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Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and its surrounding neighborhoods and residential areas. It’s late summer and some of the trees have started to change colors. The sky is a vibrant blue and the Sandia Mountain Range is visible in the distance.

11 Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque To Move To in 2025

Albuquerque New Mexico

by Matt Lyons Posted on November 25, 2024

Burque, ABQ, or the 505 — Albuquerque is a city known by a lot of names. Among the agave, film sets, and beloved celebrations, though, are the residents that give this city its names. They know the best Albuquerque neighborhoods, and you should, too, if you’re considering a move here.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, or a distinct food scene capable of bringing together the best of two cultures, the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque have it all. On top of that, residents also enjoy the city’s affordable cost of living and low property and income tax rates.

The city’s average home price is around $330,900, while the national average is around $359,100. Rent is also cheaper, with the local average coming in around $1,350 each month and the national average sitting around $1,750 per month. There are also plenty of safe housing options for residents to choose from.

Safest and Nicest Neighborhoods in Albuquerque — FAQs

Q: Is Santa Fe Safer Than Albuquerque?
A:
When you compare overall crime stats, living in Santa Fe can be safer than living in Albuquerque. However, this answer is likely to vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. It’s important to look into specific areas you’re interested in before deciding between these two cities.

Q: What Is the Safest Area in Albuquerque?
A:
Is Albuquerque safe? It does have a high crime index, but like any city, you just need to know where to find the safest part of Albuquerque. For instance, the neighborhoods of Huning Castle, Nob Hill, and Ventana Ranch are among the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. 

Q: What Area of Albuquerque Is Best To Live In?
A:
The westside and northeast areas of ABQ are considered to be among the best, due to the lovely natural views and upscale modern amenities.

Q: Is Albuquerque a Good Place To Live In?
A:
With an affordable cost of living, fun activities year-round, a vibrant downtown rich in heritage, and more, Albuquerque is quite the special place to live. 

Q: What Are the Wealthiest Parts of Albuquerque?
A:
One of the wealthiest neighborhoods of Albuquerque is High Desert. Fortunately, though, none of the neighborhoods on this list are among the most expensive in ABQ!  

Q: What Is the Nicest Area of Albuquerque?
A:
Ranked #1 on Niche’s list of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque, Nob Hill is hands down one of the city’s nicest areas. 

11 Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque, NM

With their own unique aura, each Albuquerque neighborhood represents the diversity of the city in the best way possible. From big attractions to intimate gatherings, you can always find something to do — and having friendly neighbors is a great bonus. While there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from in ABQ, we’ve gathered our 11 favorites to tell you about.

Exterior view of a one-story adobe bungalow in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring pruned bushes by the entrance.

Nob Hill is the best of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque, according to Niche rankings. 
(Source: Jason Hinkes via Facebook)

1. Nob Hill 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
  • Average home value: $390,800
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, family-friendly activities, parks

  • The historic Nob Hill neighborhood is known for its vibrant and retro atmosphere. Not only does it embody the spirit of Route 66, but Niche has ranked it No. 1 on its list of best neighborhoods in Albuquerque. Most of the houses in this area were built before World War II, but many have been well maintained and still come with their original charm.

    Families love this area because of the great walkability, overall safety, and family-friendly activities in the area, like the Route 66 Summerfest. And locals tout it as one of the coolest parts of the city, too. So it’s no surprise Niche also ranks it No. 2 on its list of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for young professionals

    2. Balloon Fiesta 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
  • Median home value: $258,300
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, fun annual events, history, ballooning

    The northern border of Albuquerque is marked by Balloon Fiesta Park and Interstate 25 — a newer area with a variety of lodging and restaurant options. The park hosts the National Balloon Fiesta each year, along with the Harvest Wine & Music Festival.

    In 2005, the Balloon Museum was established to teach people about the history of ballooning and even offer an observation deck for visitors to watch the balloons go by whenever they visit.

    Beyond ballooning history, if living in a diverse community is important to you, Balloon Fiesta is one of the best Albuquerque neighborhoods to call home — Niche ranks Balloon Fiesta the most diverse of Albuquerque neighborhoods.

  • The backyard of a stucco home in the Eastside Albuquerque neighborhood of Hodgin. The patio is painted a natural terracotta color which contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the private pool. Beyond the stucco wall surrounding the backyard, you can see lush green trees and distant mountains.

    Outdoor lovers will adore living in Eastside, thanks to its location in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and ample opportunities for biking, skiing, and hiking. 
    (Source: Greg Brasher with EXP Realty via Facebook)

    3. Eastside 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
  • Median home value: $294,400
  • Great for: Young professionals, mountain activities, hiking

    The Eastside neighborhood in town is located near the foothills of New Mexico's Sandia Mountains, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to call home.

    Residents love exploring the trails leading up to the mountains and even taking rides up to the top on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. On the mountain itself, you can try out activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain biking.

    The area's foothills are also ideal for both picnicking and hiking. If you’re feeling really inspired, take a leisurely stroll or try to reach the mountain’s summit by hiking the La Luz Trail.
  • 4. Huning Castle

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
  • Average home value: $523,100
  • Great for: Families, retirees, young professionals, outdoor recreation, restaurants

    Another one of the nicest neighborhoods in Albuquerque is Huning Castle, which is close to Downtown. The area is full of families, retirees, and young professionals, meaning there are always plenty of things to do.

    Huning Castle's residents have plenty of recreation options, as well. Tingley Beach is a great place to go fishing, boating, or hiking in the beautiful New Mexico weather. Families can also enjoy the Rio Grande Pool and the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

    There are plenty of great restaurants in Huning Castle that cater to all kinds of appetites, too. For a more refined meal, try Seared Bistro, which has an amazing selection of American seafood and meat.
  • 5. Uptown 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
  • Median home sale price: $315,000
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, sporting events, arts and crafts

    The Uptown neighborhood is one of the most convenient Albuquerque neighborhoods to reside in if you like to shop, as it’s located in the heart of the city's business and shopping district. It features ABQ Uptown, a 220,000-square-foot center that houses a mix of local shops and national brands. The area is also home to a variety of restaurants and lodging establishments.

    The New Mexico State Fair is held in the area every September. Also throughout the year, EXPO New Mexico hosts various events, such as concerts, horse shows, and flea markets. You can also catch games or check out arts and crafts exhibitions at the Tingley Coliseum.

  • Albuquerque locals practice yoga in the park in Downtown Albuquerque. Seven students are sitting on yoga mats in the park’s green field, under the shade of tall trees. In the distance, market tents are set up for an event and downtown buildings are illuminated in the mid-morning light.

    Downtown is already one of the most central Albuquerque neighborhoods, but it’s about to get even more connected when the seven-mile-long Rail Trail is completed. 
    (Source: Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market via Facebook)

    6. Downtown 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
  • Average home value: $324,000
  • Great for: Young professionals, nightlife, shopping, restaurants

    When railroads started appearing in Albuquerque in 1880, it led to the city's eastward expansion. Today, the area is known as Downtown Albuquerque — the hub for people of all ages and one of the coolest Albuquerque neighborhoods!

    Nights on Central Avenue never get boring, and neither do the restaurants. And the best part? It's located amid a multi-million-dollar revitalization that will end with seven miles of multi-use Rail Trail connecting downtown and riverside destinations. 
  • 7. Westside 

  • Median rent (all sizes): $1,325
  • Median home value: $257,000
  • Great for: Families, young professionals. outdoor recreation, shopping
  • The Westside neighborhood of Albuquerque is booming with several new businesses and stores that have opened in recent years. The area is one of the best Albuquerque neighborhoods for outdoorsy folk, as it’s known for having some outstanding outdoor recreation facilities, like the Petroglyph National Monument, which features over 25,000 images of ancient stone carvings.

    The Electric Playhouse is also a hot attraction in the area, where visitors of all ages can come together for eats, drinks, and video games. The Cottonwood Mall is also a very popular shopping center in the area, with both local and national stores. 

    8. Old Town

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
  • Median home value: $660,000
  • Great for: Families, schools, nightlife, outdoor enthusiasts

  • Bordering Downtown Albuquerque to the west, Old Town is one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque. Founded in 1706, the neighborhood is a nationally designated historical site. Though it’s home to a modest 4,000 residents, it’s teeming with things to do, including 150 independent businesses ranging from restaurants and bars to museums and lodging. 

    It’s home to quirky attractions like the Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop, and the Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque is just two minutes from Old Town, right through Tiguex Park. Pair that with the fact that it’s No. 5 on Niche’s list of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque to raise a family, and Old Town is a great spot for families with children to land. 

    9. Midtown/University 

     

  • Median rent (all sizes): $1,075
  • Median home value: $310,200
  • Great for: Young professionals, vibrant food scene, cultural centers/museums
  •  

    Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico is the flagship institution in the state and makes up a portion of the Midtown neighborhood. Thanks to the university, Midtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for students and young professionals to call home. Not to mention the area’s cafes, trendy bars, and stores are fabulous. 

    Aside from the food and nightlife, though, there are plenty of cultural amenities to enjoy in the area. The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, for example, is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the Southwest's history and its people.

    A large, one-story ranch home in the South Valley neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The home is surrounded by a wraparound awning and a simple, green lawn. There’s a travel camper parked behind the home.
    The South Valley's charming rural setting makes it easy to forget that you are in New Mexico's biggest city. 
    (Source: The Team NM via Facebook)

    10. Barelas/South Valley 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,050
  • Median home sale price: $236,300
  • Great for: Families. rich history, cultural activities

  • The South Valley neighborhood of ABQ has been inhabited by Mexican and Spanish families for hundreds of years, with some of the adobe homes in the area being over 400 years old! This region is rich in natural resources and is bordered by irrigation canals that run through the Rio Grande. The South Valley's charming rural setting makes it easy to forget that you are in New Mexico's biggest city.

    The historic Barelas neighborhood is situated just south of Downtown Albuquerque. And while it is close to the area's downtown center, it still has a strong sense of individual character. In fact, Barelas is one of the best Albuquerque neighborhoods for art and history lovers. Visit the Wheels Museum, for example, where you can learn about the impact of all kinds of modes of transportation on Albuquerque, from horse-drawn wagons to railcars. Or check out the National Hispanic Cultural Center, where you can do everything from looking at art to seeing a flamenco show.  

    11. Ventana Ranch 

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
  • Median home sale price: $370,000
  • Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, parks, recreation facilities, annual events

  • Located in northwest Albuquerque, Ventana Ranch is quite the sought-after neighborhood. It features a variety of home styles and sizes, making it an ideal choice for families, young professionals, and retirees. Residents of this neighborhood are also situated near major highways, giving them easy access to the city.

    The community is home to various parks and recreation facilities, like the massive Ventana Ranch Park. So, naturally, the community hosts plenty of events, including holiday parades and summer concerts, giving you plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors. The planned community is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque, with a crime rate 68 percent below the city average. 

    A PODS driver is smiling and waving from the cab of his truck. In the bed of the truck is a PODS portable moving container, ready to be transported to someone’s new home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

    Ready to move to one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque? Call on PODS for a flexible moving experience with built-in storage options. 

    Let PODS Help With Your Albuquerque Move

    Whether you are already living in Albuquerque and relocating to a different neighborhood or moving from afar, PODS is here to help with the journey! You can have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load all your belongings at your own pace. PODS will then pick it up and deliver it to your new residence when you are ready. The best part? One month's worth of storage is included in the fee, so you can easily unpack your items without feeling rushed.

    Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Niche, and Apartment.com; average and median home values were obtained from Zillow and Niche; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

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