The Vibe: Big City Meets The Great Outdoors
Reasonably priced and in the shadows of the Sandia Mountains,
Albuquerque is one New Mexico city that delivers a great outdoorsy culture without breaking your bank.
In recent years, a lot of younger residents have been attracted to ABQ from all around the country for both of these reasons, creating a blend of cultures representing both the older and the newer populations in the area.
There’s also a very vibrant arts and cultural scene, largely built around the rich Native American history found in New Mexico. If you’re looking for a unique city that has more of a small town feel while still delivering all the amenities you’d ever need, ABQ might be the place for you.
Local Flavor: You’ll Never Be Bored In Albuquerque
It’s easy to get a great taste of New Mexico culture in Albuquerque with the huge number of events they’ve got going on throughout the year, which take advantage of the seemingly endless sunshine in this city.
A couple of the most popular annual events include the New Mexico State Fair, one of the largest in the country, complete with a rodeo, carnival rides, and plenty of deep-fried food, as well as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
Cuisine: Mexican Food For The Win
When it comes to finding the best food in Albuquerque, Mexican cuisine is definitely the winning bet. Sure, there are tons of awesome restaurants all around ABQ, many of which bring updated American plates to the table, but you’ll never go wrong with the tiny Mexican joint down the street.
If you want to try two of the best, head over to Taqueria Mexicano or Sharky’s.
Nightlife: Something For Everyone
While tiny dive bars and hidden gem restaurants are scattered all around ABQ, some of the best nightlife can be found right downtown. While this area was once on the decline, an ongoing multi-million dollar effort to revitalize this area has ensured that this is still the hottest spot to hang out once the sun sets. There are tons of new restaurants, bustling bars, and plenty of live entertainment, to be found here.
Another lively area is Midtown, home to the University of New Mexico and all the nightlife amenities you’d expect to come with a school whose attendance is over 30,000.
There’s also a great local craft beer scene that’s been brewing for years for all you beer lovers out there.
Weather: These Sunny Days Don’t End
It’s hard to ever find a reason to complain about the weather in Albuquerque. The summer months tend to average a perfectly warm 75 degrees, while the winter average drops down to a chilly, but tolerable 41.
Albuquerque is known for how much sunlight it gets throughout the year, making it almost always possible to be doing something outside. Be warned though, on windy days, a little bit of dust has a tendency to stir up. Just make sure your windows are shut and it’s not that big of a deal.
Safety & Crime: What You’d Expect For A Big City
Crime is a little high in Albuquerque, with an average of 6,245 reported acts of crime per 100,000 residents each year. This number is higher than both the national average of 3,099 crimes per 100,000 and the New Mexico average of 4,318 crimes per 100,000, but this inflated number is typical for a city of Albuquerque’s size.
Commute: Sometimes Two Wheels Are Better Than One
Several major highways make it easy to drive around this town, boasting an average commute time of only 21 minutes, much less than many cities of a comparable size. Albuquerque is also known for having a great bicycle and walking path network, making it easy to get around this town by an alternative means of transportation.
Plus, the area is serviced by two airports, making trips around the country very convenient.
Cost Of Living: You’ll Save A Few Bucks In ABQ
Despite being the largest city in New Mexico by far, life in Albuquerque is actually pretty cheap. This city scores a 96 on the same cost of living scale that puts average America at an even score of 100, with major savings seen in health care and utility bills. The average home cost hovers around $190,000, slightly more than the national average of $182,000, but still great for a big city.
Economy: Diverse And Full Of Jobs
The job market is booming in Albuquerque, with an unemployment rate of only 5.3 percent, lower than both the state and national average, something that’s rarely the case for the largest city in a state.
A big reason of why the economy is so strong in ABQ is due to its diverse economic makeup, with major industries including things like technology, oil, governmental research, and tourism. It’s no surprise that this city regularly places high on lists like National Geographic’s “best places to work and play” and Forbes’ “best places in America for business and careers.”
Nature: Goodbye Netflix Marathons, Hello Nature!
It’s no surprise that Albuquerque has a track record of being elected the most in-shape place in the country within the last decade. Boasting more park space per capita than any other city in America, it’s easy to find an excuse to get outside and enjoy the great weather here.
The 287 parks in the city aren’t the only place to have fun in the sun. Albuquerque is also right by several natural attractions, including the nearby Sandia Mountains, offering some of the best hiking, mountain biking, and rock-climbing in the state.
Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These:
