schools. With convenient access to open spaces like Petroglyph National Monument and scenic views of the Sandia Mountains, the Westside is a popular choice for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle while staying close to the city's amenities.
Eastside
Albuquerque’s Eastside is a diverse and vibrant area that blends older, established neighborhoods with newer developments. It's home to some of the city's best parks, including the Albuquerque Open Space and the iconic Sandia Peak Tramway. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, biking, and outdoor activities, as well as proximity to local shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Sandia Heights
Nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, Sandia Heights is a prestigious neighborhood known for its excellent views and luxurious homes. This area offers a peaceful, natural setting with easy access to mountain trails and outdoor recreation. It's ideal for those seeking a quiet, upscale living environment while still being just a short drive from the heart of Albuquerque.
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No matter where you choose to put down roots in ‘Burque, you can store the U-Box container at your residence, apartment, or in one of our clean and secure storage facilities while you settle into your new neighborhood. It doesn't get much simpler than that!