Before Mary was born, we lived in New Mexico. We had moved out west because I was so sick with allergies that I couldn't leave our house anymore without a mask on to breathe.
Maybe you want to move to the largest city in New Mexico because it boasts a sunshine-filled sky over 310 days out of the year. Maybe you're looking for real estate because of the diverse cultures celebrated by the city’s inhabitants. Perhaps your reasoning is purely monetary, and you have discovered that this part of New Mexico offers urban attractions at affordable prices. Or maybe you're like me and need to move out west for health reasons. Regardless of your reason for moving there, here are the five best areas of Albuquerque.
Heritage East
Heritage East is one of the largest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. There are approximately 1,240 homes in Heritage East, and the median home value is $300,000. Inhabitants say the area is very family friendly with a low crime rate. The east side of the city is built in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Look for the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to take visitors from the base of the foothills to the peak of the mountains.
Tanoan
This neighborhood has a population of 1,240 people, and many of the homes reside in gated communities. Because of this extra security, expect that the cost to live in this area will be a little higher than other neighborhoods. The average home cost is $366,800. Communities in this area include Kingswood, Village Greens, Fairway Estates, and Cypress Point.
Vista Del Mundo
Are you looking for a safe, quiet area with great schools? You may consider Vista Del Mundo. With approximately 1,269 residents, 99% of whom are homeowners, this neighborhood may be the right one for you. The average age of inhabitants is 53 years old. If you wish to live in this area, you better move quickly. There aren’t many houses available currently.
Skyview Acres
Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Skyview Acres is near the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, jog, and cycle. The neighborhood crime statistics are impressive as well. While other areas of the city report 7,973 crimes per 100,000, Skyview Acre’s estimate is closer to 4,526 crimes per 100,000 people.
Ventura Ranch
Ventura Ranch is located on the west side of the city. This planned community of 10,000 residents is home to one of the Central New Mexico Community College campuses. Young families and empty nesters enjoy affordable housing here and have a relatively short commute to downtown.
While this list is far from exhaustive, know that living in Albuquerque comes with several benefits. This city is bordered by the beautiful Sandia Mountains and divided by the Rio Grande. Residents can choose to live in newer homes built in quiet, suburban neighborhoods or older spaces downtown and in the Old Town area near places listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Residents and visitors enjoy the International Balloon Fiesta, the New Mexico State Fair, and the San Felipe Fiesta among others celebrations throughout the year. Regardless of the neighborhood where you land, enjoy the sunshine-filled days and the hot-air-balloon filled sky that reminds everyone of this great city.
CONVERSATION