Albuquerque Neighborhoods

If you're thinking of moving or retiring to Albuquerque, Rio Rancho or any other part of the Greater Albuquerque area, it's important to research the different neighborhoods to find out where you might like to live. Albuquerque is a diverse city filled with unique areas. If you're already in the Albuquerque area, or are planning a visit, I suggest travelling the city and learning what each area has to offer. This experience will help you decide where in Albuquerque you might like to live. In the meantime, check out the info below, along with the homes for sale in each neighborhood, and learn about the different areas of Albuquerque.  

The following links will provide helpful information on Albuquerque Neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, Downtown, the North Valley, South Valley, North East Heights, Foothills, Sandia Heights, Uptown Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and other parts of town that might be of interest to you.

Every neighborhood has it's own flavor, feel and way of life. Below are brief descriptions of a number of areas to help you figure out where you might like to live. Nothing can replace the experience and knowledge you’ll gain by personally exploring each area but this will give you a sense of Albuquerque and all it has to offer.

Downtown: http://www.downtownabq.com
Albuquerque's Downtown area has seen a strong revitalization over the last few years. With more restaurants, bars, homes, condos and parks than before, Albuquerque's Downtown area offers a wide variety of experiences and activities year round. From gallery tours, to movie night in the park during the summer, the Albuquerque Downtown area is quickly becoming one of the centers of Albuquerque itself. Check out my Downtown page in this section for more information.

EDO / Huning Highlands (East of Downtown): http://hhhda.squarespace.com
Huning Highlands, or EDO as it is sometimes called, is the area between Downtown Albuquerque and I-25. It features a variety of stores, restaurants, renovated buildings which now house some of the city's most modern lofts and condos and more. Part of the charm of this area is found in the comination of older homes, small area parks, new construction and wide walkable streets. I will add more information about this area in the futre, so keep checking back. In the meantime, check out the above neighborhood association website for more information.  

Nob Hill: http://rt66central.com
Nob Hill is the area between Girard Blvd and Washington Ave with it's center on Central Ave. Nob Hill has long been the local business shopping capital of Albuquerque. Small, walkable streets lined with non-chain stores keep Albuquerque residents coming back year after year, day after day. There is no shortage of wonderful restaurants and stores. Don't forget to head east of Carlisle as well and check out some of the stores down there. The website above has an exhaustive list of stores to visit and great information about the area.

Rio Rancho: http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us
One of the fastest growing cities in the country, Rio Rancho offers highly affordable real estate with a wide variety of possibilities from condos and townhouses to gated communities to high quality free-standing homes. To get a lot of  “bang for your buck” Rio Rancho is a great place to consider. Similar to the west side of Albuquerque, there’s a lot of driving, but there’s also a lot of parks, great shopping, good food and entertainment. Visit the Rio Rancho city above to find out more.

South Valley:
The South Valley of Albuquerque is like a city unto itself and also contains a tremendous amount of history. One of the older areas in Albuquerque, the South Valley is also one of the greenest. The South Valley is much more affordable than the North Valley but with much of the same landscape and feel. If you want a rural feel but still be in Albuquerque proper this might the place for you. 

Southeast Heights (International District):  http://www.sehna.org
Close to the University of New Mexico as well as the state Fair Grounds (otherwise known as Expo NM), Kirtland Air Force Base, CNM and much more, the Southeast heights offers a wide diversity of living options form condos and town homes to detached homes with big yards. Home to the “International District” the Southeast Heights of Albuquerque has a wide variety of cuisine to sample, plus the fantastic Talin Market offering an impressive collection of international foods.

North Valley:
Located between the Rio Grande River and Edith Blvd, the North Valley is an eclectic neighborhood with the unique feature of being near the river and the Rio Grande Nature Center. With a high water table, similar to the South Valley, Albuquerque’s North Valley is the possibly the most lush part of Albuquerque. With towering cottonwood trees and grassy pastures the North Valley feels like a small town unto itself. There’s also great restaurants, art galleries, theater, events, farmers markets on the weekends and much more. Take the drive up Rio Grande Blvd from Old Town to Alameda and see some Albuquerque biggest mansions, best roses, and certainly one of our most lovely roads.

The North Valley in Albuquerque has an appeal all it's own. Tall cottonwood trees provide rare and much needed shade. The high water table makes the area more lush than the rest of the city. And the careful development seems to have protected these features giving homes in this area loyal devotees. A little less bustling than the rest of the city, there is plenty to do and see. You can walk along the river, take a scenic drive up Rio Grande Blvd, visit one of the local wineries or shop in one of the lovely independent stores. Below is a list of some stores, restaurants and attractions that you might want to visit if you are interested in learning more about the north valley of Albuquerque.

Adobe Homes:
Another long-standing feature of Albuquerque's North Valley are Adobe Homes. Built sometimes as much as 100+ years ago and cool in the heat of the day and warm in the winter, adobe construction offers myriad benefits.  To learn more visit the page called Adobe Homes.

Attractions and things to do:
Rio Grande Nature Center
www.rgnc.org
Go for a guided walk, or bird watching, ride your bike, or just sit and enjoy nature. The Nature Center is a great place to experience the landscape of Albuquerque in the heart of the city.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
www.indianpueblo.org
Undergoing and amazing expansion and renovation and one of Albuquerque treasures. Visit the Cultural Center to learn about Pueblo culture and experience part of what makes Albuquerque and New Mexico so special. There are on-going events and exhibits.

Betty's Bath and Day Spa
www.bettysbath.com
Take a relaxing soak, or have a great massage. Betty's has a wide array of services that are an absolutel treat. The calm and beautiful surroundings alone with put you in a state of bliss.

Shopping:
La Montanita Co-op
Rio Grande Imports
Dan's Boots and Saddles
Bookworks
Simply Home
Out of the Blue

Bars and Restaurants:
Flying Star
Neds on the Rio Grande
Q Bar in the Hotel Albuquerque
St Claire Winery

Pet and Animal Care:
Bow Wow Blues
North Valley Equestrian Center

Accomodations:
Los Poblanos Inn
505-344-9297
4803 Rio Grande Blvd Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Potteries Bed n' Breakfast
505-344-3144
4100 Dietz Farm Cir Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Sarabande
505-345-4923
5637 Rio Grande Blvd Nw
Albuquerque, NM 87107