Living in Albuquerque, NM: 15 Things To Know Before Moving to ABQ

Are you considering a move to a beautiful city that gets over 300 days of sunshine per year? Then you’ll definitely want to consider living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This southwestern city has a lot to offer its residents, including ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors, a diverse food scene, and great job options. There are also plenty of housing options to suit your style. And when you move to Albuquerque, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life with a lower cost of living than many other similarly sized cities — especially if you’re moving from a more expensive state. 

Planning a move to Albuquerque? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

If you’re ready to jump on the chance to move, though, it’s important to know your future home. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Albuquerque at a Glance

• Albuquerque has a lot of nicknames, including: ABQ, Burque, the 505, and Duke City.
• Albuquerque has an estimated population of just over 560,300, according to the Census Bureau.
• The median age is 38.7 years.
• The city is 187 square miles.
• Albuquerque's elevation can vary between 4,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level.
• The average commute time is 21.3 minutes.

15 Things To Know About Living in Albuquerque

1. The Cost of Living in Albuquerque, NM, Is Lower Than the U.S. Average

Compared to the U.S. index overall, the cost of living in Albuquerque is a wallet-saving 8 percent lower. However, it is about 4 percent higher than the cost of living for the state of New Mexico, so if you’re making an in-state move, living in Albuquerque could feel slightly more expensive.

Q: How much do you need to live comfortably in Albuquerque? A: In order to live comfortably, SmartAsset recommends that 50 percent of your budget be allocated to cover basic needs, 30 percent to entertainment and fun, and 20 percent to pay down debt, invest, and save. By applying that 50/30/20 budget to MIT’s living wage estimate, we determined that a single person living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with no kids would need to earn an annual income of $88,300 before taxes to live comfortably.

2. There Are Both Pros and Cons of Living in Albuquerque

Just like any large city, there are good and not-so-good aspects. What are the pros and cons of living in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Pros: 

• Albuquerque averages over 300 sunny days per year.
• There are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to explore.
• The city has a diverse dining scene.

Cons:

• The hot desert climate can take some getting used to.
• Albuquerque is more expensive than other parts of New Mexico.
• The city sees more crime than most cities.

3. The Albuquerque Housing Market Is Relatively Affordable

The average home value in Albuquerque is $342,700, which is lower than the national average of $367,700. Housing prices are a bit higher in Albuquerque than in the rest of the state of New Mexico, but you also have a lot of housing styles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for Spanish Revival, contemporary, pueblo, or even adobe homes, there are plenty of options for you.

Q: Is Albuquerque a good place to live? A: With affordable housing, a great community, and plenty of places for residents of any age to explore, Albuquerque is a great place to live.

4. Apartments in Albuquerque Aren’t Too Pricey

If you’re looking for an apartment, there’s nothing to stress about. ABQ’s average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,375 (compared to the U.S. average of $1,725), and the city offers everything from studios to luxury condos to historical buildings with lots of charm. The cost of utilities is also lower than the national average, so you can bank on having affordable rent and utilities each month.  

Nob Hill is one of the top-rated neighborhoods to consider when you’re moving to Albuquerque, thanks to its sense of community and cute stucco homes. 
(Source: Lydia Shewchuk - Realtor via Facebook)

5. Albuquerque Has Some Great Neighborhoods

If you’re moving to Albuquerque, be sure to check out the best Albuquerque neighborhoods, including our top picks below.

Nob Hill

Great for families and singles alike, Nob Hill is a walkable Albuquerque neighborhood with lots of community pride. There are a variety of local shops and restaurants to try out, and if you’re into architecture, you’ll love the stucco-style homes that are prevalent in this neighborhood!

Downtown

Whether you’re looking for a short commute to work or want a friendly place to retire, Albuquerque’s Downtown neighborhood offers it all. There are lots of locally owned stores to shop at, and the Sandia Mountains are just a short trip away when you need to spend some time in nature.

Eastside

Ranked No. 2 on Niche’s list of “Best neighborhoods to raise a family in Albuquerque,” Eastside also has great public schools and a bustling restaurant and nightlife scene. Want a cafe to grab a quick morning coffee on your way to the park, or traditional Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant for dinner? Eastside’s your place!

6. There Are Lots of Ways To Get Around Albuquerque

You’ll be happy to know that living in Albuquerque also means you’ll have easy access to public transportation. You can hop on the Albuquerque Rapid Transit and be almost anywhere in the city in no time. This is great for commuting to work! ABQ is also very bikeable, and there’s a great biking community that’s worked hard to create safe ways to share the road. Most residents make use of the I-25 and I-40 to get around the city by car, however, and it’s important to remember that the further you live from the city center, the fewer public transportation options you’ll find. 

7. If You’re Living in Albuquerque With Kids, You Have Great Schooling Options — From Kindergarten to College 

In Albuquerque, there are some great learning options for younger children, as well as higher learning opportunities. Some of the best school districts include: 

• Rio Rancho Public Schools
• Mission Achievement & Success
• Albuquerque Public Schools

Looking to get your degree? You’ll have lots of choices for colleges and universities in the Albuquerque area:

• The University of New Mexico
• Carrington College
• Wayland Baptist University

8. There Are Plenty of Sports Teams To Cheer on When Living in Albuquerque

Is Albuquerque a good place to live? It certainly is if you’re a sports fan. You can cheer on the United Soccer League’s New Mexico United or spend the day at the ballpark watching the Albuquerque Isotopes score home runs. Additionally, you’ll find that the fans of the New Mexico Ice Wolves love coming out to support their hockey club. And if you’re a fan of university sports, you can always catch the Lobos football and basketball games at the University of New Mexico.

Beautiful weather brings with it plenty of opportunity to explore the great outdoors, another perk of living in Albuquerque.

9. Sunny Days and Short Winters Are Normal When You’re Living in Albuquerque

When weighing the pros and cons of living in Albuquerque, you should put great weather at the top of your list of perks. Moving to Albuquerque means experiencing lots of sunny days, which give people plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore the mountains and valleys that make up the scenic landscape. (If you’re moving from a different climate, don’t worry, we have some tips to help you prepare.)

Albuquerque is considered a desert climate, which means that the summers are hot and dry. The warmest month is July, and temperatures can get up to the mid 90s consistently. However, after September, the weather cools off a little. Albuquerque winters are short, but they can bring snow and temperatures in the 20s. Albuquerque also doesn’t see much rainfall throughout the year, and the humidity is low.

Q: What are winters like in Albuquerque? A: Albuquerque winters are relatively short and mild, and though temperatures can dip down into the 20s, the average daily high temperature from December to January hovers around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average daily low is around 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. The Albuquerque Crime Rate Is Above Average

While all larger cities experience crime, unfortunately, Albuquerque’s crime rate is higher than the rest of New Mexico, as well as the national average. There is a 1 in 76 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Albuquerque, and a 1 in 21 chance of being affected by property crime. 

While those numbers may seem high, it’s important to remember that most crime is concentrated in a few neighborhoods. Be sure to do plenty of research on the area you’re looking to move to. If you’re looking for a safe area to settle down in Albuquerque, consider getting a house or apartment in:

• High Desert
• Sandia Heights
• North Albuquerque Acres West
• Glenwood Hills

11. Albuquerque’s Job Market Is Diverse

Want to start a new job or continue in your industry? That’s totally possible in Albuquerque. The area is dependent on state and federal government jobs, along with higher education, but that also means consistent, dependable work once you find it. You can also find jobs in industries like aerospace, tech, IT, bioscience, engineering, healthcare, and even a growing TV and film production industry, to name a few. The thriving food and beverage scene also provides a lot of opportunities, and there are plenty of jobs in Albuquerque that let you get outside and enjoy the weather, like becoming a tour guide or park ranger.

Q: What is a good salary in Albuquerque? A: The average salary in Albuquerque is $63,723, but a “good salary” for you depends on your family size, living situation, lifestyle, etc.

 

12. Albuquerque Has a Great Dining Scene

When it comes to delicious local food, there’s plenty to fill your plate when you’re living in Albuquerque. Some of the best Mexican cuisine you’ll ever have exists in this city, and you’ll see many items on menus featuring one of the state vegetables, the Northern New Mexico Chile. You’ll also quickly learn your answer to the question, “Red or green?”

In addition to Mexican cuisine, as a resident, you’ll love all the Tex-Mex and southwestern-style food options available. Whether it’s BBQ, chicken fried steak, chili burritos, or huevos rancheros, there’s no shortage of amazing food options in ABQ. Some of our local favorites include:

• La Guelaguetza for the best Mexican food you’ve ever had (or so we’ve heard).
• The Antiquity Restaurant, a charming place to try a perfectly seared filet.
• Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, great for seasonal ingredients cooked on a wood-fired grill. 

If you’re a fan of craft beer, don’t miss out on Marble Brewery, which has three different taprooms throughout the city. 
(Source: Marble Brewery via Facebook)

13. Whether You’re Into Beer or Wine, There’s a Watering Hole for You in Albuquerque

Whether you’re on the hunt for craft beer options or you’d rather sip on local wines, you can do both in Albuquerque. 

There are breweries and taprooms throughout the city. A few local favorites include:

• Differential Brewing Co.
• Marble Brewery
• La Cumbre Brewing

In addition to beer, you’ll also find quite a nice selection of wineries to check out. The arid weather and high elevation make for excellent grape-growing weather, so if you’d like to relax and sip on Albuquerque’s top wines, consider stopping at:

• Noisy Water Winery
• Gruet Winery
• Casa Rondeña Winery

14. There Are Lots of Ways To Tap Into Indigenous and Local Culture When Living in Albuquerque

The cultural scene is alive and well in Albuquerque. Here you’ll find handmade arts and crafts, local indigenous artists to support, a thriving live music scene, and lots of opportunities to enjoy museums and galleries. 

Did you know? Albuquerque is home to three indigenous tribes: Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache, along with plenty of ways to learn more about their traditions and support their communities.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a great place to start. It features a museum, restaurant, and art galleries. Each year, they host the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow — the largest pow wow in the nation. 

You’ll find Mexican culture thriving in this city, as well, and it’s evident in the many restaurants and local stores. You can also find:

• The New Mexico Philharmonic
• The New Mexico Ballet Company
• Theater groups
• Plenty of live music

15. Best Things to Do in Albuquerque

There’s so much to do in Albuquerque, from the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to local art shows and live theater (and everything in between). Here are some of our favorite things to do in Albuquerque in the downtown area, with kids, and for adults.

Things To Do in Downtown Albuquerque

Locals love to try new restaurants or grab drinks at downtown establishments because it’s so easy to walk around.

• Try out new drinks at the Hollow Spirits Distillery. 
• Check out local art at the Harwood Art Center.
• Catch a show at the KiMo Theater.

Things To Do in Albuquerque With Kids

If you have kids, you definitely want them to get to know Albuquerque, as well. Your weekends will be packed exploring this fun city with the kiddos along for the ride! We suggest you try:

• Stargazing at the University of New Mexico Campus Observatory
• Exploring ABQ BioPark and its aquarium, zoo, or botanic garden
• The Rattlesnake Museum

Fun Things To Do in Albuquerque for Adults

You’ll never find yourself wishing you had something to do when you live in Albuquerque. Whether you prefer spending time outdoors exploring nature or dancing at a club with a fancy cocktail in hand, ABQ has it all. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Hike or bike around the Sandia Crest Trails.
• Take in the natural scenery at Cibola National Forest
• Enjoy a night out at Backstage at Revel or Apothecary Lounge.

Get to Albuquerque With the Help of PODS

Ready to relocate to sunny Albuquerque? Make your move a flexible one with PODS! Have a portable moving container delivered to your home for convenient loading right in your driveway. One month of storage is included in the cost of every PODS move, so you can pack and load on your own schedule without feeling rushed. Once your container is loaded and ready to go, have it picked up and delivered to your new Albuquerque home, or keep your container at a secure PODS storage center until you’re ready for it.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.