Albuquerque is a gorgeous city in the heart of New Mexico that offers incredible views, exciting entertainment, and quiet options for community Living. The city as a deep cultural heritage with Hispanic roots, as well as a booming art scene that you can explore year-round. Whether you like living in a quiet area or prefer the hustle and bustle of city living, there’s a Neighborhood in Albuquerque for you. Here’s a list of the 10 top neighborhoods in Albuquerque, which we determined through researching factors like safety, affordability, and proximity to the downtown and popular city attractions.

1. Nob Hill

Located along the historic Route 66, Nob Hill is an exciting neighborhood with a diverse collection of attractions that can appeal to residents and visitors. Much of the neighborhood centers around nightlife and tourism, offering many options for a fun night out. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nob Hill is currently $950 per month, which is a highly competitive price. There are also many two-bedroom apartments available in this neighborhood, with an average rent of $1,850 per month. A drawback to living in this neighborhood can be high volumes of tourism traffic that make it busy.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Nob Hill:

• Route 66 Tour: Nob Hill is one of the stops on the Route 66 Tour, which residents can access by walking or taking a bus. This stop on the historical tour is located on Central Avenue, right near other attractions such as famous motels and dining options.
• Guild Cinema: This movie theater is famously the oldest in Albuquerque and has been in business since 1966. It plays new releases and local films, and patrons can even rent out an entire theater for special events.
• Empire Board Game Library: For game lovers of all ages, the Empire Board Game Library allows visitors to choose from its library of over 850 games and settle down for some fun. There are also special events that bring members of the community together. 

2. Old Town

If you’re interested in living in a historical neighborhood, Old Town may be right for you. As the first established neighborhood in Albuquerque, it has a rich history that it celebrates through events and cultural attractions. As a historical area, you may find that a drawback to living in this area is outdated buildings or amenities. In Old Town, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and art installations, as well as many amenities that make living in the neighborhood convenient and fun.

Here’s a list of the popular attractions in Old Town:

• ABQ BioPark: ABQ BioPark is home to four attractions — a zoo, a botanic garden, an aquarium, and a group of fishing lakes. With interactive experiences, this attraction can offer an incredible time for nature and animal lovers.
• Albuquerque Museum: This museum houses exhibits that explore the depth and culture of the American Southwest, including interactive installations and a sculpture garden. You can also eat at the museum’s cafe and spend the whole day taking in the history and beauty of New Mexico. 
• Explora: Explora is a learning center that provides an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Its unique dome-shaped building makes it easy to spot, and once inside, you can enjoy exhibits, interactive activities, and performances that cover topics such as art and science.

3. Downtown Albuquerque

Downtown Albuquerque can be the ideal living place for residents who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. With theaters, museums, and nightlife galore, there are countless things to do in the area. The average rent for an apartment in Downtown Albuquerque is currently $1,425 per month. This is fairly high, making expense the largest drawback of this neighborhood. There are also numerous schools nearby, so families have multiple options for education.

Here are some of the most exciting amenities in Downtown Albuquerque:

• Kimo Theatre: This historic theater is a landmark in Downtown Albuquerque that’s been in operation since 1927. Here, you can enjoy live theater, movie screenings, and special events that involve renting out the entire facility.
• Marble Brewery: For lovers of beer, the neighborhood is home to Marble Brewery. At this brewery, visitors can indulge in specialty brews on tap while enjoying live music and events. It offers the perfect spot to taste some local beers.
• The Turquoise Museum: The Turquoise Museum is a center of art and culture that explores the history of turquoise in America. Visitors can explore specimens of the precious stone through guided and self-guided tours and book private photo shoots to celebrate significant life events.

4. North Valley

North Valley can be an ideal neighborhood for residents who want a quiet, calm area where they can experience country life. The neighborhood boasts vast green fields and trees and is close to the Rio Grande. The peace and serenity of this area, along with the extensive natural beauty, make it a preferred spot for many families. The area also offers mild weather, making it easy to enjoy all the attractions nearby. One of the few drawbacks to living in this neighborhood is that you may have to drive a bit further to reach Albuquerque’s most exciting attractions.

Here are a few attractions that people love in North Valley:

• Betty’s Bath and Day Spa: This facility offers luxurious treatments, hot tubs, and saunas where visitors can relax and unwind while giving their bodies some extra pampering and care.
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center houses exhibits and programs that teach the community about the history and importance of the Pueblo people. This includes dance classes, frybread-making classes, and rotating exhibits with local artists.
• Rio Grande Nature Center State Park: With a variety of walking trails and noteworthy spots for bird watching, this state park has activities and areas that can delight visitors who love nature.

5. Westside

Situated between dormant volcanoes and national monuments, Westside is a fast-growing neighborhood with an exciting surrounding area. There are also several locations for shopping and dining, so residents can enjoy the nature around them and appreciate the amenities of a populated suburban area. Residents who want to engage more in city living, though, may prefer an area that’s closer to the downtown.

Here are some local attractions you can explore in Westside:  

• Electric Playhouse: This recreation center provides many experiences to delight visitors, including immersive art installations, gaming options, and food and drinks.
• Petroglyph National Monument: If you enjoy the outdoors and learning about history, you can have a great day at this national monument. There are more than 20,000 images etched into the monument, which is situated in a park where you can hike and explore.
• The Salt Yard: At this attraction, you can enjoy a delicious meal while basking in the outdoors. With deck chairs, picnic tables, and games on offer, it’s an ideal place to relax and have fun.

6. Sandia Heights

Sandia Heights is a peaceful rural neighborhood in Albuquerque, offering ample open space and tranquility. It borders the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, making it attractive to residents who love hiking and being outdoors. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sandia Heights is currently $1,982 per month, and there are also typically houses available for renters. While this is expensive, the cost of rent is essentially the largest downside of this neighborhood.

If you’re interested in living in Sandia Heights, here are some of its most popular attractions:

• Tinkertown Museum: Visitors of all ages can enjoy the massive gallery of exhibits in this museum, featuring wood-carved miniatures staged in various scenes.
• Sandia Mountain Wilderness: Located right next to the neighborhood, the Sandia Mountain Wilderness provides trails and space for adventurers to explore the mountains and wildlife.
• Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway: This tramway provides a stunning aerial view of the mountains and wilderness. There’s also a ski area for visitors to hit the slopes.

7. North Campus

The North Campus neighborhood is located on the premises of the University of New Mexico campus. It’s a popular area for residents who enjoy the convenience of city living but want quiet and walkable areas, making it common for dog owners to rent here. The average rent for an apartment in North Campus is currently $2,003 per month. While this is slightly high, the average for two-bedroom apartments in this area is $1,238 per month. The high rent is typically one of the only cons to living in this area.

Here are some of North Campus’ most popular attractions:

• Duke City BMX: This expansive indoor BMX arena hosts races and events for riders of all skill levels. You can participate in a race or simply enjoy watching as a spectator.
• New Mexico Wilderness Alliance: This organization focuses on promoting awareness of wilderness topics and movements through service projects and special events. You can visit this organization to listen to live poetry, view art exhibits, or volunteer.
• The YMCA of Central New Mexico: A youth organization is a wonderful addition to any community, and this one is no different. The YMCA of Central New Mexico offers countless ways to have fun and improve your health, including updated workout equipment, intramural sports, and specialized classes.

8. Far Northeast Heights

Far Northeast Heights is a visually stunning neighborhood with beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains. This location is convenient, as it’s close to the town center, nature parks, and retail options. Residents who enjoy city living but also want some distance from the hustle and bustle may appreciate this neighborhood. If you enjoy a more busy area, you may consider the quietness of this neighborhood a drawback. For families with children, there are many schools in the area to choose from.

Here are a few fun attractions in Far Northeast Heights:

• Balloon Fiesta Park: At this outdoor park, you can enjoy the unique opportunity to witness hot air balloons taking off and soaring above you. There are also tickets for balloon rides where visitors can take to the skies in a hot air balloon, providing a stunning view of Albuquerque’s beauty.
• Winrock Town Center: For all your shopping needs, Winrock Town Center is a shopping and dining center that has hundreds of options for retail. There’s also an arcade and movie theater for added fun.
• Urban Air Adventure Park: This facility is a great place for both kids and adults to have fun. It offers a huge trampoline park, a tumble track, and many other exciting activities, making it a perfect location for families to enjoy their time together.

9. East Downtown

East Downtown is one of Albuquerque’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. This location is ideal for busy professionals who enjoy taking leisurely walks and relaxing in the comfort of their own homes. There’s a combination of historical buildings and newly constructed facilities, making this neighborhood a perfect intersection of history and modernity. With close proximity to the downtown area, there’s never a shortage of resources or things to do, though it may be harder to enjoy for residents who have trouble with heat, as many of the activities are outdoors.

To enjoy your time in East Downtown, check out these local attractions:

• The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History: This impressive museum is perfect for residents who love scientific exploration and learning about history. There’s a huge selection of exhibits and events that can be fun and educational for all visitors.
• Hinkle Fun Center: Families with children can have a great time at this exciting recreation center, which offers laser tag, go-karting, game rooms, and party hosting options.
• Los Altos Skate Park: Just one of the many parks and outdoor spaces in East Downtown, this park features a concrete course, a street course, and multiple bowls for skaters to enjoy thrilling rides.

10. South Valley

The South Valley area provides a suburban atmosphere with numerous parks and local amenities, such as shopping centers, schools, and public services. It’s also home to the National Hispanic Cultural Center and acts as a hub for learning about Hispanic culture and cuisine. Many families choose to live in South Valley because of its calm surroundings. It can also be a popular choice among dog owners, as there are many places to walk furry friends. One drawback to living in this neighborhood is that the schools aren’t rated as highly as other areas.

Here are a few popular attractions in South Valley:

• National Hispanic Cultural Center: This center houses a museum, library, genealogy center, performing arts complex, and more. Here, you can learn about Hispanic culture and history and appreciate some amazing art and performance.
• Tingley Beach: Tingley Beach has an array of fishing ponds that visitors can visit to fish and appreciate the local wildlife. There are also opportunities for boating and hiking.
• Instituto Cervantes: If you enjoy film, you can catch a movie at Instituto Cervantes, which specializes in showcasing movies by Latino and Spanish filmmakers.

Final thoughts

Albuquerque has several top neighborhoods that offer unique benefits and exciting special perks for residents. Explore these areas to find the perfect location for your next home, whether you’re looking to rent an apartment or a house. You can also use our Rent Affordability Calculator to figure out which neighborhood is best for your budget.

The post The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque, New Mexico appeared first on The Zumper Blog.