Moving to Albuquerque, NM

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This guide was updated on January 6th, 2023 to reflect current trends and data.

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Albuquerque At-A-Glance

You’ll be in good company. Between 2019 and 2022, more than 42,000 people have moved to Albuquerque, which is an average growth rate of 1.57% . New residents are attracted to Albuquerque’s sunshine and affordable living.

As of 2022 totals, Albuquerque is home to 942,000 Burqueños. Spanning 189 miles, Albuquerque has a population density of 3,036 people per square mile, which makes it less dense than many other cities of comparable size.

Albuquerque is known for its naturally beautiful metropolitan area and as the setting for AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad but this southwestern city consistently attracts new residents for its favorable economy. Not to mention it’s a hot spot for museum goers and authentic cuisine.

It’s no surprise that more and more people are moving to Albuquerque each year, making it one of the top 50 most-populous cities in the country.

Albuquerque: The Cultural Capital of the Southwest

Albuquerque is a beautiful melting pot steeped in Native American and Spanish history. Not only does this distinct city celebrate its history, but also its natural beauty all set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Sandia Mountains. This gorgeous green oasis is known for breathtaking desert landscapes, pink-hued mountains and one of the most legendary rivers.  

Restaurants in Albuquerque blend Native American and Spanish flavors for truly one-of-a-kind local cuisine. The main star of any signature dish are red and green chiles, which are the backbone of New Mexican cooking. In fact, be prepared to answer the question “red or green” when ordering your food, or be prepared to say “Christmas” if you prefer both. From blue corn pancakes to famous chili peppers, unique flavors are standard in Albuquerque.  

Visit Albuquerque says the city is “Recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, Albuquerque’s ethnic tapestry is reflected in its architecture, artwork, cultural centers and cuisine. Countless customs and traditions are a vibrant part of daily life in the city, making Albuquerque the cultural capital of the Southwest.”

The Albuquerque Job Market is Vibrant and Diverse

Prior to the pandemic, job growth in Albuquerque reached a 10-year high, according to the City of Albuquerque. Even so, the city’s economy showed remarkable growth in 2021, which saw the arts and entertainment, information, retail trade, and construction sectors post numbers that exceeded 2020 and 2019. 

When you think of the film industry, Albuquerque may not come to mind as a top production destination, but ABQ is a growing hub for movie-making. According to the city of Albuquerque, “From artists and makers, to film tourism and beer tourism, the creative economy and tourism industry are key components of Albuquerque’s economic vitality.” 

Albuquerque is also a top location for women working in tech as two of the largest national laboratories in the country are housed here. Other top industries in Albuquerque include military, space technology, and smart energy. It’s also a top city in which to start, expand, or relocate a business. 

Unemployment rate: 3.6% (as of October 2022)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,226 (as of December 2022)

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Affordable Housing is One of Albuquerque’s Biggest Strengths

Albuquerque is a relatively affordable place to live with a low cost of living. The cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Combine that with low property taxes and a lower state income tax, and you have an affordable place to live. 

One of Albuquerque’s greatest strengths is its relatively affordable housing market. Home values have increased by more than 62% in the past five years. The median sale price of a single-family home in Albuquerque is $340,500, according to the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors. The median price in ABQ is just below the national average. 

Renters in Albuquerque should also have an easy time finding affordable housing even with a reasonable spike in price. The median rent in Albuquerque is $1,235 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average. The city’s average rent prices increased by 8.7% year-over-year. The city’s year-over-year rent growth lies just above both the state average of 8.5% and has outpaced the national average of 4.6%.

Vibrant, Warm and Welcoming Southwestern Neighborhoods

Not only is Albuquerque an affordable place to live, it offers the perfect mix of city life and a laid-back pace. Whether you’re looking for the best food and dining choices or an array of recreational activities, these neighborhoods can suit any living style:

Downtown

Downtown Albuquerque is the hotspot for young professionals because of its thriving nightlife, green spaces, and plenty of modern, luxury housing options. There’s something for everyone in this metropolitan area. 

Heritage East

Looking to build a solid sense of community? Look no further than Heritage East, a prime location for families to nestle in. It remains relatively quiet and is known for an excellent safety rating.  

Nob Hill

The historic, neon-lit Nob Hill neighborhood is one of ABQ’s quirkiest, most eclectic spots in town. You’ll find trendy dining, loads of boutiques and plenty of foot traffic. Oh, and it’s a prime shopping location to boot!

North Valley

The North Valley neighborhood is a serene, attractive option for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll also find plenty of things to do here including the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Uptown

You’ll find plenty of businesses, shops, restaurants, and more in Uptown making it a cool neighborhood for things to keep yourself entertained. Even though it still has a fantastic residential feel, Uptown is more on the pricier side compared with other ABQ neighborhoods.

Surprisingly, the Traffic is A-Ok in ABQ

Traffic is not as big of a problem in Albuquerque as it is in many other US cities. According to a survey conducted by INRIX, the average commuter in Albuquerque spends just eight hours in traffic each year, with about 5% of their time commuting in a traffic jam, a lower portion than average among US cities.

The Quality of Education in Albuquerque Needs Improvement

Unfortunately for Albuquerque, New Mexico is consistently rated last when it comes to the quality of education the state provides its students. U.S. News & World Report attributes this to the rural outlook of the state and high poverty rate. At just over 18% of the state’s population, New Mexico has the third-highest poverty rate.

Even though the news isn’t great for public education in ABQ, higher education fares a bit better. The University of New Mexico is by far the most popular choice for college. And students can qualify for free tuition at certain schools according to the New Mexico Higher Education Department. 

Endless Sunshine is a Big Perk in Albuquerque

Endless sunshine year-round? Yes, please! Arguably one of the greatest perks of living in Albuquerque is the sunshine so be sure to bring your sunglasses and tanning lotion! On average, the city sees approximately 310 days of sunshine each year. June is the most sunny month with 359 hours of sunshine while December has the lowest with 223 hours. Despite the constant sun, ABQ still offers four distinct seasons. 

Albuquerque winters are somewhat cold, with an average temperature of 42 degrees. Summers in Albuquerque are cool, with an average temperature of 75 degrees. The average temperature in Spring is 66 degrees and the average temperature in Fall is 46 degrees.

Don’t worry too much about packing your umbrella. Albuquerque only sees 61 rainy days per year on average and has an average annual rainfall of 9.5 inches. Albuquerque is relatively dry, with an average annual relative humidity of 44.

Summer average (June – Aug): 92°F high, 65°F low
Winter average (Dec – Feb): 61°F high, 28°F low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Albuquerque

Aside from taking a road trip down Route 66, Albuquerque has stunning desert landscapes, authentic cuisine, unique architecture, and world-class museums. You’ll hit a little bit of everything with these 10 can’t miss things to do in ABQ:

  1. Take a ride in a hot air balloon, which is an icon that is synonymous with New Mexico. Knock two things off your list by attending the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is the most photographed event on earth!
  2. Go for a ride in Walter’s original RV on an interactive Breaking Bad tour. The three hours will fly by as you visit all of the most iconic film location sites seen in the show. 
  3. Check out Old Town Plaza where Albuquerque’s roots were initially put down. Aside from restaurants and shops, this area offers guided tours to the San Felipe de Neri church and Albuquerque Museum. 
  4. Board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for 2.7 miles of breathtaking views. Once you get to the top you can grab dinner at Sandiago’s Grill to enjoy even more stunning scenery. 
  5. Observe the Petroglyph National Monument which has one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America (spanning 17 miles). The symbols were carved into the rocks between 400-700 years ago. 
  6. Witness the beautiful scenery and wildlife that lives along the Rio Grande riverbed. Float down the Rio Grande in a kayak, raft or canoe. 
  7. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to truly appreciate all that Albuquerque has to offer through the voices that know it best. 
  8. If you’re looking for a true only-in-New-Mexico food experience, visiting Duran Central Pharmacy is a must. Belly up to the diner counter for a heaping portion of New Mexican food drowning in red, green, or Christmas (combo) chile sauces.
  9. Hit three attractions in one by visiting the ABQ BioPark, which houses a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden.  
  10. Stroll through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, which is home to a fascinating permanent installation that tracks New Mexico’s natural history over 12 billion years. 

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