Upon the mention of Albuquerque, what often comes to mind for some people is a scorching hot and boring desert that is not really a very agreeable location to live. That, of course, can’t be further from the truth. In fact, Albuquerque is a city that has been ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in America. With it’s amazing weather, friendly communities, and pleasant natural environment Albuquerque really does have something for everyone!
One of the perks of living in Albuquerque is the relatively low cost of housing as compared to many of the other cities in the United States. An average home in this New Mexico city costs less than $200,000 while the national average is over $217,000. If you prefer to rent, you will have to pay approximately $870 per month which is still considerably lower than the national rental average of $1060 per month.
The communities in Albuquerque are also quite diverse. No matter what kind of lifestyle or environment you prefer, you will have several neighborhoods that you can choose from and there will always be the perfect one for you that you can truly call home. Here are the most popular neighborhood picks.
Albuquerque is world-famous for its hot air balloons. Its annual hot air balloon spectacular is a major event attended not only by locals but also by tourists from all over the world. If you like this kind of fun and excitement, what better place to live in Albuquerque than right in the middle of it, at Balloon Fiesta?
Located in Bernalillo Country, this neighborhood has a population of close to 80,000 and is ideal for those looking for a suburban community vibe that also has many of the comforts and amenities of a big city. Being highly attractive to tourists, Balloon Fiesta does have a fair share of cafes, restaurants, outdoor recreation areas for your leisure and entertainment. It is also a suitable community for young families with children as the public schools here are quite good.
Rated by many as one of the best suburbs in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is a rural neighborhood with plenty of beautiful eco-friendly parks, great weather, and a plethora of outdoor activities for everybody. The public school system in this community is very highly rated and it’s also quite easy to get around. The only drawback is that it tends to be more favorable for rather affluent residents as the cost of living is on the high side.
Rio Rancho has several attractions that both tourists and residents love. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many trails for trekking and biking. The neighborhood also has several sports facilities for soccer, bowling, paddling, and many more diverse activities.
Situated in Bernalillo County and right to the west of the city center, Sandia Heights is the ideal neighborhood for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor activities. Being in very close proximity to the magnificent Sandia Mountains, this place offers countless options for the outdoorsy residents, with hiking and swimming being some of the most popular activities. It also features the third-longest tramline in the world where you can enjoy fantastic views of the mountains. But not all about the outdoors either because Sandia Heights also has a few amazing galleries and museums to visit. The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a must-visit.
Housing in Sandia Heights is a bit on the expensive side, with the average cost currently at $465,700 for a family home, which is almost double the national average of $217,500. Almost all residents own their homes, with only around 3 percent that choose to rent. The public schools in the area have an excellent rating and there are also plenty of job opportunities
If you are looking for a more upbeat community with a wide selection of shops and plenty of nightlife options, Nob Hill may very well be the Albuquerque neighborhood for you. Located at the famous and historic Route 66, Nob Hill is a popular residential choice for families, young professionals, and college students. It offers easy access to the University of New Mexico and also has plenty of housing options to choose from. Whether you want a house, an apartment, a condo, or a townhouse, it will be easy to find the ideal home for you in this neighborhood.
As with the rest of the Albuquerque neighborhoods, Nob Hill has great weather. It is considered to be a very walkable community where you will never run out of things to do. Central Avenue is the place to go if you want to shop. There are also several art galleries, an independent cinema, and lots of restaurants and cafes.
These are just some of the most popular neighborhoods to live in, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you are a young professional or a family looking for a relatively quiet suburban feel, this city certainly offers plenty of excellent choices for you.
If you are looking for a place to live let us help you explore the neighborhoods and keep you informed on the market. We are eager and willing to help here at Albuquerque Realty.